I had just bought a Merkur Progress via Internet and when it arrived I was disappointed in the size (heft) of it. I like the features but need something with a longer handle (at least 1.5-2 inches) longer. Any suggestions? I would prefer to stick with a reasonably priced Merkur.
Merkur Progress-too small
- Thread starter shortgamer
- Start date
I seem to recall reading that Merkur now offers a long handled Progress. You can also check out the modifications that Mer and Cooncat Bob do to the Progress. I have a Mergress, and it's a great razor. The Merkur Futur and Vision razors don't fall into the same price category.
I've never heard of the Progress being referred to as small.
I think your just used to the longer length of cartridge razor.
For a DE 3 1/4 is really the sweet spot.
If you really want a "Big" razor maybe you should get a Merkur Vision, biggest razor on the planet.
I think your just used to the longer length of cartridge razor.
For a DE 3 1/4 is really the sweet spot.
If you really want a "Big" razor maybe you should get a Merkur Vision, biggest razor on the planet.
Sounds like the Merkur barberpole HD's might be what you're looking for. 
BTW welcome to the B&B
I've got a Mergress too, and it definitely augments the heft and the length, a little.
Sounds like the Merkur barberpole HD's might be what you're looking for.
...but I'd suggest this over a Mergress if you really want a longer handle.
If you haven't done so already, upgrade your Progress with one of the enhanced knobs. I have the Ikon version, just $19 shipped.
The knob will cure the problems you have with it not being "hefty" enough, and it will balance the razor quite nicely. I was disappointed in my Progress when I first got it, but with the new knob, it became a very good tool.
If you still need a longer handle, you can get one of the Long-Handled Mergresses from www.leesrazors.com ... I just went looking for it, and its currently out of stock. Just keep watching the website, or write to Lee and ask to be notified when it returns. The standard Long-Handle Progress is $67.00 ... I believe the enhanced version was selling around $100.
Update: www.bullgooseshaving.net has both the Long-Handle Progress in stock ($60.95) and the Ikon Long Knob (on clearance for $15.00)
The knob will cure the problems you have with it not being "hefty" enough, and it will balance the razor quite nicely. I was disappointed in my Progress when I first got it, but with the new knob, it became a very good tool.
If you still need a longer handle, you can get one of the Long-Handled Mergresses from www.leesrazors.com ... I just went looking for it, and its currently out of stock. Just keep watching the website, or write to Lee and ask to be notified when it returns. The standard Long-Handle Progress is $67.00 ... I believe the enhanced version was selling around $100.
Update: www.bullgooseshaving.net has both the Long-Handle Progress in stock ($60.95) and the Ikon Long Knob (on clearance for $15.00)
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R
rainman
A long handled modified progress will be at 4 inches and 4 ozs.
But he's looking for an extra 1 1/2 to 2 inches, that's 5 to 5 1/2 inches total that's Vision territory.
Welcome to B&B!
The Vision is indeed a behemoth of a razor. If the longer-handled Progress (or a new knob, as suggested by David) doesn't seem suitable, and if you are dead set on getting a Merkur adjustable, I'd recommend the Futur over the Vision. The Futur is slightly smaller, but is much less finicky than the larger and more expensive Vision.
The Vision is indeed a behemoth of a razor. If the longer-handled Progress (or a new knob, as suggested by David) doesn't seem suitable, and if you are dead set on getting a Merkur adjustable, I'd recommend the Futur over the Vision. The Futur is slightly smaller, but is much less finicky than the larger and more expensive Vision.
R
rainman
Maybe you can make him a 2" custom knob for the XL progress? It would be a very heavy razor as well.
- Thread starter
- #12
Thanks for the comments. I am comparing the Progress to an older Barbershops cartridge handle that is about 5 inches long. I think that a handle modification could work. The Progress is 3.75" (total) so 1 or 1.25 may work. I don't think that I want a "big" razor", just something that has a balance point a little further down the handle.
