I have been wet shaving for almost 8 years now. I started with a Parker 99R. It works but can be irritating on my neck. I’ve tried multiple blades but no luck. So my next purchase was a Merkur 42c. It’s super nice but way too mild. It is tolerable with feather blades, but I never am able to get the BBS that I’m wanting. Is there a middle of the road that might work. I don’t mind spending up to $200, but I don’t want to buy 10 razors to find the best one. Any help is appreciated.
Need recommendations
- Thread starter jgreiff
- Start date
Welcome to the Forum. Take a look at the Karve Overlander.
Karve overlander, yates 921 H/EH, yates merica. The good thing about the yates is that you can buy baseplates instead of having to buy another entire razor if the razor is too mild/aggressive for you.
Buy something with a return policy. If you like it, you're done. If not, return and repeat until you find the right one.
Never tried a Karve. For me the Yates are the best DE razors I have tried.
A simple Progress Adjustable?
$200 gives you a lot of great options. Along with what has been mentioned I’d look at the RazoRock line particularly the Game Changer and Lupo. Great idea to get something with a return policy like a Brassbird. Have a good time with your journey.
Welcome to the B&B community.
Lots of great suggestions already but I’ll add the Lambda Athena to your list of razors to research. It’s just over your price limit but not by much.
I prefer the mild to medium razors that are still efficient enough to shave my old man, coarse whiskers. We have a 5 month old granddaughter now so I don’t kid myself about a BBS shave. I look for a shave that lasts for 12 hours before I feel any whiskers poking through on my chin.
Lots of great suggestions already but I’ll add the Lambda Athena to your list of razors to research. It’s just over your price limit but not by much.
I prefer the mild to medium razors that are still efficient enough to shave my old man, coarse whiskers. We have a 5 month old granddaughter now so I don’t kid myself about a BBS shave. I look for a shave that lasts for 12 hours before I feel any whiskers poking through on my chin.
Let's not forget Timeless. The Bronze is one great shaving tool.
Welcome. Lots of good advice here.
Welcome to B&B! 
I would recommend a Rex Envoy, which I consider 'middle of the road'. Not to mild, and not to aggressive. I love everything about it.
It's a beautifully made instrument that costs around $150.00.
I would recommend a Rex Envoy, which I consider 'middle of the road'. Not to mild, and not to aggressive. I love everything about it.
It's a beautifully made instrument that costs around $150.00.
lasta
Blade Biter
Tech
Welcome to the show, and best of luck. 
An adjustable would make sense. The Merkur Progress has been around for a long time, but has some quirks. I've used it for years.
The Pearl Flexi (which I just bought, but haven't received) doesn't seem to have any quirks. It's heavy, fully-machined brass, with a good range of adjustment, and lots of people like it.
The nice thing about an adjustable is that when you think:
. . . "I wonder if I'd like something a little more aggressive . . . "
you can answer the question without spending any money.
. Charles
The Pearl Flexi (which I just bought, but haven't received) doesn't seem to have any quirks. It's heavy, fully-machined brass, with a good range of adjustment, and lots of people like it.
The nice thing about an adjustable is that when you think:
. . . "I wonder if I'd like something a little more aggressive . . . "
you can answer the question without spending any money.
. Charles
- Thread starter
- #15
What are your thoughts on the Rockwell 6s compared to this?
- Thread starter
- #16
Is this a better razor than the Rockwell 6s?
I don’t have a Rockwell but the Progress changes the efficiency with the knob on the button not with individual bought plates.
Welcome aboard!
Some GREAT SUGGESTIONS in this thread. I might add a ‘vintage’ suggestion, perhaps a Slim or Fatboy??
Some GREAT SUGGESTIONS in this thread. I might add a ‘vintage’ suggestion, perhaps a Slim or Fatboy??
Timeless Ti .95 is my favorite I've used. I also have a Karve which is just as good I just prefer the shave angle of the Timeless a bit more
Iridian
Cool and slimy
It's a wrong approach. Just going by public vote or lucky guess won't yield you the BEST result for sure.
You can start by buying two and selling the worse of the two... that might be a cost effective way to narrow down preferences.
Timeless .95 OC
Timeless Slim OC
Blackland Blackbird SB
Mühle Rocca R94
Yaqi Harlequin
Yaqi Mellon SS
Yaqi Vostok 1.05 DC
Razorock Lupo .95 OC
Game Changer 1.05 SB
Lambda Ares/Athena
I don't want to sound cheeky, but our chance to pick the best fit for you are slim. I haven't even mentioned Yates or Henson yet. I wouldn't pick a Henson, but a lot of people absolutely love it. No idea about you... see, I am afraid you won't be able to pick one and be happy.
It would also be fairly abnormal to read this forum and end up with one razor. Unless it is a Tech.
