Progress Setting/ blade combination
- Thread starter bwhite
- Start date
Starting off at 1 I'm now on 2.5 and like what it does right there. I use Feather DE blades. Yeah the adjustment knob is plastic and the finish is not even close to my '53 Y3 Super, but it's an amazing tool that I would not give up willingly.
- Thread starter
- #3
I've used Feathers, Personna Reds, Astras, Derby's, Personna MedPreps (my current favorites) in my Progress/Mergress - mostly on a 3.5 setting. I dial the setting based upon what's up that day based on beard growth - higher for 2-3 day stubble, less for daily use. Great razor.
With a Mergress, I have been getting fantastic results with an Astra SP and a setting of 3.5. Not recommended for beginners.
I can use my Progress all the time if I didn't have a line-up of Gillettes to care after. I enjoy the Progress at 2.5 with a Gillette Blue 7 O'Clock.
2.5 - Astra SP or Feather.
One problem is that a given setting on 2 different progresses may not actually be the same.
I am happy at between 1/8 and 1/4 turn up from fully closed. Comes out to just above 1 on mine.
And for blades, I am going back and forth between Labs and Astra SP's with a slight nod to the Labs so far.
Pick a setting/blade combo and stick to it for a few shaves, then make small adjustments up/down from there. Everyone is tempted to dial way up and then come down to their comfort level but I find it more efficient (and comfortable) to start way down and go up if cutting efficiency is lacking.
I am happy at between 1/8 and 1/4 turn up from fully closed. Comes out to just above 1 on mine.
And for blades, I am going back and forth between Labs and Astra SP's with a slight nod to the Labs so far.
Pick a setting/blade combo and stick to it for a few shaves, then make small adjustments up/down from there. Everyone is tempted to dial way up and then come down to their comfort level but I find it more efficient (and comfortable) to start way down and go up if cutting efficiency is lacking.
I've found two blades that I prefer in my Progress razors: number one blade is Persona Surgical Med Prep (best blade); and Astra Superior Premium Platinum (less money than my #1 blade). Both blades work well in a Progress. If you haven't tried this Persona blade, it really is fantastic; if budget is an issue, look at Astras, they're about $10.00/hundred blades, and excellent value.
I have the blade exposed as much as it can go and use Wilkinson blades (both German and Brazilian). I take the blade, plop it in the razor, and then tighten the razor with the knob at the bottom just enough to make sure that the blade will not move once assembled with the razor.
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I enjoy my Progress with Astra SP blades at about 3.25.
The best shaves so far I got with it with Feather and set to 3.5-4.
I use Progress long handle at 2.5 with Gillette 7OC Super Platinum (Indian black pack) and 3 with Gillette 7OC PermaSharp (Indian green pack). I also loved the Gillette Extra Bleue blade I was PIF'd set at 2.5, which was very, very smooth!
I've been shaving with a Gillette Yellow on 5.
I like mine set down to 1 or 1.5. At that setting all my blades are good 
gillette yellows and blues
asco
polsilver
personna lab and med
shark chrome
rapira
land several others
I find the same holds true for the futur.
gillette yellows and blues
asco
polsilver
personna lab and med
shark chrome
rapira
land several others
I find the same holds true for the futur.
My Progress locks on #1, which is were I began shaving with it. I'm now on 1.5 to 1.75 with Astra SPP blades; same settings hold true for Persona Surgical Prep blades. Occasionally I'll do pickups on my neck and underside of chin 2.0 to get these areas a super clean. The reason I have to increase the gap only occasionally is likely due to my technique for any particular day.
I've been going at a 3! Does anyone have any feedback on the merkur blades?
I close it down then open it a couple of clicks. So 2 maybe 3. Don't pay that much attention. If I need more I adjust it up, less adjust it down. Hey that's why it is an adjustable isn't it?
I use any blade I have. They all work fine in my progress "herd"
I use any blade I have. They all work fine in my progress "herd"
I have several hundred. I rotate them into service as often as any other brand of blade I have.
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