Other than looks what is the differences? Is the futur a heavier razor. I am thinking about an adjustable razor that can be mild as well as aggressive. at this point a switch between a Gem jr and a Merkur 33c.
Progress vs Futur
- Thread starter braxis
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The Futur starts off quite aggressive even on the mildest setting. It won't do "mild".
The Progress has a broader range from mild to aggressive.
For me the biggest difference between the two was that i needed to replace my Progress two times before getting one that had an even blade gap. The Futur on the other hand, was perfect from day one.
Merkur Progress seems to have some quality control issues.
Merkur Progress seems to have some quality control issues.
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- #4
I did not realize that was that was a issue. Did they give you problems fixing it? and once fixed does it give a good shave or does the futur do better.
How aggressive is the lowest setting? Can you compare it to another razor? Is it more or less than a gillette New or maybe a gem?
No problems fixing it at all, Merkur is VERY good at customer service. It did give me a good shave but i personally prefer the Futur much over the Progress. The Futur simply is sturdier, heavier and works better for me.
I use my Futur on 1.5 - 2 and it gives me the best shaves of all the razors i have tried (literally hundreds). The sound of the blade in the futur when it cuts your beard alone is worth it.
The Futur on setting 1.5 is about as agressive as a Gillette Superspeed (1947-1953), which should be about the same as a Gillette New.
The Progress would be at setting 3 or so for the same aggressiveness i think.
My top five razors are:
1. Merkur Futur
2. Gillette President
3. Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Barley (with Muehle R89 new head)
4. Gillette SuperSpeed (1947-1953 model)
5. Schick Krona
It should be said that of the above, i have only kept the Futur and the Gillette SuperSpeed.
I use my Futur on 1.5 - 2 and it gives me the best shaves of all the razors i have tried (literally hundreds). The sound of the blade in the futur when it cuts your beard alone is worth it.
The Futur on setting 1.5 is about as agressive as a Gillette Superspeed (1947-1953), which should be about the same as a Gillette New.
The Progress would be at setting 3 or so for the same aggressiveness i think.
My top five razors are:
1. Merkur Futur
2. Gillette President
3. Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Barley (with Muehle R89 new head)
4. Gillette SuperSpeed (1947-1953 model)
5. Schick Krona
It should be said that of the above, i have only kept the Futur and the Gillette SuperSpeed.
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First thing I noticed was its weight; heavy!
As mentioned, when it cuts it makes this great noise telling you no hair is safe.
I have it set at 1 and am getting BBS everyday, using 3 passes and touch up. I may have to turn it up to a 1.5 or 2 to see how it does.
Great razor!
As mentioned, when it cuts it makes this great noise telling you no hair is safe.
I have it set at 1 and am getting BBS everyday, using 3 passes and touch up. I may have to turn it up to a 1.5 or 2 to see how it does.
Great razor!
My personal preference is the Futur. As to the differences, the Futur is heavier, has a larger head and the blade gap is significantly larger for a given setting, which is a factor in determining razor aggressiveness.
The Futur (for me at least) on its lowest setting is slightly more aggressive than your standard Merkur head.. plus the added weight gives it even more bite. Even though it is a fantastic razor if your looking for something mild it will not fit the bill. The Progress on the lowest setting is quite mild going down almost to EJ/Muhle territory but can be opened up to a much more aggressive shave.
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I use both, though I favor the Futur.
I think they feel similar in Aggressiveness even though the Futur's blade gap is greater. I use both at the #3 setting. I like the feel of the Futur and I also like the way the top comes off to change blades, but not everyone likes this arrangement.
I think they feel similar in Aggressiveness even though the Futur's blade gap is greater. I use both at the #3 setting. I like the feel of the Futur and I also like the way the top comes off to change blades, but not everyone likes this arrangement.
I also have both, but much prefer the Futur. I enjoy the shape of the handle and head and it simply feels "right" in my hand. The Progress is a good razor, but I rarely reach for it.
Open it up! All the way to 6.5!
The Futur. It's one of my favorite razors. I've had Progresses, and they all had QC problems. You can get it modified by Mer or CooncatBob, but it's expensive.
I'd choose the Futur, if only because it is so very different from any other razor. There are lots of other razors similar to the Progress.
If uniqueness isn't a factor for you, I'd still pick the Futur. The size and weight make it very easy to grasp and use, and the added weight probably helps with slicing through whiskers without additional hand pressure. It's easy to adjust, easy to clean, and there's nothing else like it. Except maybe the Vision, which I've never used anyway.
If uniqueness isn't a factor for you, I'd still pick the Futur. The size and weight make it very easy to grasp and use, and the added weight probably helps with slicing through whiskers without additional hand pressure. It's easy to adjust, easy to clean, and there's nothing else like it. Except maybe the Vision, which I've never used anyway.
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- #14
Funny thing is I just used my Future this morning for the first time in 3-4 years. I got it after I started DE shaving but never really learned to use it well or find right setting. I used Gillette SS and Merkur HD rotating over the years just for the consistency.
Then I decided to pull out my Future and I had one of the best shaves in a LONG time. The weight and the exposure were perfect. I found myself rubbing my face all day like the early newbie days. I have never tried Progress, but not even curious with the results of the Future.
Then I decided to pull out my Future and I had one of the best shaves in a LONG time. The weight and the exposure were perfect. I found myself rubbing my face all day like the early newbie days. I have never tried Progress, but not even curious with the results of the Future.
I agree that the SuperSpeed and Future are ones I have kept. I have a few other standard Merkurs that I keep and lend out along with another SS for those looking to start out but not wanting to spend a lot of money figuring out what works and learn their technique.
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- #17
I have a Futur that will be coming my way shortly to try out and I am looking very forward to it. I also have a few blades that I want to feed it as well.
Futur + Red IP Blades = Bliss.
I guess I am the contrary one. I sold my Futur and kept the Progress. I found the Futur too heavy and when I shaved with it even at the lowest setting I irritated my neck. I have had no quality control issues with the Progress and use it in rotation with a FB and slim adjustable.
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