Question about Merkur Progress and Gillette adjustable DE razor

[baskas]

I have question about Merkur Progress and Gillette adjustable DE razor.
If somebody has or had each of them what is your choice and why. I see that more posts is relating to Gillette then Markur. I like idea about adjusting but before buying I would like to know from you what is good and bad from those DE.
Thank you,
J>.

 

[Mick]

Which Gillette adjustable? there are several.....

 

[Antares600]

Which Gillette adjustable?

I think you have a better chance at getting an old Slim adjustable for a bit cheaper than a Progress. However I've never used a Progress so I can't personally tell you how good it is as a razor. I do stand by Merkur though, and am sure it's an excellent shaver.

 

[ackvil]

I have two Mergresses (long and regular handle), a Slim, and FB. I like the Long Mergress (a customized Progress) the best. I get the smoothest shave from the Mergress razors. However, the FB and Slim are not far behind. IMO you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[baskas]

Fat Tip for example...
I guess I need to spend more time learning how to use search. I see below in window below Similar Threads and some people already asked this question.
I apologize for doubling questions.

 

[Mick]

It's prettty hard to find a BAD Gillette (unless the razor has been dropped and damaged).

As far as new razors the Progress is one of the better ones out there now.

As mentioned, you can customize them

 

[gmgaj]

I have a slim, fatboy and a futur (but not a progress). They all have different characteristics, but provide excellent shaves with a good blade. I can't call any the best, just different. Stick a 7 O'Clock black in them, and it is BBS time. The adjusting is nice, but I also get top results from an open comb new. The adjustable was nice at first, but as my technique improved, the adjustables get left on the same setting. If you are just starting, and want an adjustable and are on a budget, get the slim. It will do the job, for sure.

 

[vferdman]

I shaved a lot with Gillette Super Speeds, but not Gillette Adjustables, which are really Super Speed heads with adjustable safety bar. I discovered a Progress one day and got rid of all my Super Speeds. I loved them, but there is just no comparison. Merkur Progress has to be one of the very best razor head designs out there in DE razor world. I never had any desire for adjustable, but when I chanced into a vintage Progress I realized that I was missing a lot. The angle of the blade is very different in the Progress. More steep and for me better. The sound the razor makes is extremely useful and pleasant. Everything about it is very well thought out. The adjustment mechanism is step-less, like a radio volume knob. If you are feeling the bite of the blade, just back off a tiny amount on the knob. There is no loosening the blade, then clicking the next step like the Gillette. You can micro-adjust instantly. Again, I never tried a Gillette adjustable, but after using Progress for a few months now I hardly ever touch any other razor. Seriously, it put an end to my RAD. I bought a second Progress for backup and/or Mergress conversion. Mine are both short handled, but I think a long handled Mergress or a short handled one with XL knob, which makes it longer and heavier is ultimate. The weight of the handle of the unmodified one could be a little heavier, so Mergress conversion is a good way to go, but even without it in stock form Merkur Progress is the best razor I have used so far. Vintage Gillettes I tried (Super Speeds 40's and flare tip, Red Tip, Tech, New LC, New SC, Old) can not hold a candle to it and modern razors like EJ DE89 and non-adjustable Merkurs are not as good either. There is simply no comparison to that Progress head.

Good luck!

 

[Lather]

It's prettty hard to find a BAD Gillette (unless the razor has been dropped and damaged).

As far as new razors the Progress is one of the better ones out there now.

As mentioned, you can customize them

What is the one on the right?
Thanks

 

[Azarius]

The Progress is my favorite razor that I have owned or tried, and I have used many, at least 40 different razors. I sold my Fatboy and Slim as there is no comparison between the two.

Vintage Gillette's have their place, I will always have my Superspeed, Single Ring, NEW's, and Tech's as part of my rotation, but for me when it comes to an adjustable, nothing beats the Progrerss.

 

[DEGuy]

The Progress is my favorite razor that I have owned or tried, and I have used many, at least 40 different razors. I sold my Fatboy and Slim as there is no comparison between the two.

Vintage Gillette's have their place, I will always have my Superspeed, Single Ring, NEW's, and Tech's as part of my rotation, but for me when it comes to an adjustable, nothing beats the Progrerss.

+1: the Progress is my adjustable razor of choice. Add to it my two favorite fixed-head razor models, Tech and DE89L, and I'm approaching DE Nirvana.

 

[ackvil]

What is the one on the right?
Thanks

It's a Mergress. A modified Progress razor. I have one just like it.

 

[Kurtas]

I have both. A short handle Progress and a vintage Gillette Slim. They are both good razors. But i prefer my vintage Gillette 1930 new style open comb. Fantastic shaves. The progress has sometimes wrong blade exposure and other problems and my slim i am struggeling with the angle. When i get the right angle on the slim it is very good. Good razors.

 

[nav]

I have used all the Gillette adjustables (except the Toggle) and for me, the Merkur Progress is much, much better. I find it shaves much more effectively and much more comfortably.

 

[Foyle]

I've also find the Progress to be the best of the adjustables. I like it better than the Slim and better than the Futur. It's my daily shaver.

 

[wrm2012]

I'm another that prefers the Progress. I have a Slim witch is probably my second choice, and a Fat Boy witch truthfully is as good as the Slim. It's a hard call between the Slim and FB But, the Progress easily is top dog..

 

[baskas]

Thanks a lot for your information. I start to use DE maybe one month ago and I did not have idea about how many kinds, styles and features DE razor can have. I was using plastic Schick for long time until friend told me about "old school". I read about Gillette adjustable razors looks like it can be a fun. 2 days ago I found a few comments about Merkur adjustable. Christmas is coming so maybe Santa find something for me.
Looks like in this weekend a couple of other users also recalled about it. Only what I don't understand if Mergress t is so good why is so little on the market? Surely a golden deal for those who can "improve".
J>

 

[vferdman]

Thanks a lot for your information. I start to use DE maybe one month ago and I did not have idea about how many kinds, styles and features DE razor can have. I was using plastic Schick for long time until friend told me about "old school". I read about Gillette adjustable razors looks like it can be a fun. 2 days ago I found a few comments about Merkur adjustable. Christmas is coming so maybe Santa find something for me.
Looks like in this weekend a couple of other users also recalled about it. Only what I don't understand if Mergress t is so good why is so little on the market? Surely a golden deal for those who can "improve".
J>

Mergress is a Progress razor modified by one of the members here going by the nickname Mer. Hence the name of his creation: Mergress. Mer's real name is Eric and he does fine work at home modifying these razors. You can find him and email him and he will send you an order form and you can send him your Progress and about $40 and he will send back your razor in a few weeks with a new knob on it and some adjustments to the mechanism. He gets high marks for his workmanship and has great reputation. He sometimes supplies Lee's Razors shop with batches of pre-made Mergresses, but those sell out very fast. The best way to get a Mergress is to buy a Progress and send it to Eric. I myself have not done it yet, but probably will soon.

 

[baskas]

Thank you for this additional info.

J>

 

[wquiles]

I have been using a '65 Slim for several months now, and on Friday got a new Progress to try/compare. After two shaves, I absolutely love/prefer the Progress