Recommendation wanted for my next DE Razor

[Stain]

I've been shaving for almost three months now, and am starting to figure out what I like. I've had the opportunity to try a variety of different creams, soaps, and blades and am becoming set on those. However, I would still like to try out new razors.

To date, I have tried the following:

Merkur HD
Merkur 38C "Barber pole"
Merkur 39C - Slant
Gillette SuperSpeed
Gillette New
Feather Portable

My favorite, hands down is the 38C. I like the weight & balance and can get incredible shaves with it. It is my go to razor.

The HD wasnt bad but too light/short. The 39c wasn't much different than the 38c, so i am not going to keep it (most likely for sale on BST in the next week). The New and Feather were not bad, but not a daily shaver. The super speed was okay, but I don't get close enough on my neck or under my nose. I think its most likely due to the fact that I am used to the Merkur head, and the Super Speed's head has a different shape.

I have an Aristocrat on the way, but want to try an adjustable as well. I think I have it narrowed down to a Fat Boy and a Progress. From what I have read about the Fat Boy, it sounds like what I am looking for. I know its very subjective, but for those of you that have used both, which do you prefer? Is the head of the Fat Boy similar to that of a SS? How does the Progress compare to the 38C?

Is there something else that I should consider (adjustable or not)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[wimbouman]

You cannot go wrong with a Fatboy ;-)

Sorry, I cannot compare the Fatboy with the Progress.
For the sake of history alone, I like the Fatboy.
Great looks, great shaver, a true classic.

The Progress just does not appeal to me, maybe contact Cooncatbob (member here) and discuss some options.
Site: https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles

Mantic has a vid on the Progress's annoyances.


W

 

[RCC]

If you thought the HD was too light, the Progress is heavier.
HD is 2.75 oz
Progress is 3.1 oz
FB is 2.8 oz

The Progress is known to suffer from QA issues. Some of the heads don't align correctly and the blade sits unevenly as a consequence.
The head of the Progress is deeper/thicker than the FB. I don't have a problem with it but if you like a thin head, this ain't it.
The FB head is thicker than my 63 SS, slightly.
The shaving angle of the heads (all 3) are different. One is not better than the other IMO. Just a matter of practice/technique.
One significant difference is that the Progress does not have a detente for the head adjustment. The FB clicks (audibly) from 1 to 9 and stays there until you change it.
The Progress tip twists smoothly with no presets and stays there until you change it, inadvertently or otherwise.
The Progress is a 2 piece razor. The top guard comes off to replace the blade (hence the twisting tip). the HB is a 1 piece TTO.
These are some of the mechanical differences.
The esthetics for each are obviously different. Old school retro vs euro modern.
I believe that with practice and technique you can get a great shave with practically any commercially available razor, including either of these.
YMMV

 

[talibeard]

The Progress is known to suffer from QA issues.

All Merkurs I know do; if their QC was improved they could be on top of the world but as it is they just dangle in the middle....

 

[KeNd0]

I`m still relatively new, so take this with a grain or two.
I have only used my 38C and my Fatboy so far. I only have three shaves with the Fatboy, but really like it. Today I started with the 38C, and finished up with the Fatboy on number 6 and was amazed at the singing of the blade as it found hairs missed by the 38C. I find I get more feedback from the Fatboy but again, still learning, so what I find today may change with experience.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

The Fatoy is the least favorite of my razors. It is surpassed by everything else I own in terms of delivering shave quality.

Why not consider a Futur?

 

[Stain]

You cannot go wrong with a Fatboy ;-)

Sorry, I cannot compare the Fatboy with the Progress.
For the sake of history alone, I like the Fatboy.
Great looks, great shaver, a true classic.

The Progress just does not appeal to me, maybe contact Cooncatbob (member here) and discuss some options.
Site: https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles

Mantic has a vid on the Progress's annoyances.


W

Good info on the Mantic video. Those custom handles look very nice, and may be something worth considering

 

[Stain]

The Fatoy is the least favorite of my razors. It is surpassed by everything else I own in terms of delivering shave quality.

Why not consider a Futur?

I looked at the Futur, but need to do a lot more research. The reviews I read were mixed (as as everything). My two biggest concern is head size/manueverability and grip on the non textured handle.