I've been using a Gillette NEW for about 3 years. Now I want to try out a new Merkur. I'm debating between the Slant and the Progress. I'm nervous about the Slant, but I know it can get a really good close shave. Based on Mantic and a few others, it sounds like the Progress is a consensus favorite, so that's why I'm leaning that way. Thoughts?
Slant vs. Progress
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I have a slant and a Futur, Fatboy, Slim & Super Adjustable. I like the adjustables far better than the slant.
The is no need to worry about the slant, it is a ***** cat, it feels much "milder" on the face than it looks, and it is a razor that can smooth out a tuggy blade for me. But, it does not clear away my stubble as efficiently as say the Futur.
To answer your adjustable question. I set the razor to the blade. On the Futur most blades I run at 6, but a couple like a Feather I run at 4 for the first day, and bump it up to 6 in later shaves to extend the blade. When I am on the road I use the razor down at 2 if I feel the water has my lather a little different. For me the adjustable is a very versatile tool, and with the exception of a Fatip thrown in every now and then, my daily razor is an adjustable.
The is no need to worry about the slant, it is a ***** cat, it feels much "milder" on the face than it looks, and it is a razor that can smooth out a tuggy blade for me. But, it does not clear away my stubble as efficiently as say the Futur.
To answer your adjustable question. I set the razor to the blade. On the Futur most blades I run at 6, but a couple like a Feather I run at 4 for the first day, and bump it up to 6 in later shaves to extend the blade. When I am on the road I use the razor down at 2 if I feel the water has my lather a little different. For me the adjustable is a very versatile tool, and with the exception of a Fatip thrown in every now and then, my daily razor is an adjustable.
I love my slant. I find it's the perfect compromise between an efficient razor and yet very forgiving to use not making me feel like I have to walk on eggshells while shaving to make sure I don't cut myself. I always get smooth close shaves and I liked my 39C so much that I am now trading for a 37C as well. Highly recommend the slants. The Progress is supposed to be good as well but from what I have read it may be a bit too aggressive for my tastes. YMMV.
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The neck is usually the most difficult area for most people. I have heard it said that the slant is less directionally dependant and I think I agree with that. You wouldn't go wrong either way but I am really glad I tried a slant, thats for sure. My advice would be to try both if you can and then just sell the one you don't want to keep.
I vote for the slant. I've never cared for adjustables, except for the Fatboy.
Slant, hands down. A great DE with your favorite blade, and super shaver.
As a huge fan of my 37C and 37G...I vote for the slant razor. With that said... I have never tried the Progress but I have heard some great reviews of this razor. If you go with the slant razor... you will not be disappointed. I get incredible BBS shaves each and every time.
WARHAWK
Slant. The end. Move along...nothing to see here.
Slant. Great razor. Nothing to fear.
I got hold of an old user grade Progress and used it for awhile before buying my Slant. Set it, as I recall, to around 2 or 3. The shaves were quite good and maybe even smoother than the ones from a Fat Boy. Guessing it was due to the head geometry of the Progress, it's easy to find and maintain the proper blade angle with that razor. Then came the Slant. It too has a head configuration (IMO) that makes it easy to maintain correct blade angle. The Slant has been my daily razor now for a long time.
I doubt you'd go wrong with either choice as they are both fine razors. The trick is to decide if you want another fixed head tool or an adjustable. FWIW, I don't view the Slant as particularly aggressive. Efficient, yes, but not the Devil's razor.
I doubt you'd go wrong with either choice as they are both fine razors. The trick is to decide if you want another fixed head tool or an adjustable. FWIW, I don't view the Slant as particularly aggressive. Efficient, yes, but not the Devil's razor.
They are both great razors, so, why avoid the inevitable; just order both and find out for yourself. Good luck.
obviously, you should just get both.
I have both, adjust the Progress per pass, and prefer it. Still working with the slant, just might not have the hang of it yet.
I have revisted the slant today, this time a 37C. a buddy was going to sell his and knew i had talked about trying it, so I gave it another go.
i found the 39C i owned to be a good razor, but a bit too heavy for me and found the blade holding on it not as good as my other razors. anyway, i tried the 37c today and had no issues loading the blade, it seemed better then the 39c if that can be.
pass 1 WTG pass was smooth, irritation free. i figured, i'd try to reduce my 3 pass normal shave down to 2, as many can with a slant and straight etc....so i did a 2nd pass this time ATG and wouldn't you know it, i was done. no touch ups, no knicks, no cuts, no weepers.
i'll try it again tomorrow and see if it's a back to back razor for me, as that was the issue i had with the 39c, i could only use it with a day or 2 growth (which i never get these days shaving daily).
not sure that helps at all, but it's a nice little razor and it's easily sold on the BST if you don't like it, as it the progress, so you can't really go wrong with either.
if it was me, i'd grab a 37c and a Gillette Slim (the best adjustable out there and still can be had for $30 in NM shape).
In Merkur, I have the Slant 39C and a Mergress (modified Progress) Long Handle and the Futur. The choice isn't really as simple as some would have you to believe. They are all exceptional shavers and they are all worthy of being in your rotation. Which one you choose to purchase first is entirely up to you - but both of them (and the Futur for that matter) should be included at some point in your shaving routine...they are all "that" good.
And by both, we mean the 37c and the 39c slants. (Ok ok....maybe you could try that other razor you were referring to.)
I had the very same question earlier this year. I ended up getting a Progress as the 37C was sold out at the place I was buying from. The Progress is a great razor and I like it more than any other razor I have. Slim, Fatby, Tech, and Rotbart. If the slant is even close to as easy to use and get a great shave as the Progress, witch alot of people seem to say it is, it is worth a try for sure. I'm going to get one as soon as I find one, and find out formyself. Bottom line I could easily use the Progress as my one and only Razor. It is going to be hard for the Slant to knock it off the #1 spot.
