Which Merkur Adjustable?

[Piper Down]

I'm a new shaver with a Merkur HD. I'm having a great time and every day is better. My results with the HD are satisfying, but I'm curious about adjustable razors and think I want to try one. Might make a good Christmas present.

My question is which of these two razors would YOU buy, given that they are in the same price ballpark?

• Megress Merkur Progress
• Merkur Futur

Having read very little positive about the Vision 2000, it's not on my list.

I've read a lot of positive reports on the Progress and am really impressed with the Megress retrofit. I think I'd like to try a short handle with a long knob. I'm on Lee's waiting list, have been in touch with Mer, and am checking out West Coast Shaving. . . .

I've also read a lot of positive press on the Futur. It's obviously a very different style, but still a razor with a positive rep. My wife is after me to get something gold in color, and the Futur is available in gold plate.

So, which is the superior razor, IYHO? I'm particularly keen to hear from owners, particularly any who might have experience with both.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[tgarza]

I say mergress.

 

[Sueto]

This is a tough call. I like them both. The Progress is less aggressive than the Futur. If that is a concern for you. The Progress is a lot like the HD. I think the HD is in the middle range of the adjustment of the Progress. Meaning the Progress can be slightly milder or more aggressive than the HD. Atleast this is the feeling I have from using an HD.

The size difference of the Progress to your HD isn't too drastic. The Futur on the other hand dwarfs the HD. Something to consider if you like small handle razors to long handles.

The blade guard on the Futur might also be something to consider. It's a mixed bag. I personally don't have any issues of it moving or popping off during use. The blade guard on mine is nice and snug after snapping it back on. It's not attached by screw like the HD or Progress.

While I don't have a Mergress, I do have an iKon XL knob for my Progress. It adds some weight and length to it. It's not bad. I would expect the Mergress to feel about the same depending on which knob you get. I am interested in getting my hands on a Mergress or the knob. I'd like to compare the finish of the knobs between these two or know the steel used in either knob.

Progress with the iKon XL knob:

 

[jrhudgins]

I also say Mergress. It adjusts from very mild to pretty aggressive, and the head itself feels smooth to me. Eric's adjustment knob balances this razor well(I have the long-handled version), and has a beautiful finish that matches the handle.

You can also check out this table in the Wiki:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Aggressiveness

 

[bandit82ta]

First let me say I dont have either of them....

BUT if I was gonna it would be undoubtedly a Mergress. I trust members here that say its more balanced. I do like the looks, size and what I've heard. Unfortunately at the moment I'm trying to aquire a few vintage Gillettes that I wanna try first.

Mergress is on my futures list for sure.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I have the gold plated Futur and it is a great shaver. I get tremendous audible feedback, and a very close, smooth, comfortable shave.

 

[onotoman]

Hi,

I've tried them all and my favourite is the Futur. Less bulky than the Vision and more precise in terms of adjustment than the hit-miss adjuster on the Progress.

I've also had a few Visions returned for repair due to soap and water deposit build-up clogging things and snapping the shaft. So you really have to clean the Vision thoroughly and regularly or things will break.

In my view none of the Merkurs match the bulletproof robustness, ease of use and downright great design of a 60 odd year old Gillette Fat Boy!

Only my humble opinion though and of course you can't buy a 'new' Fat Boy. Maybe 'New-Old-Stock' but not new.

So, Fat Boy aside, I'd go for the Futur. Even in Chrome or Gold, the handle is grippy - it doesn't look like it, but it is

Hope this helps..

 

[Calder]

I just started using a DE less than 3 weeks ago and the Merkur Progress (I got the long handle version) has treated me pretty well from the get-go. I haven't tried the Futur so I don't know what I'm missing there, but I can say with confidence that the range of adjustibility/quality/audible feedback is great with my Progress.

The only thing that I don't like is having to match up the triangle and verticle indent on the side of the shaving head to keep the adjustability in sync.

 

[dpm802]

I have both a standard Progress with iKon knob, and 2 satin Futurs ... all were purchased via BST forum within the last 6 months.

They are both fine instruments, and either will suit the needs of both a beginner and advanced shaver.

If you get a Progress, be sure to order an upgrade knob to go with it. The standard plastic makes the thing too top-heavy, and I could never get a decent shave out of it. The metal knobs make all the difference in the world.

I'm still in the learning curve with my Futur(s) ... I keep one packed in a suitcase as a travel razor, the other is part of my standard rotation at home. I shave with it 2 or 3 times a month, and I'm still learning how to max out its potential. I love the fact that its big and hefty ... I wish Merkur would make fixed-head razors with that handle. That cut-out notch in the handle is poised right at The Balance Point.

Either way you decide to go, you won't be disappointed. And don't be surprised if you wind up owning both a Progress and Futur before too long.

 

[Hughies_online]

I prefer the Mergress. I have tried the Futur for about 3 years and never really got the hang of it because of the less than traditional shape, weight and its one of those strange adjustable's that doesn't really respond to being adjusted. I usually just leave it at 1.5 because anything more (or less) doesn't perform well for me (it gives me ingrowns).

The mergress on the other hand is like a gillette slim adjustable to me and I find I can wind it up or down to vary my shave without unwelcome results.

In any case, YMMV. Why not try both!

 

[Eddieb208]

I have both razors and prefer the Mergress. Its razor head is not as large and bulky as the Futur's...that allows you to shave closer under your nose. The Futur's head protrudes beyond the ends of the razor blade, so when you shave your sideburns you may not get as close to your ear. I find that the Futur's handle does not have as good a gripping surface as the Mergress's. Last but not least, changing the Futur's blade is a real challenge...you must pop off the head with your thumb (the head is held on by friction fit only) and risk a cut everytime. A poor engineering design for sure!!!

 

[gbernard]

I have a vision and a futur, love them both for different reasons, both provide excellent shaves, I have an Ikon XL Progress on order from bullgoose, shoul dhave that in a week or so, will report back then,

 

[superfoe]

I don't have a progress, but I love my Futur. My only issue with it is that with the larger head, it's sometimes difficult to get under my nose.