Merkur Progress Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razors

This is my 3rd adjustable razor and 4th Merkur. I have a Vikings Blade Emperor and a vintage Gillette Fatboy. I really love the adjustable razors. My thoughts are they can be dialed in better for each user and once you find the perfect blade for that razor it’s as good as it gets. I started with this on a setting of 1. I’m up to 4.5 and that’s as high as I’m going because that just a sweet spot for me. So far I’ve only used Astra SP blades for 3 shaves each. Tomorrow will be #3 with the current blade and it’s off to the next blade to see if the shave is any better which frankly will be difficult to achieve.I have never tried a Merkur future but this blows away the VB Emperor and I like the weight a little better than the Fatboy. I’m also a big fan of the Merkur 37c slant but I think the shave with this is just a little better.You don’t need special instructions (at least one review suggested) to reassemble. Look at both sides of the head and it will be self explanatory. It’s not that hard to know when it’s tight (from another review) just tighten until it feels snug then look at the setting. It’s on one at that point. As for disassembly, really, how hard is it to take anything apart?I started wet shaving long ago in the early 80s and learned (sometimes the hard way) with my dad’s Fatboy (now the one I own) and at this point probably own 25 DE razors and actually use 5-6 of them. I’d have to say at this point this is right up there with my 1955 SS red tip as one of my favorites.This could be a great razor for a beginner so long as you start low (1 would be good) on the setting and work up. The weight as I said earlier is fantastic. Zero pressure and it’s spot on with a good blade. Love the balance of this razor and the bright chrome finish is gorgeous.This will continue to be my daily razor at least until I find the perfect blade match and after that it will get lots of turns in the rotation. I really don’t see it being replaced at all unless Jagger or Muhle does a similar product with their head design.So if your looking for a adjustable my advice is simple, get this one unless you don’t own a slant bar yet. That should be every newbies 2nd razor. This should be #3. It’s fantastic and you can’t go wrong with it.

I own 9 double edged razors ,and this, combined with a feather platinum tipped stainless blade works great. All of my razors including the Merkur 180 long handle , Edwin Jagger De89, Merkur Futur do a good job on the first 2/3rds of my face. My neck is a different animal altogether. I never really noticed how hair grows at different angles and thickness in different areas of the face until I went old school wet shaving. I always left stubble on my neck no matter what I did or what blade I used (mostly Feather stainless platinum). My Gillette Pro glide did no better but I never really checked. In and out in one pass and done. Now wet shaving is more of a science. You really get to know your face and beard. This is the only razor that could get my neck just on both sides of the trachea. These whiskers grow sideways or horizontal and my neck gets razor burn quite easily. So a need a sharp effective razor that can do the job in 2 passes and this does it with no problem when dialed on the 2.5 setting or sometimes 3. Beyond 3 with a Feather blade the nicks start to come. Its still not 100% baby smooth in that area but significantly improved. We all know with wet shaving their are all sorts of variables such as pre shave prep, shaving cream, wetting with a good brush and hot towel, showering before shaving or even while showering if you have a mirror there. I've tried most of it and in the end the Progress is a winner. Size adjustability build quality weight distribution all contribute to a nice close shave. Before you even shave you'll know what I mean. After you shave there is no question about what razor comes on your next trip. This is the best all around razor. I will try the slant razor next. I like the Futur but its big and I won't even think about the Vision until they bring it's bulk down. I can go in setting one for most of my face and between 2-3 for my problem neck area. Solves my shaving crisis. Thanks Merkur this is a remarkable shaving instrument.

This razor does a great Job ! I have only had one shave with it so far, and I used The single Mekur blade it came with. I'm not a believer in a razor, being the only reason for a great shave alone. You have got to have a good blade to accompany also. From what I have read in review's. The Merkur blades are not that great, and the shave I got today was pretty damn good ! With the head on this razor being adjustable, I don't understand how it could not give a great shave. Unless your blade is real garbage. This razor did not come with the plastic case., so if you are looking forward to it ,you need to order from one of the other's that show it in the description. The finish on the razor is in excellent shape. I also read one review (here) that said the handle wasn't long enough. The handle is about 3,3/4" long , overall razor is about 4,1/8 in long with the blade tightened down. The handle is plenty long enough for me,. And I have large hands ! I would recommend this razor ! This is my fifth double edge razor. I have bought two that were in the $10 to $15 range They don't compare to this razor at all. I also have a Edwin jagger de89. And it does a great job also, but it can't compete with this razor because of it being adjustable . with the Edwin jagger you need to find the wright blade to match, you and the razor. With this razor you can just about use any blade you want. I also have a 100% stainless steel razor I just bought and have not used yet, as the Merkur progress and it arrived at the same time. If you can afford to buy this razor , I am sure it will pay for itself with the ability to buy cheaper blades alone. It seems to be built well enough to last a good amount of time. I would recommend this razor.