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So I had also ordered a Merkur Progress, as I wanted to try an adjustable DE as well. I paired it with an Astra SP blade, and I think it gave a good shave. But, I again went to the slant bar this morning, and it was closer. I have noticed that neither the Progress or the 37C slant give as aggressive a shave as the R41, but they are definitely more comfortable for day-to-day use.
Nick.
Everybody's face and beard are different, so you have to go with what you like best...I do generally.
I really like the 2011 R-41 but it will always be a razor I'll only use if I'm really in the mood for it and never if I'm in a hurry. The 137C OTOH, that has been, and still is, my go to DE, if I'm shaving with a DE. Probably not quite as close a shave as the Muhle, but smoother, more comfortable, and way less unforgiving of pilot error.
You are absolutely right about that Jimmy!
I always strive for a close, comfortable shave.........with an emphasis on 'comfortable'. The 2013 R41 will get me there, but so will a Progress or a Slant. If I adjust my technique to accommodate the razor design, the shaves are usually great. If not, I may pay for it.
Everyone has their own preferences, though. There's no point in using a razor that is not satisfactory.
Gents:
To me the Progress is the best razor ever made. Its so special to me. When I used I shave my face under the 5+ setting (what a shave, using a feather). The R41 is used when I want to do a 2 pass shave on Fridays for example. On Mondays if I used is a 3 pass shave and the feeling in the face its just awesome. But either the progress or the R41 are NOT BEGGINERS GUNS.
Happy shave
Ken
Did you use the razors most aggressive setting?Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick31
Bob
Bob, I actually did this morning and surprised myself! The Progress can be made quite aggressive actually, and it was a great shave. And as is true of all razors with a lot of blade exposure, there's no room for carelessness!Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering as my Gillette Fat Boy set at 9 with a feather blade feels pretty close to my Muhle R41 (2013) with the same blade as far as aggressiveness goes. Pretty close in the quality of shave too. You are so right about there being little to no room for error with these razors. Used well they are hard to beat though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick31
Bob
Word Brother - my move to DE & Wet shaving was nearly derailed by my uninformed start with a Progress and Merkur blades...shaving with a blowtorch would have been more comfortable...Quote:
Originally Posted by kiruiz
I don't know what model I have? I was given a Merkur DE with a long handle, non-adjustable. (Seems like a long handle compared to my Gillette Slim). Doesn't have an open comb. Any ideas...... I'm not trying to "hi-jack" just thought this thread's readers would be able to help. I believe I was told they are all the same "heads" with different handles? Then I really don't understand this thread at all. How can they act so differently? Fixed vs adjustable difference is a given for me but different "fixed" models shave differently with the same head?
thanks,
G
Well, on the Merkur Progress, which is my daily razor, the blade exposure is adjusted by the knob on the bottom of the handle. All the way tightened down, is the least aggressive setting, and you can go all the way up to a 9, which is really quite aggressive. It takes a bit of time to learn the adjustments and experiment to see what your face prefers. Also, what type of shave you prefer, BBS or just presentable, etc.