Thread: can someone give me the rundown on the Merkur mergress?

I want one to replace my slant. I have heard lots of good things about it, but is basically just an adjustable HD? I had an HD and did not think it was all that perfect, I got decent shaves with it but did better with the slant. The slant is a little to aggressive for my tastes, I am after a good shave, does not have to be perfect. I shave with a DE a couple times a week, the other times I usually shave with a straight or not at all.

I would suggest looking at the videos posted by Mantic59 on Youtube...he uses a Progress and does a pretty thorough review of the idiosyncrasies of the razor. I occasionally use a Gillette Fat Boy adjustable, but prefer the Merkur long handle 180. It always gives the BBS shave I like.

Still working on getting a decent shave from off of a straight...practice, practice, practice...

Charles

Matt,

The "Mergress" is simply the Merkur Progress with its plastic knob replaced with a metal one. The Progress would be my favorite adjustable in the Merkur line and it's pretty much the same as the HD except for being heavier, which makes it feel slightly different. The top cap is exactly the same on the Progress and the HD (I've swapped mine around, just for fun). I've owned most of the Merkur lineup and ended up preferring the HD until my eyes were opened to the fun of traditional straights... once I honed my first straight successfully, I never looked back though I do keep that HD in a drawer with some blades, just in case I get a bad cold or flu where I might want to get a shave in, just to cheer me up. In that sort of condition (uncontrolled coughing and sneezing at any moment), I'd prefer not to wield a straight.


Regards

Christian

"Mer" began to offer the replacement dial perhaps two years ago. Many Progress users prefer them to the plastic dial, and they add weight plus look better. I'm sure he still will install one (there are several options) on your razor or on a new razor he has in stock. The original design "mergress" is available on Lee's Razors website. There are long threads on the DE forums regarding these modifications by Mer himself with photos of the many different modifications he has made.
I don't own one as I didn't care much for adjustables in the first place and now straight razors are more my preference.

I am the proud owner of a Mergress, and it would have to be my best overall DE shaver. Eric (Mer) over at B&B does very nice machining on the metal knob. It looks like it was supposed to be that way. The heft also makes the razor more comfortable to hold.

Originally Posted by iron maiden

I am the proud owner of a Mergress, and it would have to be my best overall DE shaver. Eric (Mer) over at B&B does very nice machining on the metal knob. It looks like it was supposed to be that way. The heft also makes the razor more comfortable to hold.

+1

Mer will make the knobs in stainless steel or in brass. He also has a number of different variations. Mine is truly a superb razor. Very good looking, heavy and solid.

It can be dialed up or down to suit your tastes.

Hello all :-) I am interested in having converted, or purchasing new, or good used Mergress. I have been to Lee's web site, and although they list them new, They have not responded to any of my e-mails and say they "Do not want phone calls!"? Does anyone know is this company is still operational, or suggest how to contact them?

If they are not viable, does anyone know how to contact Eric (Mer)? Or are there other options other than taking what I can get on e-Bay. I really don't want to go there.

Thanks!