I have been using this razor for a while now. Based on my experience, it is much much milder than merkur futur even on the most aggressive setting. The size of the head is small which makes it quite easy to shave under the nose and under the sideburns. This could be your everyday razor and even a travel razor due to its small footprint. Based on the quality of the product and the environmental impact, I say it's worth the price tag. I'd still look elsewhere if you want a medium aggressive razor though.

Finally I can shave with confidence

I tried so called safety razors before but they were not adjustable and, for my taste, the blades were too exposed and they tend to dig into my skin like chisel and I had cuts after using. Feeling guilty from using the disposable and flexible multi-blade plastic ones I wanted to give another go with the safety razors. I was aware those "adjustable" safety razors existed so I searched for one and located this Merkur. This is a beautifully made quality product with the adjustability which can suit your preferred angle and no more nicks. I am so happy with this razor and can now happily say bye bye to the disposables. In the long run - actually rather quickly - you can start saving money, too! Pros: High quality, easy of use, easy to clean, fully adjustable, no more ... MoreI tried so called safety razors before but they were not adjustable and, for my taste, the blades were too exposed and they tend to dig into my skin like chisel and I had cuts after using. Feeling guilty from using the disposable and flexible multi-blade plastic ones I wanted to give another go with the safety razors. I was aware those "adjustable" safety razors existed so I searched for one and located this Merkur. This is a beautifully made quality product with the adjustability which can suit your preferred angle and no more nicks. I am so happy with this razor and can now happily say bye bye to the disposables. In the long run - actually rather quickly - you can start saving money, too! Pros: High quality, easy of use, easy to clean, fully adjustable, no more nicks, economical Cons: Initially seems a little pricey, a little heavier than basic non-adjustable models, the packaging is adequate but not very impressive, no colour options

Good shave

I keep hearing of a common issue with the blade not lining up evenly on both sides. I noticed that issue right away. However, I discovered that if you grasp the blade with the thumb and forefinger at the edges and "pull" the blade all the way up into the curvature of the head and maintain that pressure as you install the head to the body, the blade lines up perfectly on both sides. Offset of either side is due to improper installation of the blade. Not everyone is mechanically minded like I am, so I think that if this issue were addressed with the instructions, you will find this to be a very good piece of machinery. As far as the person who reported flaking of the chrome, I would say, send it back and get a replacement. The only issue that I have with this razor is ... MoreI keep hearing of a common issue with the blade not lining up evenly on both sides. I noticed that issue right away. However, I discovered that if you grasp the blade with the thumb and forefinger at the edges and "pull" the blade all the way up into the curvature of the head and maintain that pressure as you install the head to the body, the blade lines up perfectly on both sides. Offset of either side is due to improper installation of the blade. Not everyone is mechanically minded like I am, so I think that if this issue were addressed with the instructions, you will find this to be a very good piece of machinery. As far as the person who reported flaking of the chrome, I would say, send it back and get a replacement. The only issue that I have with this razor is that it is difficult to get those two spots right under the nose. The head is a little too thick for that to be easy. Remedy, use your other hand and "lift" your nose and it works. A non adjustable has a thinner head and makes it much easier to get under the nose. It's a trade off. Personally, I love my Progress razor. Some parts of my face require a more aggressive angle and my neck likes a less aggressive angle. Some people may complain of the weight of this razor. Give it some time and you will come to enjoy the weight of it. I let the weight of the razor do the job instead of having to apply more pressure. OK, the gradient measurement may not be perfect from one model to the next, but once you figure out your razor, you won't have any problem. A good analogy: even an experienced motorcycle rider will find that they have to learn each and every bike differently. I say, buy it ! I have never, ever nicked or cut my skin with this razor. OK, sometimes an unforeseen whitehead pimple might get "sliced off", but that happens with any razor. I do not suggest this razor for ladies shaving their legs. Get her a mild angle non adjustable for that.

Good shave could have a few more options for the price

I have used the razor for six or seven shaves so I could give it an honest review. I have been using a fat boy for about 3 years and a slim for 2 to three years before that. Thanks for the customer service at West coast shaving I settled on the short handle since it is very similar in length to the fat boy. The first time I tried the progress I thought I made a mistake but after stick with it I am liking it more and more, so stick with it. The angle that you hold the head to your face is different than what I am used to but I am learning each razor has a slightly different angle. I can now get an bbs shave with very few weepers with three passes took me about six or seven times but I am only getting better each time.I mostly use medical prep blades and feathers ... MoreI have used the razor for six or seven shaves so I could give it an honest review. I have been using a fat boy for about 3 years and a slim for 2 to three years before that. Thanks for the customer service at West coast shaving I settled on the short handle since it is very similar in length to the fat boy. The first time I tried the progress I thought I made a mistake but after stick with it I am liking it more and more, so stick with it. The angle that you hold the head to your face is different than what I am used to but I am learning each razor has a slightly different angle. I can now get an bbs shave with very few weepers with three passes took me about six or seven times but I am only getting better each time.I mostly use medical prep blades and feathers once in awhile. I really like that it is adjustable I start out on a one and have the move up to a two and half. It is more aggressive then my fat boy I start on seven with it and turn it up nine. Another good thing about progress is like the fat boy I can change the gap with the turn knob which is a plus. Has a good weight to it. Balance is also pretty decent maybe center point balancing on my finger is about one half to three quarters on an inch from the head. Blade loads pretty easy. There is a few things I think could have been added to the razor for the price. First my biggest problem is blade alignment when you drop the blade into the head of the razor it basically has three prongs that align the blade. The problem with this is the blade has a slight amount of play. The first time I used the razor I inspected the blade and noticed the blade had a very slight off set almost like the blade on one side had on off set and the side was opposite off set. The first time I used it had to loosen and realign. I think they could have put something like a raised bar between the prongs on the head and indentation on the razor to help align the blade and yes I am aligning the notch on the head to the triangle. I also think that the could have used some curling on the handle. The handle does get a little slick. So far it has not slipped in my hand but would be a nice option. When I hold it in my hand I rest my ring finger on adjustment knob where it goes from smaller to bigger and my pinky on the end of knob. So far I am happy with my purchase I think it could be a little better for the price and have a few upgrades but all in all it's a good razor. The is a slight learning curve as is with most razors, and it is aggressive but not crazy aggressive which I like.

Great design

Great designed and comfortable razor. The quality is there and I really like the adjustable feature. Unfortunately it came with no instructions and took me to a German site - luckily though the internet saves the day and I was able to figure it out with no hassle!Great quality razor and even the blade by Merkur are top notch

Merkur Adjustable.

New England shave company was very quick and responsive. With my first purchase I was given a 10% off offer. However, when I went to ring out it did not give me the 10% off. I contacted them and they quickly credited me the 10%. Now as far as my order goes it came quickly and was packaged well. I bought a brush, bowl and my Merkur. The razor is very nicely built and definitely shows quality. The fit, finish and weight is nice. I took my time on my first use and had no problems. I did a two pass shave going with the beard on a number 3 setting. I then I went against the grain on the number two setting. I had no irritation and my wife said very smooth. I used the enclosed sample Astra blades they did the job and one blade lasted me about three shaves. I bought a ... MoreNew England shave company was very quick and responsive. With my first purchase I was given a 10% off offer. However, when I went to ring out it did not give me the 10% off. I contacted them and they quickly credited me the 10%. Now as far as my order goes it came quickly and was packaged well. I bought a brush, bowl and my Merkur. The razor is very nicely built and definitely shows quality. The fit, finish and weight is nice. I took my time on my first use and had no problems. I did a two pass shave going with the beard on a number 3 setting. I then I went against the grain on the number two setting. I had no irritation and my wife said very smooth. I used the enclosed sample Astra blades they did the job and one blade lasted me about three shaves. I bought a sample pack but haven't used anything else but,the blades provided with my order. I don't know about shopping around for the perfect blade ? These blades seem to do it for me? I guess I'm just not a blade connoisseur. Additionally I looked up the price of the blades and they run about seven cents a piece so good for me! So my advice to you is shop with this company they are very responsive and the products they shipped me were all of good quality and price. I give them up. Ron Pittsburgh,PA Area.

Merkur Progress Adjustable razor, short handle

After extensive testing, I find myself enjoying this razor. The styling is very appealing, and the audible feedback is excellent for tracking down any leftover whiskers on the final pass. It's an aggressive shaver compared to vintage Gillette adjustable razors, and I've concluded that setting #1 is best for me across all passes and stages of blade life. I haven't loaded a Feather yet, and don't really feel the need for a sharpest-class blade in it. Perhaps a wider blade gap would be useful for heavy beard growth, but in most cases I won't be adjusting it, which somewhat degrades the value proposition for me; I'm glad to have bought it on sale. The handle gets a bit slippery, and I may try using a silicone gel pencil grip with it so I don't have to pay so much ... MoreAfter extensive testing, I find myself enjoying this razor. The styling is very appealing, and the audible feedback is excellent for tracking down any leftover whiskers on the final pass. It's an aggressive shaver compared to vintage Gillette adjustable razors, and I've concluded that setting #1 is best for me across all passes and stages of blade life. I haven't loaded a Feather yet, and don't really feel the need for a sharpest-class blade in it. Perhaps a wider blade gap would be useful for heavy beard growth, but in most cases I won't be adjusting it, which somewhat degrades the value proposition for me; I'm glad to have bought it on sale. The handle gets a bit slippery, and I may try using a silicone gel pencil grip with it so I don't have to pay so much attention during maneuvers. Overall, it gives me a consistently clean shave, and the "Geiger counter" effect on my clean-ups is fun and satisfying.

Merkur Progress Is Amazing

This is hands-down my favorite safety razor that I own. The head has a very good weight and the Razor provides very clear feedback while shaving. You can really feel the blade oscillating as it passes through the whiskers. If this got lost or damaged I would definitely replace it.

Perfection

Perfect blade angle and overall form. I was worried about the plastic adjustment knob but it’s actually elegant in person and works flawlessly. I love being able to adjust based on how many days of beard growth I have. I’m very pleased and expect many years of use out of the Progress