Adjustable DE for Beginner

[geogecko]

Ok, a couple of my friends have started using DE razors, one for over 3 years, another for just a few days, and now it has peaked my interest, after talking with both of them for a while. Both of them went with the Merkur Classic.

I used to use the Mach 3 system, and then in 2005, made the transition to the expensive Braun electric razor, which I still use today (I'm actually surprised the thing still works, being over 6 years old).

So after some initial reading, I'm by no means educated on DE razors that much, but I think that I have decided to go with an adjustable up front, for something that will grow with my technique.

I was initially sold on the Merkur Vision, but keep reading threads that go back and forth about which is better, the Vision, or the Futur. I read the complaints about the Progress, so initially wrote that one off, until I came across the Mergress...

So, regardless of this price range (less than $130), what is the best adjustable razor of this group? Would you recommend something that isn't in the group? I am starting to lean more towards the Mergress, mainly because the head looks smaller than say, the Vision, but I like the idea of the longer handles.

[StillShaving]

Welcome to B&B and wet shaving.

Take my comments with a grain of salt because I have not used any of the Merkur adjustables, as I really like the Merkur non-adjustables, including the safety-bar, open-comb, and slant. My comment is don't write off the fixed head Merkurs, besides shaving very well, their fixed blade gap should allow you to get more consist shaves and enjoy your shaves even more as you learn. Having something to adjust could be a negative in the beginning. And once you have perfected using the fixed head you may not find an adjustable necessary.

But to address your question, from the hundreds of threads which I have read, the Progress/Mergress is considered to be quite a good razor, one that you will not go wrong with purchasing. Of the three, I see the most negative comments with the Vision, it is just too big and with too many maintenance problems. Though the Mergress is quite good, I still get the sense that the Futur may be the best razor of all in terms of flexibility and dealing with different DE blades. The only negative is the head cap and the way blade changes are done, where one has to be careful not to cut themselves, but besides that I would rate it as top dog. ...But remember this is coming from someone who has never used any of the 3 Merkur adjustables.

[StillShaving]

Also, IMO the handle length is not all that important. Overall weight has more influence on the shave experience. I have the barber-pole Merkurs as I preferred they way they looked as compared to the classic handles. But in reality I think the classic works better because the barber-poles are little too heavy for optimal shaving. You can get a great shave with the barberpole handles but it takes just a bit more conscious effort.

[mharris127]

Why spend what you don't have to in the beginning. I would buy a cheap $12 Weishi (which is said to be very mild, I bought one for my nephew's Christmas present last month) or a Gillette (or Schick Krona) off of the Bay and a blade sampler from a reputable dealer, shave with it for six months then if you like DE shaving go ahead and spend $100 plus on a razor and another hundred plus on shaving soaps, aftershave, preshave ointments, brushes, etc. I think you will like DE shaving, but I still don't recommend spending half a week's pay on a starter razor.

[Ski-Patroller]

I have a Futur and two Progress (one at my cabin) I like both and would recommend either one. The only thing I don't like about the Futur is the size of the head. Blade changing and adjustment is easy. IMHO. Both Progress razors are great. Not as interesting as the Futur but they work great and go from mild to fairly wild. No quality issues with any of them.

I also use a Feather AS, and really wish it shaved as well as the Futur and Progress do. My ideal razor would be a Progress made by Feather in AS.

[jcummins]

I have the Mergress and I absolutely Love it. It is my Go To Razor for Most days. Ok, to be honest - it's my only DE Razor; But I love it to the point that I don't feel the need to purchase another DE (yep, no RAD here).

[mollzo-dk]

Welcome to B&B!!!
- I have just started wetshaving as well and like you, I have gone through all the initial reviews and great threads on the forum.

I think if you want an adjustable to start out with, another user said some wise words:



As for adjustables, my recommendation is that if you are new to using a DE, don't get an adjustable. As you're learning your technique, you will constantly be tempted to start changing the setting to try to overcome problems that are technique related. Once you start down the road of changing stuff around, you will be in for a long long trip full of great shaves and great disappointments. Not to mention a little blood here and there.

After a couple of months or when you startgetting consistent DFS's or better, THEN treat yourself to trying an adjustable.

I would definately get myself one of the great non-adjustable razors like Merkur, Muhle og Edwin Jagger. They go for about 30$ so you would still be able to post a WantToBuy in the shavemall for an adjustable! Then you have every opportunity to get a consistent shave with the non-adj. and if things go smoothly, you can change to the adjustable.....

- My 2 cents

Morten

[michiganlover]

From everything I have read, the Vision is a clown razor: it's ridiculously huge. I wouldn't contemplate buying one without holding it in your hands first.

Honestly, based upon everything I have read about it, I think you would be better off with just about any other razor.

Consider buying a vintage Gillette as your first DE razor. They are built like tanks, and available for very reasonable cost.

[ackvil]

From everything I have read, the Vision is a clown razor: it's ridiculously huge. I wouldn't contemplate buying one without holding it in your hands first.

Honestly, based upon everything I have read about it, I think you would be better off with just about any other razor.

Consider buying a vintage Gillette as your first DE razor. They are built like tanks, and available for very reasonable cost.

^ Good advice. I have a slim adjustable and FB. The slim can be found at a reasonable price so you can see if you like adjustables. I am a big fan of adjustables and also have two Mergresses, which I love. They are my favorites. One is the regular sized one and the other the XL. They are more expensive but are worth it, IMO. :thumbup:

[T.Ryan]

Any non-adjustables such as Merkur, Muhle or Edwin Jagger would be my suggestion. Welcome to B&B and enjoy your journey.

[Roobaix]

I used a Vision for 3 years straight. It was always a decent razor, but I stongly prefer other razors at this point. Of those you listed I'd start with a Progress or a Mergress (I want one too). However, they are all very expensive razors. The Vision is overpriced IMO.

But really, if you're just starting out I'd try to find a vintage Gillette Slim or Fatboy if you're deadset on an adjustable. They can be had for far cheaper and they are still great. The Slim is my daily shaver. It's a good size, good weight, mild shave, and just all around nice. They don't make em' like they used to.

I'd also recommend starting with a non-adjustable so you can work on your technique better without introducing too many variables.

[neilt]

I own a vision, fat boy and a super adjustable (the old gillette's I inheirited).

For me, I need an adjustable for headshaving. The vision is an excellent due to the head size for headshaves. The channel at the bottom cleans out really well. NOW, having said that, mine also broke after 2 months use. Merkur is shipping me the part free per email on 12/15, but I have not seen it yet.

There is not enough clear space below the super or fatboy to headshave without taking a lot of time cleaning it.

The vision will also provide good face shaves.

9 times out of 10 I use a Merkur 23c for face only shaves. Cheap, non adjustable. I also use it as a travel razor.

So, get a nice adjustable, but also get a cheap fixed for when you travel. I would bet that you would end up using the fixed most of the time anyway.

I might consider that dressed up Mergress...that looks nice!

[kingfisher]

Don't listen to the guys who say not to start with an adjustable. If you want an adjustable, get an adjustable.

The Gillette Slim is my daily go-to razor. You can get a nice one for about 20 bucks, give or take. I'd recommend going this route.

If you want to get a Merkur, and you want a longer handle, I'd either get the Mergress XL or the Futur. I lean toward the Mergress, but I've never used either one, so take that advice with a huge grain of salt.

[dpm802]

If you're just starting out, I'd advise against an adjustable as your first razor. It will just complicate things for you, and make it that much harder to learn good technique, which is the foundation of a good shave.

Myself, I own several Gillette Slim adjustables, a PAL adjustable injector, and a Merkur Futur which I never use. The only adjustable I have that gets any play at all is my Mergress, but even that is the least active razor in my rotation.

It seems that many people that do shave with adjustables leave them at one setting all the time ... so what's the point in it being adjustable?

Whatever you do, don't make the common Newbie mistake (like I did) of doing too much research before your first shave. Having a razor/brush/soap/cream/blade of any make and model is better than having none at all. And you will learn more about wet-shaving in a week of actually mixing lather and putting blade to face than you will in a year of reading forums.

[alex2363]

slim adjustable. nuff said...you will prob get 85% of members tell u to get one this, so if ur smart you wont rack up ur brains tryin decide. 20 to 40 bucks for a shiny one here or ebay.

[geogecko]

Wow, didn't expect that many responses that fast, thank you all for your time in trying to help a newbie.

Based on all that, I think I am going to eliminate the Vision (even though it looks really cool) and the Futur. There seems to be a wait on the Mergress XL, so I think while I'm on the waiting list, I will pick up a Merkur 34C. Then I'll throw in a mid-range brush (wow, okay, maybe entry level brush), and a blade sample pack.

Hopefully with that, I'll get a few weeks of practice in, before I get the Mergress, and take it from there...

[Casey]

Your call, of course, but I learned with a Slim Adjustable. It's inexpensive (when my original went missing, I replaced it on the Bay for $15) and works with a wide range of blades.

[reyrascon]

Welcome to B&B!

I too am of the opinion that adjustables are not good for newbies. I got the Futur as my first razor and spent too much time fiddling around with the settings, I was so frustrated that I even thought of selling it. I then got an HD, got better at my technique, and now I absolutely love the Futur. I do use the different settings, I start out with a 4-6 for the WTG pass, then go down to 2-3 for XTG/ATG.

As far as a brush, if you can afford a mid range brush go with that. I bought an Omega pure badger for about $25, and now I never use it. If you can swing $70 for a brush these would be a good way to go: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Finest-Badger_c_74.html.

[michiganlover]

It seems that many people that do shave with adjustables leave them at one setting all the time ... so what's the point in it being adjustable?

My Super Adjustable has been set at 3 since the day I got it. This makes it basically as aggressive as a typical Superspeed. In a nutshell, since I don't use the adjustment at all, it's simply a long handled Superspeed. :biggrin1::lol::lol:

[Chester]

The Gillette Slim is my daily go-to razor. You can get a nice one for about 20 bucks, give or take. I'd recommend going this route.

+1. I always seem to come back to the slim. I have a couple extras laying around. If you're interested, shoot me a PM.

If you want to go with something new, forget the "mergress" for the time being and just get the "progress". I do like my progress, but I have a lot of razors in rotation and it doesn't always get the face-time that the others do. If you decide you like it, you can always get Mer's modification down the road.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet

[kingfisher]

I'll be the contrary voice, again, about adjustables. Just because it CAN be adjusted doesn't mean it HAS to be adjusted. If a newbie has the tiniest amount of restraint, he could start with it on 2 or 3 and keep it there while he hones his technique. Then, he could open it up a little and find out what he likes. It doesn't automatically introduce another variable; you have to FORCE it to adjust. Just set it and forget for the first few weeks, and after that you have the freedom to see whether you prefer a mild or a more aggressive razor.

Finally, not everybody with an adjustable uses their razor as a non-adjustable. I adjust mine with EVERY SHAVE. I do the first pass on 6 and subsequent passes on 3. Every day. I like it that way. So, the adjustability factor is important to ME.

[Go West Young Man]

Having an adjustable just gives you 9 more settings to fiddle with and 9 more opportunities to mess yourself up a bit.

But let's be honest. You're going to fiddle and experiment with something no matter how much we tell you not to, that's what guys do. If it's not the razor, it'll be blades or soaps or brushes. So I say go for it. Since you're going to anyways :)

[geogecko]

LOL, that is funny, and so true. I'm waiting on a response from West Coast Shaving, and I'll be placing my order. I will eventually get the Mergress XL, but right now, am going to go for the Merkur 34C, a Simpson Colonel X2L, an extended sample pack of blades, and of course, a RazoRock, for when the damage is done...

Thanks for all the great advice. I can't wait to get started.

[geogecko]

Oh, and I also agree, that just because it is adjustable, doesn't mean it needs to be adjusted while learning. My plan was to get an adjustable, and set it on 1.5 or something, until I started getting the technique down, then maybe start to play with opening it up, after a month or two.

[reyrascon]

Oh, and I also agree, that just because it is adjustable, doesn't mean it needs to be adjusted while learning. My plan was to get an adjustable, and set it on 1.5 or something, until I started getting the technique down, then maybe start to play with opening it up, after a month or two.

Haha, you say that now but as soon as you have a shave you are not happy with you will start to doubt the current setting. Maybe if I turn it up a notch...

[neilt]

I think your off to a good start with a 34c. But get an adjustable if you want one...your not going to hurt yourself.

My first DE shave was my vision on about 4, no cuts. Seriously, wiping your rear right is harder than DE shaving once you get the hang of it

[salazch12]

try the merkur progress. or a gillette fatboy. I would highly recommend NOT using an adjustable as your first DE though. you need to learn your face and your technique and its hard to do that with an adjustable. Id suggest something like a edwin jagger de89 or a parker 90r.