HD to Progress?

[atison]

Ok, so the HD is gone and I am moving on. Always wanted to try a progress but would like to know if it shaves similar to the HD on a given setting? Head size similar in regards to getting around the nose? Would be nice to be able to start with something familiar then play with the settings from there.

Anyone else go from an HD to Progress care to chime in?

Another potential direction would be the slant. I like the concept as I typically shave at a bit of an angle to facilitate the slicing action.

Decisions decisions.

[StuMcB]

IMHO the HD is a better razor than the progress. I found the short handle a little too thick and stubby and the long handle....well just a little too long. The head fits under my schnozle well and it shaves really well. However there are occassions that the balde has one side giving aggresive shaves while the other side is quite mild.. It's got good balance but for me in the 6 Merkur line up I have the HD is the one I go for.

[dpmtherrien]

I too think the HD is a better razor, but if you're looking to try something different, take a look at the Merkur 1904. I went from the HD to that one, and now its my go to DE.

[Sledgehammer39]

I like my Progress better than my HD. Unfortunately, the Progress does not have a unified/consistent adjustment like the good old trusty Gillette Adjustables. My Progress will have a different blade gap than another persons Progress on setting 3. For me my Progress imitates the HD's agression on setting 2-3.

[dpm802]

If you get a Progress, be sure to get the upgraded version, a merGress ... the enhancement adds extra weight and balance and makes a world of difference.

I have both a merGress and an HD, and the HD sees a lot more use. I've tried quite a few adjustables, and I keep going back to fixed-head razors for the simple reason that they seem to shave better.

If you liked your HD that much, buy another one, or get something similar like an EJ 89xx ... the EJs have a better fit and finish, and are widely available at a slightly lower price than the HD.

If you go with a Slant, don't make it your only razor ... the Slant seems to do its best work when it has lots of whiskers to harvest, so I reserve mine for days when I have 3 or more days worth of stubble built up. I would recommend the Slant (with Feather blades) and another HD, Tech, EJ-89xx or similar with whatever brand of blade works best for you.

[dpm802]

I like my Progress better than my HD. Unfortunately, the Progress does not have a unified/consistent adjustment like the good old trusty Gillette Adjustables. My Progress will have a different blade gap than another persons Progress on setting 3. For me my Progress imitates the HD's agression on setting 2-3.Here is a mantic video where he describes how to calibrate your Progress so that it will zero out properly, and be in sync with others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FZvMmuX_GE

[Sledgehammer39]

Here is a mantic video where he describes how to calibrate your Progress so that it will zero out properly, and be in sync with others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FZvMmuX_GE

Thanks for the link, watched it a long time ago. I have no issues with my Progress, yet.. :lol:

[Sledgehammer39]

Ok so we all know that the progress's adjustment doesn't zero out at 1. I don't think thats a problem since it doesn't have any affect on the adjustability or the mechanism of the razor. the question is, How does it shave? smooth? rough? etc.

This is just my opinion but the Progress just feels nice and smooth. I use the Progress to test various blades which I have not used.

[StuMcB]

Yep cant denie the progress shave very smooth.

[Comfortably_Numb]

Ok so we all know that the progress's adjustment doesn't zero out at 1. I don't think thats a problem since it doesn't have any affect on the adjustability or the mechanism of the razor. the question is, How does it shave? smooth? rough? etc.

I'll let you know when mine gets back from being fitted with a BRW :ihih:

[global_dev]

what about a slant in the same length?

[alex2363]

The HD was better for me too. The progress just didn't cut it for me, I sold it.

[demcav]

I have a 3 razor routine that includes, both, a Mergress and an HD. I start with the most agressive razor for the 1st pass, followed by a slightly less agressive razor for pass 2, and follow that with my least agressive razor for 3rd pass. The following is my routine:
1st pass - Mergress (set to 4 1/2)
2nd pass - Merkur HD
3rd pass - EJ89

[demcav]

isn't it just easier to turn down the progress for 2nd and 3rd pass?

My long handle Mergress (at the higher setting) gives me a closer 1st pass, but I prefer the lighter, more nimble quality of the HD and EJ89 for the successive passes, including touch up.