Semi-Newbie Looking for New Razor - What is an adjustable razor

[christopherh]

I have be wet shaving with much success for about 3 months with a Merkur Classic and want to upgrade to something a little nicer. The Classic seems too light and the handle is too short IMHO.

I have my eyes on the 38C but was curious about the Progress. Being new to wet shaving, I don't understand how an adjustable razor works.

Can someone enlighten me?

[wchnu]

Glad you are getting those good shaves... An adjustable allows you to vary the amout of blade exposed, giving a more aggressive or milder shave. That is the simple answer. I imagine someone will explain it like Rocket Science before long..


Fuzzy

[scottydoint]

I haven't used merkur adj. but I love my slim adj. Here is a picture of the instructions for it http://www.mr-razor.com/Anleitungen/1961%20Slim%20Var.2.jpg

[JDE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VClPqPMro4

Mantic says it better than i ever could. FWIW, the Progress is my favourite razor - i imagine you would like the extra weight, although i think you may still dislike the short handle.
I personally never liked the Futur or the Vision, but they have a lot of fans.


Maybe look for a vintage Gillette?

[lamontqsanford]

+1 on the Gillette slim adjustable. I have both a fat-boy and slim adjustable. The fatboy, in my opinion, was too short. The slim adjustable fits me perfectly

[studman46]

Go to the head of the class. Get a Merkur 39c slant on a barberpole. You'll be glad you did IMHO.

[christopherh]

You guys at B&B are the best! I ask a question and within an hour, I have so many great replies!

I was really leaning towards the 38C but after watching mantic's video, I'm thinking I may want to give the Progress a try instead (even if the handle is a little shorter than I'd like).

Decisions... decisions...

As far as getting a used Gillette goes... the thought kind of creeps me out. I don't know why, but using someone else's razor seems odd to me. Am I off base?

[whiskerlips]

And if you don't like the plastic knob on the progress you can spend a little extra and get the stainless steel knob. They are available at Lee's.

[wchnu]

When you clean and sterialize a vintage razor... there is nothing better . IMO
it is like using a fork that someone has used before. Clean it and it is good as new. And to me it is an extra part of the experiance.. Kinda like having a classic car.

Fuzzy

[christopherh]

When you clean and sterialize a vintage razor... there is nothing better . IMO
it is like using a fork that someone has used before. Clean it and it is good as new. And to me it is an extra part of the experiance.. Kinda like having a classic car.

Fuzzy
Well, that makes me feel a little less creeped out by it. Is there a recommended way to clean vintage razors?

Just checking what's available on ebay as far as vintage razors go... I see a 1962 and 1966 Gillette Slim Adjustable that look pretty decent. Are there any differences in years that I should know about or is it mere personal preference?

[wchnu]

there are several threads on how to clean them. Look over in the safty razor area. As far as years go I like older. YMMV those 60 models are just fine. Some will tell you to stick with the new stuff... I think most here prefer vintage.. oh and check out the Buy/Sell/Trade here.. lots of really good deals on stuff.. I saw some really nice slim adjustables there abit back. Better then ebay most the time.

Fuzzy

PS ignore all the bad spelling..
here is the thread on cleaning I think
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=30131

[dpm802]

Well, that makes me feel a little less creeped out by it. Is there a recommended way to clean vintage razors?

Just checking what's available on ebay as far as vintage razors go... I see a 1962 and 1966 Gillette Slim Adjustable that look pretty decent. Are there any differences in years that I should know about or is it mere personal preference?

The prices on eBay are generally higher than than they should be. Plus, a lot of the sellers on eBay don't really know what they are selling, so the razor you receive may not be as described.

Check out the Buy-Sell-Trade forums here. The members here have some great stuff to offer, and they are up front and accurate in the descriptions. I've picked up several items here and I'm very pleased with all of them, both the products I purchased, the prices I payed (most quoted prices include CONUS shipping,) but most especially the friendly, personal service of the members that sold the items to me.

As for info about the years, check out the Gillette chart in the B&B Wiki: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

[alabamalawyer]

If you go with a Progress you can buy a Mergress from Leesrazors or contact the guy directly though B&B and see all the available options he has http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10173. I have one and it is a great razor and looks much better with his modification.

[christopherh]

One thing I never liked about the Progress is the plastic handle... The Mergress is pretty sweet looking...

[lamontqsanford]

One more suggestion is to check with some of your friends, relatives etc for older Gillette's. My father in law is 67 years old and is a pack rat. He doesn't throw anything away. I found a couple older Gillette he just refused to throw away. Best part they didn't cost me a dime. As far as cleaning them there as several methods that have already been discussed here.

[scottydoint]

When using an old gillette I never have thought about someone else using it and probably never will.

[wchnu]

When using an old gillette I never have thought about someone else using it and probably never will.

As I recall you could prolly hook him up with a nice adj.

[L. Martino]

I haven't used merkur adj. but I love my slim adj. Here is a picture of the instructions for it [IMG961%2IMG]
Hi Scotty,
Those instructions are excellent. You mind if I use that pic as a guide? I'll be sure to give you full credit......heh.
This is pretty handy, and thanks for posting the info.
Martin

[christopherh]

I checked out the Gillettes that are being sold on B&B... Man, those things go quick!

[scottydoint]

Hi Scotty,
Those instructions are excellent. You mind if I use that pic as a guide? I'll be sure to give you full credit......heh.
This is pretty handy, and thanks for posting the info.
Martin

I got that picture from the Instructions sticky in the safety razor forum. Mr-razor posted that one. I do have the instructions for a slim though.:cool:

[L. Martino]

I got that picture from the Instructions sticky in the safety razor forum. Mr-razor posted that one. I do have the instructions for a slim though.:cool:
Thanks for the info Scotty,
Hehe, I have those same instructions, but can't take pics of em. This will save me those thousand words you hear so much about.
Martin