Merkur Adjustables

**georgekaplan1** · 04-18-2011, 11:43 AM

I don't have an adjustable yet in my collection, so I am looking to add one.

Progress
Vision
Futur

Which do you like the most? What are the pro's and con's of each? I have heard that the Progress has alignment issues with its adjustment knob. Has anyone experienced this?

**bobfarvour** · 04-18-2011, 11:46 AM

I have used the Futur and the Progress and the Futur wins that contest.
I get simply fantastic shaves from the Futur, paired with a Bluebird blade.
Only the 39C Slant provides competition.

**Wetshavemike** · 04-18-2011, 12:05 PM

I have a polished chrome Futur and I love it. It was my first razor, and I have since bought an HD, EJ89, Fatboy and a Gillette New. While I have little experience with adjustables, I have no issues with the Futur and I would buy it again. The Fatboy gives me better shaves though.

**noahpictures** · 04-18-2011, 12:11 PM

I wasn't impressed with the Progress and sold it. Out of twenty DE razors (both vintage and modern) that I have owned, the Futur is the best performing DE razor. BTW the Gillette Slim adjustable is a great razor too.

**bakerbarber** · 04-18-2011, 01:26 PM

Out of the three- the Futur is the best.

The Progress is very nice.

The VISION is just awkward, large, and inconsistent. I just don't understand why it's so big and clumsy. Even in the latest 'How it's Made' episode the one they showed a guy shaving with looked like the blade gap was uneven. When I saw the plastic bushings and assembly I can see why they have problems and mixed reviews. I was playing with mine the other day and it's just got loose toleranes. Unless you wear a mustache it's almost impossible to shave under your nose with it.

The flip top on the Futur turned me off for a long time. I just recently acquired my Futur and have had some of the cleanest and smoothest, AND consistent shaves with it.

A vintage Gillette Slim or Fat Boy are great if you can get a decent one that was taken care of.

For the money, if yo want to buy a brand new modern adjustble razor a Futur is it.

**jgkeegan** · 04-18-2011, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by georgekaplan1

I don't have an adjustable yet in my collection, so I am looking to add one.

Progress
Vision
Futur

Which do you like the most? What are the pro's and con's of each? I have heard that the Progress has alignment issues with its adjustment knob. Has anyone experienced this?

I have had all three and loved them all. I sold the VISION to a B&Ber but that was a tough decision and he now loves that razor.

The adjustment indicator in the Progress is not properly aligned but most people can adjust (no pun) to the alignment variation. It's like looking at an old clock that is 5-minutes fast. You can handle it.

--james

**ackvil** · 04-18-2011, 01:34 PM

I did not like the Futur and sold it. I found it very hard to hold when my hands are wet. Plus, the head was too large and bulky for me - but not as big as the Vision. I also did not like the clip on cap or the way you adjusted the razor (as I recall you had to hold the head - where the blade was - to adjust it.) It provided decent shaves - but was never one for me.

The Progress I liked more and really liked it when it became a Mergress. My only complaint - as is true with all of the three razors - is that it is difficult to hold when your hands are wet. However, I have two of these and they give me the best shaves of any of my razors.

**Sledgehammer39** · 04-18-2011, 02:04 PM

Out of the Merkur adjustable family I really like the Progress the best.

**Sparafucile** · 04-18-2011, 04:48 PM

+1 for the Futur. My daily razor.

**georgekaplan1** · 04-19-2011, 07:55 AM

For the Futur, is there any noticeable difference between the polished and satin finishes as far as grip while shaving, changing blades, etc?

I also just realized...I need an open comb razor for my collection. So, I will have to start looking into those as well.

**Omaha-BeenGlockin** · 04-19-2011, 08:15 AM

The polished one is a bit slippery compared to the satin one--just rinse any soap of your hand and rub it on your skivvies for a quick dry.

The satin one is quite grippy actually.

**jtb** · 04-19-2011, 08:19 AM

I have a futur and love it, my best shaves come from that razor no matter what blade I use. I do have a Progress coming today or tomorrow.

**taffy** · 04-19-2011, 08:20 AM

I have the futur and progress, and once you get used to a futur you will get awesome shaves from it, the progress is quite mild compared to it.

**Ski-Patroller** · 04-19-2011, 11:09 AM

I have a Futur and a Progress at home and at our Cabin. I like both, but use the Futur more, so I must like it better

.

I have the Futur in both Satin and Polished. I prefer the Satin.

**le01** · 04-20-2011, 01:41 PM

You should try a vintage Gillette adjustable. There is currently a PIF for a Slim.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=202924
Enter and try your luck.

**georgekaplan1** · 04-20-2011, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by le01

You should try a vintage Gillette adjustable. There is currently a PIF for a Slim.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=202924
Enter and try your luck.

Thanks for the heads-up! I have entered. Wish me luck (unless any of you have entered as well, then I can understand not wishing me luck).

**tbress** · 04-20-2011, 02:04 PM

I just upgraded to a Futur. It is my first adjustable so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it is giving me great shaves. Much closer than my 38C.

**imabel2** · 04-20-2011, 04:06 PM

I have been shaving with the Merkur Futur for the past couple of weeks and it is now my go to razor. I have sold almost all my other razors because this one just works with every blade I own. I had the Progress (converted to a Mergress) which was quite a good razor. I have owned almost every Gillette adjustable made in the past 55 years of shaving. I will buy another Futur or maybe two to send to my sons, and maybe a spare for myself.

I have yet to draw blood with this beauty and I get fantastic DFS/BBS shaves. Love the design and the method of maintaining solid adjustments. Some think the head to large, others complain about the method of blade replacement, or adjustment - but most of it is bunk. I am in my 70's and this is so easy Ray Charles could change blades, adjust, and shave with this without getting cut.

If this razor slips from your hands while shaving you are a sloppy shaver. Yes it will slip with lather on your mitts and or the handle of the razor. I don't care where you hold this instrument, but if you allow the weight of the head to do the work it is great and the balance is awesome. The Futur just provides clean, comfortable, smooth shaves day-after-day. YMMV and yes YMMV, but do yourself a favor and give this one a chance. It will amaze you!

Mike

**penmanship** · 04-20-2011, 04:14 PM

I have a progress coming so I can't speak to that one yet, but I do have a Futur & love it ! Bolzano blade, 3.5 for the first 2 passes, dialed down to 2.0 for the final pass..................BBS everytime!

**Ski-Patroller** · 04-20-2011, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by imabel2

I have been shaving with the Merkur Futur for the past couple of weeks and it is now my go to razor. I have sold almost all my other razors because this one just works with every blade I own. I had the Progress (converted to a Mergress) which was quite a good razor. I have owned almost every Gillette adjustable made in the past 55 years of shaving. I will buy another Futur or maybe two to send to my sons, and maybe a spare for myself.

I have yet to draw blood with this beauty and I get fantastic DFS/BBS shaves. Love the design and the method of maintaining solid adjustments. Some think the head to large, others complain about the method of blade replacement, or adjustment - but most of it is bunk. I am in my 70's and this is so easy Ray Charles could change blades, adjust, and shave with this without getting cut.

If this razor slips from your hands while shaving you are a sloppy shaver. Yes it will slip with lather on your mitts and or the handle of the razor. I don't care where you hold this instrument, but if you allow the weight of the head to do the work it is great and the balance is awesome. The Futur just provides clean, comfortable, smooth shaves day-after-day. YMMV and yes YMMV, but do yourself a favor and give this one a chance. It will amaze you!

Mike

+1

Fits my feelings about the Futur as well.