First shave with a Progress

**Diggity** · 02-16-2008, 11:35 PM

I have been using a long handled black Gillette for the past month shaving. I bought a Progress, put it on number 3 and nicked myself up pretty good and cut myself pretty good. I might stick with the Gillette. How long would you guys give the Progress? Was 3 to agressive?

**Barbelus maximus** · 02-17-2008, 12:24 AM

My first DE was a progress and I loved it - still do. 3 is usually very mild. One of the mistakes I made was not tightening it right down before opening it back up, you are doing this right? I don't have a Gillette so can't comment but the blade angles may be different. You could try winding it down tight, making sure that the markers on the head align correctly and see how you go.

**priisholm** · 02-17-2008, 04:04 AM

I'm still a DE rookie myself and the Progress is in fact my first DE razor, but I've heard that it needs a somewhat different blade angle compared to a lot of other razors; this, together with a too aggressive setting, could be your problem, coming from a Gillette.
I bought the Merkur Progress by recommendation by a good friend; had I read more posts in this forum, I'd probably had bought a Merkur Classic or HD for starters instead - less options means less to worry about, which is nice when you're just starting out, but now I'm actually quite happy with it. I'm beginning to explore the different adjustment options for different passes, and I can see that this razor will eventually become a powerfull tool as I become more experienced.

I'd suggest you go a bit easy on the setting - 1.5 or perhaps 2 for a start, and then pay extra attention to your blade-angle. And, as Paul suggests, be sure the markers on the head align correctly.

Don't ditch your Progress just yet; it might not be a razor for everybody, but at least give it another chance.

Best regards,
Kenneth

VR6ofpain · 02-17-2008, 12:25 PM

When I shave with my Fatboy or Slim, I set them to 4. When I shave with my Progress I set it to 2. I get far superior shaves with my Progress.

**Must Dash** · 02-17-2008, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by VR6ofpain

When I shave with my Fatboy or Slim, I set them to 4. When I shave with my Progress I set it to 2. I get far superior shaves with my Progress.

I'm happy to second that. I get better results with my Progress (actually a Mergress) than the Fatboy. I set the Progress to 3, and pretty much leave it there. I think it's a great razor and, given time, you'll probably get the results you are after.

Cheers

Jeremy

**MotoMike** · 02-17-2008, 06:49 PM

I usually have my Progress on 3. are you making sure to align the marks? If not it might be that you are actually more aggressive than you think. and I second that it is good to dial it down tight and see if it is on one. if not no biggy so long as you know where you are starting. I think I too am leaning towards the Progress being the best shaver I have.

**johnniegold** · 02-17-2008, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by MotoMike

I usually have my Progress on 3. are you making sure to align the marks? If not it might be that you are actually more aggressive than you think. and I second that it is good to dial it down tight and see if it is on one. if not no biggy so long as you know where you are starting. I think I too am leaning towards the Progress being the best shaver I have.

So important that the line on the razor cap and the triangle on the razor head match or else your alignment will be off.

With the setting on 3, it should not be very aggressive.

**Timmy!** · 02-17-2008, 07:01 PM

I have yet to try and give up my 38c. One of these days, I think I will upgrade to an adjustable! Good luck with the Progress!

**alb** · 02-17-2008, 08:13 PM

I went in the reverse direction -- from a Progress to a Slim. I found 3 to be way too aggressive; typically I leave it on 1 or 1.5. However, I also use the Gillette on 2. YMMV; tough beard and sensitive skin here.

**Diggity** · 02-17-2008, 09:55 PM

Shit. Thanks guys. I need to line up my marks and make sure that my razor is on a 1.5 to a 2.0. Funny how the directions don't explain all of this. Thanks!

VR6ofpain · 02-18-2008, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Diggity

Shit. Thanks guys. I need to line up my marks and make sure that my razor is on a 1.5 to a 2.0. Funny how the directions don't explain all of this. Thanks!

Mine came with some instructions in German, with pictures. It showed how you needed to align them.

**Haiku** · 02-18-2008, 03:04 PM

I need to set my fatboys at 7 or 8 to get anything like a good shave. I set my progress at 1.5 for an even closer shave than I get with the fatboy. My progress zeros just to the left of 1.

**razercat** · 02-18-2008, 03:19 PM

I use my Progress or Mregress at about 2

Eddie

**skydivemd** · 02-18-2008, 03:37 PM

I started out with the short black handled Gillette Super Adjustable before purchasing a Progress. They are very, very different beasts (IMHO) as far as angle of approach to your face.

The best advice I may be able to offer, in addition to the good advice above, is to choose one and use it consistently until you can get really excellent shaves with it. This will establish your technique and increase your comfort level with wielding the razor (angle, length of shave stroke). After you are comfortable with one, then the learning curve for the other razor will be much less steep.

Patience, luck, and a styptic pencil are your friend.

Rick

**Haiku** · 02-19-2008, 08:54 AM

Rick: I think your advice is right on the money, and I hate to say this, but I disagree with one point you made. Luck has nothing to do with getting a good shave with a progress or any other razor. Patience yes, but luck, no, not at all. It's a skill that can be learned, and learned rather easily with some patience.

I have had some luck though with shaving: the good luck of stumbling across this forum.

**Diggity** · 02-19-2008, 09:11 AM

Well, the 2nd shave was FANTASTIC! put the setting on 1.5, made sure everything was lined up, and changed my angle. By far, the BEST shave I have gotten with a DE. No irritation, one little nick, and everything felt wonderful. Thanks, guys!

**Haiku** · 02-19-2008, 02:54 PM

Another convert to the progress! Great news.

**skydivemd** · 02-19-2008, 03:03 PM

Thank you, Ontario. And in this forum I believe everyone should have the right to (tactfully & respectfully) disagree, so no reason to worry.

In my case, luck generally has more to do with no person or animal barging into the bathroom whilst I'm trying to shave.

To echo your sentiment, I do agree that the continual pursuit of knowledge, comfort and skill with a safety razor is indeed something that takes time and patience.

Rick

Originally Posted by Ontario

Rick: I think your advice is right on the money, and I hate to say this, but I disagree with one point you made. Luck has nothing to do with getting a good shave with a progress or any other razor. Patience yes, but luck, no, not at all. It's a skill that can be learned, and learned rather easily with some patience.

I have had some luck though with shaving: the good luck of stumbling across this forum.

**skydivemd** · 02-19-2008, 03:05 PM

Diggity, very happy to hear the good news!

**MotoMike** · 02-19-2008, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by skydivemd

Thank you, Ontario. And in this forum I believe everyone should have the right to (tactfully & respectfully) disagree, so no reason to worry.

In my case, luck generally has more to do with no person or animal barging into the bathroom whilst I'm trying to shave.

To echo your sentiment, I do agree that the continual pursuit of knowledge, comfort and skill with a safety razor is indeed something that takes time and patience.

Rick

Makin your own luck

forgive the Hi-Jack