Need a new Razor

D

db

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
3,762
Have been useing a Gillette ajustable set on 3 for a long time. By a long time I mean about 8 years. Well I dropped it one to many times and now it's broken. I'm just starting to look around the net for a nw razor and need a little help. Any suggestions?
 
Another Gillette adjustable? Which one did you have, slim, faboy, Super adjustable? I have slims and a super adjustable, they are both great shavers. If you like the number 3 setting maybe try a 40's style super speed, non adjustable but gives a very similar shave to that setting. Maybe your razor can be fixed or adjusted. What's wrong with it? I have fixed a few of them now, one so bad it wouldn't even open!


-Xander
 
pretty sure it would be a slim. I have another one that is fatter, I don't like it as much as the slimmer one. The gate on one side fell off. I can get it back on but it dosen't stay on correctly. I think something is bent or just off a little. I've been looking at new and not used. Still looking so if there are any other suggestions please give them. Would a Gillette setting of 3 be considered mild?
 
Yes, setting of 3 is mild. Maybe a merkur? I don't know much about the new razors, but if ya want to get rid of your vintage ones, shoot me an email.


-Xander
 
If you like a mild razor, look at the Merkur line as fast14riot mentioned and the Edwin Jagger razor line. If you would like to stick with vintage, another adjustable or a 40s style Superspeed, maybe even a Tech from the same era.
 
I like my Merkur 38c I don't think it's all that aggressive, but feather blades give a close shave fairly easily.
 
I forgot I had a must be fairly old, Gillette 3 piece. Handle unscrews and the 2 top pieces come off, to change the blade. Used it today and it seems like a harsher shave than the ajustable at 3. Wondering could this be due to weight? It is alot lighter than the ajustable. I've been looking hard at the Progress ajustable. I do like the idea of setting it to the level I like.
 
Too bad about your Slim, that's my favorite razor. There are plenty of them on the big auction site. Have you considered modern versions? I own the Merkur Progress and at 2.5 (approximate) it gives a terrific shave on this tough old beard.
 
db said:
I forgot I had a must be fairly old, Gillette 3 piece. Handle unscrews and the 2 top pieces come off, to change the blade. Used it today and it seems like a harsher shave than the ajustable at 3. Wondering could this be due to weight? It is alot lighter than the ajustable. I've been looking hard at the Progress ajustable. I do like the idea of setting it to the level I like.
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The modern adjustable razors are few and far between - Merkur Vision, Futur, and Progress.

The Vision and Futur are very heavy razors. . .Vision = 5.5 oz (155 g) and Futur = 4+ oz ounces (122 grams). The Progress comes in at 3.5 oz (100 grams). Then there is the Mergress, which is a modified Progress. The Progress had/has a reputation for uneven adjustments, so someone came up with a fix. Pricing. . .Vision = $155, Futur = $79, Progress = $65, and Mergress = $115 - $125 (only one dealer carries them and is generally out of stock). You can also purchase a Progress and send it to the gentleman doing the mods. I think he charges $35 - $45 (price doesn't include shipping costs).

I had a Futur and Mergress. Superb razors and preferred the Mergress over the Futur. I looked at the Vision, but way, way too big.

OR. . . . .

There are plenty of adjustable razors (vintage types) on the Bay.
 
db said:
I forgot I had a must be fairly old, Gillette 3 piece. Handle unscrews and the 2 top pieces come off, to change the blade. Used it today and it seems like a harsher shave than the ajustable at 3. Wondering could this be due to weight? It is alot lighter than the ajustable. I've been looking hard at the Progress ajustable. I do like the idea of setting it to the level I like.
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If it is an open comb it would be one of three types, Old, New Standard/Improved, or New. If it is closed comb its a Tech and if you are finding that harsh than you have either a bad blade, something is bent on the razor, or you are experiencing some bad technique:eek:

Old Type: blade posts and rounded base
5770145502_06b3c544ba_z.jpg


New Standard/Improved: Still had blade posts, but the base is machined flat
Gillette_NEW_Standard_01_01.jpg


New: No blade posts, machined head with a groove and matching tab in cap to hold the blade in place. Also has a different comb than the New Standard and Old Type
Gillette_NEW_02.jpg


Tech: Closed comb, pressed metal head. There are some British open comb techs out there, but I haven't seen too many this side of the pond. There are also older and newer techs. Pre WWII had triangular holes in the base, while newer ones have rectangular holes.
Gillette_Tech02.jpg


Each of these razors come with different handle options, some more common than others, but you can tell the type just by looking at the head. there are some minor head variations in each type, like the goodwills, but the basics are the same

If you want to go with a modern adjustable, then I don't think there is much else to choose from other than the Merkur offerings. Many people love them so they can't be bad, I just don't know first hand:o
 
Thanks everyone some great info. I'll have to try a different blade in that 3 piece. Maybe harsh was the wrong term. It seemed to pull more than cut. I'm really about ready to pull the trigger on the Progress. Gig does the ajustment on the Progress move as you use it? Can you set it and forget it? My Gillette clicks into place and will not move unless I move it myself. I think it has been in the same place for over 3 years.I'm already missing my slim.
 
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Truth is I'm not a real big fan of the Bay. However I'm thinking about the Progress and the Merkur Slant. Yeah I know the Slant is not an ajustable. Pretty sure the Tech I have was harsh because of the blade, dull. Put in a good blade and it shaved ok, but wasn't very close. Anyone have a Slant and a Progress or any other opinions on any DE?
 
db said:
Gig does the ajustment on the Progress move as you use it? Can you set it and forget it? My Gillette clicks into place and will not move unless I move it myself. I think it has been in the same place for over 3 years.I'm already missing my slim.
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You set it and it stays set (unless you make an adjustment).


db said:
Truth is I'm not a real big fan of the Bay. However I'm thinking about the Progress and the Merkur Slant. Yeah I know the Slant is not an ajustable. Pretty sure the Tech I have was harsh because of the blade, dull. Put in a good blade and it shaved ok, but wasn't very close. Anyone have a Slant and a Progress or any other opinions on any DE?
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True, the Bay can be a tricky thing when it comes to vintage razors.

I have the Merkur 39C Slant. Absolutely awesome razor. I have sensitive skin and was worried about purchasing one - reports/reviews claimed it to be an aggressive razor. I found it to be a mild razor, but extremely, extremely efficient.
 
GigOne thanks for the info. It is looking like the Progress is going to win by default as everyplace I've been looking the Slants are out of stock.
 
Well I ordered the Progress. It should be here by the end of the week. I switched from useing the Tech to the Fatboy and like the Fatboy better. Funny thing is I find that I get about the same shave with the Fatboy set at 4 as I did with the Slim set at 3. I'm really starting to like this Fatboy.
 
Good luck with the Progress, db. Very nice razor.

The Tech is a good razor, but very, very mild.

Yeah, the settings between a Fatboy and Slim are one off - Fatboy one setting higher than the Slim. Fatboys are amazing razors.
 
Well I had my first shave with the Progress set right about at 2. All I can say is I love it. Yup I know it has only been one shave but a smooth and easy one it was. I guess I am one that doesn't do well with mild razors as the Tech is my least favorite of the few I have used. I really liked the two Gillettes, Slim at 3, Fatboy at 4, and this Progress at 2.
 
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Congrats DB. I have a Tech and have to really play with the angle, not with the Progress. I stay around 2.5 and it give the best shave I've ever had. On the adjustments and settings, the numbers are relative. The most important thing is to make sure the mark on the head matches the arrow on the body, otherwise the geometry's all off and won't shave very well. BTW - on my Slim as a comparison I use it at 7 for the first three passes and 3 for the last final tune. Good luck! :)
 
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