Some people do not like the plastic dial on the “Merkur Progress” and swap it with a metallic one. A matter of personal taste. This plastic dial brings back memories of my childhood in the 60's. This kind of creme-colour plastic was used almost everywhere in the 50’s and 60’s, they were so popular in Europe. I remember knobs of old radios, of vinyl-disk players, of our first tv, of car dashboards and plenty of other things with exactly these milky yellowish plastic dials and knobs. In this sense it is definitely a real vintage item. Without it, the “Progress” would lose its authenticity. Keep in mind: even if the “Merkur Progress” is still produced and available today, it came on the market in the 50’s, like the famous “Gillette Fatboy”.
I hated the knob, makes the razor look cheap. I soaked mine in black fabric dye and it looks much better. But I also have the Mergress, and Opgress metal knobs.
I tried a few cheap $40 range adjustable razors and the mechanicals sucked on all of them. I have a 1966 Gillette Slim L4 on the way and couldn't be more excited.
Hi Matt, Adjustable's are great for shaving areas where you get razor burn as you can dial it down for say the neck area. I find the Merkur can catch on the face if not careful and gives a cut. Very rarely use any of my other razors. Slim wins every day for me. Cheers, Steve in Scotland.
I was going to get the Murkur Progress being it was new as I was on the fence about trying to find a decent used Gillette Fat Boy or Slim. Coming back to DE after a decade of cartridge shaving even my cheap $9.99 Gillette 7' O Clock DE razor (Gillette still makes cheap DE three piece plastic razors with chrome looking heads marketed for overseas and Russia) that I bought to experiment with blows cartridge shaving out of the water so I knew whatever I got would work regardless. However I ended up finding a Gillette Adjustable Slim with a date code of N4 for like $39.99 never used (even had original paper work and not even a nick) from an estate and went with that and ended up buying another one (N2). No complaints. Adjustable razors allows one to change the mild to aggressiveness (I think 7-9 setting on a Gillette Fat Boy/Slim is equal to the Gillette Red Tip aggressiveness from what I read on forums) which is what I like about them. Those on the fence...I can't recommend DE shaving enough. Even on my first shave back to DE shaving after like 9 years it was a night and day difference...only one "my fault" nick with the Gillette 7 'O Clock DE blade (in the yellow packing) and nothing else. My Mach 3 Cartridge razor even with a new cartridge would be tugging, pulling, nicks, redness, and razor burns no matter how careful I shaved that I would shave the night before or two hours before work so the red razor burn would fade away, and little room to move the razor around as the head is in a fix position pretty much. I know a slew of guys that have grown beards only because they hate shaving because of the horrible shaves cartridge razors give, and are now only learning about DE shaving as most stores in the USA only sell cartridge based razors (Fusion and Mach 3 seem to be the big marked ones). Plus with DE razors you can get blades for like $0.20 cents a blade to $0.30 for the Feather types compared to buying a pack of eight of the Mach 3 cartridge razors a Target for $22.00 each and having to push very last horrible shave out of them so not to go broke buying razor blades lol.
Matt, I have both of these razors... I like them both, I really do... The Merkur can be adjusted just right, since their is no definitive spot or click when dialing it as you say here... I usually put the Progress on 2.75 to 3 if I have a couple days growth and if I would use it on a daily basis 2 to 2.25..... The Slim at 4 or 5 max if I have 2 plus days and for daily on 3.... If I had to pick one probably a tie because they both have their good points and advantages and disadvantages but the Slim is easier to use as you said........Love watching your channel, great job, agree with everything you said here...! Greg
This video is great and very relevant to those who shave DE. Keep up the good work! The only thing missing was in the Pros for the Progress. It is a Pro that it can be adjusted mid shave without opening or loosening the razor head. I am on team Slim, but am happy to acknowledge all of the.advantages of the competition. For some, the Progress is the right razor, more power to them.
I have the Digress HD B and I love it. I had a 1962 slim that I could never get a great shave with. I actually traded the slim for a Futur which is also fantastic. Top razor for me atm is my Rockwell 6s on plate R5. The Rockwell is a very special razor that works so well. I wanted to love the slim as it was my Birth year razor, but it just did not work for me.
My Slims and Super Adjustables are my favorites for quick smooth and close shaves. Of course, I also have Several Techs and various Gillette Open combs, Long & Short comb, as well as a 1917 Old Type. Some work best with a particular blade, but the Adjustables all shave well with nearly any blade I choose.
When it comes right down to it i dont think you can beat the slim. Simple, serviceable, adjustable ect. Theyll never be duplicated unfortunately. Stamped brass today? No not for anywhere near an affordable price
Hello, I’m a woman looking for something more eco friendly than the cartridge razors that are commonplace. I’m thinking of the Merkur Progress long handled version. What would your opinion be? Don’t know why (because I don’t have a beard!) but I’ve enjoyed watching and learning from your videos!
Hmmm omm, i am right now puting my fingers on my new GSA I 1 1963, never used, mint. I have 2 more so this one will stay on a stand. Great video, cheers
Hey Matt how are you? I’m happy to say my first Gillette Slim Adjustable just arrived the other day! It looks like excellent condition. How much to get it re-plated rhodium or Nickle
He clearly was liking the Merkur for weight & adjustability during the shave. Then backtracked at the end. He refurbished Slims- so it makes business sense to back it. As he noted, having a heavier DE in hand allows the weight to do more of the work. I also heard him say it was an advantage to be able to repair, oil ect. the butterfly mechanism on the Slim. Great, but Merkur’s simpler more stout design doesn’t requir that. Who is wearing out the zinc finish on a Mekur?
My Merkur lasted 14 years. Corrosion got it in the end, the stem on the head broke off. It looked great otherwise, but pot metal doesn't last long once the plating is the slightest bit compromised.
I have both but I prefer the shave of my Progress. True it’s pot metal compared to the brass on the slim so the slim would win on durability. Who cares. They are massed produced so if it falls apart just buy a new one. Easy!!
Has Razor Emporium thought of providing their own Razor Emporium case for their made to order razors? Gillette pristine condition original case for the Fatboys and Slims are almost impossible to find and acquire. Razor Emporium can provide their own case for the Gillette Fatboy, Slim, and TTO razors. If I bought a Rhodium Fatboy or Slim or Red Tip for gift to someone, where will I put that nice razor to make it a presentable gift?
Just picked up a 1963 Slim in full working order for a really good price, (seller was trying to pass it off as a fatboy so managed to beat his price down to £20). All cleaned up, sterilised & oiled, can't wait to give it a test run.
I'm really on the fence about my next razor I'm seriously considering the Gillette slim because of the butterfly open as I've been using the rockwell as my first razor but I really like the weight and would like it more if the handle was longer also the 3 piece system is just a hassle when I need a new blade I want an adjustable and a butterfly but it needs a longer handle and a little weight and the fat boy would be nice if it wasn't shorter and the head wasn't so big on top
If the Merkur Progress had been discontinued, everyone would want one at two hundred bucks a pop and there’d be a cottage industry of restorers. As it is the progress carried on being bought and used long after the Gillette was a collectors item and the fatboy or slim, went on to garner an over inflated premium price. So to summarise, you can shave with a progress and pretend it’s 1955 and for a lot cheaper than the over hyped Gillette variants.
Btw, the Fat Boy and the Merkur Progress came on the market in the same year, 1956, if I am not mistaken. And the Progress is still in production. Imagine they had stopped its production in the early 60's like the Fat Boy, as you say...
I agree 💯, the business of reconditioned razors depends on off market razor's so merkur progress will never be in favor unless people come n buy it's manifestations..
Hi Matt, those blades, not razors, are giving you redness ....i maintain the blade is almost always the culprit and not the razor. Lots of good info, nonetheless.
I've noticed none of the guys doing shaves on youtube have strong jawlines. I just started shaving with a DE and its near impossible to maintain a consistent blade angle where my neck skin curves out to meet my jaw. I just ordered a vintage Gillette Travel Tech in hopes the 1.75" handle will allow me enough space to shave this area without irritation.
Hmm..anyone know where I could send my Gillette Slim? It used to belong to my grandpa and I think his dad was the one who bought it and I use it now to keep my neck shaved and beard line even..I don't know where I could send it if it ever needed the fixing he said and I don't wanna break it by trying to do it myself.
Thx for the video, I've been looking for a Gillette slim adjustable but can't seem to find any in nice condition for a reasonable price can you help out on this? Thx in advance
Peter, keep looking, one will turn up eventually. You can create searches on that auction site, and have it email you newly posted items. Prices fluctuate in response to supply and demand, so it pays to take your time. You can also look on Etsy and on wet shaving enthusiasts forums under the buy/sell/trade section (such as Badger and Blade). What you want to avoid is rust, physical damage, or any green tint. Generally, your best value will be in a razor that has not been cleaned up, but is being sold as is. You just need to know what to avoid, and how to clean it up yourself.
Always vintage Gillette over the competitor, unless it's a Wolfman, Rex or ATT. But even then, it's a draw. The vintage Gillettes really are that good.
@@petermikus2363 That's a significant problem because if the user forgets to re-tighten the head, disaster could follow. The build quality advantage also goes to vintage Gillette as nickel-plated brass is far superior to chrome-plated Zamak. No comparison imho. bonus: then consider the average Slim adjustable is well over a half-century old with thousands untold hours of use...no contest.
I just bought merkur progress n now watching this video 😂..I think this razor will last a lifetime.. don't wanna pass down to generation something like a razor which is pretty cheap stuff n hygiene factor involved..my son will begin shaving when I am still doing my own so doesn't make sense to give him mine n then grow my beard 😂..he will buy what he likes n technology will anyhow change n improve so who knows even I throw away merkur n buy something new after few years ..all this hoopla about passing on to generation doesn't make sense when u say it's available only for few dollars online ( slim adjustable) I mean ..so what's the point of this video..if u r not able to decide who shaves better ..that's the metric for me
Some people do not like the plastic dial on the “Merkur Progress” and swap it with a metallic one. A matter of personal taste. This plastic dial brings back memories of my childhood in the 60's. This kind of creme-colour plastic was used almost everywhere in the 50’s and 60’s, they were so popular in Europe. I remember knobs of old radios, of vinyl-disk players, of our first tv, of car dashboards and plenty of other things with exactly these milky yellowish plastic dials and knobs. In this sense it is definitely a real vintage item. Without it, the “Progress” would lose its authenticity. Keep in mind: even if the “Merkur Progress” is still produced and available today, it came on the market in the 50’s, like the famous “Gillette Fatboy”.
Ive noted the same and also like the creme color, another place you still find that creme color is on the swiss army knife toothpick.
I think it looks great.
I hated the knob, makes the razor look cheap. I soaked mine in black fabric dye and it looks much better.
But I also have the Mergress, and Opgress metal knobs.
Are vintage Merkur Progress razors made out of brass or are they made out of zinc?
I tried a few cheap $40 range adjustable razors and the mechanicals sucked on all of them. I have a 1966 Gillette Slim L4 on the way and couldn't be more excited.
Hi Matt,
Adjustable's are great for shaving areas where you get razor burn as you can dial it down for say the neck area. I find the Merkur can catch on the face if not careful and gives a cut.
Very rarely use any of my other razors. Slim wins every day for me.
Cheers,
Steve in Scotland.
It would be interesting a showdown between Gillette Slim Adjustable and Yaqi The Final Cut.
I was going to get the Murkur Progress being it was new as I was on the fence about trying to find a decent used Gillette Fat Boy or Slim. Coming back to DE after a decade of cartridge shaving even my cheap $9.99 Gillette 7' O Clock DE razor (Gillette still makes cheap DE three piece plastic razors with chrome looking heads marketed for overseas and Russia) that I bought to experiment with blows cartridge shaving out of the water so I knew whatever I got would work regardless. However I ended up finding a Gillette Adjustable Slim with a date code of N4 for like $39.99 never used (even had original paper work and not even a nick) from an estate and went with that and ended up buying another one (N2). No complaints. Adjustable razors allows one to change the mild to aggressiveness (I think 7-9 setting on a Gillette Fat Boy/Slim is equal to the Gillette Red Tip aggressiveness from what I read on forums) which is what I like about them. Those on the fence...I can't recommend DE shaving enough. Even on my first shave back to DE shaving after like 9 years it was a night and day difference...only one "my fault" nick with the Gillette 7 'O Clock DE blade (in the yellow packing) and nothing else. My Mach 3 Cartridge razor even with a new cartridge would be tugging, pulling, nicks, redness, and razor burns no matter how careful I shaved that I would shave the night before or two hours before work so the red razor burn would fade away, and little room to move the razor around as the head is in a fix position pretty much. I know a slew of guys that have grown beards only because they hate shaving because of the horrible shaves cartridge razors give, and are now only learning about DE shaving as most stores in the USA only sell cartridge based razors (Fusion and Mach 3 seem to be the big marked ones). Plus with DE razors you can get blades for like $0.20 cents a blade to $0.30 for the Feather types compared to buying a pack of eight of the Mach 3 cartridge razors a Target for $22.00 each and having to push very last horrible shave out of them so not to go broke buying razor blades lol.
Matt, I have both of these razors... I like them both, I really do... The Merkur can be adjusted just right, since their is no definitive spot or click when dialing it as you say here... I usually put the Progress on 2.75 to 3 if I have a couple days growth and if I would use it on a daily basis 2 to 2.25..... The Slim at 4 or 5 max if I have 2 plus days and for daily on 3.... If I had to pick one probably a tie because they both have their good points and advantages and disadvantages but the Slim is easier to use as you said........Love watching your channel, great job, agree with everything you said here...! Greg
This video is great and very relevant to those who shave DE.
Keep up the good work!
The only thing missing was in the Pros for the Progress. It is a Pro that it can be adjusted mid shave without opening or loosening the razor head. I am on team Slim, but am happy to acknowledge all of the.advantages of the competition. For some, the Progress is the right razor, more power to them.
I have the Digress HD B and I love it. I had a 1962 slim that I could never get a great shave with. I actually traded the slim for a Futur which is also fantastic. Top razor for me atm is my Rockwell 6s on plate R5. The Rockwell is a very special razor that works so well. I wanted to love the slim as it was my Birth year razor, but it just did not work for me.
I just want to say how much I like your videos, keep uploading Matt. It's nice to see someone who cares so much about men's grooming.
My Slims and Super Adjustables are my favorites for quick smooth and close shaves. Of course, I also have Several Techs and various Gillette Open combs, Long & Short comb, as well as a 1917 Old Type. Some work best with a particular blade, but the Adjustables all shave well with nearly any blade I choose.
When it comes right down to it i dont think you can beat the slim. Simple, serviceable, adjustable ect. Theyll never be duplicated unfortunately. Stamped brass today? No not for anywhere near an affordable price
Exactly
Who can see Darth Vader with the two Darleks?...🤔
Progress might be my favorite face shaver. Just feels smoother than anything else to me. I like my Fatboy and Slim better for head shaving though.
Garrett Smallwood you mean slim and fatboy are better for head shave,right? cause I'm looking for a razor for my head
Hi Matt. I just know the Gillette Slim Adjustable would win.
I found that I get a great shave with the Black beauty but have yet to get a decent shave from the slim adjustable. I’m thinking it’s my technique,
Hello, I’m a woman looking for something more eco friendly than the cartridge razors that are commonplace. I’m thinking of the Merkur Progress long handled version. What would your opinion be? Don’t know why (because I don’t have a beard!) but I’ve enjoyed watching and learning from your videos!
Hmmm omm, i am right now puting my fingers on my new GSA I 1 1963, never used, mint.
I have 2 more so this one will stay on a stand.
Great video, cheers
Hey Matt how are you? I’m happy to say my first Gillette Slim Adjustable just arrived the other day! It looks like excellent condition. How much to get it re-plated rhodium or Nickle
He clearly was liking the Merkur for weight & adjustability during the shave. Then backtracked at the end. He refurbished Slims- so it makes business sense to back it. As he noted, having a heavier DE in hand allows the weight to do more of the work. I also heard him say it was an advantage to be able to repair, oil ect. the butterfly mechanism on the Slim. Great, but Merkur’s simpler more stout design doesn’t requir that. Who is wearing out the zinc finish on a Mekur?
My Merkur lasted 14 years. Corrosion got it in the end, the stem on the head broke off. It looked great otherwise, but pot metal doesn't last long once the plating is the slightest bit compromised.
@@stevehascall4441 Mt slant head did that 2 years ago, right where the head and stem meet , rusted right off, Sucks, because i loved that razor.
Mine lasted about 10 yrs,
I have both but I prefer the shave of my Progress. True it’s pot metal compared to the brass on the slim so the slim would win on durability. Who cares. They are massed produced so if it falls apart just buy a new one. Easy!!
He sells both!
Has Razor Emporium thought of providing their own Razor Emporium case for their made to order razors? Gillette pristine condition original case for the Fatboys and Slims are almost impossible to find and acquire. Razor Emporium can provide their own case for the Gillette Fatboy, Slim, and TTO razors. If I bought a Rhodium Fatboy or Slim or Red Tip for gift to someone, where will I put that nice razor to make it a presentable gift?
Just picked up a 1963 Slim in full working order for a really good price, (seller was trying to pass it off as a fatboy so managed to beat his price down to £20). All cleaned up, sterilised & oiled, can't wait to give it a test run.
I'm really on the fence about my next razor I'm seriously considering the Gillette slim because of the butterfly open as I've been using the rockwell as my first razor but I really like the weight and would like it more if the handle was longer also the 3 piece system is just a hassle when I need a new blade I want an adjustable and a butterfly but it needs a longer handle and a little weight and the fat boy would be nice if it wasn't shorter and the head wasn't so big on top
If the Merkur Progress had been discontinued, everyone would want one at two hundred bucks a pop and there’d be a cottage industry of restorers. As it is the progress carried on being bought and used long after the Gillette was a collectors item and the fatboy or slim, went on to garner an over inflated premium price. So to summarise, you can shave with a progress and pretend it’s 1955 and for a lot cheaper than the over hyped Gillette variants.
Btw, the Fat Boy and the Merkur Progress came on the market in the same year, 1956, if I am not mistaken.
And the Progress is still in production. Imagine they had stopped its production in the early 60's like the Fat Boy, as you say...
@@Juraberg according to executive shaving, the launch date was 1955 for the progress and 1958 for the fat boy.
@@gooderspitman8052 Thank you. I'll dig a little deeper and see if I can confirm. 😊
@@Juraberg ask Matt.
I agree 💯, the business of reconditioned razors depends on off market razor's so merkur progress will never be in favor unless people come n buy it's manifestations..
Just ordered a 1965 Slim Adj. It might go your way.
Never understood how you can possibly review a razor without shaving your chin and moustache.
Any cheap Walmart razor can give a clean cheek shave.
Gonna have to do a shaving video with the ambassador. Is it August yet😀
Bakken Cutter yes we will :)
I must say I have never seen anyone rinse a razor so often.
Hi Matt, those blades, not razors, are giving you redness ....i maintain the blade is almost always the culprit and not the razor. Lots of good info, nonetheless.
I've noticed none of the guys doing shaves on youtube have strong jawlines. I just started shaving with a DE and its near impossible to maintain a consistent blade angle where my neck skin curves out to meet my jaw. I just ordered a vintage Gillette Travel Tech in hopes the 1.75" handle will allow me enough space to shave this area without irritation.
Beard mapping and skin stretching are critical in these difficult areas. Most people have some problem area.
thanks I'm getting ready to start using my k2
Hmm..anyone know where I could send my Gillette Slim? It used to belong to my grandpa and I think his dad was the one who bought it and I use it now to keep my neck shaved and beard line even..I don't know where I could send it if it ever needed the fixing he said and I don't wanna break it by trying to do it myself.
ShinKyuubi I think the guys who made this do service on old razors as well
www.razoremporium.com/services
@@dalecrummie5818 Thank you
I got a gillette slim adjustable, at a good well ,for 1,35 in good shape.
Thx for the video, I've been looking for a Gillette slim adjustable but can't seem to find any in nice condition for a reasonable price can you help out on this? Thx in advance
Peter, keep looking, one will turn up eventually. You can create searches on that auction site, and have it email you newly posted items. Prices fluctuate in response to supply and demand, so it pays to take your time. You can also look on Etsy and on wet shaving enthusiasts forums under the buy/sell/trade section (such as Badger and Blade).
What you want to avoid is rust, physical damage, or any green tint. Generally, your best value will be in a razor that has not been cleaned up, but is being sold as is. You just need to know what to avoid, and how to clean it up yourself.
Always vintage Gillette over the competitor, unless it's a Wolfman, Rex or ATT. But even then, it's a draw. The vintage Gillettes really are that good.
The only disadvantage i heard is that when adjusting mid shave you have to loosen the head uo a bit
@@petermikus2363 That's a significant problem because if the user forgets to re-tighten the head, disaster could follow. The build quality advantage also goes to vintage Gillette as nickel-plated brass is far superior to chrome-plated Zamak. No comparison imho. bonus: then consider the average Slim adjustable is well over a half-century old with thousands untold hours of use...no contest.
@@nicetna2010 i meant the gillette both the slim and fat boy however i agree with you when it comes to rust resistance and such
Matt, have you tried any of the Russian adjustable razors?
James Judy 3 I've handled them but no I haven't. It's on the list!
The first, and most important question that needs to be asked:
Does the razor contain any Zamak parts?
progress yes. slim no
Then that is a no-go on the Progress.
@@jhonmosley2330 what s bad about zamak?
@@CVal012 it deteriorated/corrodes from moisture and soap when the chrome or nickel wears down. Brass doesn’t.
I saw a J 3 on The Gillette Slim is it a 1964?
Jonathan Kroenke yes!
On which setings of slim adjustiblle it shave same as Edwin Jagger 89?
I'd estimate 3-4-5
@@RazorEmporium Благодарам на одговорот
I just bought merkur progress n now watching this video 😂..I think this razor will last a lifetime.. don't wanna pass down to generation something like a razor which is pretty cheap stuff n hygiene factor involved..my son will begin shaving when I am still doing my own so doesn't make sense to give him mine n then grow my beard 😂..he will buy what he likes n technology will anyhow change n improve so who knows even I throw away merkur n buy something new after few years ..all this hoopla about passing on to generation doesn't make sense when u say it's available only for few dollars online ( slim adjustable) I mean ..so what's the point of this video..if u r not able to decide who shaves better ..that's the metric for me
Both razors appear to shave well, but the Merkur just doesn't look good with that white plastic knob!
They make a model called a Mergress that has a chrome adjustment knob. Highly recommemded.
Beauty is subjective, I personally love it.
Extremely annoying with constantly pouring water.
Grimmer2006 Agreed! Just fill the basin and swish the razor back and forth.
Polsilver🇵🇱