Merkur 50c Progress Adjustable Chrome Closed Comb DE Safety Razor

I like my Merkur 34c but I wanted a slightly grippier handle and slightly closer shave. I like my Merkur 23c with a grippy Maggard’s MR1 handle, but again wanted to try something more aggressive. This Progress fits the bill, allowing mild to aggressive settings. The fluted handle is easy to grip; to me it is grippier than the lightly knurled handle on the 34c. Make sure you lined up the arrow on the base to the line on the cap and check the blade alignment before you tighten it all the way. A vintage Gillette adjustable is a reasonable alternative and blade loading and alignment is easier, but the Progress shaves better for me. If you like other closed comb Merkurs, odds are you will like this, maybe more. I like the extra heft and even the vintage style ivory knob on the bottom.

If you want to skip climbing the ladder of razors from timid to aggressive razors,merkur's progress has it all.At the lowest setting it is safe for the beginner,at the highest setting it can be a monster of razor aggression.The short handled version is also easy to manipulate and has excellent balance,being top heavy,as it should.

This was a big decision in the purchase of this razor. I have a great collection of vintage adjustable and non adjustable razors in my collection, and now this one. I will say this is the best one I have bought yet! 4 passes and not a single Nick or cut, or for that matter the ever so hated Razor burn. I thought all my vintage were the only thing that were comfortable on my face. Boy was I wrong. This has them all beat.

Quite a smoother shave on the level Muehle R89 at setting 1. The most comfortable shave on setting 3 with most blades.

I love adjustable razors. It say the Progress and the Gillette Black Beauty, from the 1970s and 80s, are tied for first.