MERKUR Progress 510 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor - Long Handle Adjustable Razor With Dial Made in Germany Plastic-Free Closed Comb Straight Bar

Edit Update; some reviewers point out the sound this razor makes as it is shaving, so during my latest shaves with this new razor, I also noted that there is indeed a sound of the razor cutting the whiskers. It's not just sound traveling through the face and bones into the ear, but it is audible outside of the face. This means once the whiskers have been shaved to smooth face, the sound will stop. What an ingenious design! The high quality of this MERKUR Progress Adjustable 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor, long handle (510 model number) was immediately apparent with first shave. The design/engineering, weight, adjustability of this razor are probably one of the best of all available. I purchased high-quality DE blades and I had tried them in my former safety razor (butterfly, non- adjustable, type), but the blades did not perform as expected. I have tried them in this Merkur Progress adjustable, and the difference is like night and day - the blades are indeed highest quality and that quality is brought our by this razor. The price is the best I have found (the same razor sells for $10-30 or more via other vendors). Sustainability - no further need for throw away plastic blades and handles; no need to further contribute to the massive global-scale plastic trash problems - as this Merkur Progress Adjustable razor will last many years and the blades are inexpensive as well. I purchased the long-handle version (since I've been using a long handle up to now), but because of the excellent design/engineering of this razor, it is balanced just right to facilitate correct angles and movements with just 2-3 fingers (the longer handle is for those with larger hands); so, save some money (to buy good blades, etc.) and buy the short handle version.With this razor, shaving is incredibly smooth; it's shaving bliss.

This razor does a great Job ! I have only had one shave with it so far, and I used The single Mekur blade it came with. I'm not a believer in a razor, being the only reason for a great shave alone. You have got to have a good blade to accompany also. From what I have read in review's. The Merkur blades are not that great, and the shave I got today was pretty damn good ! With the head on this razor being adjustable, I don't understand how it could not give a great shave. Unless your blade is real garbage. This razor did not come with the plastic case., so if you are looking forward to it ,you need to order from one of the other's that show it in the description. The finish on the razor is in excellent shape. I also read one review (here) that said the handle wasn't long enough. The handle is about 3,3/4" long , overall razor is about 4,1/8 in long with the blade tightened down. The handle is plenty long enough for me,. And I have large hands ! I would recommend this razor ! This is my fifth double edge razor. I have bought two that were in the $10 to $15 range They don't compare to this razor at all. I also have a Edwin jagger de89. And it does a great job also, but it can't compete with this razor because of it being adjustable . with the Edwin jagger you need to find the wright blade to match, you and the razor. With this razor you can just about use any blade you want. I also have a 100% stainless steel razor I just bought and have not used yet, as the Merkur progress and it arrived at the same time. If you can afford to buy this razor , I am sure it will pay for itself with the ability to buy cheaper blades alone. It seems to be built well enough to last a good amount of time. I would recommend this razor.

super expensive but this is the perfect length and the ability to adjust the blade is a game changer that any person who shaves their head and face everyday like me will appreciate and know you need a precision tool that can get the job done repeatedly without question and this screw on design has much more longevity than more expensive clip on heads of this same brand..this is the handle to buy

****UPDATED******Was a little hesitant to go back and tray this razor with the Feather blades again. Previous experience was that the Feathers are just too sharp, FOR ME.HOWEVER, after doping some more research and discovering some on line recipes for homemade shaving oil, I decided to try the Feathers again after having very good experience with the Astras using shaving oil. The shaving oil makes a world of difference. Got a close head shave, with the Feathers., and with minimum nicks compared to past shaves with the Feathers.Bottom line, from my personal experience, lubrication is the key regardless of the razor you use, and shaving creams/foams offer minimum protection.Just a few links to shaving oil recipes.[...][...][...]Just a couple of personal points.I would add tea tree oil to any shaving oil just for antiseptic purposes, and it doesn't smell THAT bad.We have used tea tree oil around our house for years as a general purpose natural antiseptic fro all types of cuts, scrapes, abrasions, etc. No complaints at all.AND, from what I have seen in my personal case, the thicker the shaving oil mix (ie the more castor oil) the better. I am working towards a pure castor oil base and only a few essential oils for scent, antiseptic purposes, and skin nourishment. But mix to your own preference.*****Original Post*****Just received my Progress Adjustable one day ago, took the first shave with it and from what I saw with that first shave, this will be my day-in, day-out, razor.Just as background, I have purchased and still own AND USE, a Merkur 47c, and the 'Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor' model 180 ASIN: B000NL0T1G. I purchased and own, but no longer use the 'Perfecto Double Edge Long Handled Safety Razor' ASIN: B00SA7YS58, and the 'Extra Long Chrome Double Edge Safety Razor' ASIN: B013JGAKDI. I have also purchased and returned a Merkur HD 34C. I use Feather, Astra and Personna blades. As for the razors;-Merkur 47c – Was my go to razor. Very nice balance and weight-Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor model 180 – Only used occasionally.-Perfecto Double Edge Long Handled Safety Razor – Cheap/Bad Design, ergo bad shave-Extra Long Chrome Double Edge Safety Razor – Cheap/Bad Design, ergo bad shave-Merkur HD 34C – Good weight, handle too short for meBlades-Astra – Excellent all around blade. Good combo with the Merkur Progress Adjustable-Personna – Good blade. Needs extra effort to provide as close a shave as the Astra and the Feather-Feather – Sharp. Can provide an excellent shave, but requires being careful and takinig your time.All that being said. From the first time I started using the Progress, I could tell the difference in the shave. This razor is heavy and to some may seem bulky. Even though I like the heavier, longer handled razors, when I first held this one, I was wondering would it be too heavy and bulky. However upon shaving with the razor, I could tell this was going to be a good shaving razor. As I mentioned, the weight and bulk, will take some getting used to. I did not even consider ordering the shorter handle version, and I am glad that I didn't. As with the 47C, the heavy weight is easily managed with the longer handle. That was one of the main reason I did not like the HD 34C. Even the larger head on the Progress seems to work in it's favor, especially when combined with the sharper blades and utilizing the adjustments. In the past, I had trouble getting a close face shave with the 47C and the 180. Shave looked close, but beard was coming back pretty quick. And my bead is not that heavy. Shaved with the Progress loaded with an Astra blade and only need a 1.5 for my head and a 2 for my face. One of the closest shaves I have had since switching to the DE razors. Looking forward to trying with a Feather and a Personna blade.From my experience, if you have a DE razor and aren't getting the closeness in your shave your desire or you have a problem with nicks and cuts, this may be your solution. But as with all DE razor shaves, take your time, use a sharp blade, and LUBRICATE, your beard/head before shaving.