Merkur Long Handle Progress Razor

I have owned this razor for several months now and I must say I love it. Very well weighted. Easy to clean. The long handle is a must for me. I cannot remember if it came with any instructions (can't imagine such a simple product needing them), but it took me a few times to realize that there are guides for when you replace the blade. I kept wondering why, after replacing the blade, the setting knob never would line up with 1 when fully retracted. There is a triangle on one end of the base of the head and a small notch on one end of the removable portion. Line these up when replacing and all will be good. I have a Gillette Fat Boy and the Merkur Futur - they are just decoration with this one in the line up.

I've had this razor approx 8 months now. I also bought another razor that had a butterfly opening top. The Butterfly top was convient for changing blades that was it. Make sure to get the long handle Progress if you are going to try using a safety razor. You will not be disappointed. I had been using 2 blade disposables for many a year and finally got fed up with them plugging up with wiskers and not having the wiskers rinse out. The double edge safety blade is sharp and you will need to use a light touch at first. But once you are used to it you will understand why your Dad or Grandpa used these razors. Do yourself a favor and get a premium badger hair brush and shaving soap to go with this. It is far better than foam out of a can. Also you can check youtube for proper technique when using an older style razor. Shaving is one of those things most of us hate to do, slow down a little and do it like Grandpa and it won't be as much of a chore!

I really like the Merkur Progress razor, however fit and finish of the Edwin Jagger 89L is better. This razor is good but I have found that the adjustment is useless for me because anything past 1 will cause razor burn (I have sensitive skin and average beard growth). Overall this is a great razor, I really like it!