It seems the HD Open Comb had an early lead and then a flood of Progress votes came in. You're not making it easy!! Someone said custom knob for the Progress. Do they have a pic?
I would go for the Slant Bar. I personally don't like the Merkur open comb design, in which the blade's edge rests directly on the comb. I like the Gillette NEW IMPROVED and NEW design, with the drop-shoulder profile that lifts the edge just above the comb. Indeed, a Gillette NEW is one of my favorite razors these days.
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl ....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....1904....:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
Decision OK, I'm going with this one since I like the 38C so much. 12C Classic HD* Long Handled Open Comb Double Edged Safety Razor Chrome (Barber Pole)
Probably a good choice. I just picked up a 1904 OC from another forum member. Although I really like my 1904 with the bar, the 1904 OC is a lightweight, I was very disappointed.
Couldn't resist. For my next razor, I'm getting a Mergress. This is a modified Merkur Progress with the plastic tip replaced with a metal fluted tip. I'm having the razor dropped shipped to the person making the modification. Modification cost is $35 including shipping plus the cost of the razor.
The Progress is a piece of over rated crap, in my not so humble opinion. Go for the 38C or the slant if you want a "good" razor. Truth be known, I really like my Schick Krona.