Hello everyone, Since the beginning of my wet shaving journey, I have always been budget conscious. I look for deeals and sales. Lately I started to wonder about "high-end" razors, mind you I'm not talking about titanium etc. What I have in mind could be considered mid-range by most. My dilemma is this, I can't decide between theese three razors; -Merkur progress (long or short, once again can't decide) -Parker Variant -Rockwell 6c Black If you were me which one would you choose? And why? Any input would be appropriated help a noob out will ya Asil KIRATLI
You can't go wrong with any of those three. I would probably recommend the Variant as it's the only one of the three that isn't zamak. The zamak razors will likely break or corrode before the brass Variant, although with care any of the three might last a lifetime. The Progress has the longest history and is well regarded. Regarding handle length, I find shorter handles are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, but you're probably more used to the longer handles of the cartridge world. Fielder's choice. The 6c, like its older brother the steel 6s, is quite nice, but in order to change the setting you have to disassemble the razor - not convenient in mid shave. Happy hunting!
I have the Progress and the Parker. They're both sweet razors and they're close to equal as far as shaving goes. I agree, I'd go with the Parker. But you won't be disappointed with either of the two. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Progress. I've been around this site almost 15 years and there hasn't been much negative said about the Progress. That said, I've never owned or shaved with one, but that'd be my choice if faced with the options you have.
I had the Parker & found it too aggressive, so I resold it. But we all have different preferences & needs, so don't let my bad results influence you. It is nicely made; it just wasn't right for me. I have a Ming Shih, which is a knock-off of the Merkur Progress, though a bit lighter. That is my go-to. I prefer longer handles, but then, I am shaving my legs, which are also long.
As much as it pains me to recommend a zamak razor, I would also have to put my vote behind the Progress as well. There are Chinese made stainless steel razors in the same price range, and I would take a hard look at those as well. If I recall correctly, Italian Barber also offers a line of (relatively) inexpensive steel razors. For that price range I would honestly recommend a vintage Gillette Slim or Fatboy over any of the three options you were considering.
I have the Parker Variant and find it to be a wonderful razor with a wide range of adjustments that should fit what you want.
Variant. Better else, Variant OC. I have both, they are my favorite razors. OC is incredibly smooth and a little more efficient at lower settings. But you can't go wrong with either. However, they are not 100% brass. The head and the cap are zamak. The handle is brass. There's nothing wrong with a well made Zamak razor. The head on Variant is a copy of Progress, the handle however is far more grippy.
Hello again everyone, I have an update on the situation. Weather it is good or bad you decide I know it wasn't in the running but somehow a great deal on Leaf Thorn came up. So I directed the fund towards it. That being said, I still want a razor from the main options, only it is on hold for a while. Thanks for all your input! Asil KIRATLI
I love the Merkur Progress, and would have recommended that. The Variant is a copy of the Progress, and I love the white dial of the Progress. People make fun of it, but if it was good enough for knobs in classic Mercedes Benz, it is classic enough for the Progress. However, Parker introduced the Variant open comb late last year. I picked one up, and I recommend it over the Progress and Variant. It provides me with a butter smooth, comfortable, and efficient shave. Because I shave both face and head, I appreciate an adjustable for making changes quickly. If I had to pick one and only one razor from the ones I own, the Parker Variant OC would be The One.
Which Ming Shih is a knock off of the Progress Please ?? I have not seen / saw that one before..... I really want to try one of the progress razors but want something more economical in case I dont like it , I looked at the Yaqi one and might wait on it to go on sell again and maybe I can get it as I would also be happy with that........ TYIA......
