I want to get an adjustable as my next razor, but I'm torn between Merkur Progress and Parker Variant for new, or going for a Gillette adjustable. I don't want to spend gobs of money on a vintage, however, so a Fatboy might be beyond my price range unless I'm very lucky to find one in good condition at a reasonable price ($75 or under). So...what do you recommend?
A slim adjustable. They tend to be less expensive than a fat boy and I like them better. I have fat boy and a slim. Before I started straights, I used the slim about 10x more than the fat boy.
I'm somewhat of a Gillette adjustable fanboy. You should be able to easily get a Fatboy for less than $75. I prefer Fatboys to Slims or Black Beauties, however they all are good shavers. If you like heavier razors, go Fatboy. I have no modern adjustables so I can't speak to those.
You can pick up a Merkur Futur cone (Ming Shi 2000s or Q-Shave) for $10 and they are fantastic shavers. I'm using mine this week.
Would you consider user grade or are you only looking for an exceptional example Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
I've visited every flea market, thrift and antique store in an hours drive from home. A couple Estsate sales, too. Never paid more than $14 for a vintage razor and that includes a couple adjustable Gillettes. After cleaning them up and a test shave or three I prefer early Fat Boys to Slims & Black Beauties. Do some Networking, leave your name and phone number at those resale shops. Consider a Futur Clone. I get great service from a Ming Shi 2000S. There's no copyright infringement because that passed years ago. A Merkur Futur that sells for around $68 was outside my price range. Andrew's Shave Shop has them in stock last I looked and the price is not prohibitive.
I have a slim and FB but users not collectors I could send your way pretty cheap. Would need to get the slim back from a test run but they would be sufficient to test to make sure you like it before investing a bunch. I'm partial to aristocrats over adjustables. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Yeah, I'm looking for usable adjustable razors rather than collectors' items (although, if anyone has surplus money to blow, there's a re-plated Fatboy on eBay for $459—yikes!). So thanks for the offer! I'm thinking the Fatboy would be nice to add to my collection, so feel free to name your price. Again, thanks!
I think that any of the Gillette adjustables would be a good choice. But if you can get a Fatboy at a good price, go for it.
@Stu929 & @Michael_W; Please feel free to continue your discussion, but take it to PM (Private Message). Thanks!
I have many Gillettes and a Progress. (No Parker) I cannot recommend the Merkur. It's probably my least favorite razor in my den. It has an unusual geometry and the safety bar is a PITA to clean, because of it's weird channel. You cannot go wrong with a Gillette, not to mention, you can pick up on for a song.
As I understand it, the Merkur Progress underwent some changes in construction last year fixing some of the alignment issues, although it retains the plastic twist-piece. The Parker Variant black-handle also went through a change, to graphite finish, following complaints about the black flaking off. One of the reasons I'm so torn on picking a modern adjustable is that both the Progress and the Variant have had quality control issues in recent past that are only now being addressed, so I'm reluctant to plop down money on them if it means I am likely to have to send it in for replacement one or three times. Still, both razors have good reputations overall if the reviews I've read are any indication.
Well a Gillette of course . Why settle for anything less than the real McCoy? I have both but neither are close to my best shaver. But they are cool.The 195 is hard to maneuver under the old snoz. The Slim is a little easier to negotiate and cheaper too. Both will give you a decent shave. If your are patient you can pick up a FB for not much more but you may have to let a few pass before hitting pay dirt.
Gillette Slim or Super Adjustable (Black Beauty). I just sold 2 Fatboys. Even though they are collectable, the Slim shaves me better.
I would go with a good old Gillette adjustable! I had a new $25 vintage style razor and it was ok.after having it for a year and it falling apart on me. I found this forum and tried the superspeed, which are good and mild. Then going to a slim adjustable then trying a fat adjustable and loving it. I gave my superspeed to my dad and the slim to my mom. Both love them. I sent my fatty out to be replated and it looks brand new and shaves awesome! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk