Merkur Progress vs Parker Variant

[Boycie83]

Continuing the comparison theme, I'm going to compare the Merkur Progress 500 to the Parker Variant. I love my Progress. This will be the first time I've used the Variant. Let's see how they compare. Each razor will be used for 3-4 shaves and the balde will be a Polsilver SI. Soap/cream and brush will be whatever I'm feeling at the time.

 

[Shaveguru]

Will the inferior of the two be listed in the Emporium? Great way to build up suspense!

 

[havings]

Well done Boycie! Another one to follow for me. The variant is what I chose as my introduction to DE shaving a shortish while ago. I'm a novice, so I'll find this most interesting.

 

[Boycie83]

Will the inferior of the two be listed in the Emporium? Great way to build up suspense!

Probably both of them, knowing me.

 

[Mike Smart]

Interesting mate
i also like the Progess although mine has the longer handle than yours just by the look.
Never tried any sort of Parker so will be an interesting comparison

 

[Dickie]

Like some kind of meth dealer …

 

[culcreuch]

Will be interested in hearing your opinions. I have had both. The Progress 'went missing' when I was in Afghanistan and I didn't replace it. The Variant came along later and I still have it.

 

[BigBruce]

Well done Boycie! Another one to follow for me. The variant is what I chose as my introduction to DE shaving a shortish while ago. I'm a novice, so I'll find this most interesting.

Me too - the Parker was my first DE. Still have it, rarely used but still highly rated. Never went above 3 on my head though!

 

[wooky114]

Still got the Progress (both versions), PIF'd the Variant; the former gave a slightly smoother shave IMHO

 

[Paul L]

I had a Progress 500 for a while and didn't bond with it. Possibly due to the short handle.
Had it been the long handled 510 version I may well have got on with it better?
Never used a Variant, but I remember them getting high praise when released a few years ago.

Looking forward to your thoughts Chris

 

[Zorro]

Have had the Progress 510 long handle since Feb this year and i absolutely love it. Setting 3 for a real close BBS shave, setting 2 for an everyday smooth shave and setting 1 or less for a quick shave that's as good and as safe (nearly) as a cartridge shave. Always used with Astra SP and whatever soap / cream i am playing with that day.

The shave angle is a little steeper than other DE shavers imo, with the handle needing to be a little closer to the face.

If i had to pick just one razor etc,etc,etc

 

[hdb3326]

I liked my Progress but not enough to keep it. But it’s a nice razor. Be interesting to hear about the Parker.

 

[havings]

Me too - the Parker was my first DE. Still have it, rarely used but still highly rated. Never went above 3 on my head though!

Oh yeah. My Variant is for my face and I have a Leaf for my head. My problem is that I don't know whether to shave my face, my head or both.

Maybe I should get rid of my beard and emulate whatever Boycie describes here. Get some more practice in using the Parker on my face.

 

[Gairdner]

Always wanted one of those wee Germans. Perfect handle length for me too.

 

[CjH]

I can't believe I got all the way through the 13 replies and nobody mentioned the 'deliberate' spelling mistake...
"And the balde will be a polsilver Sl." Bald

It tickled me anyway.....
OK onto the original subject, I have neither of those razors. Have always liked the look of the progress and have frequently considered the variant.
If either do end up in the emporium I may take a look....

Looking forward to the reviews....

Bald..... cracks me up....

 

[Boycie83]

I can't believe I got all the way through the 13 replies and nobody mentioned the 'deliberate' spelling mistake...
"And the balde will be a polsilver Sl." Bald

It tickled me anyway.....
OK onto the original subject, I have neither of those razors. Have always liked the look of the progress and have frequently considered the variant.
If either do end up in the emporium I may take a look....

Looking forward to the reviews....

Bald..... cracks me up....

I missed that and now it's too late for me to edit my post.

Oh the shame