Merkur Progress (2016)

[Rohleder]

At the request of Betriebsarzt13 here are some photo's showing my Progress which is a 2016 model manufactured using Merkurs new moulds as the old one's were worn out. There are some small changes to the head alignment arrow but I think its otherwise unchanged.

High-resolution versions available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskB2y2av

 

[Merkurologist]

At the request of Betriebsarzt13 here are some photo's showing my Progress which is a 2016 model manufactured using Merkurs new moulds as the old one's were worn out. There are some small changes to the head alignment arrow but I think its otherwise unchanged.

High-resolution versions available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskB2y2av

I did notice the difference to the head alignment arrow on mine too but I didn't realise it was built with the new mould.

Lovely razor and works very well.

 

[Bechet]

Head alignment arrow? What Head alignment arrow?

 

[riverrun]

Head alignment arrow? What Head alignment arrow?

The triangle ("arrow") on the base plate in the second picture needs to point to (be on the same side as) the notch on the side of the cap.

 

[Bechet]

Whoda thunk it! I'll go see if I've been using mine incorrectly for all the wonderful shaves mine has given me.

 

[riverrun]

Whoda thunk it! I'll go see if I've been using mine incorrectly for all the wonderful shaves mine has given me.

Nothing bad will happen, but the numbers on the dial won't line up the dot on the handle.
Btw: any pictures of the bottom of the razor? Dial, knob etc? How does it align fully closed?
Also interesting is the number "1" on the cap and base plate. Mine as a "2" on the cap and nothing on the base plate. Any significance?

 

[PhilD]

Well it certainly looks crisp and the plating is good. Who on earth found out they were changing molds? I couldn't get a reply from their customer support for a basic product question!

 

[Rohleder]

Nothing bad will happen, but the numbers on the dial won't line up the dot on the handle.
Btw: any pictures of the bottom of the razor? Dial, knob etc? How does it align fully closed?
Also interesting is the number "1" on the cap and base plate. Mine as a "2" on the cap and nothing on the base plate. Any significance?

Your wish is my command!

It looks acceptable now but when I received it the plastic knob resembled a chewed toffee (not literally but you get the idea)... On the positive side the image of Mercury was crisp and when fully closed the + lines up with the dot, on the negative side the grooves were very uneven and rough to the touch, it took me a good hour messing around with a couple of needle files & some Brasso polish to get it to a level I could live with. I've no idea if the numbers on the top plate are significant? I would hazard a guess they signify the mould number from which they were produced, possibly?

 

[Rohleder]

Well it certainly looks crisp and the plating is good. Who on earth found out they were changing molds? I couldn't get a reply from their customer support for a basic product question!

I first learned of it via B&B where a member was worried he had some sort of knock-off Progress as it didnt match any he'd seen before, apparently Merkur customer services confirmed it was the latest update of the model due to replacing worn out moulds.

 

[PhilD]

Thanks, ah so it's business as usual with Merkur finishing. Good idea to use needle files, the grooves on mine could use some of that.

 

[Rohleder]

Thanks, ah so it's business as usual with Merkur finishing. Good idea to use needle files, the grooves on mine could use some of that.

Alas, yes. It's a shame as the photo's of vintage models I've seen all have lovely quality knobs I would have preferred to use a mini dremel with a buffing wheel but I moved house and haven't unpacked all my tools yet.

Check out the difference: