Alpha Shaving WorksMay 30, 2025Comment

Introducing the AlphaGress: A Refined Take on the Merkur Progress

Alpha Shaving WorksMay 30, 2025Comment

The Merkur Progress is a legend — but let’s face it, that plastic knob? Not exactly timeless.

Coming soon... Meet The AlphaGress: A machined solid brass upgrade, nickel-plated to match the razor’s body.

Each one is hand-fitted and calibrated so the numbers align exactly with your handle.

Each AlphaGress will come with a precision, highly polished, pin razor stand. Details to come!!

This isn’t an accessory. It’s a statement.

#AlphaGress #MerkurProgress #RazorUpgrade #MadeForShavers #DesignMatters

Introducing the AlphaGress: A Refined Take on the Merkur Progress

The Merkur Progress adjustable razor has earned a loyal following over the years — and for good reason. With its solid weight, reliable two-piece design, and smooth shaving performance, it remains a popular choice among wet shaving enthusiasts. But while the Progress gets a lot right, it also leaves room for improvement — and that’s exactly where the AlphaGress steps in.

The most obvious flaw in the original Progress is its plastic adjustment knob, which not only looks out of place but also detracts from the overall build quality. Beyond aesthetics, the adjustment calibration is often inconsistent between razors: a setting of “2” on one Progress may feel very different from a “2” on another. Achieving precise alignment at the “1” setting with a blade loaded can be a frustrating experience.

Seeking a better solution, Steve from Alpha Shaving Works took matters into his own hands. The result: the AlphaGress 500 — a refined and modernized version of the Merkur Progress, designed to correct its weaknesses while enhancing its strengths.

The AlphaGress retains all the great qualities of the original razor but introduces two major improvements. First, the plastic knob is replaced with a precision-machined, nickel-plated brass knob that complements the razor’s aesthetic and adds a more premium feel. Second, the adjustment mechanism is recalibrated — each AlphaGress is hand-fitted to ensure that the “1” setting aligns exactly when a blade is loaded, delivering consistent, accurate control.

With a full range from 1 (mild) to 6 (aggressive), the AlphaGress allows fine-tuned control over your shave. Turning the knob adjusts the blade gap, letting you tailor the aggressiveness to your skin type and beard thickness. Want a mild, comfortable shave? Dial it down. Need extra bite for a heavy beard? Dial it up. It’s precision that adapts to you.

The result is one of the most balanced and satisfying razors on the market. The AlphaGress feels substantial in the hand, looks stunning, and performs with surgical accuracy. And thanks to Merkur’s intuitive two-piece design, loading a new blade remains quick and hassle-free.

If you love your Progress but wish it looked better, felt better, and shaved more consistently, the AlphaGress is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.