Merkur Progress vs Parker Variant

I own a Merkur Progress (short handle) which I enjoy. It is my travel razor. I also own the exceptional Rex Ambassador, but want to ignore the Rex in this discussion. I do not own a Parker Variant, but have read reviews and watched most online reviews (including the recent Progress vs Variant by Razor Emporium). I am thinking about adding the Parker Variant to my collection.

The Progress has been around for decades and has been modified and re-sold by several craftsman. The Parker Variant was introduced in 2017 (I believe early versions were in public hands for testing in 2016).

I have noticed that many more "used" Parker Variants have been sold on this forum, than Merkur Progress razors. This contradicts the many reviewers (print and online) who have favored the Parker Variant over the Merkur Progress. Many have noticed that the tolerances seem tighter on the Parker Variant and the blade sits more secure. The Variant has a long handle, but you can purchase a Progress with the same long handle.

Here are 2 questions for those of you who have shaved with the Progress and Variant:

1) Are these two razors essentially "equal" or is there a "truly compelling" reason to choose one (based on "the shave" and not price or handle length)?
2) Does the satin finish of the Parker Variant tend to drag more than the smooth chrome finish of the Merkur Progress?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

I own both and I have to say that if you take the whole package into consideration, the Variant comes out ahead for the following reasons:
Comes with different color options
Has a metal knurled adjustment knob
Has a deeply knurled handle
Has lather exit holes in the base plate
Comes with a longer handle (if you prefer that)

The only thing that the Progress got going for it is that it is a better shaver and has a thinner cap, and by your definition, the Progress wins.

I take all the factors into consideration and that is why I give the slight edge to the Variant.

I have not had any problems with a satin finish on any razor, and definitely not on the Variant. Personally, if you use a good soap, the drag should be a non issue.

I also own both and both have their pro's and con's
If I was forced to choose one, I would take my Progress over the Variant.

Captainjonny I'm glad you started this thread 'Thank You' - both very affordable and adjustable. I havent shaved with any of the two but I have read that the Variant's build is a little better - but the Merkur has years of experience behind it. Glad you started the thread.

I had both razors but eventually sold them since the Rex came on the market.

The price is only slightly cheaper than the progress and the Shave was essentially the same. The QA on my Parker was slightly less, but I understand the problems have been corrected (paint coming off the handle and blade alignment issue). If I absolutely had to choose (which you don’t really), I would take the progress/Megress/Digress.

The handle on the Parker was really, really good if I do recall correctly.....so maybe the variant? That was absolutely not helpful at all...