Merkur Futur Gold Safety Razor

I was hesitant to purchase this razor because of all the reviews; while almost all are positive, a number of them made me worried that I would cut my face off. I am not very experienced, I only own one other decent DE (1960's Gillette), and I had no issues. Very heavy, great craftsmanship.There were a number of complaints about the smooth surface being difficult to hold securely. I have not found this to be the case unless I have a lot of shaving soap on my hands. Just dry them off and you will be fine.Only downside for me was that the handle is thick, so it doesn't fit in a typical stand made for other models. I am not too concerned, and will just buy a new stand next time I order.

I purchased the razor about 6 months ago and thought I'd wait to review it. It is a very nice razor and I love it's weight. But my fears came true. The gold plating is already coming off the handle. It doesn't flake off, but slowly rubbing off to see the metal underneath. That's disappointing, as that's obviously the striking feature it has. But I can see if this is happening after just a short time, it's going to look terrible before long. It shaves great...don't get me wrong. But you might do better not going with the gold model unless you're just going to keep it in a glass case on the fireplace mantel for display.

My Futur repaces a Gillette "Fat Boy" adjustable that has been my mainstay for the past 5 years. It's definitely more aggressive than the Gillette - I was usually using setting 3 on the Gillette. I am at 1.5 with my Mercur. Part of the difference is that the Futur holds the blade against the top plate in a more exposed position than the Gillette. No quick swipes in the morning. As I shave, I am much more aware of the blade and a deliberate approach is in order. It's a good thing, if you ever want to upgrade to an open blade! Feathers used in both. Some have observed variation in cut between sides. I have not. I really like the blade retention system - hope it's durable.

I recently received this fine razor. As expected from Merkur a nicely manufactured product. I chose the gold plated model as normally I do not go with a gold look in finish but felt to bling it up a bit and you know just go different way than the standard chrome of mat silver finish choices. I figure all three colour choices will give the same shave though. But the gold plating is exemplary on the razor.The razor is as others note a very heavy model and requires a bit of deft as compared to lighter razors such as the Weishi Double Edge Classic which I also have in my kit. The Futur is a more aggressive razor over the Weishi as the Weishi may be the best starter razor for DE wet shaving as it's mild and easy to learn and manipulate. It is a safe razor for gents with ... MoreI recently received this fine razor. As expected from Merkur a nicely manufactured product. I chose the gold plated model as normally I do not go with a gold look in finish but felt to bling it up a bit and you know just go different way than the standard chrome of mat silver finish choices. I figure all three colour choices will give the same shave though. But the gold plating is exemplary on the razor.The razor is as others note a very heavy model and requires a bit of deft as compared to lighter razors such as the Weishi Double Edge Classic which I also have in my kit. The Futur is a more aggressive razor over the Weishi as the Weishi may be the best starter razor for DE wet shaving as it's mild and easy to learn and manipulate. It is a safe razor for gents with sensitive facial skin. The Futur being adjustable in aggressiveness and with its weight may be a thing to learn to handle well. I have sensitive skin and I found after my first wet shave I felt to keep the Futur at number 1 position. It took a few minutes to adjust my style to using the heavy razor and to make even the mildest number 1 setting to work comfortably for me as compared to how easy the Weishi is to just grab and use. That said by my second pass the feel of this great razor began to come to hand and my comfort level of using it at number 1 setting was much more natural. The razor made a high quality shave and its heft feels good in hand.For now I will use it at number 1 setting but as the razor get more and more comfortable I may try more aggressive settings.The razor handle being smooth may be a little slick in wet hands, so I kept my hands dry with a towel. With dry hands the smooth finish of the handle is no issue. Taking the razor apart for blade placement and washing is also no problem.If you are new to DE wet shaving you may want to try a more mild razor to start, again the Weishi Double Edge Classic is a good starter razor especially if you have sensitive skin, but in time and after getting use to the Futur it may be a quality choice. As I use it more and more it will fall more and more into my hand and style of working the razor. Being adjustable will be a nice choice for me once I feel 100% comfortable at the number 1 setting.But I am pleased with it in my shaving kit.

Got this on sale. Great deal. The adjustment means that you can use most any blade. Start at 1 and dial upwards until you find the right setting for the blade. The ends of the blades are covered, unlike all of my other razors. There's not inadvertant nicking of your nose or ears with this one. It's easily the best razor I have. If you like sharp blades, Feathers are as good as the single Merkur it came with, at a lower cost. Astras work great at a good price for my medium whiskers. Be careful picking a stand for it, because of the fat handle - which is its only little quirk. And this ain't a drawback in my book

As expected

At first, I was a little skeptical with the design. I had used the one piece mechanical razors that you crank open and closed before but this is a two piece razor that snaps open and closed. It did not take lone to realize that this design is far superior to the old crank design. Blade changes are quick and easy and when you are flushing out the razor, its a one hand operation. It is heavy but you get used to the weight and control is very easy. The quality is what you would expect from Solingen Germany. At this point in my life, I have come to realize that quality is very important. I have spent enough time with inferior products and find it more rewarding and less frustrating to get the best from the start and be done with it. Your best shoes are Italian. Your ... MoreAt first, I was a little skeptical with the design. I had used the one piece mechanical razors that you crank open and closed before but this is a two piece razor that snaps open and closed. It did not take lone to realize that this design is far superior to the old crank design. Blade changes are quick and easy and when you are flushing out the razor, its a one hand operation. It is heavy but you get used to the weight and control is very easy. The quality is what you would expect from Solingen Germany. At this point in my life, I have come to realize that quality is very important. I have spent enough time with inferior products and find it more rewarding and less frustrating to get the best from the start and be done with it. Your best shoes are Italian. Your best watches are Swiss. Your best pocket knives are from Solingen Germany. Your best cameras come from Germany. Your best briefcases come from Saddleback. Your best coolers come from Yeti. Your best bourbon comes from Kentucky.

Love this razor

The Futur has taught me how to shave better with less effort. It can be aggressive at higher numbers and does have a lot of rasp sound due to acoustics of the design, but that’s normal for this model. I would say it should not be your first razor since it is unforgiving. I cut myself the first couple times using it (which I have never done) but once you get the technique it will help you with all of your shaving. I’ve heard some say the handle is slippery, but it is great for me and the heavy weight stays solid in my hand. Great piece that I recommend highly.

My new favorite razor!!!

I mhave three other Merkur safety razors and I love all of them! But this Futur razor is beyond fantastic !! It has provided me with some of the be st shaves I've had in my life (and I've been shaving for a long time - I'm 74 years old LOL) . I am absolutely in love with this razor. I've wanted to try a Futur razor for a long time so I ordered it not really expecting to have my socks knocked off. My socks were knocked off and sent into outer space! This is a great razor! even though I've only had it for a short time, it is now my favorite razor and I have about a dozen top razors. Thank You, West Coast Shaving; you guys are great! I like the way you approach classic shaving. It's a tremendous tribute to our fathers, grandfathers and uncles who really knew how to ... MoreI mhave three other Merkur safety razors and I love all of them! But this Futur razor is beyond fantastic !! It has provided me with some of the be st shaves I've had in my life (and I've been shaving for a long time - I'm 74 years old LOL) . I am absolutely in love with this razor. I've wanted to try a Futur razor for a long time so I ordered it not really expecting to have my socks knocked off. My socks were knocked off and sent into outer space! This is a great razor! even though I've only had it for a short time, it is now my favorite razor and I have about a dozen top razors. Thank You, West Coast Shaving; you guys are great! I like the way you approach classic shaving. It's a tremendous tribute to our fathers, grandfathers and uncles who really knew how to shave! Shaving is truly an art not drudgery.

Outstanding!

I recently ordered this DE to add to my collection of wet shaving razors. This is the first one that I have ever owned that has a long handle. Thus far I can only say that the results have exceeded my expectations. It provides a smooth shave with very little effort. I must admit that it has some substantial weight but that that aides in the shaving process. I was a little skeptical on the finish as I thought it might make it a little on the slippery side but my worries were alleviated at first use. The contour of the handle allows for excellent control. It glides smoothly over my face providing a clean, close shave with no irritation. The gold finish adds a touch of class. This is without a doubt the best razor in my collection. It was an outstanding purchase and I ... MoreI recently ordered this DE to add to my collection of wet shaving razors. This is the first one that I have ever owned that has a long handle. Thus far I can only say that the results have exceeded my expectations. It provides a smooth shave with very little effort. I must admit that it has some substantial weight but that that aides in the shaving process. I was a little skeptical on the finish as I thought it might make it a little on the slippery side but my worries were alleviated at first use. The contour of the handle allows for excellent control. It glides smoothly over my face providing a clean, close shave with no irritation. The gold finish adds a touch of class. This is without a doubt the best razor in my collection. It was an outstanding purchase and I am thoroughly satisfied. Another great product from Merkur.

Wonderfully close shave

I have just upgraded from the Merkur 23C. I thought I was getting a close shave before, now that I have used the Futur I am enlightened. Even at 1.5 I get much smoother shave with less razor burn than ever before. I have been using personna blades and they seem to work great I have a sample pack coming to try out some feathers and others. People speak of being slippery, I shave only in the shower and get almost same grip on Futur as the 23C, maybe I have dry hands but there is no worries. I do take my time with this one more then before but usual 3 pass does a great job.