Merkur Futur Safety Razor - Satin Chrome

Ordering and Shipping Ordered the Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor, Satin Finish on 02/15/2018 @ 3:31 PM Shipped: Date 02/15/2018 @ 3:39 PM Arrived : Date 02/19/2018 @ 2:48 PM The Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor When I unboxed the razor, my first impression was WOW! What a beautiful simple design! I was impressed my its weight and how it felt in my hand. This is definitely an impressive tool - that's one for German engineering and design. My playing around with the razor and adjusting the 0 - 6 settings just to see how it works and feels led me to wonder 'how do I put the razor blade into the head?' (I hadn't read the little manual until then). I was used to the unscrewing of the top, or turning the handle till the butterfly opens at the top. I thought, ... MoreOrdering and Shipping Ordered the Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor, Satin Finish on 02/15/2018 @ 3:31 PM Shipped: Date 02/15/2018 @ 3:39 PM Arrived : Date 02/19/2018 @ 2:48 PM The Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor When I unboxed the razor, my first impression was WOW! What a beautiful simple design! I was impressed my its weight and how it felt in my hand. This is definitely an impressive tool - that's one for German engineering and design. My playing around with the razor and adjusting the 0 - 6 settings just to see how it works and feels led me to wonder 'how do I put the razor blade into the head?' (I hadn't read the little manual until then). I was used to the unscrewing of the top, or turning the handle till the butterfly opens at the top. I thought, perhaps, turning the handle until the top rises, but thought better of that tactic, broke down and read the manual - the top just pops out by you lifting it up. I thought, mmm, maybe the weak part of the design, but again after playing with that part a few times, no, this thing is solid, and designed for repeated action of flipping the top off and popping it back it. When it's loaded with a razor blade, like a gun, handle it with extreme care and have presence of mind because unlike a gun, there is no safety. As other reviewers have stated you can easily cut yourself with this if you are not careful. Oh yeah, the razor comes with 1 Merkur Feather blade to get you started. Now, I just finished shaving with the razor as I'm writing this review. I used the supplied razor blade, I had a few days of growth on my face where I usually trim and shape my beard - the cheek and neck areas. After my shower, I lathered up and got at it. Wow! The razor didn't disappoint. I set the razor to 2.5 and went with the grain on the areas and heard the sound the razor cutting the beard stubble. It removed the beard stubble very smoothly with no problems. I lathered up again, reset the razor ( dry the razor and your hands before adjusting) to 0. I went against the grain - no problems, a very very smooth shave. The smoothest shave I've had in recent years. After I was done shaving, I cleaned it by opening it up and rinsing off the actual blade because the actual inside parts of the razor were clean - it doesn't seem to hold any beard stubble and lather, but the top of the blade did, not much but enough to warrant a cleaning. I also added a drop of light machine oil to the inside part of the adjustable handle from the top to keep it lubricated. Overall, if you want a really good close shave, this razor would fit the bill. I personally love the design and how it feels in my hand. I'll probably buy 2 more, one for each of my sons for Christmas.

Good weight to it (I prefer heavy razors) and the satin finish is really nice and much less slippery than I expected. Love the popping mechanism for the blade.Outstanding shaving performance! Closest shave I have ever experienced. I was a bit nervous at first with all the talk about its aggressiveness and, to be honest, it does require you to hone your skills and use a sure hand, but it is not that hard to master.First 2 shaves I stuck with a setting of "2" and the shave, albeit nice, but not that different from my old Merkur 38c, that was using a Merkur blade. After reading a bit I took a leap of fate and it is heaven now! Here's my recipe using a Feather blade and a TOBS shaving cream: Opening at 6 with the grain, 3 accross the grain and against the grain in ... MoreGood weight to it (I prefer heavy razors) and the satin finish is really nice and much less slippery than I expected. Love the popping mechanism for the blade.Outstanding shaving performance! Closest shave I have ever experienced. I was a bit nervous at first with all the talk about its aggressiveness and, to be honest, it does require you to hone your skills and use a sure hand, but it is not that hard to master.First 2 shaves I stuck with a setting of "2" and the shave, albeit nice, but not that different from my old Merkur 38c, that was using a Merkur blade. After reading a bit I took a leap of fate and it is heaven now! Here's my recipe using a Feather blade and a TOBS shaving cream: Opening at 6 with the grain, 3 accross the grain and against the grain in the neck area, 1 for a last pass against the grain on cheek (not that it is really required) followed by alum block. Result is pure bliss!Try it, don't be afraid but DO respect that 6 opening ;)

A quirky, charismatic razor.

The Futur was the first DE I ever bought and if I were to advise a new shaver today I would definitely suggest something else. But I am very glad it continues to be made and can understand the appeal.First the negative:-Lack of knurling.Overlarge headZAMAK.Lack of grip is perennial complaint for this razor, although it's not quite as bad as you might imagine. However, I can see no valid reason whatsoever for this to be the only razor in existence without a knurled handle!The Futur has an unnecessarily large cap/head. I believe this is yet another "stylistic" choice which actively detracts from its function. This makes shaving under the nose difficult and can also obscure the blade in use, making shaving angle uncertain at times.Positive:-The oft-maligned ... MoreThe Futur was the first DE I ever bought and if I were to advise a new shaver today I would definitely suggest something else. But I am very glad it continues to be made and can understand the appeal.First the negative:-Lack of knurling.Overlarge headZAMAK.Lack of grip is perennial complaint for this razor, although it's not quite as bad as you might imagine. However, I can see no valid reason whatsoever for this to be the only razor in existence without a knurled handle!The Futur has an unnecessarily large cap/head. I believe this is yet another "stylistic" choice which actively detracts from its function. This makes shaving under the nose difficult and can also obscure the blade in use, making shaving angle uncertain at times.Positive:-The oft-maligned sprung cap is in fact a touch of genius. Possibly the best solution on the market. I also think this is responsible for the single most unusual aspect of the Futur; the blade tension. In The Futur the blade is held with very little tension, which makes an amazing shave....until it bites you. You have to be very careful with your blade. It's "cool" to shave at 5.5, but you probably don't need to dial past 1. Remember, this is a very large, heavy razor. You don't need a big gap, just good technique.This is also a very "loud" razor, which is nice.The balance is good despite the girth and it is well made. If you are looking for something different, this might be an ideal "Sunday morning razor".

Closest shave

I bought this few months ago. However only used it couple of times. You need to be careful when using it at the beginning. It is quite an aggressive razor. The only reason I have not used it much as you cannot rush through your shaves with this one until you get used to it. I am sure I will start using it regularly once I get comfortable shaving with this. The razor can be adjusted to different settings for closer shave. The closest setting is aggressive. Good Product though....feels like strong and solid built.

Merkur Futur Adjustable Matte Chrome Safety Razor

As I have quite, thick facial hair, which grows quite quickly, I need quite an aggressive razor. I have looked at other recommendations on websites and social media and decided to buy the Merkur Futur razor, from the Executive Shaving Co. Due to the razor being very aggressive, I did some research, beforehand, also, as to whether I should try an adjustable razor, as opposed to a non-adjustable one. I found the Merkur Futur was the razor which I finally went for. The Merkur Futur was very aggressive even in the lower settings. This razor is not for a person with sensitive skin. However, if you have thick facial hair, this razor will be more than superficial for your needs.

Mineral oil only on your razors!

Just fyi. Saw video from Shaving Emporium - they actually rebuild and refurbish vintage razors - videos are great - highly recommend. They HIGHLY recommend never to use machine oil as it can be very corrosive and detrimental. They recommend using only mineral oil on your razor. Hope this info will save some razors. Also wet your fingers and run across your Alum block - it really helps to get a good form grip.

Solid and Dependable

I love this razor. I currently use a Rockwell featherlight coated blade and get a couple shaves out of them. The ergonomics of this razor are fantastic. I think it will perform well for many years. I have course thick facial hair and baby soft fuzz at the top of my head. This shaves my face and head well. I like using the 1.5-2.0 settings. I’ve tried several different razors. From classic resharpening to electric and the latest razors alleged to be the best angle. This razor performs as a razor should—cuts cleanly, efficiently, and easy to clean.

Star

When I first saw this razor, it immediately made me think of Star Trek. If you are a trekker, then you have to get this razor! The first thing you notice, is that this razor has smooth contours, its got a smooth handle too, so don't let your fingers get soapy, otherwise the razor is gonna slip, and that brings weepers, with flowing crimson rivers. This is also a heavy weight razor, 4.5 ounces, so no pressure is needed, allow the weight of the razor, to carry the blade through the cut. This is also an adjustable razor, it has settings 1 through 6, with 1 being the least aggressive, and 6 being the most aggressive.This razor doesn't have your typical head, its not a 2-piece, 3-piece, nor a TTO razor. This razor uses a snap on top cap. All you have to do is remove the ... MoreWhen I first saw this razor, it immediately made me think of Star Trek. If you are a trekker, then you have to get this razor! The first thing you notice, is that this razor has smooth contours, its got a smooth handle too, so don't let your fingers get soapy, otherwise the razor is gonna slip, and that brings weepers, with flowing crimson rivers. This is also a heavy weight razor, 4.5 ounces, so no pressure is needed, allow the weight of the razor, to carry the blade through the cut. This is also an adjustable razor, it has settings 1 through 6, with 1 being the least aggressive, and 6 being the most aggressive.This razor doesn't have your typical head, its not a 2-piece, 3-piece, nor a TTO razor. This razor uses a snap on top cap. All you have to do is remove the top cap by simply pulling on it, install your blade, then snap the top cap down. I find that the top cap holds the blade sufficiently tight, so there is no worry about it coming lose on you. The head is also quite fat, and due to this, you will have difficulty getting the under the nose hairs, but if you make a fish face, and use your fingers to pull your nose away, you can get at those hairs, its just tricky is all.I began testing this razor with a Bic blade, and I have to say, while the Bic blades work excellent in my Feather AS-D2, and my Rex Ambassador, they don't work well in the Futur. They don't provide a smooth shave with this razor, and you will get more tugging then cutting with them. I switched out to a Gillette Nacet blade, and all the sudden the performance was smooth! I am not a daily shaver, I am a 2-day stubble shaver. I typically always set my Futur to blade aggression level 4, when I am doing my WTG passes, and this removes the bulk of my whiskers.I then re-wet my face, re-lather, and I come back ATG, I use blade aggression level 3 on my neck, level 3 on my cheeks, and levels 1 and 2, on my chin and moostash area. Again, this razor provides a very smooth shave using these settings, and with a Nacet blade. And its IMO, that the Futur provides me a smoother shave, then my Rex Ambassador razor. This is not a pickup and go without thinking razor however, this razor requires your full attention, you have to pay attention to what you are doing.Some razors you don't have to think about. The Merkur Futur is an overall aggressive razor, many of the blade aggression level settings, are higher then that of some other adjustable razors. Because of this, some people will only run Astra blades, or Derby blades in this razor. But I have course whiskers, which means I need a sharp blade, mild blades will just tug on my hairs more then just cutting them. This is most certainly not, a perfect razor! Like I said, fat head, tricky to get under the nose hairs, and smooth handle, soapy fingers do not mix! But putting those issues aside, this is a solid razor.Do I recommend this razor? If you are a trekker, instantly 100% yes, you must have this razor, starfleet standard issue! Do I recommend this razor for people who like a challenge, and don't mind honing their technique to improve their wet shaving skills and experience? Yes 100%.! But, if you are a newbie to wet shaving, or you just want a carefree razor you don't have to think about, then I don't recommend this razor for you.

Upgrade

I have been DE shaving for about 20 years, though my gear has always been very basic. I originally got into DE shaving as a cost savings strategy, the razor blade market is so dumb and expensive and I wanted a cheaper alternative. I have only owned 2 safety razors in that time. The standard inexpensive 3 piece Edwin Jagger and the highly recommended Merkur 34c.And now, the Merkur Futur. This razor is hands down in a completely different league. It gave me the closest shave I have ever had in my entire life. My beard comes in very coarse and thick and after a 4 day lapse in shaving, the Merkur Futur bulldozed it’s way through it all and got me down baby butt smooth after only one pass and with the grain! The warnings you read about aggressiveness are absolutely true ... MoreI have been DE shaving for about 20 years, though my gear has always been very basic. I originally got into DE shaving as a cost savings strategy, the razor blade market is so dumb and expensive and I wanted a cheaper alternative. I have only owned 2 safety razors in that time. The standard inexpensive 3 piece Edwin Jagger and the highly recommended Merkur 34c.And now, the Merkur Futur. This razor is hands down in a completely different league. It gave me the closest shave I have ever had in my entire life. My beard comes in very coarse and thick and after a 4 day lapse in shaving, the Merkur Futur bulldozed it’s way through it all and got me down baby butt smooth after only one pass and with the grain! The warnings you read about aggressiveness are absolutely true though, so this should not be your first razor. I’ve been doing this for most my life and I found I needed to go very slowly. It’s that aggressive. We the results however, are outstanding. 10/10 would recommend to someone who is an experienced DE shaver looking for an upgrade, but not interested in something like a $200 Feather

Very good quality product. Nice

Very good quality product. Nice weight and grip in the hand. Easy and safe method of replacing blades. Nice design and the adjustable system works very well and is very practical. The actual shaving finish depends more on the blade than the razor. Very happy.