Merkur "Futur" Safety Razor, Satin Finish
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Customer Reviews of Merkur "Futur" Safety Razor, Satin Finish
Customer Review: Sometimes Older is Better
Summary: 5 Stars
I have heavy, thick beard growth, and sensitive skin. Bad combination. After twenty years trying to get a clean, close shave that didn't rip my face apart, my wife told me about her father's safety razor given to him in WWII that he used the rest of his life. After all the latest multi-blade, lubricated techincal wonders, I at first poo-pooed the idea. But now a year after starting to use the Merkur, I am thrilled.
The one caution I would offer is to do your research and follow the proper technique, it does make a difference. But that done, this is the cleanest, smoothest shave that I have gotten. Oh, and I do use a brush and shave soap, but have had equally good results with the can stuff while traveling.
The final factor is the difference between the price. The blades I was using were a dollar a peice and lasted at best 3 days. These are closer to .50 and easily go 2 weeks to a month, rotating daily and ocasionally flipping the blade.
As to the Mekur specifically, it is extremely well made with a great heft that feels steady and sure in the hand. I chose it for the adjustability, and it has been worth it. It adjusts the angle of the blade where it meets your face, and I will assure you that it is important.
The only drawbacks I have noted, is the size of the shaver head, and having to pay more attention to the blade. Being used to slim plastic heads, the size and shape of the shave head and the more exposed blade takes getting used to. Reaching up for the mustache, I had a problem catching the edge of my nostrils. When a safety razor gets you, it tends to be a bit more severe. But I have recently learned the trick of pulling my nose out of the way opposite the side I am shaving, and haven't gotten a nick since. But these are slight issues and more than offset by the benefits of the shave.
Guys, I really reccomend it. It has turned a morning chore into a pleasure and an art. The ritual of the hot, brushed-on lather and smooth, careful shave really gives a nice little taste of luxury in the morning.
Customer Review: Perfect!
Summary: 5 Stars
Perfection! Yes, I said it. This is a perfect product. When I got mine about a year ago I was new to the double edge razor blade world and cost savings were my main priority. I had a cheap razor which I used most days and wanted to let my old man in on this secret. On a whim I got him this razor for a present and he obstinately refused to use it, so it was really a gift to myself. Either way I was immediately impressed with the quality of the product. From the pictures I thought this would be an overhyped piece of junk, but it is truly a finely engineered instrument. Everything is perfectly engineered for the job, the weight, the finish, the adjustment, etc. Yes, it is expensive, but it is worth every penny.
After a full year of use I can say that it was fully worth it. I use 3 as my preferred setting and can easily shave immediately after a hot shower with no shaving cream, even against the grain. It does take a little bit of practice but is well worth the effort and the final product, the best feeling shave you have ever given yourself. The razor has more than paid for itself over the expensive disposable alternative and with a quick cleaning could be passed off as a brand new product. This thing is in perfect condition even after a full year of use and I expect it to last me a decade or more. I can't stress enough how nicely finished and engineered this razor is, something that has to be experienced and felt in person. If you are still skeptical I suggest you find a friend, relative, store, whatever and feel this thing in your hands. I will never go to another razor and probably will never have to. The only reason not to like this razor is the design, a personal preference choice, which does appear slightly modern, but looks perfectly normal in person. I have never had any problems with gripe and I find the heavy weight to be perfect for shaving.
You will not be disappointed and I can say that this is one of the few products I have bought in recent years that I felt was worth every penny paid. Best wishes shaving!
Customer Review: Great Razor Nothing More to say ... but I will
Summary: 5 Stars
To start off I discovered DE razors about a year ago from a video on YouTube that discussed the benefits of shaving the way your Grandpa did. I had previously used a triple blade razor (what ever was on sale) and never really put much thought into the dreary chore of scraping the fur off my face every day or two.
That all changed when I ordered a Parker 22R and a badger brush. I was pretty happy with the performance of this razor and was very happy with DE shaving. I actually looked forward to shaving in the morning. After about a year I decided to try a Merkur razor since most of the posts I have read on various sites refer to them as the gold standard of DE razors. Being unable to justify $180 or so on the Merkur Vision I ordered the equally beautiful Futur. My first shave was not so great, I was disappointed with the pulling and scraping I experienced with the Merkur blade that came with the razor. The next morning I installed a Shark blade and WOW!! Best shave ever!
I am very satisfied with all the features of the razor, I was a bit worried about some issues raised in some reviews regarding the grip, blade replacement, size and adjustment. For me all if these issues were baseless, I will discuss below.
Grip: This was not an issue on the satin finish Futur I ordered. I find the razor very easy to hold and very comfortable. This may be an issue with the chrome finish models but I have never seen one.
Blade Replacement: This is easy, just pop the cap on one side and then the other. If you are worried use a wash rag and do it over the counter so you don't drop the cap.
Size: This is a bit of and issue, around your upper lip but you adjust your technique and it works well.
Blade Adjustment: This is a great feature and I use it on 1 for the first pass and 3-4 on the second and third. I have not experienced any problem with adjustment.
Overall this is a great razor that I imagine will outlast me.
Customer Review: An instrument to grow into
Summary: 4 Stars
I've tried every kind of wet shaving short of using a machete. My father's old Gillette DE with the gated top, various disposables, Trac 2's, Mach 3's, I even own and know how to use (theoretically) straight razors. I also have a couple of Merkur razors: a long-handled regular Merkur and the Futur.
I've had the Futur for awhile but was too lazy to use it as I've learned it needs to be used: slowly and carefully. NOTHING is harder to use than a straight razor: the British don't call them "cuthroats" just because of Sweeney Todd! The DE Merkurs come close. But once you get it down they are far more pleasant than those throwaway environment-killers, the Mach 3's.
The weight of the Futur is intimidating. So is the adjustability. I cut myself this morning with the setting on 2 instead of 1. And a new blade is a real challenge. You have to go slowly and carefully to avoid nicks. Is it worth it? Yes--your face never felt this right, especially if you have preceded the shave with oil and a good shaving cream or soap preferably applied with a badger brush, then rinsed and used an astringent or balm afterwards. Shaving is not just about getting it done as quickly as possible. Pardon the analogy, but that's a recipe for lousy sex and a bad shave!
The one bad part of the Futur and Merkurs in general is the top loading feature. This is what cost the razor one star. I don't like to pry off the top and remove the blade by hand. It's dangerous. Two weeks ago I did this trick on the Futur with wet hands and gave one of my fingers a nasty cut when the blade slipped. So do this with dry hands and be careful about where you dispose of that blade!
As far as a shave, however, it's a wonderful tool. Work with it carefully, treat it with the respect it deserves, let the weight of the razor do the hard work...and you will learn to love it.
Customer Review: A Close Shave From the Old School
Summary: 5 Stars
Buying yourself a double edged razor kit may seem a little old fashioned to some. What with the proliferation of multitudinous electric models and the domination of the market by 'shaving systems' meant to be disposed of, this ancient technology may seem like an anachronism at best. Why should you buy a Merkur razor instead of picking up a Schick or Gilette at Wal-Mart and calling it a day?
These Merkurs are truly built to last. The razor is quite heavy, something the picture cannot possibly convey, and as a result it glides across your face without having to 'tug'. Sure, the initial cost seems pretty steep, but you will literally never have to buy another razor in your life. The blades for your new razor will probably cost between $2 and $5. Compare that with the exorbitant prices of the American name brands and you will instantly see the benefits over an extended period of time.
This model has a rotating head, allowing the user to expose as much or as little of the blade as he considers prudent. The bar that gives the safety razor it's name will be adjusted to offer more or less protection against the blade, so that on a setting of 1 a novice is unlikely to cut himself even if he is trying to. Please note I said ROTATING, not swiveling! Should you choose to switch you should be aware that you will face a slight learning curve, since you are likely used to a blade that 'follows' your face, e.g. the Mach 3. You will need to teach your wrist to swivel instead, and this may feel clumsy at first. It took me about a week to start shaving on auto-pilot, the way I was used to doing with disposables, without having to concentrate specifically on the job in hand. I think I nicked myself twice until I got the hang of it. It's not a seriously difficult change; I only bring it up in the interests of explaining to you what a safety razor can and cannot do.