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46 of 46 found the following review helpful:
Worth Every Penny -- UpdatedSep 21, 2010
By S. Potter
****Updates are at the bottom****
The Merkur Futur puts a sleek skin on an old school tool. Quite simply, the Futur shaves closer and smoother than any two, three, four, or five bladed razor I have ever owned. Of course it also destroys the electrics -- both the rotary and foil head varieties.
Once I decided to give up the tedium and unsatisfactory results I was getting with my Mach 3 and M5, I quickly settled on Merkur as the brand of safety razor I wanted. The Futur is adjustable and is incredibly simple to load an unload. However, I had read it's smooth handle could be slippery and its large head made it difficult to use under one's nose. I ordered it anyway, because of all the positive comments I read about it in web shaving land. Happily, it has more than exceeded my expectations.
While the handle is smooth, I do not have a problem with slipperiness. Even when wet and soapy, I have never come close to losing my grip on the razor or losing control of the sharp end. Even if slipperiness were to become a problem, I could easily remedy it by installing a pen grip or grippy tape. I don't think I will ever have to do either of those things.
The perfect, curved shape of the head causes the blade to easily and painlessly shave all the way up to the bottom of my nose. No gymnastics required; just a push up on the end of my nose.
The one area where the Futur, and any other safety razor, lags behind the Mach 3s of the world is time. It simply takes more time to shave with a double edged safety razor. For me, that is not a problem. I would probably have spent more time shaving with a Mach 3 or M5 if either of those devices were capable of shaving as close as the Futur. Simply put, the pricey razors from Gillette and Shick are incapable of shaving as closely as the Futur. I can buy the best razors in the world for the Futur for a fraction of the cost of Mach whatever they are up to now. I no longer feel the need to use my razors until they are so blunt the merely scrape my beard off instead of shaving it.
In the Amazon box, I was pleased to see a 5 Derby blades along with a Merkur blade packaged with the shaver itself. There was also a sample of decent shaving creme. I only expected to get the razor and maybe a Merkur blade. The extras were nice. So far I have used Feather, Merkur, and Derby blades. I have been pleased with the results each has delivered.
************
01/18/2011 Update
After close to 4 months shaving with the Futur, I value it more than ever. My shaving experience has only gotten better. I use Omega 46001 Shaving Soap in Bowl and love the combination of the German Futur with the Italian soap. As for razors, I've only used 4 brands -- Merkur, Feather, Rite-Aid, and Derby. For me, Derby works best. The Feathers are great, as well, but require a lighter touch than I sometime remember to use. The Feathers are very, very sharp. With all the brands of Razors out there, anyone can find a great match for this razor.
I have gotten the closest shaves ever with my Futur. By handling it with a very light touch, not applying any pressure to it but, rather, just letting it drag lightly across my lathered, slippery skin, I have attained shaving Nirvana.
Handling wise, I have no issues. Once I realized I did not need to use a firm grip on the handle, it became easier than ever to shave with confidence. One is not meant to use anything approaching an iron grip on the Futur. A light touch is all that is required. I have no difficulty adjusting the razor during a shave. My neck gets a 2. My cheeks get a 3. My chin, somewhere in the middle. I honestly cannot imagine not having an adjustable razor.
So, the message of my update is this: The Futur is a great razor. If you are thinking about getting one, just do it.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
awesome razor!!Jan 12, 2011
By M. Prince
"jr_88_mafioso"
This is a awesome razor. I read lot of reviews on it and chose it over the vision. Its cool the way you change the blade. Even thought you snap down the top it holds the blade pretty tight. I set mine on 2 and get a great shave. Everybody should have one.
14 of 15 found the following review helpful:
A joy to hold/use/own!Aug 18, 2010
By Mark D. Stump
This is my second Merkur safety razor.
The first one was fine, and will remain at my second home (work).
This Merkur Futur is now my favorite way to shave.
It's expensive, but the blades are cheap and the razor is a joy to own.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Great razor EVEN FOR BEGINNERS!!!Mar 31, 2011
By K.O
I'm new to the DE shaving world and two month into the practice. This is my first and hopefully the last razor i ever intend on using. I would like to contradict some negative reviews that i read about this razor. First, some people claim it's slippery while shaving. That was not my experience and the razor gets constantly wet when i shave. Of course if you have a proper thick lather on your hands then the futur will be slippery but i don't know of any rugged razor handle that can withstand slippery lather without adjusting your grip and shaving technique. Bottom line: water does not make it slippery while slick lather will.
Second, some complain about the blade replacement compartment. I found it to be literally a snap. Open the compartment, put the blade in, close the cap and you are good to go. This patent meant to secure the blade while preventing any misalignment and blade movement. One common mistake of bottom screw razors is failing to tightly secure the blade in one place. This causes to most nicks and cuts while this "snap system" eliminates that inherent user mistake.
Third, is just a general advice that newbie has "too much to play with" referring to adjustability of the razor, thus not learning the proper technique. I've found this claim to be false in my case as i started with setting #1 where the blade was pulling my whiskers instead of shaving them. Little by little i adjusted the head 1/2 setting at a time so now i can comfortably shave on #3.5 and think i found my golden middle between mild and aggressive shave. This razor can be as mild or as aggressive as DE razors go and definitely will grow with you as your technique improves with each subsequent shave.
Fourth, i did not find the size of the head to be an issue. I am able to shave cleanly under the nose by either moving it to the side or stretching my upper lip downwards or adjusting the angle of the razor. Technique, technique, technique!
With that in mind, instead of chasing after the best next blade (which i admit could be fun) you could save some money by learning the proper technique and finding that sweet spot where the razor gives you the most comfortable shave. I went trough several brands of blades and found them to give me almost identical results, until i found wilkinson's sword which gives me the best comfortable shave.
Finally, with proper preparation, lather, and no excessive pressure on the razor, this will be your loyal companion for many years to come.
Hope this helps.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Seller resolved the issue very quicklyJul 26, 2011
By Mikey
I originally ordered this product and received it when requested. The only problem was the packaging was incorrect and I received the wrong razor (ordered the Futur and got the 33c). I contacted the actual seller of the razor and he reacted promptly and shipped me the appropriate razor. Great customer service and very courteous as well.
Now for the razor. What a difference. The adjustability made all the difference in the comfort and smoothness of my shaving experience (position 2). No more irritation, nicks or problems shaving. I would highly recommend not only this razor but this seller as well. Thanks for a great product as I will be ordering from them again.
Update: 8/16/2011
After having used the razor for three weeks I can say without a doubt that this is the only way to shave and this razor has changed me forever! When using my Braun foil electric I usually still had some stubble and needed to shave every day, but with this method of shaving, two days isn't out of the question. Like many have said, try different blades to find the one that suits your skin type and different shaving creams and soaps to get the most pleasurable experience possible.
It's a pleasure to shave again - not a chore carried out everyday!
Merkur Futur Double Edge Safety Razor #700 + 5 Free DE Razor Blades
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