Customer Reviews

Merkur "Futur" Safety Razor, Satin Finish

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I am a new-comer to the D/E world, but have been looking long and hard for something that shaves this close! I am only 26, but ever since I started shaving (around 16) I had always been unsatisfied. Either by paying too much for cartridge replacements (mach3, fusion, quattro, disposable, etc....) or by the tearing feeling I would get from an electric. I've probably owned every disposable on the market, and 5 different electrics. Not that I loved shaving, I just was always hoping the next product would actually work!

Here enters the idea of straight razors and double edge (d/e) razors. I first heard of it a long time ago, but as with many people my age I thought the newer products were surely better because they have by and large replaced any idea of D/E's.

Anyone looking at this razor has probably already done some research, that's how I found it. And it seems, that's how many other people have come across Merkur as well. To that end I will try and keep my story short and bullet-point my original (pre-purchase) concerns and my afterthoughts now of owning this razor for 3 months.

Pre-Purchase Concerns:
- I thought that it really couldn't be that much closer than a disposable.
- I thought it was too much money up-front (even though the long term costs were lower, it was difficult to decide since I had no point of comparison)
- I was worried about how long it would take to shave. I don't have much time in the morning as I generally trade it for as much sleep as possible.


Post-Purchase Experiences:
Okay, so to start I have to say that this razor as with many other D/E's will do a GREAT job on your face! My concerns above were quelled after a couple of weeks using the Futur. Your technique is the MOST important part of shaving with a D/E and I guarantee that you will be frustrated for a month or two (learning curve dependent). I walked out after shaving a few times with at least 20 little cuts all over my neck. Since I'm assuming that you've already done some research, I'll also assume that you've heard that story before - and let me assure you... it will happen to you.

Despite that unpleasant experience, once I finally started to get the technique down, my shaves became better and better! They've been getting so good lately that I can't wait to hit the shower and shave! It is one of the most satisfying rituals I've come across. I tell all of my friends about it, trying to convert everyone that I see. Using a D/E truly is the best way to shave... although it will take you longer in the morning to do it properly.

When I was using an electric, or disposable cartridge type, I could generally shave in 5 minutes. Slather on some cheap shaving cream, and tug away with your mach3. To get a really good shave now, it takes me about 20 minutes (start to finish). My neck is the part that takes the longest. I have hair that looks like a hurricane and grows in all sorts of directions which makes it very difficult to shave and not cut yourself. Despite the time consumed shaving I still manage to get all my "zzz's" in the morning. That's because the shave is soo close I can shave at night before going to bed. When I wake up in the morning it's still as smooth as ever!

The first time you experience that is one amazing moment of jubilation. And after, you'll never go back.

Overall, I would recommend this razor to just about anyone looking to buy. BUT, this razor is not the end-all be-all. It's fantastic, but the classic Merkur HD style is just as good (for 1/2 the price). Even though it's adjustable, I essentially keep it at the same setting all of the time.

Here are some other thoughts if you are considering getting into D/E shaving. The up-front cost can be expensive as mentioned earlier, but it is worth it. Below I've listed (in order) where you should put your money first, the products at the bottom can be upgraded later and these first ones are good enough to get you started:

#1) Brush! (This is the most important part of wet-shaving). You may think the razor is more important, but it's not. You don't need a $500 brush, but about $50 - $80 will get you a very respectable brush from Vulvix. Make sure it's a Badger hair brush. And within the badger brushes some people claim that silver-tip badger hair is top of the line (it's just hair from a certain part of the badger).

#2) Razor

#3) Post-Shaving Cream. Here is where many people cheap-out. The old train of though goes that an alcohol based aftershave or something off the shelf at a supermarket (read Nivea for Men, etc.) is fine. This has not been the case for me. Especially while you are learning, you'll want a good after-shave that will help reduce the redness and irritation you'll experience. Let me remind you, that once you get your technique down - you won't see anymore razor bumps!
For the cream, buy Geo Trumper's Skin Food. It's nearly $30 a bottle, but well worth it. Don't chicken out, you face will love you for it!

#4) Shaving Cream. I've been using Proraso here - it's cheap, $9, and will last a long time. Go for this while you're learning. After your first tube of this you should be getting pretty good - then you can buy some of Geo Trumper's shaving cream tubs. :)


Now that you have those products selected, here are a few more that you are going to need. These are all cheap and often overlooked, get them - it will make your life easier.

#1) 'My Nik is Sealed' (This is much better than a stiptic pencil, and won't leave any white residue on your face. Stops bleeding from cuts and scraps quick. Especially needed while learning. Note: The product name is actually "My Nik is sealed", just for clarification.

#2) Large coffee mug. A wider mug is better as this is what you should mix your later in. Check out the following link from "Mantic59"

http://www.youtube.com/mantic59

for some very educational videos. I watched his whole series and it was
very very helpful.

#3) Grapeseed Oil. Yes I know that sounds odd, but it works wonders if you oil up your face before applying lather. This helps me so that the razor glides over my skin easier and reduces cuts. You can buy it at your local supermarket and it should be cheap. Also, don't substitute olive oil or another oil. There is something about Grapeseed oil that works better than the rest.

#4) Hydrocortisone 1% Cream. This should be used sparingly if ever - I don't believe it is good to apply to your skin on a regular basis. It's benefit? It will remove almost all razor burn within an hour, so if you've really chopped up your face and need to go to work or on a date... it can be a lifesaver!

#5) Mens Grooming Tweezers. Not necessary but helpful to get out in-grown hairs (as they occur).


All right folks - I hope this was informative and helpful. Good luck in your purchase - you will not be disappointed if you stick with it.

Happy Shaving!

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.

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.

Quality. It's not possible to see the quality of this thing in a photo. It's clearly designed to last at least one lifetime. Because of the other reviews' cautions, I was careful from the first use and have never had a bad cut with this razor unless I was being careless. It's actually fairly easy to use. You just can't go forcing it around your face like a disposable razor.
I used Gillette Sensors then the Mach3's. Both razors had arrived free in the mail at different times. Both are good razors. Having said that, the last time I went to the store to buy some Mach3 replacements I just got angry at the price and over-packaging of the replacement blades. Then right next to the Mach3's, there were some 5 blade things. You know, in case the other 4 blades miss your face, you've got that 5th.
After having used the Futur for a couple of weeks, I can say it's the best shave I've ever had.
Is it expensive? On day one, yes. There goes $60. But, each individual double edge blade lasts one week and costs 50 cents at the absolute most. That's $86 the first year and $26 each year after that. Compare a free Mach3. Blades are $1.80 each at BJ's, so that's $94 each year, every year. So, you spend about the same the first year then $68/yr less each year after. You get a better shave for less money and less waste. If $60 is too much for you, get one of Merkur's classic razors. The one and only problem with the Futur is that the handle tends to get a bit slippery when lather inevitably gets on the handle.
Some reviewers have written that they don't use the adjustability, so it's not important. I disagree. First, you get to learn (safely) on a lower setting, then can adjust up until you find the one you like. Second, if your face is ever irritated or sunburned, you can back off to a lower setting until the problem has passed. If you use a Feather blade at the closest setting, you are as close to a staight edge shave as a safety razor gets.
If you make the decision to use a DE razor, I recommend you buy a multi-pack of blades that includes Merkur, Feather and Derby. These are the gold standard IMO. The Feathers are extremely sharp, and therefore, prone to cut you. Derby a bit less sharp. Merkurs are consistently nice, but not as sharp. I have a thick beard and find the Feather or Derby blades work better for me. You may prefer the Merkurs. In either case, I think it's better for a newbie to use the Merkurs for the first few weeks, just to make the learning curve less painful. Then try the others for a few weeks. Once you've decided on your favorite, you can buy them in larger quantities (saving on shipping). Good blades seem to be nearly impossible to find in stores.
If you want to research shaving things in-depth, try the badgerandblade site.

I am usually too busy to write reviews, but the Merkur Futur impressed me so much that I almost feel compelled to share this information.

First, I actually did notice a flaw on this razor but it can be easily mitigated once user knows about it. I must first describe how the razor works: to change blades, you must lift the head by pulling it up and then putting in a new blade, and then pushing the head back into place. MAKE SURE TO PUSH THE HEAD IN ALL WAY UNTIL IT IS NICE AND TIGHT (YOU'LL KNOW WHEN IT "SNAPS" INTO POSITION). If you do not push it in all the way until it snaps (a very common mistake if you are not aware), the setting system won't work properly and all your shaves be very aggressive and close, and probably cause irritation.

Second, I highly recommend you buy an adjustable razors (like this one). The adjustable razor is superior because it give the user the most control to determine the closeness of the shave they desire. The lowest setting "1" is the safest keeping blade furthest away from the skin. The highest setting "6" gives the most exposure of the blade to the skin, giving a harsher, but closer shave. In between there are settings 2,3,4,5. Setting "2" is a favorite among many users including myself.

Third, the product is heavy and thus very stable. The stability of this 4.0 ounce razor is perhaps its best asset (after being adjustable) and it makes shaving a lot easier, more fun, and even faster (one stroke is all it takes). From the picture it might look like the non-grove handle, smooth is "slippery when wet" but this couldn't be further from the truth. The futuristic-looking ergonomic handle is just stable when wet as a traditional grooved handle (in my opinion, even more stable).

It comes in three finishes (Satin Nickel, Polished Nickel, and Gold-Plated) Some suppliers don't even carry the gold-plated finish and with good reason: the durability of gold-plated razors are questionable and I recommend either the Satin and Polish Nickel finishes for long-term durability (many decades).

AN EXCELLENT RAZOR!!! THE BEST I'VE EVER USED!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! WELL WORTH IT!!!

I bought my Futur back in 2004 after experimenting with those 3 and 4-blade razors. It took some time to get used to, and i drew blood more than once. But once you've found a setting that works for you, and you've got the right blades (Merkur Double Edge Safety Razor Blades #910 recommended), this razor is second to none.

I definitely recommend purchasing The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil for use in combination with your preferred shaving cream. And you'll want to use short strokes, not those lower-lip-to-adam's-apple strokes you see guys do in those commercials. For close shaves, you may have to lather up a second time. But this razor is easily worth the $60+ price tag.

Note: Don't try to fly with it in your luggage. It triggered the metal detector when I tried to carry it through security. And my luggage is always searched when I travel with it in my checked bags. (But I hate leaving it at home!)

Length:: 1:08 Mins

My technique for adjusting this razor when wet. As with most sharp objects, the safety of this technique is dependent on user competence. I've used this technique for weeks without so much as a scratch; depending on hand/finger size and other factors your mileage may vary. Bottom line: I am not responsible if you cut yourself. No offense, but this is the internet so I have put this in here for the .5% minority that would try to make my life miserable if they got a cut from this (I've encountered such before). For the rest of you, hope you enjoy the video.

Well I just got mine a week ago and damn is a pleasure to have and use. I hadn't shaved in 4 years since getting out of the military and have just gotten back into the mix of shaving again. For as long as I have gone without shaving it was just as easy to get back into it with this razor.

1. Blade changing: I find it quite nice how the top pops off for changing blades, makes it easy and it also holds quite well so no worries about the top ever popping off, it has very strong "spring" like clamps that hold the top on and very securely.

2. Weight: It's got just the right weight to it, not light or heavy, just right.

3. Adjustability: This razor has a very large range of adjustment to it. Setting 1 is probably good for a beginner so they reduce the risk of cuts. I found that 2.5 seems to be a good place for me to start back at and I'll probably put it up to a 3.5 as I get used to it again.

4. Finish: The satin finish goes well for most men's related products, it's not ugly not is it too shiny either, I find it to be just right.

Yes this may be a pricey DE razor, but it's well worth it. I gave my old one that was similar to this model to a friend of mine that was still in the service when I got out. He still uses it and has come to enjoy shaving again. I personally am enjoying shaving again as I'm done with my hiatus from shaving after my vow to not shave for many years after getting out of the service.

Cons: The only con I can come up with for this razor is the fact that the head is a good bit wider than the blade due to the way it holds the blade down. So if you are a person who likes to leave some hair on the face like say a thin like around the jaw edge then it may be a little difficult to get this razor along that edge till you get the feel for it. You may want to consider the Merkur Progress, it's another great adjustable razor that doesn't have hardly anything off to the sides of the blade.

Conclusion: If you are tired of bumps, cuts, nicks, or that general scraping feeling you get from a standard cartridge razor, then get a DE razor, you will be far more happy, your skin will thank you, and so will your woman, or the woman you'll be meeting as your skin will look much better. If you are a woman looking for something better, well then you are in the right place as well. Your man will love you more and longer for it.

So take the plunge into making your life better and order one already!

I've been using this razor regularly for the last 8 months and found it to be absolutely wonderful. It is well-constructed and easy to use, allowing you to choose from a variety of settings. The razor itself is well-balanced and its weight is just right to allow for a superb shave without having to press the blade into the skin. I have found that double-edged safety razors provide a far superior shaving result compared to the common, multiple-blade razors on the market. The blades are much cheaper and more environmentally-friendly to boot. The Merkur Futur razor is the one for me.

I've been shaving with this razor for months now.

When the handle is wet, it's a bit difficult to hang onto. And it *will* get wet in the process of shaving. I wish the handle were knurled or grooved. The problem is not insurmountable, but it is bad enough that I've considered applying a rubber coating to the handle.

Other than that, it is a quality peice of shaving gear which I enjoy using. I'm sure it would last a lifetime. But I'm here to look at different razors today...