Merkur Futur

This IS a good razor, and it gives very good shaves, yet the silly design flaws do have to be mentioned nonetheless.. Blade replacement is ok, and you can't go wrong so long as you use your common sense and pay attention to what you're doing. One of its main flaws however, is adjusting the setting mid-shave. Having to hold the head with wet hands whilst simultaneously trying to twist the handle (which is quite stiff to turn) isn't an option.....you'll have to dry your hands first... I do find that quite a bad design flaw, however good the razor performs with regard to the actual shave itself. Also, you need to ensure that the handle is kept free of any shaving soap during the shave, otherwise it can be slippy in your hand due to there being no grip on the handle. At any other time, the grip isn't particularly an issue. Personally I don't find the large head that much of a problem as such. On the plus side, the razor can deliver very nice shaves, and the gentle cutting noise it makes as it slices through the whiskers is music to the ears. I use it on settings between 1.5-2.5, and find those settings perfectly adequate to give a nice BBS shave. I wouldn't personally try any higher settings as I don't feel the need to, but obviously that depends on people's personal preferences and beard density etc. The razor is quite heavy, yes, but IMO I find the heft of the Futur a plus point, if anything.

My ratings may look quite harsh, but overall I still feel compelled to recommend this razor despite its flaws, as the shaves it gives can be superb.. Just treat it with respect, use it with care and you'll be ok.

I did not what to expect when I ordered and received the Futur. I had been using the Hd/Fat Boy and Slant. After 1 BBS shave I was convinced that this was my everyday go to razor. Very well balanced, I had practiced my shaving angle on my other razors so that was no an i ssue here. Is the blade replacement problematic, I suppose. You have to lift the head, however if you do this as the instructions indiacte, (flip one side at a time) then it is really quite simple.

There has been some mention that when the razor gets wet it becomes hard to hold the grip. I have the polished chrome model and I have to say that the indentation in the handle makes it fairly straightforward. I have been using Derby's but plan on start using the Feather at my next blade change. I currently use the #3 setting, but I plan on opening it to #4 next week. IMHO this is a top notch razor in my rotation. Glad my RAD lead me to buy this razor.

second DE ive owned, first was a no name razor. My first merkur, fantastic piece of equipment. Razor will last forver and then some, Keith Richards could shave with this razor in thirty years and it would still be like new. Head is a little to big for me, and the grip is just ok, youd have to be a fool to cut yourself with this thing bc of the grip. All in all a decent razor but just not for me, ill stick with the HD.

Always alternated between my merkur HD and a "Fatboy", decided to give this one a go.
Impressed by the weight of the thing so set it at 3 and let it do the work. Had a great shave!....Used a feather blade and proraso (green tube).
Overall impressions?....a good razor. Recommended but needs respect.
Handle not that great a grip when wet, but manageable with care.

If you enjoy shaving and take your time then i would definately recommend this razor.

Again common sense when inserting/changing the blade and you should have no problems.

If you are reading this and unsure then take the plunge.....BUY ONE

This is an exelent bit of kit!
I thought my old Gillete buterfly was good but this is far better, When it turned up I thought i would give it a proper comparison.
So put the wilkinson sword blade in from my old razor, (that was rather dull) and on setting 6 it gave me one of the best shaves I have had, it was simmilar to my old razor with a new blade fitted.
The balance is nice and I love the weight, it has a masive gap behind the blade and is a dream to keep clean.

This razor is simply stunning to look at, especially the polished version. As for the grip, I think that the designers put looks ahead of performance. I can't defend that aspect of this device.

Blade replacement is a bit tricky, I'll admit. But if you follow the right steps properly, carefully, and with dry hands then you should never have a problem. But can you always do this? Its just not an easy piece of equipment to rig up if your in a hurray or a bit impatient. You also need dry hands to adjust it. You might try using something to cover your hand while you turn the top of the razor, like make a towel. I have mine at '3' and I have just been leaving it there for the time being.

I have found the Futur to shave remarkably well. In fact, I would say that it has given me the best shave I have ever had. Were other factors (and products) in play for that shave? And was it by happenstance that I was using the Futur at the time? I'm not sure. But I do give the Futur a great deal of credit.


This is not a lightsaber for a padawan, but rather for a real Jedi. If used properly, and if the force is controlled, it can shave you mighty fine.

To sum up, while its not my favourite of the Merkurs (like almost everyone I like the HD the best), and while it does have some slight design flaws, it's still one of the best razors out there. It can deliver magnificent results if you take the time and care.

I have been using the futur for a few months and agree with some of the design flaws. Yes the adjustable head is very poorly designed, but i don't think the blade is flopping around or noisy.

its weight is sufficient to allow the blade to glide over the skin without any urge to apply pressure.
It can be a bit difficult to get at the hairs under the nose, but you can turn the head of the razor to get there.


Even with wet and soapy hands, it has never slipped. yes, i have cut myself, but they were all due to my carelessness.

I use merkur platinum blades, trumpers cream and super vulfix brush and achieve very close and comfortable shaves.

Tom

After using a Gillette adjustable for about a year, I decided to purchase the Futur.

The transition was quite easy for me. I get the same super close shave with it as I got with the Gillette.

However, it's a bit heavier and I had to modify the "let the weight of the razor shave" routine to "ease it up a bit". The #3 setting works best for me.

All in all I'm glad I own one. Shaves really well.

The only thing that I hate about it though, is the blade removal. What hack of an engineer masterminded this?...It makes no sense at all. I still get a chill down my back every time I pull on the d*** thing to replace the blade.

I always found my Futur to be a good shaver, unless your concentration drops, then its quick to remind you of what you are doing...Ouch!

In a sence it is the Beauty AND the Beast

Its big, its bad and its bulky. I gives a really smooth and clean shave but it has its faults. The biggest drawback is the adjustment - it it dangerous!!
And the big head makes it hard to see what your are doing around eg sideburns and beardedges..

I have had no trouble changing blades in it, actually find it quite good to just pop the top and insert.

To sum things up - I think its a good nice razor but not one of the best. Go with a Merkur 34 insted (The famous HD)

Next to the Vision, this razor seems to be the most hated or loved. While it can shave you closely and can be very aggressive if you want, the cons far outweigh the pros.

As others have mentioned, the head is oversized making it very difficult to manouver around your face, especially getting your sideburns right and under the nostrils. Adjusting this razor is nothing short of dangerous, it is quite stiff and you have to hold the head of the razor with a blade in while your other hand holds the slippery handle to adjust it. Try this mid-shave with soap and water everywhere. The head clips on and doesn't hold down the blade firmly. There have been many arguments as to whether this makes a difference. The handle is slippery. When I used it I would always end up just holding right under the head as my fingers slipped up the handle. Satin or chrome, they are both bad.

This razor looks good, and can shave you well, but it is not a nice razor to actually use. By a Merkur HD or similar instead.

My third DE. My other 2, the first of which I lost many years ago, is an HD from Merkur.

I really like the Futur. I found it very easy to use (to be honest though I did look through the forum so I new about the blade settings before I got the razor). Had I not looked at the other reviews and threads on this razor, I would have been a bit confused as to how to set it.

This razor is nicely weighted and, therefore, is easy to allow it to do the work for you. You just hold and drive it, the weight of the razor does the shaving for you.

It is nice to adjust the razor, the only complaint I have (it could just be me though) is the razor seems to have a "more aggressive" side and a "tamer" side when I set it above my first pass setting. I do my first pass at 1.5 and then up the setting to 3. It seems to me that at 3, one side is more aggressive than the other (I can hear it cutting more, feel it cutting more). When I look at the razor though, I can't discern any difference in the exposed amount of blade. Perhaps it is just me.

I would tend to agree that this could be too much for a first timer, but I am not an expert by any stretch and I find it easy to use. The handle is smooth in finish as opposed to my HD handle, which is knurled. As long as I rinse the razor and my hand, I find that my grip on the handle is sure and strong. Even with the HD handle, if my hands/fingers or the handle are covered in cream, then if find the handle slippery. The Futur handle is more slippery given the same conditions.

Love the razor, would encourage anyone to buy it.

Darren

I found this razor to be a real treat. I look forward using it. From day 1 i never found this razor to be agressive, i just used the weight of the razor.
Having the option of adjusting the blade is good so if you have sensitive skin like myself you can set it on a low number and move your way up.

Its not the best razor for a beginner as it needs taming like a lion. Once you get the hang of it, it can be the best shave you have ever had.

This was the first razor I bought.....I suppose I was attracted by the Modern look and the on site reviews on the Vendor's site. I have since experimented with other razors....and while it is still in my rota....it is not my favourite.
I think that part of the problem is that the Futur is adjustable! Inexperienced users feel that thet have to move "up the scale" before they can be regarded as a "real" DE Shaver. A little common sense is required for safe usage. I have never cut myself while changing the blade......but I can understand how accidents can happen. This razor by far gives the closest shaves (IMO) but care must be taken.No weight to be applied. It has a technique all on its own. If I use my other razors for too long........I find I have to learn all over again with the Futur.

Good buy......but perhaps not as a starter.

Brian

The marking system for these reviews is all ****-eyed. The more aggressive the razor the higher the score Aggression in a razor is easy to achieve & too much leads to irritation...., so why mark as more is better, when less is more?

OK, the Futur. The positive things first - It is just about the best finished and constructed Merkur IMO. As with all adjustables it has quite a range of aggressiveness and like just about every adjustable the lower third of the range gives the best shaves. The adjustability is smooth & continuous without click-stops. If razors were just judged on weight then this razor would do very well.

OK, now the less favourable stuff....,

The head of the razor is large & bulky. A big design flaw - I'm thinking did a woman or a pre-pubescent boy design this razor? Wasted space either side of the blade just makes it harder than it need be to shave around the nostrils etc.

The clip-on cap is unique. It is unique in razor design because it is rubbish. All other DE razors clamp down a blade nice and tight, putting the steel under tension and making the edge stiff. The Futur's cap just clips into position, doesn't holds the blade down tight and as a result the blade vibrates when cutting. All this flapping around is audible to the ear and makes the shave about the noisiest available...., terrible idea, was this cap designed to hit a target manufacturing price?

Another downside to this razor is the potentially finger slicing method of adjustment. To adjust the blade exposure you have to hold the head of the razor...., nice one designer

No grip on the handle - c'mon practicality should be ahead of aesthetics on the priority list.

German Design - clearly the designer had flu or something, maybe he (or she) was just having a laugh...., anyway, do yourself a favour buy Merkurs fixed blade HD instead or if you must have an adjustable buy the Progress or better still go vintage.

Regards
John

As no one else has posted a review of the Merkur Futur I felt that this would be a good opportunity to contribute to the forum.
The Futur was the first DE razor that I used, and despite some recent instances of blood loss I still rate this razor very highly.
Firstly, it is a very good looking piece of equipment, it eschews the the bulky space age lines of the Vision and the ornateness of the 1904 Classic, in favor of clean, crisp minimalist lines. Although a razors appearance should be a secondary consideration for a prospective buyer, how many of us can honestly say that looks do not play a role in the decision making process; and on that score the Futur is the best razor out there.
On taking the razor out of its box, you are greeted by a very solid and impressive looking tool. The Futur exudes class, beyond its visually pleasing exterior it comes across as a dependable and well made item. The adjustment mechanism is solid and has a good feel to it and there is a positive response when you change the settings.
I was so impressed by this razor, that when I subsequently purchased an HD, I thought that I had been fobbed off with a toy from a Christmas cracker, next to the Futur it was too small and too lightweight to be taken seriously.
The first time you use this razor you should be suitably impressed by its weight. It has enough presence to allow strict adherence to the principle of no pressure, the Futur having enough heft that you can let it glide over your face and still get a close shave.
On wide open areas of the face it is a very well balanced razor that performs well.
However, there are design problems. For example, the method of blade replacement involves actually pulling the head off of the razor, bringing your fingers into dangerously close proximity with the blade.
Also, the handle has no grip, this makes it very difficult to hold when your hands are wet, and given the size and weight of the razor this can make it somewhat difficult to manoeuvre.
In fact the lack of manoeuvreability is the major problem with this razor, the aforementioned problems, combined with the actual size of the head mean that the Futur is totally unsuited to precision work.
With regard to the aggressiveness of this razor, I think it is down to common sense on behalf of the user, the potential for injury is there, but if you are sensible and have a deft touch this razor is very easy to tame, in spite of its awkwardness under certain circumstances.
In conclusion, I still like the Futur, given the proper respect it is still a very good razor, but my positive comments may just be down to the fact that I started out with this razor, I would imagine the transition from an HD to this maybe more difficult.
The Futur is a truly classic design, but certain design flaws undermine its true potential.
Warm regards,
Alex