I recently bought a new Merkur Vision 2000 and a new Merkur Futur razor. I have spent the past several weeks shaving with them and comparing them.
They both are outstanding shavers. I have about 75 DE and SE razors, and the Vision 2000 and the Futur are among the select best of all my razors for shaving efficiency and comfort. I can't decide which is better between the two. One day I would prefer the Vision 2000 and on another day I might prefer the Futur. So I rate them to be a 50/50 tie.
In my testing of the Vision 2000 and the Futur I used Merkur blades. These blades often are criticized by knowledgeable shavers, but in my experience they are very good blades in Merkur razors. Each blade would last for 7 shaves.
My whiskers are tough. I shaved with the Vision 2000 on the setting of O (which is about mid-range on the strangely calibrated dial) and with the Futur on a lower 1.5 setting. I had virtually no nicks or weepers during my 2 weeks of testing.
I found the appearance of the recently discontinued Vision 2000 to be modern, ponderous, and heavy, and it was like shaving with a powerful truck (meant in a positive way) giving a close, smooth, and audio shave. The only criticism I have of the Vision 2000 is the adjustment dial might move from its setting during use, or while cleaning, if not careful. It does require periodic disassembly (monthly?) for interior cleaning and maintenance, but I enjoy doing that sort of thing.
The Futur which dates from about 1983 has an appearance that is sleek and modern. It has a nice feel and a good balance. It has good design and engineering and and it shows evidence of precision manufacturing. The only criticism I have of the Futur is that there is a slight protrusion on one end of the snap-on cap that aids in snapping the cap off. It gives a slightly asymmetrical look. Psychologically, I'm a symmetrical guy.
I highly recommend the Merkur Vision 2000 and the Merkur Futur for close, comfortable, and pleasant shaves.
They both are outstanding shavers. I have about 75 DE and SE razors, and the Vision 2000 and the Futur are among the select best of all my razors for shaving efficiency and comfort. I can't decide which is better between the two. One day I would prefer the Vision 2000 and on another day I might prefer the Futur. So I rate them to be a 50/50 tie.
In my testing of the Vision 2000 and the Futur I used Merkur blades. These blades often are criticized by knowledgeable shavers, but in my experience they are very good blades in Merkur razors. Each blade would last for 7 shaves.
My whiskers are tough. I shaved with the Vision 2000 on the setting of O (which is about mid-range on the strangely calibrated dial) and with the Futur on a lower 1.5 setting. I had virtually no nicks or weepers during my 2 weeks of testing.
I found the appearance of the recently discontinued Vision 2000 to be modern, ponderous, and heavy, and it was like shaving with a powerful truck (meant in a positive way) giving a close, smooth, and audio shave. The only criticism I have of the Vision 2000 is the adjustment dial might move from its setting during use, or while cleaning, if not careful. It does require periodic disassembly (monthly?) for interior cleaning and maintenance, but I enjoy doing that sort of thing.
The Futur which dates from about 1983 has an appearance that is sleek and modern. It has a nice feel and a good balance. It has good design and engineering and and it shows evidence of precision manufacturing. The only criticism I have of the Futur is that there is a slight protrusion on one end of the snap-on cap that aids in snapping the cap off. It gives a slightly asymmetrical look. Psychologically, I'm a symmetrical guy.
I highly recommend the Merkur Vision 2000 and the Merkur Futur for close, comfortable, and pleasant shaves.
