Do I upgrade from a 38C to Futur?

[Moonraker5]

Hi gang!

I have been using the 38C quite happily now for nearly a year and looking for a good excuse to change.

I am looking at the Futur for its adjustability as i find the 38C perfect for face but too aggressive for my neck.

Does anyone have any experience of the above? is it a good upgrade or a waste of 40 pounds?

Thanks in advance

 

[matato]

I think it's a perfect upgrade. I've got a 39C that leaves my face feeling a little beat up if I'm not paying 100% attention to using the proper pressure. With the Futur, I can dial a setting that works perfectly.

For a while, however, I've been wondering if adjustability is something of a gimmick. Once I found the right setting, I really didn't change it again for months, so I was wondering if I should have just found the right fixed razor instead. But then I started spending more time outside in the wind and sun, and my shaves got terrible! I tried the Futur at a more aggressive setting, and it works perfectly again, which makes me really happy about my investment.

If you're thinking about changing the settings mid-shave for your face and neck, I don't know how well that will work. The handle gets slippery and it's a little difficult to change settings on the fly. However, if the 38C is perfect for your face, you can always use both razors!

 

[DE Shaver]

I think the Futur is a great razor and sits right beside my Merkur 39C Sledgehammer. Even at its lowest setting, the blade gap is quite significant, although I don't find it aggressive at that setting. I also have the 38C and I consider it milder in comparison so I do not think you will benefit from the Futur. Personally, the 38C is a great razor and would continue to use it or consider a Merkur Progress for an adjustable razor.

 

[luvmysuper]

You are assuming that people will agree that going from a 38C to a Futur is an upgrade.

 

[Duncanh48]

I would agree that moving to a Futur is not necessarily an upgrade, I have a numbers of adjustables including the Futur but would be more inclined to recommend the Edwin Jagger 89L or Muhle R89. Neither are adjustable razors, however I get a closer, cleaner shave with much less irritation with them.

 

[johnmrson]

If the 38c is too aggressive for your neck then I think that the Futur on the lowest setting will be even worse. I would stick with the 38c. Play around with blade choice and technique until you can shave your neck without irritation (hint there are only inexperienced shavers, not too aggressive razors).

 

[mark_mw]

You are assuming that people will agree that going from a 38C to a Futur is an upgrade.

If the 38C didn't have its weight, it would be a borderline "weenie" razor (like a Tech's taller brother)....say what you will about style, the Futur is an EFFECTIVENESS upgrade

 

[Moonraker5]

thanks for all your replys

Yes i did consider it an upgrade as you can adjust the blade angle and wondered if it would help.

I have found the best combination, for me is the 38C with the Astra SP or the iridium Super. I have managed to get the irritation down quite considerably watching the stroke and using these blades.

I see the Progress is a popular choice and a bit cheaper, is this better?

thanks

 

[mark_mw]

thanks for all your replys

Yes i did consider it an upgrade as you can adjust the blade angle and wondered if it would help.

I have found the best combination, for me is the 38C with the Astra SP or the iridium Super. I have managed to get the irritation down quite considerably watching the stroke and using these blades.

I see the Progress is a popular choice and a bit cheaper, is this better?

thanks

The Progress is elegant and effective - but you must pay attention when replacing blades to match up the top with the handle so the very simple adjustability feature works properly.

 

[Seraphim]

thanks for all your replys

Yes i did consider it an upgrade as you can adjust the blade angle and wondered if it would help.

I have found the best combination, for me is the 38C with the Astra SP or the iridium Super. I have managed to get the irritation down quite considerably watching the stroke and using these blades.

I see the Progress is a popular choice and a bit cheaper, is this better?

thanks

For clarification: you can adjust the blade exposure, not really the angle. Although the two can be somewhat related depanding on the combination.

 

[luvmysuper]

The Progress is elegant and effective - but you must pay attention when replacing blades to match up the top with the handle so the very simple adjustability feature works properly.

I'm happy it suits you and you get good shaves out of it.

YMMV is an amazing thing, some people think Haggis is the cats meow!!

 

[Moonraker5]

Maybe i could put this another way,

Is the fine setting on the futur and progress less aggressive than the 38C?

Thanks again for the replys,

by the way, what does YMMV stand for?

 

[JPDyson]

The Progress is a nice razor, but weird. The blade angle is steep, the handle could use more grip, and the plastic knob feels like a bobble head hood ornament on an otherwise classy Caddy. But I get great shaves out of mine, and will likely never get rid of it.

My first razor was a Futur. I didn't do so well with it. I was a newb, though, and I have thought about giving it another try. It is somewhat aggressive, even at low settings.

 

[lightnin]

I just purchased a Futur from a fellow member. I was using a 38c and still do, but I really enjoy using the Futur as it is a sleek and modern machine. The thing I enjoy or rather like the best are the enclosed sides of the razor. The blade is totally enclosed except for the two business ends. This is great when you are shaving around the nose as the sides of the blade do not grab the skin.

If you get a Futur, make sure that the adjustment is started at -1. It is an agressive adjustable and you should start at the minimum setting. If you press the head down before a blade is set and turn the handle it will set to -1. Then you can work up to other settings.

It's a great razor. Hope you enjoy yours.

 

[highball]

You will never know if the Futur or any other razor you want will work for you until you buy one and try it out.
If you buy a used one on the BST, you can always re-sell it and not lose anything if it doesn't work for you

 

[glassmtn99]

I have both a 38C and a Futur. I find the Futur much easier to control. I have had problems with the 38C on my neck as well but rarely have those problems with the Futur set at about 2 1/2. It is interesting that the Futur weighs more and yet I find it easier to control. Perhaps it is the "waist" on the Futur that provides the perfect balance point.

I highly recommend the Futur. If you wish to adjust it during your shave, for me the best/safest way to do that is to position the head against the counter (or a towel resting on the counter) and turn the handle without touching the head. It is perfectly safe and easy to adjust this way.

eric.

 

[StylinLA]

I like my 38C and considered the same purchase. Talked myself out of it due to the smooth handle on the Futur. I know I benefit from the nice knurled grip on the 38C and it's not too aggressive on my face either. A lot guys weighed in here that the Futur was a bit unwieldy.

Picked up a Fatboy which I like but don't use as much as the 38C.

I too would suggest trying other blades.