Futur Fans: Advice Wanted

[craig94yj]

Good Gentlemen of B & B,

I am having a birthday the first week in August and I would would like to add a brand new DE razor to my arsenal. I am like a crow and attracted to shiny objects, like the Futur in gold. All the pictures make this razor look like it was forged by the Gods. There are two things that concern me before I make this purchase. I'm not sure how I feel about prying the top off to change the blade. Will this last like the old Gillettes and be able to be passed down to my son and his son? Also has anyone had any issues with the "gold" plating or coloring, or what ever it is. I am a big fan of German engineering, but real experiences mean a lot to me also. Thank you gentlemen in advance for your input.

 

[Mick]

I've had a Futur for a while now. They are very nice razors. The "pop top" is not all that bad once you start using it every day. They do have the propensity to bite the hand that feeds them. You should go over my Futur hints before you get one: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/266069?p=3690449#post3690449

I agree with you, the gold finish is exceptional looking on a big Futur. Both of mine are the matte gray color.

The Futur is a rather aggressive razor. Even set at 1 (the lowest adjustment) it has quite a bite to it. Don't get discouraged and start out with Astra or Derby blades for a few months before you start blade jumping.

Like all new razors they are made of zinc alloy not brass so they do not have the long life expectancy that the old brass Gillette razors had. The blade cap is attached by two steel springs and these seem to hold up well over time.

If you want an heirloom razor, you should look into some of the solid stainless steel razors that are out on the market. They will be around to be dug up by archeologists tens of thousands of years in the future.

 

[Foyle]

I have yet to see anyone actually wear out a zinc alloy razor.

As to the gold plating: Gold plating is not usually that durable on anything so it may wear off after time but there should be a plating underneath it to protect the metal. If you want real longevity I would go for the chrome of the matte finish, they will be much more durable.

The pop-off top is a cinch to use. It's much easier to use than most three piece razors. Don't worry about the razor getting worn out. It won't if you just use common sense and take care of it, like anything else. If you abuse your tools they won't last as long. Clean it periodically and it should out last you.

 

[mhdena]

There is no need to "pry off the top" is simple pops off by your thumb.

Hold it at the ends or between your fingers with your thumb on top to make adjustments.

Easy Peasy

Now if you grab it by the blade edge side maybe easy peasy to get cut.

 

[Triad]

Looks go to Futur
Shave goes to Progress

IMO but YMMV

 

[mhdena]

I thought the Futur looked to cumbersome and odd, I even thought it was only one sided because no pictures I've seen does it justice.

I thought the Progress looked more like a normal razor.

Well after using my Futur for 2 weeks , I'm amazed at the smooth shaves it gives rivaling my R41 for lenght of the BBS feeling, but feeling much much smoother during the shave. To be fair a Progress will do this too. Get both.

If after using milder razors like EJ 89 and the like and you desire a closer more aggressive shave and you have a good technique go for it.

If on the other hand you're just starting out I would start with a milder razor and work on technique for 100 shaves.

 

[craig94yj]

Thank you all for the input. I have had my eye on the Progress, but that "ivory" nob is a little unsightly. I can't see spending the extra for a "Mergress" although they do look spectacular. Since I am also a head shaver I like having the adjustable feature, so that is a major factor in my decision. Apparently I can't go wrong with either razor. Thanks again everyone. Your opinions are valued here.

 

[Gingerbread]

Thank you all for the input. I have had my eye on the Progress, but that "ivory" nob is a little unsightly. I can't see spending the extra for a "Mergress" although they do look spectacular. Since I am also a head shaver I like having the adjustable feature, so that is a major factor in my decision. Apparently I can't go wrong with either razor. Thanks again everyone. Your opinions are valued here.

You can buy a replacement knob. I bought the Futur for the adjustable feature, but I don't really use it. Once you find that sweet spot, I doubt you'll move it much. I've also grown to enjoy smaller razors more.

 

[mhdena]

I head shaved the other day with my Futur set at 1

The end caps are nice for near and around the ears!

Several others do also

 

[shyrlock]

Hi Craig,
I bought a Futur in Y2K. Within 2 weeks of use it was giving me the best shave of my life.
Since then, I have bought, used and sold about 40 DE razors, mostly vintage. In about 2007 I decided to make the switch to straights.
My tough beard broke down the delicate straight razor edges fairly quickly and I was no good at honing. Back to the Futur.
For the last few years, I am using it as my everyday shaver.
It's performance remains flawless. I shaves great with almost every blade that I have ever put in it.
I have never had one single problem with the top cap. Unless I make a change in blade brands, like from Personna to a Feather, I find no reason to tinker with the adjustment, it stays on 3.
I have enjoyed my razor explorations and found some other razors that held my fancy for a while, but if you want close, clean, smooth, no drama shaves form a super durable razor, then seize the Futur.

 

[craig94yj]

I head shaved the other day with my Futur set at 1

The end caps are nice for near and around the ears!

Several others do also

I am currently using a 1970 Gillette slim with the black handle and after my last vertical stroke in the back of my head I was too quick to bring it around front to rinse and sliced a 1" long gash right on my spine/neck. I had to have my wife hit it several times with the styptic. Just that little corner did some damage so I bet having the end caps is a nice feature.

 

[craig94yj]

Hi Craig,
I bought a Futur in Y2K. Within 2 weeks of use it was giving me the best shave of my life.
Since then, I have bought, used and sold about 40 DE razors, mostly vintage. In about 2007 I decided to make the switch to straights.
My tough beard broke down the delicate straight razor edges fairly quickly and I was no good at honing. Back to the Futur.
For the last few years, I am using it as my everyday shaver.
It's performance remains flawless. I shaves great with almost every blade that I have ever put in it.
I have never had one single problem with the top cap. Unless I make a change in blade brands, like from Personna to a Feather, I find no reason to tinker with the adjustment, it stays on 3.
I have enjoyed my razor explorations and found some other razors that held my fancy for a while, but if you want close, clean, smooth, no drama shaves form a super durable razor, then seize the Futur.

I think I am going to treat myself for my birthday. Thanks everyone for all your opinions. The Futur Gold had me from hello, but you guys are the best here on B&B. Thanks again.

 

[cwnidog]

I've had mine in regular rotation for a couple of years. Yes, it can be a bit of a beast - which is why I leave it set at 2.5.

I have a trouble spot at the right-hand corner of my mouth, where I'm very prone to cuts. The Futur is the only razor I have that I can be sure will safely navigate this area. I suspect it's because the Futur's rather heavy head means that I apply absolutely no pressure and can just skate over the difficult patch.

 

[Dipesh]

I love futur's. I have 2 of them, a matt and a chrome one.

The best bit about it for me is the noise it makes when cutting your beard. there are not many razors that sing like the Futur.

Shaves brilliantly and isn't fussy on blades either IME.

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I also have two Futurs, a Matt and a Chrome. Personally, I would buy the Matt finish over the Gold. I prefer my matt finish over my chrome, both in looks a feel. I think the gold would be the same.

It is the razor I always come back to. While I like my Progress, I seem to like the Futur more. IMHO It is a better shaver than either my Feather AS-D1 or Tradere OC.

 

[craig94yj]

I love futur's. I have 2 of them, a matt and a chrome one.

The best bit about it for me is the noise it makes when cutting your beard. there are not many razors that sing like the Futur.

Shaves brilliantly and isn't fussy on blades either IME.

Sweet!

 

[craig94yj]

IMHO It is a better shaver than either my Feather AS-D1 or Tradere OC.

Impressive statement. Thanks.

 

[Redstickjohn]

URGENT! Whatever you do, NEVER try to adjust the Futur razor with a blade in it. I made that mistake a few months ago, and it cost me 12 stiches in my thumb and 9 in my index finger.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I run my Futur wide open, but it hasn't received much love this year due to my usage of Slants, Micro-Matics, and the Muhle R41.

 

[mhdena]

URGENT! Whatever you do, NEVER try to adjust the Futur razor with a blade in it. I made that mistake a few months ago, and it cost me 12 stiches in my thumb and 9 in my index finger.

I find holding the Futur between my index and middle finger with my thumb on top of the cap, would prevent the mishap that happened here.

Do be careful though as with all razors with blades in them.