I'm bummed! Uneven blade exposure on my FUTUR.

[Foyle]

I've been really enjoying my Futur ever since I got it. I picked it up used on the BST and had several months worth of great shaves. The last few weeks I've been noticing that one side feels more aggressive than the other. Looking at it closely it looks like the blade was off center. I took a close up picture and sure enough, the blade is very off center.

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The blade sits tightly on the blade bed so I couldn't try to align it by re-installing the blade. Then I noticed something. The blade bed doesn't fit the carrier as precisely as it ought to. You can wiggle it back and forth if you press on it but there is no way to center it. The spring that it's pressed up against in the handle keeps it shifted to one side or the other. I don't see any way to fix this. Anyone have any ideas? Thankfully the Progress I just bought doesn't have this issue. It's rock solid.

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[VerbaVolant]

...Anyone have any ideas?...

Contact Merkur, and if (IF, big IF) you get their attention they might be able to help you.
Sorry, I assumed you didn't.

 

[Foyle]

No, I didn't contact them. Were I the original owner of this razor I would have contacted them, but it's hardly fair to ask for warranty service on a second hand razor.

 

[VerbaVolant]

I didn't say you ask for warranty.

 

[VerbaVolant]

If I remember correctly, there are some plastic bushings (Nylon spacers?) inside this razor. Maybe one is cracked or worn off. I remember seeing an exploded view of this razor. If it is just a spacer Merkur could send you one for some change and postage, in an envelope.

 

[alex2363]

try this

 

[Foyle]

I just took it apart. This razor has literally 4 parts minus the cap. It has the handle with a threaded brass insert, the blade bed which has a threaded shaft, the spring which is mounted to the blade bed quite securely, and the base of the head. No bushings or washers of any kind. It was full of soap scum so I cleaned it and reassembled the razor hoping that would help but alas, the problem is still there.

 

[glassmtn99]

Check to make sure it is assembled correctly. It doesn't matter which way the cap is oriented, but does matter which way you place the blade support platform (the part that has the "wires") back on. If you disassemble the Futur, upon re-assembly set the adjustment to its lowest (i.e. mildest) setting, and make sure you verify that the bottom of the blade support platform on both sides is flush against the head prior to replacing the cap. If it is not flush, disasssemble and turn the blade support platform 180 degrees, re-assemble, and check once again. I have 2 Futurs and I found out the hard way that the blade support platform must be replaced properly.

To Disassemble, open the razor to its widest gap and then remove the cap. Then put your index and middle finger below the head (with the handle between your two fingers) and push and hold down the top of the head with your thumb. While holding down (you will feel the tension of the spring while you are holding the head down), with your other hand, unscrew the handle.
eric.

 

[Foyle]

Check to make sure it is assembled correctly. It doesn't matter which way the cap is oriented, but does matter which way you place the blade support platform (the part that has the "wires") back on. If you disassemble the Futur, upon re-assembly set the adjustment to its lowest (i.e. mildest) setting, and make sure you verify that the bottom of the blade support platform on both sides is flush against the head prior to replacing the cap. If it is not flush, disasssemble and turn the blade support platform 180 degrees, re-assemble, and check once again. I have 2 Futurs and I found out the hard way that the blade support platform must be replaced properly.

To Disassemble, open the razor to its widest gap and then remove the cap. Then put your index and middle finger below the head (with the handle between your two fingers) and push and hold down the top of the head with your thumb. While holding down (you will feel the tension of the spring while you are holding the head down), with your other hand, unscrew the handle.
eric.

Thanks but I already knew about that and made sure it was assembled correctly.

 

[Aptivus]

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but have you dropped the razor? I ask because I'm curious how the problem came about if the razor had previously been performing to standard. Good luck with your problem sir.

 

[Jakpro]

I found on mine that it does matter which way that the cap is on. I found it uneven and reversed the cap and it was then even.

 

[Foyle]

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but have you dropped the razor? I ask because I'm curious how the problem came about if the razor had previously been performing to standard. Good luck with your problem sir.

Nope, I've never dropped it. I don't understand what happened either.

 

[Mick]

That's sad to hear. I have 2 Futur razors and both are spot on. Neither are chromed (brushed/mat) but I doubt that would make a difference.

 

[Foyle]

I just sent an email off to Merkur, Anne Rothstien to be exact, to inquire as to whether replacing any of the parts might solve this problem and how much it might cost. I'd really like to get this razor fixed.

 

[rockviper]

That's a strange one indeed. Does reversing the cap have any impact? i.e. Does the more exposed side stay on side-x of the head or side-x of the bed? Not that I have any clue how to fix it, but it might help in identifying which component is contributing to the issue.

 

[ALATRON]

The way the spring is positioned is causing the problem. Take it apart, turn the spring a quarter turn put back together. Then repeat as needed until it's fixed. It usually worked the first time in my experience when I had a Futur.

 

[Foyle]

I'll give it a try but as I recall the spring is really securely mounted.

 

[Foyle]

I rotated the spring several times but to no avail. It's still off center.

 

[celestino]

Wow, good luck with the problem.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

So far so good on mine )

Sorry to hear about your issues /