I have a gold one and I really like it. I'm not sure why it needs any adjustment. They should have just put it at the mildest level and it would be good enough for 99.9% of men.
Merkur Futur Review - Highly Recommended
- Thread starter discomike
- Start date
I guess that makes me one in a thousand! I generally use mine on 4.5 but push it up to 5 every now and again.
Thanks @discomike for nice review. After 10 yrs of ownership (and how much of shaves) what can you say on durability of the razor? Pins? Loading mechanism? Do you put some mineral oil every once in a while? Do you pay some special attention to it? It is nice, futuristic razor and TBH within hundreds of models which just drift a bit from a classis design this is really somewhat unique. However - as being pricey (now up to 70-100e) depending on finish, I'm just curious how does it shows up in long terms?
@discomike
Great review! Agree 100%
I have both version but I prefer my old polished one ( 15 years old ).
Great review! Agree 100%
I have both version but I prefer my old polished one ( 15 years old ).
I bought one of these around 12 years ago, and still in use. I think its a good looking razor, reason as its so different to other razors. I use it on a 1 or 2, and I will put my hand up here, tried it on the high settings and got nicked a few times.
It's a nice mileage you've got there
Congrats! Do you maintain your Futur in any specific way? I saw guys disassemble it, oil regularly etc. Any issues with top-cap clamping and blade holding after 12 yrs? ThanksNever, always give it a good clean and dry after use, but I have never used oil, or had any need of taking it apart. I will say its not used every day, but been used a fair old bit over the years.It's a nice mileage you've got there
Nice to hear that. It's a beautiful yet not ordinary razor, and someone's positive experience on its longevity also gives it some credit. Hope it'll serve you many years more! Thanks for feedback!
- Thread starter
- #29
Hi Couch Potato.
For my Futur, it's held up quite well. I have not had any issues with it. No flaking, no peeling, no scratches, no dents, no pings, no issues with pins holding the blade. It works as it should as I first bought it, and holds up great after a decade of use.
I do admit, I have not put any mineral oil in it. Why does it need mineral oil? Would I have to take it apart to apply the mineral oil?
- Thread starter
- #30
Same here. I am a polished chrome kind of guy. Besides, it matches my bathroom fixtures quite well.
Well I'm not sure wether you should. Saw some YT shavers (saw paulhfilms as one of), disassembling it occasionally and ading a drop of oil for spring and setting mechanism. I can't say if Merkur requires this or if it's personal overkill? As like you, many BB members used Futur without any issues for years so I just wanted to see is there a real need for that at all, or what Futur users do to keep razor longevity? We are flooded with information and not every time all of them are valuable. Personally - what you said, use a razor for decade, normally, clean it, it works, is somewhat my expectation from a ~60€ razor, it's not like it have planetary gearbox inside
I went insane and bought way too many razors over the past three years. The Futur is one of them that I need to use more often to get a more accurate feeling about it. At first glance, I remember thinking the blade gaps on all settings were insane. Upon using it, my initial impressions were that it’s really loud and really efficient. It seems like it could be really harsh on the higher settings.
- Thread starter
- #33
No such thing... Having wayyyyy to many razors is quite the norm here. Welcome to the club of blade and razor collecting.
I recently bought a Futur after many years of contemplating getting one. The reason for not getting one earlier was due to many not so positive reviews the razor has received. Most people claim that it's very aggressive. Difficult to get under the nose. Slippery when held with wet hands etc.
The day I got mine, I loaded an Astra SP blade, set the blade gap on setting 6 and went to work on 2 days beard growth. Yes there was a lot more blade feel than my Progress on setting 5, but it felt comfortable and not "scary" as many have suggested. It took down my stubble with ease. I did another 2 passes, both on setting 4. 3rd pass was ATG. BBS finish. Not a single nick, or irritation. A little zinging when using the alum block.
I had no issues with gripping the handle with wet hands. No problems changing setting and the risk of slicing my fingers. No problems getting under the nose. In fact, I cannot fault this razor at all and I'm puzzled about why many have so many complaints about it.
Yes it has more blade feel than my Progress regardless of what settings I use but it's not at all scary and " crazy aggressive" as many have pointed out in the past. To me, it's a solid, well made razor that shaves superbly. I of course wouldn't recommend it to beginners. I myself have been wet shaving for over 25 years, so I guess technique and experience plays an important role as well.
I know many who are interested in the Futur but afraid it won't work for them due to the negative reviews.
My suggestion, ignore the reviews. Loan one or just buy one and find out for yourself. Only you can judge how it works for you. Yes it may not work for some just like how some great blades just don't work for some people. YMMV of course. But don't judge the razor based on what people say. Try it for yourself. Try it with different blades. Ensure your lather is well hydrated.
The Futur is a great razor IMO. Been enjoying my daily shaves with it using different blades and it has become my absolute favourite amongst my 28+ razors in my collection.
The day I got mine, I loaded an Astra SP blade, set the blade gap on setting 6 and went to work on 2 days beard growth. Yes there was a lot more blade feel than my Progress on setting 5, but it felt comfortable and not "scary" as many have suggested. It took down my stubble with ease. I did another 2 passes, both on setting 4. 3rd pass was ATG. BBS finish. Not a single nick, or irritation. A little zinging when using the alum block.
I had no issues with gripping the handle with wet hands. No problems changing setting and the risk of slicing my fingers. No problems getting under the nose. In fact, I cannot fault this razor at all and I'm puzzled about why many have so many complaints about it.
Yes it has more blade feel than my Progress regardless of what settings I use but it's not at all scary and " crazy aggressive" as many have pointed out in the past. To me, it's a solid, well made razor that shaves superbly. I of course wouldn't recommend it to beginners. I myself have been wet shaving for over 25 years, so I guess technique and experience plays an important role as well.
I know many who are interested in the Futur but afraid it won't work for them due to the negative reviews.
My suggestion, ignore the reviews. Loan one or just buy one and find out for yourself. Only you can judge how it works for you. Yes it may not work for some just like how some great blades just don't work for some people. YMMV of course. But don't judge the razor based on what people say. Try it for yourself. Try it with different blades. Ensure your lather is well hydrated.
The Futur is a great razor IMO. Been enjoying my daily shaves with it using different blades and it has become my absolute favourite amongst my 28+ razors in my collection.
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