How is everyone? I have a question about the Merkur Futur. I have been DE shaving now for almost 2 years and I like it. My first razor was a cheap Lord razor off Amazon because I wasn't sure if I'd like DE shaving. After I realized I liked DE shaving, I got a Merkur 34c a few months after I started and there was a noticeable difference between the two razors. The Merkur shave seemed to go quicker with much less nicks and it was also a little closer. I've been using this razor for well over a year now and I can get a BBS just about every shave if I take my time. I am mildly interested in getting a Merkur Futur. Will the Futur produce a noticeable improvement over the 34c? Is there anyone here who has both? I'm interested because it is adjustable too. Thanks.
Merkur Futur
- Thread starter robj144
- Start date
Yes, the Futur is a razor that can show a lot of blade so it will give you a very close shave.
It is also known to bite the hand that feeds it.
Read over my Futur tips and hints before using one (should you decide to go with a Futur)
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/266069?p=3690449#post3690449
It is also known to bite the hand that feeds it.
Read over my Futur tips and hints before using one (should you decide to go with a Futur)
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/266069?p=3690449#post3690449
I started on the 34c and then moved to the futur. I don't think the futur gave me a 'better' shave, just different. It's much larger and heavier and has a larger blade gap. The shave feels much different, but I think the 34c is just as effective. I've since sold both razors. The only way to know is to try one for yourself. You can use BST to buy one and even sell it if you don't like it.
My first DE is the Futur and I am very happy with it. I started with a smaller gap and have slowly opened it up for a more aggressive shave as my technique has gotten better. I got a few nicks on my chin but no more!
I had a chance to hold one and compare to other razors at my local TAOS store. The sales person was actually very helpful. I would say give it a try I know I am not at all dissatisfied with it. My 7pm shadow right now feels like my old 11 am shadow from my old Gillette Fusion pro-glide.
I had a chance to hold one and compare to other razors at my local TAOS store. The sales person was actually very helpful. I would say give it a try I know I am not at all dissatisfied with it. My 7pm shadow right now feels like my old 11 am shadow from my old Gillette Fusion pro-glide.
I have owned both and found the Futur to be to aggressive. The blade gap starts out .044 by contrast the Merkur Progress at the most aggressive setting is .037. Blade gap doesn't tell the whole story but for my knobby chin it didn't work.
B&B blade gap chart
B&B blade gap chart
I have a Futur and a 34. Quality of final result can be comparable, but the two instruments have very different feel. 34 is nimble, Futur is substantial and has more audible feedback. The Futur at its lowest setting is milder than the 34, and at its highest setting much more aggro. The adjustability of the Futur is a plus.
Many razors are similar in design and feel to the 34. Both are great tools, but the answer is Futur if unique is what you seek.
Many razors are similar in design and feel to the 34. Both are great tools, but the answer is Futur if unique is what you seek.
i would suggest going with the Mekur Progress as it is more manageable and not as large as the Futur. Then if you like the Progress, you can always try to get a used Futur.
Good luck.
Good luck.
After reading the blade gap chart it definitely gives a better picture of how aggressive the Futur is.
- Thread starter
- #9
I use a Gillette adjustable set to number 8 to shave almost every day. I was thinking of purchasing a Merkur Futur. I use Wilkinson Sword blades. They are very comfortable for me and give a close shave. I can get them easily at Walmart (cheap) too. Is the Futur razor solidly built? Will it last for a lifetime? I have sensitive skin.
I just got my Futur last Friday and I love it! I went for the Chrome finish one.
Although it is a bit slipery if you have soap on your hands, other than that I quite enjoyed my shave!!
Its very nice to look at, and performs well in my opinion! Being adjustable you can start off low and increase as you gain confidence in it's use! Good luck!
Although it is a bit slipery if you have soap on your hands, other than that I quite enjoyed my shave!!
Its very nice to look at, and performs well in my opinion! Being adjustable you can start off low and increase as you gain confidence in it's use! Good luck!
I came across this thread because I'm interested in buying a Futur for the aggressive reputation. I probably have one of the most coarse, thick, dark (non-african) beards out there. (I'm sure). I just started DE shaving about 2 months ago and started with my grandfather's replica safety razor (made in mexico) and was not too bad with a feather blade. Then I bought a EJ DE89 and started using ASTRA and Feather blades. So far, pretty good. But since I'm still fairly new to this and my beard is like sand paper, I'm looking for the closest shave I can get from a DE. Any recommendations/tips before I buy my Futur? Thanks gents!
I also have the DE for several years and just ordered the Futur. Will try it at setting 1. Hopefully it will work for me. Though some don't like it, it appears to be the the 2nd biggest selling Merkur after the DE. I don't expect it to give a better shave. But I think with the larger handle and weight, my larger hands ( I am 6 foot) will appreciate it over the small handle on the DE.
The Futur is being shipped this week; ordered it on Amazon. They offered a credit card with a $50 gift amount. Used it to buy the $78 Merkur so it won't be costing me too much.
The Futur is being shipped this week; ordered it on Amazon. They offered a credit card with a $50 gift amount. Used it to buy the $78 Merkur so it won't be costing me too much.
Futur is an extremely interesting razor. It can shave very close and very very efficient. The way the blade is exposed is making it very efficient, and the way the safety bar is build, even tho it does have a big gap for extremely comfortable ATG pass, it will keep skin straight for a silky sensation. Fantastic razor for me, my nr. 1.
Just received a Merkur Futur. Have had a couple old Gillette's. I have shaved 4 times with it at this point. Set it at about mid point in the adjustment. I really like the shave, weight and total feel of it. I got the Matt Chrome version. One of the better purchases I have made. Even though I have been shaving with the Futur just because its new, I usually start my morning with one of my straight edge razors and leave the double edge for a quick before a date shave or other after I get home and have someplace to go. We will see if I lean more on the Futur in the mornings or not.
Ben
Ben
Just received my Futur today. Can't wait to shave with it so I will shave tonight with it before I go to bed.
I really like the weight and length of it compared to my other Merkur. The photos show my third finger can accidentally move the knob on my old one. The Futur is more comfortable and my fingers are not cramped.
I really like the weight and length of it compared to my other Merkur. The photos show my third finger can accidentally move the knob on my old one. The Futur is more comfortable and my fingers are not cramped.
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First shave a big success! I found level 1 too gentle. With my other Merkur with one full twist is more like 1 1/2 to 2. I quickly moved it to 1 1/2 and finished my shave. Love this razor. I do find with dry hands, shaving with this razor I have a firm grip. Feels very comfortable and my hands don't feel cramped. It definitely feel like a modern razor. Could not be happier.
I had no problem opening the lid and putting a Feather razor blade on. Tried it a couple times and there was no issue.
Highly recommend the Merkur Futur!
I had no problem opening the lid and putting a Feather razor blade on. Tried it a couple times and there was no issue.
Highly recommend the Merkur Futur!
Well it has been a couple weeks now, and I am so happy to report I can shave pretty quickly with setting 2 without getting any cuts. 2 1/2 setting is even closer when I have more time to shave
