I'm very happy with my 180, but I'm curious about what an adjustable can bring to the table. Any advice for a first-time merkur futur user? I scooped one up for a great price just before my gentlemanly restraint is going to kick in.
Merkur Futur
- Thread starter Daytodaze
- Start date
Howdy, 
Comparing a Futur to a 180 is well.... apples and oranges.
The 180 is very forgiving and is usable by newcomers as well as skilled users. The Futur is the opposite. The Futur almost demands the user to be proficient at DE shaving. Even at the lowest setting the Futur is a much more "aggressive" shave than the 180.
Comparing a Futur to a 180 is well.... apples and oranges.
The 180 is very forgiving and is usable by newcomers as well as skilled users. The Futur is the opposite. The Futur almost demands the user to be proficient at DE shaving. Even at the lowest setting the Futur is a much more "aggressive" shave than the 180.
- Thread starter
- #3
I'm not opposed to benching the futur for a while if it's too extreme.
Keep it on a low number starting out i dont think youll find it extreme its actually a very smooth razor, Be carefull popping the top cap off and adjusting it with a blade loaded, theres been a few fingers cut doing this, putting a rag or towell over the head is a good idea. Let us know how you get along with it!!
- Thread starter
- #5
So i had my first shave with the Futur, yesterday. Maybe i'll throw up a full review, but I'll give a quick update here.
I don't have years of experience of a drawer full of razors to compare this to, but I definitely feel the blade a lot more than I do with my 180. I was on my best behavior, technique-wise, but still ended up with a few small nicks that the alum block fixed quickly. I shaved both passes (WTG and XTG) on 2. Despite it feeling like I was butchering myself, the shave was awesome, and I didn't have any irritation. I think I'll use this when I have ample time to shave, as it's not quite as forgiving as my 180.
Also, my big nose made it kind of difficult to shave off the stash, but I managed to get it all without any cuts.
So far, I really like it.
I don't have years of experience of a drawer full of razors to compare this to, but I definitely feel the blade a lot more than I do with my 180. I was on my best behavior, technique-wise, but still ended up with a few small nicks that the alum block fixed quickly. I shaved both passes (WTG and XTG) on 2. Despite it feeling like I was butchering myself, the shave was awesome, and I didn't have any irritation. I think I'll use this when I have ample time to shave, as it's not quite as forgiving as my 180.
Also, my big nose made it kind of difficult to shave off the stash, but I managed to get it all without any cuts.
So far, I really like it.
Your experience sums up my razor progression to a T. I started with the 180 and upgraded to a Futur.
Since then, I've acquired the majority of vintage Gillettes and a handful of other razors.
The Futur was very irritating and troublesome at first. I took a break and now it has become one of two favorites of mine including the Weber PH bulldog. Grip it at the indentation in the handle and max it out to 6.5! Enjoy!
Since then, I've acquired the majority of vintage Gillettes and a handful of other razors.
The Futur was very irritating and troublesome at first. I took a break and now it has become one of two favorites of mine including the Weber PH bulldog. Grip it at the indentation in the handle and max it out to 6.5! Enjoy!
- Thread starter
- #7
On a multi-pass shave, should I start high and dial down for the next passes?
Pics!!!
I get the absolute best, smoothest and irritation free shaves from keeping it at 6.5 throughout the entire shave. Use a quality blade - my favorites for the Futur are Gillette Silver Blues and Polsilver. I haven't tried a feather in a while but they may also be good. Also, make sure you have your prep down. Use Tabac or equally good soap, load a substantial amount and let it sit for at least 2 minutes before shaving.
If it all comes together, the maxed out Futur is a monster. A big cuddly monster.
- Thread starter
- #10
Oddly enough, I've been dialing up for every shave, and it feels smoother as I go higher. Maybe 6.5 is the smoothest... Hmmm.
I'm telling you!! It is!!
Everyone seems to be terrified of it. It's uncomfortable at the lower settings. 6.5 provides the best blade angle, aggressiveness and comfort all wrapped in one.
Better shaves. Less passes. Less irritation. Closer shave.
- Thread starter
- #12
Tonight or tomorrow morning, I'll give it a go. I'm planning on working from home tomorrow, conveniently. Nobody can tell I've sliced off my face via phone or email!
@ daytodaze - alum is a MUST for me (on my fingers) when I use my satin futur, it ensures no slippage
@ bmilcs - I will dial mine up to 6.5 for the next shave, it's been awhile since I've adjusted it. I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid......
@ bmilcs - I will dial mine up to 6.5 for the next shave, it's been awhile since I've adjusted it. I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid......
- Thread starter
- #14
Mine is satin as well, but I haven't tried the alum trick.
I was fairly nervous the first time I used mine, but now I have it permanently on 3; the extra weight is a boon on WTG, just lean it against the face & let gravity do the work - as for XTG/ATG, takes a bit of practice, but have to say, the Futur's a great razor.
Initially, I searched high and low for a way to improve the handle.
If you find it getting slippery, dunk the razor and shaving hand into your sink. Water does the trick. Make sure to grip it lightly at the indentation of the handle; holding it tightly will make it slippery.
If you find it getting slippery, dunk the razor and shaving hand into your sink. Water does the trick. Make sure to grip it lightly at the indentation of the handle; holding it tightly will make it slippery.
The Futur definitely improves your overall technique with other razors as well. You'll quickly learn how to use zero pressure and the proper angle.
- Thread starter
- #18
So I dialed it all the way up and shaved with some proraso sensitive (pre and soap). WTG and then XTG, and I'd say its BBS! Maybe a minimal amount of irritation on the neck, but nothing serious and it should be gone within an hour or so. The alum block and the Pinaud reminded me that I need to continue working on my technique, but I think you sold me on cranking it up.
I'm not sure if it's the finish, or something else, but it feels like the futur doesnt slide as well as my 180 did. More practice needed, or has anybody else noticed this?
I'm not sure if it's the finish, or something else, but it feels like the futur doesnt slide as well as my 180 did. More practice needed, or has anybody else noticed this?
More prep. Load longer and focus on lather. Make sure it's fully hydrated and slick. You'll learn to use no pressure very quickly and will get zero irritation. Glad I could help!
I started with a Merkur Futur only because that is what the salesman suggested it to me .
now I uses 34c or my Merkur long handle razor I got off Amazon it looks like 20c but in a silver matte Finish.
I get a better shave from them then I do my Merkur Futur
Andy
now I uses 34c or my Merkur long handle razor I got off Amazon it looks like 20c but in a silver matte Finish.
I get a better shave from them then I do my Merkur Futur
Andy
