Merkur "Futur" Safety Razor, Satin Finish
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Our Price: $78.26 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Merkur "Futur" Safety Razor, Satin Finish
Customer Review: Why, oh why, did I wait so long?
Summary: 5 Stars
After using this thing for several weeks, I don't know why anybody is still using those awful "other" Mach 10, 32-blade disposible razors. Once you get the hang of wet-shaving (and its not that hard to do), you'll never shave any other way.
I've been thinking about getting a razor like this for years, ever since reading Corey Greenberg's Wet Shaving article. But, to be honest I was a bit afraid (which is why I chose this "adjustable" razor. I have sensitive skin and a fast growing, thick beard. An evil combination whereby I spent my military years with either a red, swollen neck or doing extra push-ups., after getting out of the army and developing a great degree of skill at doing push-ups I basically avoided shaving at all costs until I sported a full beard. Finally, after years of wanting to give true wet-shaving a try, my beloved better half pulled this from my wish list and gave it to me for Christmas.
Yes, this is an expensive unit, but I was seduced by the fact that you can adjust the flex of the blade (and how forgiving it will be), which if nothing else, helped put my mind at ease when it came time to put a razor blade against my jugular. Following the advice of the infamous Wet-Shaving article, I gingerly moved the razor over my skin and listened to the crackle of the blade removing whiskers. The shave wasn't quite as close as I'd expected it to be, but I'd survived my first shave without so much as a single nick. So I proceeded to increase the adjustments with each successful shave. I'm currently on 4.5 (of 7 adjustments) and am getting the best shave's I've ever had. Not only are these shaves close enough that I shave less frequently, but as long as I trust the blade to do its job and only make a single pass, I've been without any razor burn, something I've not enjoyed since I was about 12 years old.
Yes, this is an expensive unit, but the quality and feel of it is exceptional. This is not something you will likely ever have to replace: As long as you don't drop this thing onto a pile of granite boulders from a great height, you can expect this thing to last a lifetime, and probably even will it to your children. Plus, replacement blades are ridiculously cheap. So, really, this thing is cheaper. Really. The weight and balance of the razor make "letting the razor" do the work feel like the most natural thing, which helps transition to wet-shaving. Changing blades is a snap, although you have be be a bit cautious as there is no real way to "close" or "un-expose" the blade when its not in use or for travel.
All I can say, is that I wish I would have bought this years sooner. The learning curve isn't nearly as steep as some have made it sound, the quality and comfort of the shave is unlike anything I've ever experienced. And while I can't say that I now "enjoy" or "love" to shave, I can say with all honesty, that shaving is no longer something I dread and avoid at all costs.
Customer Review: Back to the Futur
Summary: 5 Stars
Quality. It's not possible to see the quality of this thing in a photo. It's clearly designed to last at least one lifetime. Because of the other reviews' cautions, I was careful from the first use and have never had a bad cut with this razor unless I was being careless. It's actually fairly easy to use. You just can't go forcing it around your face like a disposable razor.
I used Gillette Sensors then the Mach3's. Both razors had arrived free in the mail at different times. Both are good razors. Having said that, the last time I went to the store to buy some Mach3 replacements I just got angry at the price and over-packaging of the replacement blades. Then right next to the Mach3's, there were some 5 blade things. You know, in case the other 4 blades miss your face, you've got that 5th.
After having used the Futur for a couple of weeks, I can say it's the best shave I've ever had.
Is it expensive? On day one, yes. There goes $60. But, each individual double edge blade lasts one week and costs 50 cents at the absolute most. That's $86 the first year and $26 each year after that. Compare a free Mach3. Blades are $1.80 each at BJ's, so that's $94 each year, every year. So, you spend about the same the first year then $68/yr less each year after. You get a better shave for less money and less waste. If $60 is too much for you, get one of Merkur's classic razors. The one and only problem with the Futur is that the handle tends to get a bit slippery when lather inevitably gets on the handle.
Some reviewers have written that they don't use the adjustability, so it's not important. I disagree. First, you get to learn (safely) on a lower setting, then can adjust up until you find the one you like. Second, if your face is ever irritated or sunburned, you can back off to a lower setting until the problem has passed. If you use a Feather blade at the closest setting, you are as close to a staight edge shave as a safety razor gets.
If you make the decision to use a DE razor, I recommend you buy a multi-pack of blades that includes Merkur, Feather and Derby. These are the gold standard IMO. The Feathers are extremely sharp, and therefore, prone to cut you. Derby a bit less sharp. Merkurs are consistently nice, but not as sharp. I have a thick beard and find the Feather or Derby blades work better for me. You may prefer the Merkurs. In either case, I think it's better for a newbie to use the Merkurs for the first few weeks, just to make the learning curve less painful. Then try the others for a few weeks. Once you've decided on your favorite, you can buy them in larger quantities (saving on shipping). Good blades seem to be nearly impossible to find in stores.
If you want to research shaving things in-depth, try the badgerandblade site.
Customer Review: One Giant Leap for Men
Summary: 5 Stars
What a difference! What a drastic improvement. I resisted the double-edge for a long time. Taking the plunge with a sixty-dollar razor, and the learning curve to use this thing, was intimidating. Upon the first use you may, as I did, nick your face a little more than your used to as well as maybe miss a spot or two. After a week I am proud to say I am good to go on wet shaving.
It takes much more care and preparation than the cartridge style razors in the commercials we're bombarded with. I should say here that I'm African American and suffer from PFB (razor bumps, ingrown hair, subsequent acne breakouts). Going for the clean-shaven look without taking proper care yields ghastly and sometimes painful results. I've tried it all and some stuff works temporarily or has genuine preventive properties like Anthony Logistics Ingrown Hair Treatment. But nothing had the instant effect of this double edge razor here. My previous setup was a Gillette Fusion with a fancy weighted handle, a badger-hair brush and Art of Shaving oil, shaving cream and aftershave all for oily skin. For a long time I had hairs trapped under my skin as a result of shaving the way they show in the commercials (long strokes, pressing hard, using the wrong razor, going against the grain) with the products shown in those commercials. Every so often I get a "sportsmen's facial" at a local spa which is just a bunch of washing exfoliation, and ingrown hair extractions. That treatment, although painful, helps for a while especially on the neck.
After viewing a couple of youtube tutorials (some with this exact razor) for some tricks of the trade and getting used to how wet I should be keeping my skin while shaving (once again especially the neck) I am amazed at how quickly I got such a drastically improved shave. I probably am not going to that spa to get any ingrowns extracted for quite some time because I no longer have any. Right there the razor has paid for itself. Append that to how much cheaper razors are than boxes of replacement cartridges and your making out even better on cost. I've also ceased (almost overnight) to need Stridex pads and acne wash for the breakouts.
The big caveat: Time and care. I don't mind one bit mainly because of the improved results but also because I find it important to appreciate that running a razor sharp blade against your skin taking off both hair and skin is a task that shouldn't be rushed. If you shave every morning and want a 5-minute slice-and-dice-and-you're-out-the-door-deal, this may not be the razor for you. Anyone whose hair grows out curly, coiled or coarse and causes the ever-dreaded razor burn and its accomplices should give this a close look.
Customer Review: Good razor for someone new to safety razors.
Summary: 5 Stars
While searching for a place to purchase gillette fusion razor cartridges for less money I stumbled upon several forums devoted to double edge safety razors. Because I was spending nearly $15 for every pack of 4 replacement cartridges the thought of 100 double edge razor blades for the same price became very appealing. What's more most of these forums have indepth reviews of razors, and lengthy discussion about the advantages of shaving with a double edge safety razor. So after a great deal of research I decided to take the plunge and try using a safety razor. I chose the Merkur Futur for its adjustability and the many good reviews.
A few things to note about this razor and my experience as someone new to safety razors. First I have enjoyed the challenge of using a safety razor. The Futur feels very natural in the hand and has a good heft to it. But it does require a great deal of caution to avoid razor burn and cuts. I realize this has more to do with ones own ability and the type of blade used, however it is still influenced to some degree by the angle your razor holds the blade at and the weight of the razor. That said if you have read this far you are likely considering the switch to a safety razor and I think it important to evaluate how much time you can devote to shaving each day. For me to get a close shave and to avoid razor burn or cuts, multiple passes in a slow and cautious manner are necessary. While I like taking the time if it is available (I find it somewhat therapeutic) I am a law student and often stay up late doing homework and wake up early with little time to shave. Under these circumstances it is often difficult for me to find the time everyday to devote to a 15 or 20 minute shave. If you aren't on a time crunch and would like to save money this is a good option.
If you are looking for a specific razor I can say that I believe this razor to be exceptionally well made and one that will likely last forever. But in all honesty as I have only used this safety razor and have no other safety razor to compare it to, my review is subjective and limited as a result. However after using this razor for the last 8 months and with all of the previously mentioned considerations I can still say that I would purchase it again. My plan at this point is to purchase a panasonic ES 8103 electric razor, to use on the days I just don't have time for this and to continue using this razor to get a close shave and enjoy shaving on the days that I have the extra time necessary.
Customer Review: Very nice razor! Superior quality & craftsmanship
Summary: 5 Stars
Well I just got mine a week ago and damn is a pleasure to have and use. I hadn't shaved in 4 years since getting out of the military and have just gotten back into the mix of shaving again. For as long as I have gone without shaving it was just as easy to get back into it with this razor.
1. Blade changing: I find it quite nice how the top pops off for changing blades, makes it easy and it also holds quite well so no worries about the top ever popping off, it has very strong "spring" like clamps that hold the top on and very securely.
2. Weight: It's got just the right weight to it, not light or heavy, just right.
3. Adjustability: This razor has a very large range of adjustment to it. Setting 1 is probably good for a beginner so they reduce the risk of cuts. I found that 2.5 seems to be a good place for me to start back at and I'll probably put it up to a 3.5 as I get used to it again.
4. Finish: The satin finish goes well for most men's related products, it's not ugly not is it too shiny either, I find it to be just right.
Yes this may be a pricey DE razor, but it's well worth it. I gave my old one that was similar to this model to a friend of mine that was still in the service when I got out. He still uses it and has come to enjoy shaving again. I personally am enjoying shaving again as I'm done with my hiatus from shaving after my vow to not shave for many years after getting out of the service.
Cons: The only con I can come up with for this razor is the fact that the head is a good bit wider than the blade due to the way it holds the blade down. So if you are a person who likes to leave some hair on the face like say a thin like around the jaw edge then it may be a little difficult to get this razor along that edge till you get the feel for it. You may want to consider the Merkur Progress, it's another great adjustable razor that doesn't have hardly anything off to the sides of the blade.
Conclusion: If you are tired of bumps, cuts, nicks, or that general scraping feeling you get from a standard cartridge razor, then get a DE razor, you will be far more happy, your skin will thank you, and so will your woman, or the woman you'll be meeting as your skin will look much better. If you are a woman looking for something better, well then you are in the right place as well. Your man will love you more and longer for it.
So take the plunge into making your life better and order one already!