Birthday is just around the corner and I want a Cadillac

My birthday is next month I want to get a Cadillac of razors. I have been looking at the merkur futur, and the Gillette fat boy any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated I have been wet shaving for a short time compared to some others on here but my current razors are all non adjustable ones I want something that will evolve with me as I get more experience.

It it does not need to be new but I want to get something that is easy to get. I have seen some people talk about some nice razors but they are as rare as a World Series title for the Cubs.

I can't opine on the Futur because I've never owned one but I learned to shave as a teenager on the old Gillette super speeds, and the adjustables. So I would go for a fatboy if I were you. I don't know how old you are, but if you're old enough to have been born before they were discontinued, you might get one made in the year you were born. I think somwhere around '62 or so. Not sure on that.

I was born in 83 so I am a little too young for a birth year razor

Also check out the Merkur Progress. It is an adjustable. I have one and I love it. I never adjust it, I keep it on the mildest setting, and have no problem getting BBS.

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Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Also check out the Merkur Progress. It is an adjustable. I have one and I love it. I never adjust it, I keep it on the mildest setting, and have no problem getting BBS.

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My experience with the old fatboys is the same except I preferred the setting somewhere in the middle. Once I found it I pretty much left it as it was. Now for a DE a merkur slant is my huckleberry.

For a real birthday treat that will open to future joys, get a good adjustable DE razor (Merkur Progress) AND a quality starter straight razor (Dovo Best Quality or Whipped Dog or Classifieds straight razor). Commit to learn to use both. Take your time, enjoy learning to use both in a complimentary way. This was my path. This month is now 2 years for me converting to straight shaving. Both DE and Straight shaving are each fun with each having a place in this wet shaving hobby. Then you have access to collect and use all types of new and vintage razors. Have fun in your journey.

Cadillac of a razor hmmmmmm.... Well I use a bunch of different DE's an straights. If your sold on an adjustable then I have to say either a fatboy or slim vintage Gillette. If your not sold completely on adjustable then your options open up large amounts. I love the vintage red tip Gillette. Also love my merkurs. Jimmy had the best option IMO for a nonadjustable. The merkur HD slant is as close to a straight razor shave I have come with a DE. I do use the adjustable feature on my slim during 3 passes. Usually my settings are WTG 6-7 depending on growth. XTG 5 ATG 3-4 touch up 7 very lightly! Its nice to be able to contour the blade exposure to your growth. Good luck an keep us posted on what you decide to go with.

IMO the fat boy is a classic, but my "caddy" is a late 1940's gold plated Gillette Aristocrat. It shaves great and looks great.

Haven't used a Futur but I do like my Fatboys. If you want to consider no adjustables I would look at the new Ikon Slant DLC iKon Slant DLC Safety Razor with 85mm Bulldog Handle | Maggard Razors - Straight Razor Restoration, Custom Scales and Wet Shaving Products . Haven't tried a slant yet but would be tempted by that one.

Bob

I gave my wife a Futur last month for her birthday and she likes the close shave.

I did snag it this week for two shaves and I liked the shave. It took one shave to get used to the feel of blade but by shave #2 I was rolling.

On my Gillette Adjustable I use a setting of 4. On the Futur it is a 2. The wife likes a 3.

The Futur is well made. I do prefer the Gillette for changing blades. The Futur's pop off top took some practice getting back on and snapped in.

I should say I rarely shave with a DE. Only about 6 times this year.

Dave

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Originally Posted by rolodave

I gave my wife a Futur last month for her birthday and she likes the close shave.

I did snag it this week for two shaves and I liked the shave. It took one shave to get used to the feel of blade but by shave #2 I was rolling.

On my Gillette Adjustable I use a setting of 4. On the Futur it is a 2. The wife likes a 3.

The Futur is well made. I do prefer the Gillette for changing blades. The Futur's pop off top took some practice getting back on and snapped in.

I should say I rarely shave with a DE. Only about 6 times this year.

Dave

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That isnt "rarely" dave :) i am up to 4 this year, and that only because i took it on holiday for 4 days.

Merkur Futur = Cadillac?
More like Ford IMO.

I have used Futurs for several years and find them o.k., but nothing special.
If you have facial hair, classic DE razor designs may serve you better, as the Futur extends more beyond the blade end than a classic design, which affects how you shave around beard and moustache corners.

Merkur workmanship and product finish is adequate, but nothing special.

I am now particular to Mühle as far as DE razors (and brushes) go, but a nice vintage DE razor from the heydays of DE shaving would make a lovely present too.

Well Cadillac? probably the Pils would fit the bill but it's not a very ergonomic razor but then a classic cadillac isn't all that great a car. Luxury yes performance no. Take a look at the Jaeger razors something like the barleycorn. Their DEs are very nice and shave very well.

Well I took the advice of Jimmy and Rollin coal and went with the Merkur 39C slant head long handle barber pole razor. Only bad part is now I have to wait until my birthday to put it to the test.