Merkur Futur - My first shave with this new razor

So, I decided about 10days ago that I would supplement my straight razors with a few DEs. (So far I have an EJ DE89 and a 1953 Gillette Super Speed) I picked up a Merkur Futur yesterday and shaved with it today. I'm also experimenting with different types of blades, so I shaved with a Personna Red blade.

My comments....
Very nice shaver and happy I added it to my collection. The razor definitely has some heft to it and I was a little frightened that it might be too aggressive. I dialed it to a 2 1/2 to start, but after doing my cheeks, I dialed it up to a 3 and reapplied my lather and shaved those again. My WTG and ATG passes were very comfortable and the razor did a good job. My XTG pass was a little different. I had to dial it back down to a 2 1/2 and it was a lot more comfortable.

Downsides...
The head of the razor is a little big and shaving under my nose was an example in contortionism. Also because the head is so big, it holds the heat of the hot water for a little too long. I have VERY hot water from the tap and I actually had to wait a few seconds before applying the razor to my face. Also, this razor will definitely force you to be sure of your angle before starting to move it. I was doing my XTG and didn't have the right angle on my neck and received a nice slice ( definitely my technique and not the razor).

As the saying goes, 'it's not the arrow, it's the Indian'. This is a great shaver, but technique is key to using this razor well. As I'm new to DE shaving (7 total shaves). I expect that this razor will be my favorite once I have some more experience in DE shaving.

My DE is the Futur as well and I love it. I shave with it on a 3 WTG but I have to dial it way down to a 1 on my ATG pass. The razor is very aggressive imho. I can't handle a Feather blade with this razor.

I haven't used it much since starting using a straight but I will never put it away.

My D/E is a Futur too and I think it's great... I shave at "2" most all of the time. Can't comment on the "under the nose" issue since I sport a goatee...

Cheers,

-A

I too just started shaving with a DE, and bought a Futur. I like it so far. I have found setting it on 2 1/2 is plenty for now. I still haven't settled on a blade yet. I don't like the Astra Super Stainless in this Razor. It seems harsh, but not sharp. The Mekur blades that came with it are ok, but not sharp. (To be fair, I used these the first few days while learning to use a DE). By far my favorite so far is the Crystal Superior Platinum. Fairly sharp, but doesn't kill my face.

I have to agree with you about the head making it difficult to shave under the nose, but I am slowly finding a technique.

You simply need to push your nose to the side while you shave under it. It looks goofy but it works.

For a long time, I would set the gauge to 3 and leave it there. Then I read about folks who would change the setting depending on the pass. So now I set it to 3 on my first pass and down to 1 on my last ATG pass. Anyway, just passing along something I learned specific to the Futur.

I use my futur more than any other DE razor I own. I have a very thick, wiry beard, and it gives me close, comfortable shaves pretty easily and reliably. I am a huge proponent of the multiple setting shave, and tend to go 4.5/3.5/2.5 or so most times (sometimes I go 5/4/3 if I want an even closer shave)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Silents

So, I decided about 10days ago that I would supplement my straight razors with a few DEs. (So far I have an EJ DE89 and a 1953 Gillette Super Speed) I picked up a Merkur Futur yesterday and shaved with it today.

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This is what spoke to me out of your post.....
Glad to hear you have found a second method that is worthy of posting...
now you have peaked my intrest and I have just only begun to get the straight...:gaah:

This was my DE shaver of choice before I took the plunge last Christmas and jumped into the world of the straight.

I've been using only Feather blades for years, partly because they're the only ones easily available here in Japan, but also as they're so damned good, why wouldn't you?

After experimenting with just about every adjustment level on the Futur I settled on about 3.5, then stopped thinking about it. Once you've committed to one setting it's probably best not to play around…you'll just have to learn new angles all over again. I didn't have a particular problem with the size of the head, except I found it difficult to see what I was doing on the top lip. The straight is much better in this respect.

Anyway, it's a great shaver & I'm sure it'll get some use at a later date. The weight, especially, makes it glide easily through lather. And I never had any significant cuts or nicks.

In short, get to know one blade (I recommend Feather, of course LOL), one setting and don't stress about it.

Best
Pete