Review of Merkur Futur (1st review)
Background: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ml#post1173614
This was my first DE razor. I have used it for 8 months.
This razor does the job well, but can be very confusing to use at first and has a steep learning curve.
The bad points first:
The angle of the opening between the lid and the base of the head is very awkward and requires the razor be held against the skin more towards the head. As a result, you are less likely to see if, where and how the blade is coming in contact with the face.
Secondly, the razor is adjustable and for beginners who have yet to settle with a combination of creams and blades will find it more difficult to learn technique due to having the choice of adjustable aggressiveness. Ultimately this can lead to nicks and cuts on the face if the setting is too low or too high.
Thirdly, adjusting the razor mid-shave with wet hands is very hazardous, and is the biggest flaw of the razor. The head is designed so that you must twist it with your fingers in a location very close to the protruding blade, and with very little space to grip the head by. The reason some users would want to do this is typically to switch to a less aggressive angle during Against-The-Grain (ATG) passes, or in sensitive areas of the face such as the neck or underneath the nose. In my last use of this razor (6 months in of adjusting aggressiveness it everyday), I sliced a portion of my fingertip off and it took about 6 weeks before I could use that finger again. I have not used this razor since.
If you can tolerate all the steep learning curve and all the inconveniences of using the razor, the good thing about it is that some users enjoy having an adjustable aggressiveness for specific areas.
I do not use this razor anymore due to the ease at which an accident could occur.
People who I would recommend this razor to:
Established DE users - and most importantly, for people who are very careful and steady with their hands.
Users who will not be adjusting aggressiveness mid-shave.
People who I would not recommend this razor to would be:
First-timers to DE shaving who are in a rush master this razor in less than 6 months.
Bottom line:
This razor takes time to learn to use.
It can take a lot of patience each time you use it.
It is very rewarding after you progress past the steep learning curve, and have established a routine to keep yourself safe from the twisting mechanism of adjusting aggressiveness.