Thread: Ming Shi 2000s

So I received my Ming Shi 2000s today, ordered from AliExpress. That's a Merkur Futur clone.
I ordered a stand too. That one came in a QShave package. I feel that the stand is a bit loose, so that's something to keep in mind.

You can see it in its new natural habitat

I read a review a while ago about the Futur clone and it got the thumbs up. Looking forward to your thoughts.
A machined turned stand from Feather would probably cost 2-3 x as much as your razor so your quids in.

I got the qshave version, not bad at all. Tried a few Chinese DE razors over the years, all poorly made.
Was pleasantly surprised with the qshave, a well made razor.

the Ming Shi 2000 kills imo. for the money it's 2-3x more value than the next best deal out there. love the shaves it gives and it's a no-fuss razor. honestly can't say enough great things about it

I have the Q-shave version and it is, for me, a really nice shaver. For the price it is a real value. I tried blades of different makers and the Personna blue hospital is my choice.
~Richard

I tried with an Astra SP blade yesterday on setting '2'. I whipped a quick mug lather with my usual Proraso and Omega Pro 49 combo. I might have cut a corner or two on that lather, but let's get back on topic.

I really enjoyed shaving with that razor. I found the angle easy to find, and it was making that nice 'scrrch' sound that I find very satisfying. That being said, the head feels BIG on my neck. Its not bad, just a bit surprising.

However, I got carried away and tried ATG. And I got two cuts on that ATG pass. My n00bness still shines through.

So, after stumbling on this thread a few weeks back, I thought what the heck, I'll give it a try. Decided to get it from Maggard razors. Bit more than aliexpress, but Brad's a good guy, and I didn't want the mystery wait for shipping from overseas. Also, at $13, it's not like it's breaking the bank.

Anyway, it arrived today and as it is my first adjustable DE, suggestions as to how to set it up to start are more than welcome. I'm thinking the prudent thing would be to start at 1 and work up from there. Am I on the right track?

I would suggest starting at #2 and most folks will be adjusting higher as they go. It does need a good blade and I would not start with a Feather Blade as they will amplify a bad angle. It is worth while to get a blade selection package to see which blade and angle suits you best..
Use little pressure and like a straight, blade angle is important. Skin stretching is important also.
Have fun and go slow as you learn, Corners of jaw invite cuts!
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

I would suggest starting at #2 and most folks will be adjusting higher as they go. It does need a good blade and I would not start with a Feather Blade as they will amplify a bad angle. It is worth while to get a blade selection package to see which blade and angle suits you best..
Use little pressure and like a straight, blade angle is important. Skin stretching is important also.
Have fun and go slow as you learn, Corners of jaw invite cuts!
~Richard

Thanks Richard!

Started on 2, and went to 2.5 for my 2nd and 3rd passes. I have to say I'm pretty impressed! I don't have a load of DE experience, and most of that is on vintage Gilettes, but I'd say this is close to as good a shave as I've had from a DE.

I have a bunch of different blades, and tried an Astra as I'd just opened the pack recently. I'm happy with how that went, but am looking forward to trying others. I decided not to try the blades that come with the thing as the Maggard site notes: "Includes 5 blades — not sure if I’d trust them on my face". So looks like I have five bonus blades for the workshop.

Oh, and one advantage of being gravitationally advantaged is that the corners of my jaw are quite well padded, so no cuts here.

Glad that your foray went well! I'm still around 2 and 2.5 and experiencing irritation, but no cuts, even with a Feather blade with at least 12 shaves in (and palm stropping after each shave)