Futur Settings

[cigator]

I have used a Futur for a couple of years. I have never really considered the purpose of the settings. Here's what I know from experience, the higher the number the more likely I am to cut myself. Does cutting yourself mean I am suppossed to be getting a closer shave? I have set it to 1, I get a reasonable shave without nicks.

[fritz]

I have used a Futur for a couple of years. I have never really considered the purpose of the settings. Here's what I know from experience, the higher the number the more likely I am to cut myself. Does cutting yourself mean I am suppossed to be getting a closer shave? I have set it to 1, I get a reasonable shave without nicks.

Oh, my! I suspect you need to go read the two sticky posts by Kyle in the "Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-in" forum.

I've used a Futur only about a month, but I've used other adjustable razors for years. Adjustable or not, the whole idea is to get the best possible shave without cuts, nicks, bleeders, weepers, burn or rash. Those are just totally unacceptable!

Allow me a little philosophy here. A really good shave can change your life! It's an experience that can turn an awful PITA chore into a morning uplift to your attitude. BUT, you need to set aside time (15-30 minutes) to do it right.

Now, specifically to adjustables: I shave with 3 or 4 passes, that is, I re-apply lather and shave 4 times. The idea is to take a little off each pass, not try to cut it all at once. I set the Futur to a higher number for the first pass, then decrease it for the subsequent passes.

Now, the starting number depends on 1) the particular brand of blade, and 2) how many shaves that blade has been used. Generally, the sharper blades have a lower number for the first shave than the less-aggressive blades. After the first use, the starting number may need to be increased as the blade gets duller.

I'm not sure of the official ranking (or even if there is one), but in my experience with recent blades the Feathers are sharpest, followed by Israeli personnas, Merkurs, and Derbys. YMMV.

And of course, setting the Futur at 1 will minimize the chance of cuts, but it may not be the best shave you can get from it.

Again, I urge you to read Kyle's tutorials and try to follow his instructions. They will give you excellent results.:thumbup: