*Pics* Loading a Merkur Futur *Pics*

[joel]

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0289.jpg
The Merkur Futur is kind of an odd bird.... loads like no other safety razor I have seen - and more importantly has an inherently unsafe design. Please take extreme care when loading/unloading this razor, as without extreme care, and dry hands, there is a chance you can/will cut yourself.... bad. I have a little scar from it, and I know of a few others who do as well. Enough disclaimer!

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0270.jpg
Notice on the right side (you can switch it) there is an indentation in the top portion? Now as confusing as it may be, look at the picture below (it is now on the left side, as I had to turn the razor to operate the "top" whilst taking the picture) and you will see how/why this is significant.

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0271.jpg
Step One - Push the top cover up/off by placing your finger on the open groove. The top is held by a "spring" so the opening action will be very abrupt, and is very quick. It will kind of "pop" off, so do it carefully, and slowly, as if it is done with haste, the whole top can pop off, blade and all!

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0274.jpg
Step Two - Fully remove the top of the razor. Notice the cheap looking "spring" assembly holding the top? It is basically 4 little wires. As you can tell - I am not such a fan of this razor :tongue:

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0275.jpg
Step Three - Drop a blade into the top portion of the razor in the proper groove.

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0276.jpg
Step Four - Take the bottom main housing/handle and affix it to the top portion by lining up the two "prongs" and pushing downward on a flat, secure surface. You will hear/feel a solid "click."

http://badgerandblade.com/pics/futur/IMG_0277.jpg
Top portion is locked in and ready to go. There is no need to re-adjust the razor to the proper setting, as it will be on the setting it was left at.

Special note - be careful not to drop this razor. If dropped, due to its design, it is prone to open up the top portion of the razor, and send the incredibly sharp de blade flying outward.

Now go get rid of the 5 o'clock shadow wolf man! :shaving:

[Austin]

Joel, I have also cut my finger with this razor. Caution should be taken when changing the blade.

[Scotto]

Strikes me as an incredibly bad/dangerous mechanism for getting the top off. Kind of surprising given German engineering - go figure.

[scotish shaver]

actualy its relly easy and i find that you wont cut yourself if you just dry your hands and the razor first

[donthasselthehoff]

i've got a futur and its really easy to change a blade. personally i change it in a different, and for me easier manner.

just a question tho. i'm new to this, and never used the super platinum but is it not upside down??

i thought the writing was meant to be on the top, is this where i've been going wrong??

or is there writing on both sides of a super platinum

or doesn't it matter which way you put it in??

ps. newby here - go easy on me.....

[rschul2]

Doesn't matter which way you put the blade in the razor. Welcome aboard!

[Jerry]

I hold the Futur upside down a few inches over a wash cloth or even the palm of my hand when popping off the head. This acts as a catcher and eliminates any dangers. For me changing the blade on a '30's Tech is a more dangerous affair. You have to hold onto the head of the razor while you turn the handle to get the top on or off.

[Limey]

Joel - good description and photos. I can't see anyone cutting themselves if they follow that plan. I agree it is not the greatest engineering for blade changing but (for me) it doesn't change the fact that this is a very good shaver.

[moses]

I agree with Jerry. Doing it head up, as shown, and if you aren't careful the top will pop off and fall on the floor. Along with the blade. Do the same thing, but upside down, with the head resting flat on the palm of your hand, and there are no issues.

Personally, I think this is no more dangerous than a three piece. Just be sensible about it.

The pictures are very helpful. Definitely use your thumb to push the lid off, as Joel shows. Trying to get it off some other way is asking for trouble....

-Mo

[italianotigre]

Joel, just wanted to say thanks for the pics. I am looking to buy a Futur and the pics help me out to see what everyone is talking about.

[catatonic]

It looks odd to say the least. It's a pretty awkward design. I'd say if the head is kept close to a counter to limit it's motion, it could be a safer process.

My guess is to rest the head on the side of the counter, and use a motion similar to opening a coke bottle on one of those wall mount bottle openers.

[_JP_]

For me changing the blade on a '30's Tech is a more dangerous affair. You have to hold onto the head of the razor while you turn the handle to get the top on or off.

Wrap a wash cloth over the head when removing it. That'll shield the blade from your hand adequately enough, unless you are really vigorous with it.

[SirAdrian]

I've changed blades a few times now and I've had no problems.

I pop the cap off with my thumb (while holding other side with index/middle fingers), put a blade into the razor, and pop the cap back on. Did it while it was wet too.

[fritz]

Wrap a wash cloth over the head when removing it. That'll shield the blade from your hand adequately enough, unless you are really vigorous with it.
+1. Actually, I use the towel that I have there for the hot towel treatment, which is even more substantial and larger than a washrag.:thumbup1:

[FaPat5]

Just a question, if you put the thing back together by placing the head on a surface, and pressing the rest down on it, will you not scratch the head? Why did they not do a butterfly mechanism like on the Vision?

[fritz]

Just a question, if you put the thing back together by placing the head on a surface, and pressing the rest down on it, will you not scratch the head? Why did they not do a butterfly mechanism like on the Vision?
If it had a butterfly head like the Vision, it would essentially BE a Vision.:wink:

[guenron]

Just a question, if you put the thing back together by placing the head on a surface, and pressing the rest down on it, will you not scratch the head? Why did they not do a butterfly mechanism like on the Vision?


If it had a butterfly head like the Vision, it would essentially BE a Vision.:wink:

Additionally, the razor's head would be noticibly higher making it more difficult to get into those places under the nose, etc..

[letterk]

I had changed the Futur many many times before I got my first cut. I don't even know how I did it. But I know there was a lot of blood.

Still, it's my favorite razor. Sort of how VW people love their VW's in spite of all the parts falling off. (Yes, I owned a Jetta.)

[fritz]

Additionally, the razor's head would be noticibly higher making it more difficult to get into those places under the nose, etc..

Well, maybe, I dunno. My Vision, Futur, Slant, 12C, 41C, all seem to fit in there OK for me. Now, if you need to see where the blade is instead of just knowing where the blade is, I'll grant you there's some differences...:biggrin1:

[GarageBoy]

German engineering= making solutions to non existant problems

[gse123]

I personally found it quick and easy to change the blade - but great work on the photos Joel! It's very helpful for people to just see the razor mechanisms close up.

[Mr-Scruffy]

Thanks for the photos. I do not have one but the RAD may kick in anytime.

[galopede]

My favourite razor after my Feather AC.

As to loading and unloading blades, I just flick the top off the Futur and drop it upside down into the palm of my hand with the old blade still in it. Pick of the old blade by the ends and drop on the new one the same way. Much the same with all my other DEs. The Feather AC's a bit more dangerous as it never seems to go in straight and I end up shoving it in by hand!

I honestly don't see why so many people have problems and manage to cut themselves with blades.

When I was in my teens, I used to help out a glazier who lived next door from time to time and his advice about glass was the same as my father's advice about dogs. If you're afraid of them, they'll bite you! Blades are just the same. Show them who's boss...

Gareth

[Treedoc]

German engineering= making solutions to non existant problems

A bit like the Vincent motorcycle then, someone once described it as: "A collection of ingenious solutions to non existent problems" If you've ever had anything to do with one you'll know what he meant; great ride though!

Re the Futur: crappy design but the best shaving razor I have used.
John.

[Warlockdlx69]

i think the best way, would be to position your thumb on the side of the cover that has the indentation, and curl your index finger up, and use the inside edge of it to grip the other side (much like you would if twisting off a bottle cap) then pop it off... simple... and you dont have to worry about where the head is when it comes off, or where your fingers are in reference to the blade :)

[dorenhagen]

I place my thumb under the indentation while holding the razor upright and gently push one half of the top off with my index and third finger lightly on the cap. With my fingers on the cap I twirl the razor around and use my thumb to gently leverage the other end of the cap off. I then use my thumb and third finger to lift off the cap and then remove the blade. I've had no problem whatsoever with this approach.

To load a blade I rest the razor between my third and fourth fingers of my right hand with the razor upright. I then place the blade on the razor (not the cap) and then place the cap (with the thumb and third finger of my left hand into position. I then place my thumb over the cap (kind of like holding a syringe) and apply pressure with my thumb to secure the cap.

No problems so far, but I am new at this.

[DonLafontaine]

I use a similar technique to that described by dorenhagen and haven't come close to cutting myself with this razor. I am somewhat befuddled about all bad press this razor gets because of this issue.

[moses]

I use a similar technique to that described by dorenhagen and haven't come close to cutting myself with this razor. I am somewhat befuddled about all bad press this razor gets because of this issue.

Me too. I've never had any problems. Just like a three piece, there are a lot of pieces and a loose blade to keep in hand, but I don't think this is any worse. To open it and dispose of a blade, I just hold the razor head down in my right hand, with the cap resting on the flat palm of me left hand. Push the cap off into my left palm, using my right thumb. Totally harmless, but if you want to be extra careful, do it onto the counter, instead of your palm.

-Mo

[brooklynlou]

German engineering= making solutions to non existant problems

More like ...

German engineering; creating complex solutions for simple problems

or

Single points of failure are for pussies. Real men need to juggle at least three

[cvixx]

No Futur, yet, but have been surgerized by a Gillette 3-piece. I found out the best way to change the blade on one is to push the head down into a folded washcloth. Then turn the handle to remove it. Reverse to tighten after replacing the blade. This way the fingers are not gebitten by the bladen. :001_smile Works for me.

[Shermdog]

I love the Future!

I have never had a problem changing the blade. I use a towel in my hand to prevent blade problems. I think it gives a great shave....far better than my old HD. I think it is very easy to use under the nose too....and it looks cool.

Now, let me tell you about the HD issues.....I sliced my fingers very very badly back in November. I was screwing on the head to the HD when the bolt broke!

The head came off and the blade went right across my thumb and fingers! The HD was broken...no chance of fixing it!

I guess I screwed the head on too tight or it just weakened over time. Bottom line, always be careful with any razor.

But, I like the Future a whole bunch.

[iron maiden]

Joel, thanks for the photos.

[Nancy Boy]

Love my Futur. Always get great shaves from it and love the feel of it in my hand. It's also a handsome looking machine.

My technique is quite different:

1. Place towel in sink.
2. Point razor downward toward towel in bowl.
3. Pop top off razor with thumb.
4. Carefully remove old razor and place in razor bank.
5. Insert new razor whilst holding razor upright.
6. Align head on top of razor.
7. Carefully use thumb to snap top of razor over blade.

This has worked for me and I still have all my fingers. However, I still get a bit sweaty when changing blades on this model.

[Chisholm]

I can't see what all the fuss is all about? I've had mine years and never had a moments difficulty removing or replacing a blade! Those are high carbon stainless steel spring steel rods holding the head in place. They should outlast the owner with proper use. I own a Merkur HD, long handled Merkur open comb and Gillette superspeed as well as the Futur. If I had to only have one razor, it would be the Futur!
Cheers,
Martin :cool:

[TonyO]

...gebitten by the bladen...

:lol1:

Man, I want a Futur. Anybody want to sell me yours for reasonable?

Yeah, I know, wrong place for this one. Right place to laugh about the Germenglish, though. :biggrin1:

[Nancy Boy]

I think there is (or was) one on e-bay that was new and resonable?

[smoothie6]

I have a Futur too. I'd suggest that you adjust the setting to 6 before popping the top. You'll find that the blade is not bent quite as much as it is on the lower settings. Therefore, it doesn't tend to send the top flying. Buy a Slant like I just did and your problems with changing the blade are solved.

[krawlx]

Thanks for the pics. I have a Futur in the mail and will hopefully it will see action next week.

[drews50]

Being a klutz to begin with, it looks like there is no Futur in my future. And I came very close to buying one just yesterday.

[Bobtrumpet]

No Futur, yet, but have been surgerized by a Gillette 3-piece. I found out the best way to change the blade on one is to push the head down into a folded washcloth. Then turn the handle to remove it. Reverse to tighten after replacing the blade. This way the fingers are not gebitten by the bladen. :001_smile Works for me.

I wish I had read this a couple weeks ago before I got bitten. It wasn't too bad though, and it was the side of the blade, not the honed edge. :eek: