Merkur Futur setting?

**Roefisher** · 07-23-2010, 11:20 AM

Hello,

In my build up to using this razor I decided to start at the lowest setting number one. I've had a couple of shaves like that and it has been irritation and cut free.

But I do have a skin disorder, separate from shaving, and it means that I have a some small coin sized dry rash patches everywhere. In relation to my shaving, for example at the moment, there are a couple on my face - cheek and lip and one on each side of my neck at my ears and a final one below my chin.

But this means that I have to shave very lightly as an aggressive pass will irritate these patches or even bleed them. I would love to know people's opinion of the Futur at a slightly higher setting. I'm trying to find a balance between trying to get away with two passes but at the moment it is very difficult to get there set on number one as I need to do three set this mild.

If I dialled the Futur up a little would I still stay irritation free and hopefully do away with this third pass while having the same finish? Or maybe staying at three light passes is the best way to stay irritation free?

What would your recommendation and advice be?

Thank you for any help, it's always appreciated.

Mark

**Shaving.ie** · 07-23-2010, 11:35 AM

Hi roefisher, Your best bet is to just experiment with dialling a higher setting very gradually and keep using the same brand of blade that you are happy with. You will soon learn if it will cause more irritation or if it will be beneficial. Everybody will have different reactions to aggressiveness so its best to just try yourself. If you keep the adjustments very slight there should be no problem.

**ackvil** · 07-23-2010, 11:44 AM

I use an adjustable razor. First, you may want to review the information at the wiki at http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...Aggressiveness

As you can see the Futur at setting 1 is a very aggressive razor. Increasing this setting may result in irritation and cutting. So, my advice is to go slowly.

**tpoof** · 07-23-2010, 11:52 AM

yep, as was said go slowly on changing the aggressiveness settings
only YOU can tell how it feels on your face..
I feel 3 passes is the norm for a good shave and would rather have a light 3 pass shave without irritation than a 1 pass shave with pain..
as you get more used to the Future you will likely be able to move the setting more and more till you get to that sweet spot that only YOU can know
good luck with it.. seems you are on your way already...

**Roefisher** · 07-23-2010, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the advice fellas.

To be honest, I hate these damned skin patches as it is, and I want to keep them as settled as possible. It's maybe a little vanity on my part but I don't like having them red or raw which happens occasionally. As you can guess, I'm just getting into wet shaving again after years with an electric razor.

Does anyone have opinions about the Futur in comparision to another Merkur, the 38C Barberpole (which I have here too so could try out)? I can see in the chart, kindly linked to by ackvil above, that it seems to be a lot milder?

I am leaning towards just staying mild and three light passes. I would be as sick as a parrot if I went too aggressive and mucked up face - the rashes I have and deep and take maybe three or four weeks to die off if I upset them.

Mark

**Merkur25** · 07-23-2010, 12:07 PM

From what I understand the Futur has one setting - Aggressive

**Ski-Patroller** · 07-23-2010, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by ackvil

I use an adjustable razor. First, you may want to review the information at the wiki at http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...Aggressiveness

As you can see the Futur at setting 1 is a very aggressive razor. Increasing this setting may result in irritation and cutting. So, my advice is to go slowly.

Take the wiki info on Aggressiveness with a grain of salt. It is only one measure, the blade gap between the blade and bar. It does not account for the blade extension beyond the bar-cap tangent line. In my experience the Progress and Futur feel very similar at #3 settings, but the chart says the Futur is much more aggressive.

I think the only answer for you is to turn it up very gradually and see what the effect is.

**Zumkopf** · 07-23-2010, 12:52 PM

I mean one of the huge, mean, old badgers from the Karakoram

Seriously, have a look at the Futur's blade from the short side; you will see nothing but a gap with a sharp blade hovering in space over it. That's not to say you can't safely use it, only that it is by its nature an aggressive razor. It's aggressive on any setting, and on 6 you may as well be using a straight on a stick. And beware those blade corners. Most razors cover or shield them. Not the Futur. [On the plus side, it *does* cover the razor side tabs.]

If you're new to the Futur, I would definitely start on "1" and go up from there, cautiously.

**jtb** · 07-23-2010, 01:02 PM

I started with the Merkur HD then got a Futur. I do love both of them but I must admit, I think I get a better shave with the Futur (probably cause I don't feel like I need to focus as much). I have it set to 2 but started with it at 1. I do 3 passes then some touchups. I would definitely keep it at 1 for awhile, should still provide a nice shave, just watch the angle. I find if I do have irratation it's because the angle is off.

**DE Shaver** · 07-23-2010, 02:30 PM

If you are somewhat familar with DE shaving, start with a setting of 2 and go up/down in half step increments until you find the setting you like.

**dougr** · 07-23-2010, 02:43 PM

I went from years with an atra cartridge to a 1940's SS and then a week later to my Futur on one a month ago. Now it is on 1.5. A Fat Boy on 3 is on my rotation about once a week. The Futur is my favorite.

**Sparafucile** · 07-23-2010, 04:57 PM

I think the Futur is a great razor, but like the slant, it can bite you if you're not careful (i.e. a very light touch). I keep mine on 1.5 with a Feather, and do a 3-pass shave. I get equally close shaves (and I have a dense, wiry beard) with my NEW and Slant, but the Future is always in my rotation.

IMO, start at "1" and work your way up in "1/2" increments.

**Sir Ronald** · 07-23-2010, 11:44 PM

I had my first shave with a Futur today. I set it at 1.5

What a great shave it was, it was a pretty close shave, smooth and zero irritation. My concern was how such a large razor would go on my sensitive neck area; I was pleasantly surprised how well it did. I do like the weight of this razor, zero pressure is needed, the weight of the handle does all the work required. I went ATG and there was a little resistance. I might try the ATG on 2 next time.

A very different experience to shaving with Gillette TTO's and one that I definitely prefer.

**Roefisher** · 07-24-2010, 05:13 AM

Well, after the generous advice, for my shave this morning I moved up a half increment to 1½ as I had already has a couple at 1.

Nothing staggering to report but I am very pleased with the results. I'm not there yet, I reckon, but it gave me no trouble with irritation and the shave is definitely closer for the same effort. I still worked lightly and cut three passes (WTG-WTG-XTG) which gave me a good shave. I have decided to stop the ATG for the time being - maybe permanently.

I have also ruled out the idea of trying to do two aggressive passes and am now trying to get the best balance on my face with these three more gentle passes. I'll stay with the Futur at 1½ over the weekend and then maybe dial up to 2 to see how that goes.

One thing I do know now about DE shaving is that confidence is a great booster and aid. Only yesterday I was really off and even talked about going back to another razor. What a difference a day makes with a little more belief and help. Even if I have to stay at the setting and results I am on now, I would be happy enough to continue using this razor daily.

Thanks fellas,

Mark

**Spivey** · 07-24-2010, 05:33 AM

The Futur may be your perfect razor. I don't think that there is another razor (adjustable or otherwise) with which you can (theoretically) decide that 2.45623 is your perfect setting and leave it there. That "infinite" adjust-ability between numbers may be your best friend.

**Nils** · 07-24-2010, 08:54 AM

The Futur is by far the mildest razor I own. By mild I mean that it's the one that's most gentle to my skin. I use 3 for WTG and dial down to 2 for XTG/ATG.
The blade gap does look frightening, true, but the shave is anything but. After a shave with any other razor, there will be some stinging from my aftershave, but never after a Futur shave.
Added bonus: Thanks to its adjustability, the Futur will work with any given blade.
Best razor ever, period. (Disclaimer: YMMV!

)

**cooncatbob** · 07-24-2010, 09:24 AM

Now I want to like this razor but it's not working for me.
Harvey sent me his Futur to modify the handle after he'd gone at it with a wire wheel.
I mounted the handle in my lathe and cleaned it up, in the process I had to cut through the plating discovering that the handle is made from solid Zamak (zinc ally).
I then cut grooves into it like those use on the Goodfella and my Improved handle.
I took the Feather out of my long handle Super Adjustable and this razor tore me up, even dialed all the way down it feels like it's "over clocked" but it's not.
Last night I tried a Derby with similar results, so I put the blade in my SA set it on 5 and got a great shave.
I don't know why the Futur isn't working for me, it's not any heavier then a BM XL.