First DE shave in 20 years. Got butchered.

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 03:02 PM

I had decided to change the type of razor I've been using, due my Mach III now costing $2 per cartridge. Found this forum and after reading for about a couple of weeks decided upon a Merkur Futur. That was somewhat of a mistake. Shaving with it resulted in a large cut on my nose and neck plus many nicks. The cut on my nose probably could use a stitch. The setting used was 2.5. Never did I put pressure on the razor. Just let the weight do the cutting. I found the razor very bulky and difficult to obtain a proper angle to shave with. The razor was checked by West Coast shaving for evenness of angle and proper coating according to my request. I think I might sell it and try to find some thing less bulky and perhaps a bit lighter. Any suggestions for a razor of this type.

**jamesspo** · 06-23-2012, 03:06 PM

Yeah, that's a bit a jump for you coming recently from carts, despite your previous experience. You might try a Gillette Superspeed (any really...40's or 50's/60's) to get back into it. Then grab something with more blade exposure later if you feel like you need it. A vintage adjustable might not be bad either (Fatboy, Slim, Super Adjustable). More expensive, but gives you some range (and a milder range than the Futur). They're a bit smaller and more nimble than the Futur as well.

**ouch** · 06-23-2012, 03:11 PM

What blade did you use?

**bakerbarber** · 06-23-2012, 03:19 PM

Shave up and down.

No left to right.

Use a mirror and maybe try a few runs without a blade.

Getting a cut severe enough to require stitches from a Futur on 2.5 means something went horribly wrong.

Look into Mantic's YouTube videos my friend.

Let yourself heal well before trying again!

http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

Give it time. It's worth it in the end.

**retturn2blades** · 06-23-2012, 03:19 PM

The Gillette DE Tech is an often recommended new guy razor. They're cheap, abundant and you have to work very hard to have it bite you.

BTW, I think your horror story shave is the worst I've read since being on B&B. I hope you heal fully and quickly.

**drocu** · 06-23-2012, 03:23 PM

I started with a 50's Super Speed and thought it was a great introduction. A mild shaver that was a pleasure to use.

I'm sorry to hear about the abuse you suffered from the Futur. I've never used one but I believe it. I'm sure that you'll be able to sell it on the BST once you meet the minimum requirements.

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

What blade did you use?

Used the Merkur blade that came with the razor and also bought Personna Lab Blues.

**GencoOliveOilCompany** · 06-23-2012, 03:30 PM

Tough welcome to the B&B, John. Trust me...things will get better albeit with some battle scars. The Merkur Futur is a BEAST even dialed down to 1. Impossible to do above the lip/below the nose work with. I spent $70 on a Futur and had the same experience with it over a year ago...a terribe razor for the $$$. Dialed on 10 it's like 23 on a Gillette FB. Some love the monster...I don't. Try to get a Gillette Tech or an EJ89...both give great shaves and are not very aggressive to the face...just well thought-out tools. Welcome, and best wishes.

**ouch** · 06-23-2012, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by john999

Used the Merkur blade that came with the razor and also bought Personna Lab Blues.

Whoa! The general consensus is to toss the blade that came with the razor. They're notorious for bad performance. You should have much better luck when you find the blade that likes you.

It will get better.

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by GencoOliveOilCompany

Tough welcome to the B&B, John. Trust me...things will get better albeit with some battle scars. The Merkur Futur is a BEAST even dialed down to 1. Impossible to do above the lip/below the nose work with. I spent $70 on a Futur and had the same experience with it over a year ago...a terribe razor for the $$$. Dialed on 10 it's like 23 on a Gillette FB. Some love the monster...I don't. Try to get a Gillette Tech or an EJ89...both give great shaves and are not very aggressive to the face...just well thought-out tools. Welcome, and best wishes.

Thanks. I will look at those 2. I'm hoping that West Coast Shaving might allow me a trade in on the Merkur, although I doubt it.

**bakerbarber** · 06-23-2012, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

Whoa! The general consensus is to toss the blade that came with the razor. They're notorious for bad performance. You should have much better luck when you find the blade that likes you.

It will get better.

That explains it.

Heal first.

Then watch some You Tube and go with the grain only for a week or two. Save against the grain or anything technical for later when you're comfortable.

Those blades that ship with new razors bounce all around inside the box and are who knows how old.

Don't let your first bad experience deter you from shaving bliss!!

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 03:50 PM

Thanks guys. This old fart appreciates your help.

**tinashubby** · 06-23-2012, 04:07 PM

My fourth DE shave and no cuts or nicks, I can recommend a Edwin Jagger DE series.

**Mendel** · 06-23-2012, 04:18 PM

+1 on the Edwin Jagger De 89 series...with an Astra Sp blade.

**fcdiscus** · 06-23-2012, 04:27 PM

Hang on to the Futur for future use. Buy a Feather Popular and start with that- I guarantee better results. And keep reading this forum or buy Mike Hams book- Liesure guys guide! Good luck, Frank

**GencoOliveOilCompany** · 06-23-2012, 04:48 PM

Forgot to mention watch Mantic and Geofatboy on YouTube. Great advice.

Unlikely you'll get a redemption or change-out for your Futur....but you have to start your collection somewhere.

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 05:01 PM

Looks like I will consider the Edwin Jagger.

**Pkrankow** · 06-23-2012, 05:01 PM

Hang around here much and you will be trying straights within a year.

I just passed my Super Adjustable on to a friend because it is just about identical to my Slim, and I like chrome better. I expect my friend to enjoy it quite a bit.

I started with a Weishi and liked it somewhat...never use it anymore. I quickly moved on to an open comb old type, and found that effective and forgiving. I also have a Merkur 1904, bar head, very nice. On the 3-piece razors, be careful the ear of the blade is more dangerous than the edge!

Phil

**john999** · 06-23-2012, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Pkrankow

Hang around here much and you will be trying straights within a year.

I just passed my Super Adjustable on to a friend because it is just about identical to my Slim, and I like chrome better. I expect my friend to enjoy it quite a bit.

I started with a Weishi and liked it somewhat...never use it anymore. I quickly moved on to an open comb old type, and found that effective and forgiving. I also have a Merkur 1904, bar head, very nice. On the 3-piece razors, be careful the ear of the blade is more dangerous than the edge!

Phil

If I used a straight, I would need constant EMS support.

**cwnidog** · 06-23-2012, 06:13 PM

I started with a Merkur Futur when I moved back to DE shaving. My experience wasn't quite as bad as yours, but then I started with a DE all those years ago and I still had some technique left. But, it still wasn't pretty. You've been getting good advice regarding blades, I'll also toss in a suggestion that you try Shark Super Chrome, they're sharp, yet smooth. Also, a Tech would be a great starter DE.

But *don't* toss that Futur. When you get your technique down, you'll probably love it.