First DE shave in 20 years. Got butchered.

[jazzguy]

I did the same thing as you-I bought a Futur when I switched to DE a couple of years ago and once I got another's DE I realized that it was not a good choice! It's a big agressive razor and it took a lot of shaves to stop nicking myself with it. I never found it comfortable to shave with. If you do use it set it on 1. The EJ 89 that others have recommended is a much better choice for someone new as it is mild and also handsome. If you have a tough beard you might prefer the Merkur HD which is less agressive than the Futur but more than the 89. A vintage Gillette from the auction site or the BST here would also be a great choice. I love my Fatboy and I can't imagine anyone not getting good shaves with one.

[mhdena]

I'll second the EJ89 recommendation, get a sample pack of blades from Amazon or a vendor.

I used my Quattro for about 3 months mastering making lather from a brush and soap, using Cella and Tabac 1st, when I got my first AOS soap I had almost 100 shaves and got a couple of EJ89s. After another 100 days I then got a Progress, another 30 days got a R41.

Futurs look to Futuristic, big and ugly to my eyes so I never have been tempted for one of those.

Good luck with your healing and second effort.

[john999]

I did the same thing as you-I bought a Futur when I switched to DE a couple of years ago and once I got another's DE I realized that it was not a good choice! It's a big agressive razor and it took a lot of shaves to stop nicking myself with it. I never found it comfortable to shave with. If you do use it set it on 1. The EJ 89 that others have recommended is a much better choice for someone new as it is mild and also handsome. If you have a tough beard you might prefer the Merkur HD which is less agressive than the Futur but more than the 89. A vintage Gillette from the auction site or the BST here would also be a great choice. I love my Fatboy and I can't imagine anyone not getting good shaves with one.

I probably will sell it and get an Edwin Jagger. By the time I get 50 posts, I'll be 80.

[shaverjoe]

I probably will sell it and get an Edwin Jagger. By the time I get 50 posts, I'll be 80.

If you go with the EJ89, which is a very nice, mild razor, I would highly suggest the Barley Chrome model. There are several EJ89 models based on handle design- smooth handle, octagonal, lined, etc. The Barley chrome has a knurled handle design and I feel it would present the least amount of grip problem during the shave. You mentioned the Futur was slippery. I have an EJ89 in Barley Chrome and find the handle to be very secure in hand while shaving. Hope you find a razor that works well for you. I would agree with many here- a vintage Gillette Super Speed TTO is the way to go- simply a fantastic razor.

[mhdena]

Soapy hand = Slippery handle no matter the design

[ouch]

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

I remember him.

[jazzguy]

It's 50 to post in that section but you can buy from others anytime.

I probably will sell it and get an Edwin Jagger. By the time I get 50 posts, I'll be 80.

[Disburden]

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

Merkur blades are horrible and eat face for a living.

[john999]

Merkur blades are horrible and eat face for a living.

Merkur Futurs also devour ones face.

[cpeter47]

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

This is my setup as a new wetshaver/DE user and it has worked out nicely.

[john999]

This is my setup as a new wetshaver/DE user and it has worked out nicely.

I'm now looking at a Edwin Jagger Imitation Ivory Plaza.

[JonM]

I'll echo what many others have said here. The Edwin Jagger line is absolutely wonderful in that they're good performers and yet rather forgiving of mistakes. However, Once I got my technique down, I find myself grabbing for my Futur more often than not. While my initial attempts with a Futur resulted in a bloodbath, I've now mastered it to where a Feather blade in it on setting 2 provides me with a perfect shave every time. Then again, as is often stated here, your mileage my vary.

[bluesbishop]

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.

OUCH!!!

I've never heard a story like this!!

Ok...quick question: what DE razor did you use 20 plus years ago?? You said First DE shave in 20 years...meaning you a returning Wet Shaver...your past razor may be a good starting point. For first razors, I would recommend a 40's NDC Gillette Superspeed or even a 1930's Gillette Long Comb NEW.....both can be found fairly inexpensively, and easy to sell and not loose any money if you don't care for either.

Get yourself a decent blade....ASTRA SP's are a good starting point, and become many guys go to daily blade.

Good Luck and hope you heal quickly!

[john999]

OUCH!!!

I've never heard a story like this!!

Ok...quick question: what DE razor did you use 20 plus years ago?? You said First DE shave in 20 years...meaning you a returning Wet Shaver...your past razor may be a good starting point. For first razors, I would recommend a 40's NDC Gillette Superspeed or even a 1930's Gillette Long Comb NEW.....both can be found fairly inexpensively, and easy to sell and not loose any money if you don't care for either.

Get yourself a decent blade....ASTRA SP's are a good starting point, and become many guys go to daily blade.

Good Luck and hope you heal quickly!

I used a Gillette DE from 1960 to whenever the cartridges came out. It probably was more then 20 years that I switched to cartridges. Don't remember. Not sure of the model of the Gillette DE that I used. I'm sure it was more than one throughout all those years. Shaving was and is a necessity not a hobby for me.

[Acmemfg]

I think I'll jump in here because I don't see the Futur getting at least some of the love it deserves. Prior to acquiring the Futur I was shaving with a mixed bag of stuff. Although I had been using DE and straight equipment for years prior, I had thrown electric and various disposable razors into the mix for quite a while. Deciding to return exclusively to DE, I discovered the Futur on "The Superior Shave" website where Jarrod had given it glowing reviews. Bought one...never regretted it. Use it often (like yesterday). Granted, it isn't a Krona or SS, but I think it is not the same thing as learning to drive in a deuce and 1/2.

Point? I think this can be a more than acceptable razor (even for a beginner) if the proper patience and care is used while getting to know it.

[Acmemfg]

Now blades?? Different story. Such offerings as Dorco? Nah, crummy shave. Merkur? Forget it..work of Satan. Astra? I like the blue SS blades just fine. Feather? Remember the deuce and 1/2 analogy? A decent blade will make a TON of difference

The aforementioned Astra is my go-to
Feathers are phenominal
Personnas (the kind readily available at Sally stores) are pretty good
Gillette (black or green) are also quite competent
................there is a plethora of blades out there; you will find yours eventually

[ouch]

Now blades?? Different story. Such offerings as Dorco? Nah, crummy shave. Merkur? Forget it..work of Satan. Astra? I like the blue SS blades just fine. Feather? Remember the deuce and 1/2 analogy? A decent blade will make a TON of difference

The aforementioned Astra is my go-to
Feathers are phenominal
Personnas (the kind readily available at Sally stores) are pretty good
Gillette (black or green) are also quite competent
................there is a plethora of blades out there; you will find yours eventually

Blades are the ultimate YMMV. Amazingly, I have yet to try an Astra. There are so many good blades to choose from, but I'm still looking for a replacement for the old Swedish Gillettes. So far, the black and blue Gillettes have been treating me kindly.



And who calls the tune in the courtroom?
And who beats the funeral drum?

[john999]

Has anyone had any experience with the Edwin Jagger Chatsworth imitation ivory. I am thinking of ordering this from West Coast Shaving, but I don't want to make another $93 mistake like I did with the Merkur Futur.

[rxonmymind]

Love my Futur. Love my EJ. Both have their places in the shaving rotation. The Futur on two day growth dialed on 2.0 it is a lawn mower. Then after one pass I dial it back down to 1-1.25. It's a beautiful shaver dialed down. Tried 3.0 and was a bit raw. The Ej is a phenomenal shaver too which I alternate between the Futur throughout the week. As others have echoed I'd really recommend you hang onto the Futur as your purchase of the EJ is what will lead you into the Futur based on proper technique and such.

Welcome back to the "club". I hope you heal well, and wish you the best. Good luck! Oh, and if you like I have Mike Ham book on shaving if you'd like to read it. Just pm me your address and I'll send it to you. Cheers!

[john999]

Tried the Merkur Futur today just around the neck area with its setting on 1.5. Got nicked up pretty good again. That does it for the Futur. I have given up on it. I'm going to give it to Tugboat Annie so she can shave her legs with it.