I've been to the Futur and it's not for me

**Teddyboy** · 07-06-2012, 05:27 AM

I had your experience and put my Futur on the shelf for awhile. I came back to it a couple of weeks ago after a year or so hiatus. I developed a new respect for it because I realized it was for those who prefer or need an aggressive razor. But it is NOT for those who love an efficient mild razor where you momentarily stop and wonder if you put in a blade. I must credit the big hullabaloo over the R41 2011, which heightened my awareness of the aggressive razor and its aficionados.

I would suggest you go back to it in a few months and load it with either a RedPack Israeli Personna or the Walmart Platinum Chrome Personna (I think they are the same blade). Alternatively, try and get hold of either Voskhods or Ladas, two sharp smooth Russian blades. Anyway, don't throw out the Futur as your technique will definitely improve with time, regardless of how you feel about your present skill level.

**jsj_297** · 07-06-2012, 05:41 AM

Try a progress if u must have an adjustable, or a EJ89, or a Fatip OC if not. Just my .02

**Bejaar** · 07-06-2012, 05:52 AM

YMMV...is the motto right? My Futur works great. My experience with others razors, just don't match up to what the Futur gives me in the shaving arena. You are right, the razor is aggressive and the highest setting I can go with is a 2. It took me several months to get there though, and I recommend giving it a few more weeks before giving up. However, with the variety of options in the market, you'll eventually find the right one for you.

**barrycv** · 07-06-2012, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by skleice

I have the Futur and love it. I will say though that I didn't get good shaves for a while. It wasn't that I had lots of irritation, but just lots of left over stubble. I love the heft, size, and design - though I do have very large hands. After trying a few different blades, I now get BBS shaves every time, but as we all know YMMV. FWIW, I now start my shave on a 4-5 setting and then dial down each subsequent pass. My critique of the Futur is the blade loading and adjustment....terrible system imo.

I'll kinda echo these sentiments for the most part. The Futur was my first DE razor, so I went thru the many growing pains of just starting 'real' shaving & using this thing. My issues were more so burn & weepers, but I've come to pretty much figure it out. It may not be for you, but like most others, I'd persist. Even if it means taking a break from it. I love the adjustable portion (#1 reason for getting it for me) - start at 4 for WTG, 3-3.5 for XTG, 2.5-3 for ATG.

It is hefty to be sure, so that is a major adjustment (pardon the expression) one has to make. I think the blade load methodology could be better, but it isn't a deal breaker for me. My fav blades to use are Feather or Med in this thing.

Semi-interesting note - I just got an R41 recently. I've used it a few times to try it out, but have gone back to my Futur on alt days. Today it was the quickest 3-pass shave by far that I've had using the Futur & is nice & BBS. Just contrasting it from the uber-agressive non-adjustable R41 was pretty major, & emphasized to me how I have my technique down pretty well for the Futur.

**skleice** · 07-06-2012, 06:25 AM

Shark SC's are the blade for me with the Futur, with Astra taking 2nd in line. But, obv everybody's skin, whiskers, technique are different. Anyway, if you decide you're done with it, you can easily sell it here at BST and use the money for a different razor.

**dcom** · 07-06-2012, 07:39 PM

Ok, you guys have talked me into giving the Futur another chance. I'll try an Astra SP in it for a couple of weeks and try to refine my technique. I think I'll need to pick up some nice post-shave balm to cool any burns.

**Gingerbread** · 07-06-2012, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by dcom

Ok, you guys have talked me into giving the Futur another chance. I'll try an Astra SP in it for a couple of weeks and try to refine my technique. I think I'll need to pick up some nice post-shave balm to cool any burns.

Mind your blade angle, sir!

**jb4647** · 07-06-2012, 08:24 PM

Too ugly in my book. I like a razor to look like a razor. If I want an adjustable ill kick it old school with a Fat Boy or Slim....

**Blade Boy** · 07-06-2012, 08:37 PM

I love my Futur, it's one of my best razors, I set it at 3 to 3.5 with great results, more practice maybe, to get used to the difference in the feel.

**Wildalaska** · 07-06-2012, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by dcom

Ok, you guys have talked me into giving the Futur another chance. I'll try an Astra SP in it for a couple of weeks and try to refine my technique. I think I'll need to pick up some nice post-shave balm to cool any burns.

Why? You already stated you get great shaves from your other razor. If you are getting a great shave with razor X and you are satisfied with the shave, that means your technique has developed to the point that you can quickly determine whether or not a specific razor is for you. Put another way, if you are good enough to get a perfect BBS with one set up, you are good enough to get BBS with any set up...the variable then is the tool you use.

The Futur isnt for you. NBD. Go back to your original razor

**ERVARGASNY** · 07-06-2012, 08:41 PM

Sorry it didn't work for you Buddy, Maybe the you need to approach it with a different Technique? Maybe you can lighten it if the weight is to much for you buy pulling back a little on the razor while shaving, if you feel you don't have control do what some have done on here the the Futur, Add a Rubber sleeve from a Pen and that Helps the Grip a lot especially if your having slippage problems or want to just be more in control of its weight, I have small hands and not a big guy, but i love the Futur First pass Mowes it down like a Champ, Also sometimes a Higher setting works better for some reason even though a lower one does not, Try it, its only Skin :o)

**john999** · 07-07-2012, 06:47 AM

I too tried the Futur. Gave up on it after 3 shaves and a bit of blood letting. Have an Edwin Jagger on its way. Due here Monday the 9th. Will report on it as soon as I can.

**Ski-Patroller** · 07-08-2012, 01:31 PM

I went to the Futur as my first Modern? DE razor. I have never had problems with it. My two favorite razors are the Futur and Progress. I don't particularly like the Feather AS-D1 and I'm don't think the Tradere OC is going to replace my Merkurs, although both SS razors are better built, I dont' think the design is as good. I can't get as close a shave with the Feather, and I get weepers and more irritation with the Tradere OC.

Keep working with the Futur. Blade changing is easy and they weight makes it easy to get a nice close shave.

**dcom** · 07-08-2012, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Wildalaska

Why? You already stated you get great shaves from your other razor...

Because I'm a gadget geek and like trying new things. I'm sure I'm not alone given how many on here probably have way more razors than they know what to do with.

**adamc** · 07-09-2012, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by dcom

Because I'm a gadget geek and like trying new things. I'm sure I'm not alone given how many on here probably have way more razors than they know what to do with.

That is absolutely true

. Unless I misread it sounds like you've only been shaving with a DE razor for a couple months. Personally, I feel that the Merkur adjustables are more advanced razors. The Fatboy and Slim give milder shaves in my experience and are easier to use. Even more than the Merkur HD which I started with. I think if I had used a Futur in the first couple months of wetshaving I would've had a tough time.

As you mentioned a lot of that has to do with technique, after a couple months I was just starting to get decent shaves. A lot of it also has to do with finding which blade, brush and soap/cream works for your beard. Those issues took me a lot longer to figure out. And it changes based on the razor I'm using which is even more confusing, there are so many variables. We are all so individually different that it's impossible to say what works best for someone on the forum. However, I'd keep the Futur, I bet you'll end up liking it once you find the right combination of blade, cream, brush and technique. Good luck!

**Super90** · 07-13-2012, 09:21 AM

I have the Futur, Vision, HD Slant, a Fatboy and a 40's SS. I would say the Futur and Vision are sort of like a Ferrari and the Gillette SS is like a Honda Accord, it gets you there. The SS gives very nice consistent shaves, they are not as close and your technique can be sloppier. If you want closer shaves, you are going to have to up your game; it's a learning curve. To 'drive fast' you are going to have to learn how to drive better. After being on a trip with my SS, I shaved today with the Futur and a fresh Feather. Closer and smoother, but I have to think a little more, and monitor technique more. It's not as forgiving. But, no burn or nicks.....admittedly I have owned that razor for six or eight years.

Variety is the spice of life. Put the Futur down for a few days and come back to it in a bit. Dial it down as much as possible and ease into it again. Small steps. Some things "grow on you". Later you find you appreciate them more.

All that said, I never have been a fan of the Slant. I keep going back to it, but it's never one of my favorites.