merkur futur advice

**tjaa67** · 06-06-2008, 08:46 AM

hi guys

i am presently thinking about bying a futur while currently using Progress.

I have read the reviews about the futur and evaluations seems to be very different . . . My question is on the settings : is the Futur on its lower setting as mild than an HD or as mild as a Progress set on 2 for instance ? I want and adjustable to lower setting on my neck which is a bit sensitive.

Thanks for answers.

**studman46** · 06-06-2008, 11:19 AM

Have many Gillettes; My Merkur Futur still outdoes all of them. The Futur could chop down a stand of Oak trees. Even with three days growth, the Futur goes through it with ease, like a Samurai sword through butter. I set the first pass at 1.5 and the final pass or two at 2. These settings work great for me and the shave is long lasting. I've learned to hold the Futur not at the end but at the fulcrum where it is balanced which is the upper area where the handle is indented. I also put a rubber stopper on the end of the handle which solves any "hard to hold" problems if holding razor near the end. Also, a Personna blade lasts forever in the Futur but only last for about 4 shaves in my Gillette Slim or SS. Also, if holding razor at fulcrum, I have no problems getting hard to cut areas under chin, lip, etc. I also have a sensitive neck and don't get any razor burn or bumps if I let the razor do the work with no added pressure.

**FaPat5** · 06-06-2008, 11:45 AM

The Futur has a lot of blade exposure, even at its lowest setting, but I have found it to be quite comfortable to shave with.

**kwk285** · 06-06-2008, 03:17 PM

I find a setting of 3 on my Futur is similar to my HD.

**tjaa67** · 06-06-2008, 11:28 PM

thanks a lot for taking time answering, it will help.
Cheers.

**dulcamara** · 06-07-2008, 12:08 AM

Futur is my favourite razor.
A Futur is more aggressive than others, but a 1-2 setting is mild enough, and mainly with a blade like (e.g.) a Derby.
I prefer beginning my shaving with a N-S pass setting 3 (aggressive but not harmful if used with care! ), and then setting 2 for other two passes (ear to chin, XTG).

**Ockham's razor** · 06-07-2008, 01:48 PM

I shave with a HD for two years and I was having some irritations on my neck. I now shave with a Futur and while I would not say that it's milder than a HD even at the minimum setting, I can achieve an irritation free shave on my neck (with the same blade). The head geometry of the Futur is very different than the HD and it translates in a different feel while shaving. I don't think that the exposure of the blade alone tells the whole story about a razor being agressive. If it suits you, the Futur is really great.

**tjaa67** · 06-17-2008, 01:09 PM

I made the jump and bought it.
You were totally right boys and thanks for the advice. At least the beast suits me and it it not ot much agressive on the low settings. The head's geometry i guess. anyway a good razor or may be more of a shaving tool given its weight !
cheers.

**TonyO** · 06-17-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by kwk285

I find a setting of 3 on my Futur is similar to my HD.

Wow! I'd always heard the HD was a good starter razor, but if I'd started with that much blade exposure... The HD is that aggressive?

I've settled on 2.5 with my Futur, and I second everything everyone's said. Blades last longer, shaves take fewer passes, and no irritation on the neck. Plus it's the chrome version - shiny!

Only reason I go back to my Gillettes would be just for a change, or when I'm travelling with my lovely red tip.

So the HD is really that aggressive? Might have to get me one of them!

**Ockham's razor** · 06-17-2008, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by TonyO

Blades last longer

Totally the opposite for me. The Treet Platinum blades seem to last longer in the HD (5-7 shaves). After the thrid shave in the Futur, things start to get harsh a little...

**Limey** · 06-17-2008, 08:13 PM

I am not a fan of aggressive razors and I don't think the Futur is in that category. The Futur was my first DE and is still one of my favorites.

**k1rod** · 06-18-2008, 12:03 AM

I couldnt help but notice, Gilligan looks like Newkirk.

Anyway, I have 2 Futur's. I have never shaved with an HD so I can't compare them to that but I wouldn't say the Futur is any more aggressive than my Slim. It is very different and the blade angle is different but again, I wouldn't characterize it as more agressive.