Adjusting the Merkur VISION

**dsipari** · 11-07-2006, 05:57 AM

Last year, just before Christmas, I bought myself a Merkur VISION, in hopes that it would be my razor for the next 30+ years. About 3 months ago, I noticed that the 'adjustment' mechanism did not seem to be working properly. I've tried loosening and tightening the adjustment band (the one with the V-I-S-I-O-N letters), but that didn't seem to do anything. If I dissamble the razor, and oil it up a bit, I do get a bit of the adjustment back. This, sadly, is short-lived. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and, if so, is there any way to fix the problem.
I did try to contact DOVO directly, but they were unable, or unwilling, to provide any answer at all.

Thanks in advance for the help
Dsipari

**Jim Whiting** · 11-08-2006, 06:50 AM

I am not trying to sound glib or obnoxious, but I encourage you to adjust from the Vision to the Classic HD. It is, in my view, w/o question a much better razor, affording you much greater control, and thus a closer, more comfortable shave. In my own experience, shaving improved dramatically when I made the same switch. And the HD is only $30 from Classic Shaving, a worthwhile investment to be sure. Hope this helps.
Jim
"Life is short, shave well"...

**Super90** · 11-08-2006, 03:07 PM

It might be that the adjustment screw in the bottom of the handle has screwed itself a bit one direction rendering your razor less than optimal. I posted something on that screw a few months back as I had mine out of synch and had to figure it out.

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/sho...=vision+adjust

See above. I finally figured my adjustment out. Be sure as you twist that screw in the bottom that when you re-assemble the razor that the doors clamp down on the blade solidly. If not, adjust again until that is the case. Trial and error a bit. You are right that the razor has to be clean and operating correctly and it does require more "maintenance" than an HD or Slant since they have very few moving parts. Be sure it is clean and the bushings the rod rides in are clean and maybe a bit of lube there.

I would say the Vision is a great razor, although not as forgiving as some others. Joe Lerch encouraged me to stick with it and learn its personality, and I must say, I am glad I did. It's not something you are going to master in the first few shaves.

But now, I get superior shaves with it.

Best regards,

R.

**dsipari** · 11-08-2006, 09:28 PM

Gentlemen;
Thanks for the reply to me quesions about adjusting the VISION razor. I see where the screw is that Super 90 speaks of (and thanks for the link), but i was unable to get the screw to budge.(This might have been due to the fact that my flathead screwdriver was a tad too short to completely fill the slot) Not wanting to damage the mechanism, i gave up. I did notice that when re-assembling the razor (after a bit of 3-in-1 oil) that i could again adjust it to a closer setting, but once there it will not adjust to a wider setting. Looks like i might opt for the HD version and see how that goes. Thanks again for the help.
Dsipari

**dsipari** · 11-08-2006, 09:33 PM

Post Script-
Is the Merkur HD an adjustable razor (this to Jim Whiting more than Super 90)? I did check Classicshaving.com (where i bought the VISION), but it does not indicate that the razor is adjustable, which is what i'm really after.
Thanks again

**Wolverine** · 11-09-2006, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by dsipari

Post Script-
Is the Merkur HD an adjustable razor (this to Jim Whiting more than Super 90)? I did check Classicshaving.com (where i bought the VISION), but it does not indicate that the razor is adjustable, which is what i'm really after.
Thanks again

That's what confused me about the answer from Jim Whiting... the HD is not adjustable at all. He is suggesting you switch to a totally different kind of razor without any bells and whistles.
The Fusion is adjustable.

**rustyblade** · 11-09-2006, 05:12 AM

Wow, another bum Vision. What a surprise.

**MichaelB** · 11-10-2006, 01:12 PM

I had to return two Visions in a row. The adjustment mechanism of both went "mushy" and only worked in a narrow range just as you describe. I did contact Merkur and got a response. They suggested that I was not keeping it clean enough, but I was cleaning it exactly according to their recommendations. I also thought the disassembling design was bizarre, and I was unimpressed by the ball-point pen type spring that grounded the mechanism. Yes, it provides a terrific shave, but ultimately, I think Merkur just made it too complex to be reliable. Give me the simplicity and ease of maintenance (and price) of the Slant Bar any day.

**Super90** · 11-10-2006, 01:30 PM

I would agree that there is more maintenance to the razor than most. It's like the difference between a Porsche and a VW Jetta (Note the German reference since these are all Merkur razors. We could substitue Toyota for the Jetta). The Jetta does a very good job getting you from point to point and needs less maintenance, the Porsche does a fantastic job, but to keep it running as designed, you have to be proactive about things. It's very reliable, but you have to do a bit more work.

I too found my Vision had lost performance, but then gave it a thorough cleaning and lube and it seems to be working like new again. I shaved with my Slant this morning, and didn't get as close a shave as with the Vision the day before. I like them both, but for different reasons.

If you want a generic, get around town drive, those are available. If you want a more high-performance machine, it doesn't come free. It's one of those great trade-offs in life.

Just my opinion based on my experience with the Vision, the Future, the Slant, Gillette Fat Boy, and Gillette SuperSpeed.

To each their own.

Regards,

R.

**dsipari** · 11-10-2006, 09:16 PM

Thanks, Super90 and MichaelB for the responses. I did hear from ClassicShaving today (from whom i purchased the VISION) and once they check their purchase records, they may repair or replace the razor. If the VISION's are notorious for not being able to retain their 'adjustablility', maybe i'll try the Futur as an alternative, although i'd rather not have to buy a new razor.
I agree that a high maintenance machine might require servicing from time to time, and i'm quite happy to do it; but i don't know if i agree with the engineering concepts that would make such 'tune ups' a weekly ritual.

At any rate, we'll see what the good folks at ClassicShaving come up with.

In the meantime, have any of you had a chance to compare the VISION and the Futur as far as adjustability, comfort of shaves, etc? I'd look forward to your feedback.

Thanks once again
dsipari

**ratcheer** · 11-11-2006, 06:49 AM

I have heard several references to lubricating or oiling the Vision's internal mechanism. Is there a consensus on what type of lubricant to use? Or, do the instructions that come with the razor specify it?

Tim

**MichaelB** · 11-11-2006, 07:29 AM

You're welcome, Dsipari. When I returned my second Vision, I struck a deal with BestGroomingTools (from whom I bought it). Instead of a third Vision, they game me a Futur plus 100 Merkur blades. Since I had soured on the Vision, I accepted the deal. Maybe Classic Shaving would be willing to strike a deal. I have liked the Futur much better, and have experienced no problems with the adjustment. (Still, I mostly use the Slant Bar now, which I like because of its simplicity, balance, and amazing shave).

**Super90** · 11-11-2006, 01:52 PM

I don't know that I would say the Vision requires a weekly in depth cleaning. I would do that every three weeks or so. I do, however, routinely open the doors, remove the blade and take some fresh water and an old toothbrush to that end of the mechanism. I probably do that every second or third day; might be overkill, but I like nice, clean machinery.

As for the lubricant I used, it was Wurth HSS2000, which is overkill. It just so happened to be around when I needed something. Some standard 3 in 1 or thin oil should be fine. Maybe some gun lube. I don't think I would use WD40, as that was never meant to be a lubricant per se, but its water displacement properties might be to some advantage.

**ratcheer** · 11-11-2006, 02:03 PM

Thanks, Robert. I had been thinking about WD-40 for exactly the reason you mentioned. It was originally designed to remove and keep water out of electronic and other components. I tend to use it for almost everything.

I may just buy a small can of 3 in 1 or something similar.

Tim

**Gatorade** · 11-11-2006, 02:12 PM

Just curious but has anyone thought of a Gillette Adjustable? Better performance and no maintance. At about 1/3 the price I really can't understand why various methods of disassembly, WD-40

and various tools that don't reside in a normal tool box have been mentioned but it has taken 15 posts for the Gillette to be mentioned.

Just a thought.

**dojohnso** · 11-11-2006, 10:20 PM

I agree with Gatorade.

I did a dry run with my Vision, and retired it as a collectible, and am not using it. I took it apart and adjusted it to precision, however the head on that is too damn big.

Dsipari, I would recommend you try either a thick handle adjustable or slim handle adjustable to get around the fickleness. Both are click locked to the adjustment you set them at. The Vision doesn't have that. Additional options would be a fixed head tech with the ball handle or a 40s Super Speed. (Those 2 are non adjustable, but are mild shavers). The Merkur HD would even be a better bet than a Vision, but agin, a fixed blade. The Merkur HD is a more agressive fixed head than a tech or 40s Super Speed. Aggressive meaning there is more blade exposure.

Best of luck in your razor search. You can get a slim adjustable on eBay or even this forum at the most, for less than half what you paid for that Vision, and Ill bet your going to enjoy the shave MUCH better.

Doug

**dsipari** · 11-12-2006, 03:14 AM

Dojohnso:
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that the VISION is one hefty piece of metal, but it shaves pretty well for me (that is it will after i get it all tuned up and the adjustment band working again!)
Like you, i agree that a 'click' band, like the Gillette models, would suit me better. In fact, the one that appeals to me is the Black Handle adjustable, circa 1970s, as pictured in Double E's excellent Gillette primer. Should i come across one on this forum or eBay, i'm going to try to pick one of those up as well.
I also assume that the 'thick' and 'slim' handle adjustables you refer to are the earlier versions of that razor. They also look good, but i think i'll hold out for the Black Adjustable if i can. (By the way, if anyone knows of a good one for sale, please contact me!)

Although not new to 'wet shaving', i am learning much from this forum and it's knowledgable shaving devotees. Prior to buying the VISION last year, i used the Schick injector (adjustable, of course) that i got when going to college 35 years ago. I still have, and use, that razor.

Thanks again for all of the opinions and ideas. Keep 'em coming!!
dsipari

**Super90** · 11-12-2006, 09:48 AM

The Gillette Adjustable is a great razor and it is the DE that I started. The adjustment is very certain and it is relatively maintenance free. All that said, in my experience, it doesn't hold a candle to the level of closeness I can get with the Vision. Two very different razors with different personalities. But, each of us has to choose what we like the best and what works for us the best.

If you are looking for an adjustable in particular, the Futur is a very nice razor too and it requires less maintenance than the Vision. I don't have a Progress, so I can't comment on it personally, but I have heard that it is a pretty forgiving adjustable with great results.

Best of luck in your quest,

**ratcheer** · 11-12-2006, 11:50 AM

My new Vision came with a very closed setting, i.e., very unaggressive. I have to set it on about S or I to get much whisker cutting, at all. BTW, for now anyway, I like it like that.

The alignment of the blade to safety bar seems to be very straight from side to side across each edge and very equal for the two edges, so that aspect of it is very good.

However, when it is wide open the V is not at the indicator and when it is fully closed, the N is not at it, either. I can live with that.

**dsipari** · 11-23-2006, 09:12 PM

Thought i'd give you all an update on my VISION situation. After reading all of the great responses and advice on this forum, i sent the razor back to Classic Shaving for 'repair or replacement'. Happily, the VISION has a lifetime warranty, so all i had to enclose was a $5 fee in the event they would repair, rather than replace, the razor. Classic turned the service order around in about a day. Very good service indeed!
When asked what exactly they did to repair it, Classic responded:
"The refurbishing consisted of repacing the stem, and the doors, and undoing the knob and re fastening it. It was run through its paces and passed inspection. Let us know how it performs!" I should receive the razor within 3-4 more days, and i'll be sure to let Classic and you all know how it shaves!!!