Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Merkur FUTUR Adjustable Safety Razor, Chrome Finish, MK-701001

Top positive review

A Smooth and Efficient Adjustable Razor

Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024

There are many razors in the market - beautiful, well made, butterfly loading, adjustable / non-adjustable, slanted blade - many costing upwards of $250, some in the $1K+ range, so at under $80 this Futur is a bargain. I watched a few YouTube reviews. Most rated it as aggressive and scary; one complained that the the pop on/off head was jiggly. In my experience, none of this is true - or better put, it wasn’t my experience. I set the adjustment to ‘1’ (mild) for my 4-day stubble, which was quite noticeable. After the usual pre-shave protocols, I began my shave. Slowly, no pressure whatsoever (this big razor has heft, so let it do its job). Two passes were all that I needed for a true BBS shave. No nicks or even weepers or razor burn. The blade used is important. I avoid Feather as being overly aggressive; when I master my technique, perhaps then. I use Astra, Gillette, Persona for the tine being. 5-star rated.

3 people found this helpful

Top critical review

Critical reviews›

Neil

Not as good as the Merkur 34C

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017

I've been a single-blade shaver for about a dozen years now. My go-to razor is the Merkur HD 34C which I've used exclusively for those dozen years. Wanting to try something different to break up the routine, I order the Merkur Futur razor. I used it for six (6) shaves which this review is based upon.

Things I like about it: The adjustability is nice and interesting as you can 'dial' it to what works best for your shaving technique. I think I started at "2" and for the last two shaves was at setting "4". Ultimately, after some practice you can get a very close shave with this razor.

Things I didn't like about it: There are several things I disliked about this razor compared to the Merkur HD 34C. First, I initially found it hard to get a good cut on the first pass. After some using it on the "4" closeness setting the amount of beard cut on the first pass improved. I'm an "Against The Grain" (ATG) shaver. So perhaps this has something to do with it. This razor is really designed for those that start WTG, I think. The other notable dislike was the overall weight. This razor is considerably heavier than the 34C. My fingers got tired using it (LOL). A few other pet peeves, you can't really lay this razor down on the edge. It has to lay flat which I don't typically like to do. I also thought changing or flipping blades was a bit more dangerous compared to the 34C.

All in all, it's not a bad razor but compared to the Merkur HD 34C it is not as good, in my opinion. If you are trying to decide between the two razors, go with the 34C. However, if you are new to single blade shaving this is a well built razor that will last a lifetime.

2 people found this helpful

1,423 total ratings, 748 with reviews

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From the United States

John A. Fleming

A Smooth and Efficient Adjustable Razor

Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Northwest Guy

This is an adjustable razor built like a precision instrument that will last for a lifetime!

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024

Verified Purchase

I purchased a "QShave" razor a while back to see if I would like this style of razor. For those unfamiliar with it, the patent for this Merkur Adjustable Razor expired and QShave sells Chinese-made copies for about $15. They look similar but lack the weight, balance, materials, finish, and precision tolerances of the Merkur. Paired with a good double edge blade (I started with Derby blades and now use Astra Platinum) and a good shaving soap, this razor will give you an extremely close and comfortable shave. Its weight allows it to give you that close shave without having to use any pressure on the handle, just the weight of it seems to do the job. The fact that it is adjustable, allows you to dial in the aggressiveness of the shave. Newbies might want to start at the 1 or 2 setting, and more experienced shavers might like the 4 or 5 setting. The only thing that I can fault this razor for (and which others have pointed out) is that because of the size of the shaving head, it's a bit tricky to shave right below the nose and if you're careless, you might nick yourself doing it. A bit of practice will take care of that. I gave it four stars for traveling only because it is relatively expensive, and it would be a real shame to lose it on a trip. I use my old QShave for travel, but this razor definitely does a better job.

Helpful

Santosh Shetty

Makes a double edge shaving almost the same as cartridge blades.

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023

Verified Purchase

I'll be honest - I have used double edge razors in the past but prefer the simplicity of the cartridge type razor (Gillette Mach 3 Turbo). For me, nothing beats the idiot proof shave offered by the cartridge. I have never had razor burns with it. the only issue of course is the occasional ingrown hair, which can be quite painful. The other issue is that of cost.
My experience with DE razors wasn't that great - prior to this Merkur, I had a fixed settings razor. Getting cut, or a razor burn was common. In short, it wasn't used a whole lot.
After reading a lot of reviews of the adjustable razor, decided to splurge and try that out. My first attempt was at level 4 - and it was no better than the fixed razor. After that initial disappointment, I gave it another attempt - this time at the lowest level. And I was immediately impressed. I was genuinely surprised by how smoothly that went. I get a shave as close as a cartridge blade, with almost no razor burn. I do have to go slowly, let the weight of the razor do the work as opposed to applying hand pressure. This has made shaving somewhat less of a pain. And no razor burn. I am using this razor with the Derby Premium blades (approx $10 for 100 blades) so it's a very cost effective solution.
Overall, I am very pleased with this razor; the build is very nice (I got the chrome edition), the heft is substantial which makes it easy to control. The price is definitely on the higher side, but I think you get what you pay for - a quality product which should last me a long time. And I think within a year I will recover the cost in savings on blades.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Detailed Comparison of Merkur and Parker Razors

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2019

Verified Purchase

My hair is curly. Because I have beard that is very thick in some spots but rather thin in others, and further because I have sensitive skin, it was impossible to shave with a cartridge razor without getting shaving bumps. I switched to a safety razor ten years ago; during that time I extensively used 4 different safety razors.

Contrary to the assertions of many reviewers, there are only a few relevant factors in choosing a safety razor: A) blade exposure, angle, and gap; B) handle weight and shape; and C) durability. Let me dispatch with the other possibilities, first. 1) Reviewers complain that the Futur is slippery because there is no knurling on the handle, but this is ridiculous--it is just as slippery as any other nickel-plated razor of the same weight. 2) Reviewers complain that the twist mechanism is unsafe--anyone exercising common sense should be able to figure out how to hold the razor while turning the handle to adjust the blade without cutting themselves. 3) Reviewers complain that the top bar of the razor is too big for them to shave under their nose--but again, common sense would suggest that, for people with shallow nose:lip angles, pulling downward on the upper lip before making a with-the-grain pass will allow for a proper shave of the area. Finally, 4) reviewers complain that the blade is exposed for too long while being changed--but, again, any normal adult should be able to handle a double edge razor blade without cutting themselves. I use the Futur to shave my face and head multiple times per week for months, with and against the grain, and I have never cut myself.

This review will compare the Merkur Long Handle 3 Piece (i), Short Handle 2 Piece (ii), and Futur (iv), as well as the Parker Long Handle Super Heavy (iii).

i) Is the least aggressive of the four. So little of the blade is exposed, and it is at such a shallow angle and with so little spacing between the safety bars, and it is so light, that I cannot get a with-the-grain shave without either applying pressure or making multiple passes. Either way, for someone with a moderate to heavy beard, this razor may give you irritation. It is, however, a great candidate for travelling, since the 3 pieces mean it disassembles flat.
ii) Is the second least aggressive. I get a good shave after one with- and one against-the-grain pass, and a very close shave after a second against the grain pass. However, it is still light enough that I need to apply pressure while going over the thicker areas of my beard. This is the razor I would recommend for most first time wet-shavers.
iii) This is the most aggressive of the fixed blade safety razors. It is sufficiently heavy that absolutely no additional pressure is needed, and the razor provides a rather close shave after one with- and one against-the-grain pass. I use this razor when I have shaved within the last 36 hours or whenever I travel. It is evident from the construction that it is extremely durable, as compared to the Futur.
iv) This adjustable razor has the blade angle of ii) at setting 1 and of iii) at setting 3; at setting 6 it is considerably more aggressive than anything else I have tried. I use this razor whenever my head or beard has been growing for more than 36 hours--first pass with-the-grain setting 6, second pass against-the-grain setting 3, which provides a rather close shave even if I have a week of beard/hair growth. A third pass against-the-grain at setting 6 provides an extremely close shave.

Furthermore, the large gap between the safety bars make it possible to cut through a week of growth with only a few strokes-per-pass, since unlike other razors, the cut hairs do not clog the spaces between the blade and safety bars. This is the only true safety razor (that is, a fixed blade razor with top and bottom safety bars) I have tried where this is the case, and for that reason, I highly recommend it for anyone who infrequently shaves their face or head.

However, the mechanism which holds the top safety bar in place, thereby securing the razor blade, seems considerably less durable than any other mechanism I have seen: the inward and downward pressure of two thin metal rods is all that holds the top bar in place, as opposed to one large (i & ii) or two medium (iii) screws. For this reason, and also because of its weight, this is by far the least drop resistant of the razors. I would not travel with it.

For those of you considering the Merkur Progress, I would simply say: if your beard is medium thickness or if you have sensitive skin, the Futur is likely the better bet. The Progress is even more aggressive than the Futur, so even on the lowest setting, it is impossible to simulate the Short Handle 2 Piece.
For those of you considering the Parker Variant, you should be aware that you might have to exchange the one you receive for a new one--there seems to be an issue where the blade sits unevenly and insecurely when you get a lemon, making an otherwise great razor unusable. A good Parker Variant is likely comparable, if not superior, to the Futur. But both have their durability/manufacturing/shipping issues.

83 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Well made

Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024

Verified Purchase

The key is to let the weight of the razor do the work. I use astra blades and although the razor is expensive, the quality is great and with 100 blades costing under $9 I am happy to pay for it. Long term super money saving option. Oh and it shaves better than any razor that I’ve ever used. I’m over 50.

Helpful

Fuente Cigar

High Quality Razor

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is an extremely high quality razor. However, it's not for beginners. The blade exposure on the lowest setting is 1.12mm. I got one of the best shaves I ever had with just a setting of 2. It's on the heavier side as the handle is chrome plated brass. A little more difficult to get around the nose, but; it can be done. Highly recommended for an experienced wet shaver.

Helpful

Neil

Not as good as the Merkur 34C

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017

Verified Purchase

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Providential

For anyone you love

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2016

Verified Purchase

As a DE shaving fanatic, this is absolutely the top of the line. I've shaved with a half-dozen blade razors, I've used a ton of brushes and soaps, and I've settled into a routine over the years. It was finally time to step up to my "forever" razor, and this is definitely it. Note to newbies: Don't be scared! Wet shaving isn't that scary. You can find a ton of videos online, and a good starter razor (such as cheaper razors in the Merkur line) can be gotten for a fraction of this price if you'd prefer to learn before you jump in here.

Pros:

Perfect finish. The shiny chrome is just perfect for me, it's gorgeous and functional. Grip is fine, after a couple of uses I haven't had any issues whatsoever.

Perfect action. I didn't realize the cap of the razor "pops" off, which is a bit unusual, but I'm sure I'll get used to it and it looks built to last. Bottom line, putting a blade on is quick and easy. Twisting the handle to select your "aggressiveness" is easy, higher number is harsher.

Perfect shave. I started off with a 1 to quickly knock off some hair, and it was easily the most gentle DE shave I've ever had. Lovely. Higher settings go as high as I ever want to go, as my favorite Feather blades are plenty sharp as always.

Cons:

High initial investment. Actually in recent years, the common razors make DE look cheaper than ever. As of writing, you can get this beautiful razor that will last longer than your lifetime for less than the cost of a few months' worth of the popular top-of-the-line disposable alternative. It's barely even a choice- switch to DE, save money.

Weird loading. Although the action of the cap is smooth, it's weird to "pop off" the top. My last razor had the "butterfly" open, which feels much more solid, with much less possibility for injury. Look up a video before you do this with a real blade.

Reference (my kit):

I put Feather blades in my razor, the "samurai swords" of the shaving world. My brush is a cheap but effective Tweezerman, and my shave soap alternates between handmade soaps and VanDerHagen. My current stand and bowl are actually from a VdH kit.

Overall, I can't recommend this razor highly enough. Merkur is like the Mercedes Benz of shaving. Generally sleek, stylish, technically wonderful. My only note would be- throw the included blade in the trash, or use it for projects. Merkur blades are usually garbage. I recommend Derby HD blades for beginners, and Feathers for pros.

12 people found this helpful

Helpful

Kris Y.

Don't waste time on cheaper versions!

Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024

Verified Purchase

I tried numerous cheaper safety razors before purchasing a 'real' version; there is no comparison. This is an heirloom quality product that will last for generations. While perhaps not for beginners, it is not 'carve your face off' dangerous. Using is similar to a single-edge cartridge razor. The only downside is that due to the blade type, traveling with this razor may be problematic and would be an expensive item to have confiscated.

Helpful

Bruh

Very aggressive, great for thick beard.

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

I’ve had problems with all the safety razors I’ve tried, thought I needed a mild one because I was getting irritation. However you’ll get less irritation if you can shave your shit properly in less strokes so it could be worth getting something aggressive like this. Adjustable settings are good for finding what works best for you, but the most mild setting is still quite aggressive and will knock down thick stubble with 0 issue. Opening the razor up will help get through long hair a lot better but I don’t see a regular shaver ever needing that, also the mechanism will seize up after some time so you’ll either want to put a few drops of oil into the cracks or keep it at the setting you use, I just keep it at 1. Loading the blade is really nice, love not needing to twist anything, just pops off and you stick a blade in, but it’s does introduce a bit of risk to cutting yourself since the blade can drop out onto a wet flat surface and now you have to wedge it off, but still it’s very cool. Worth

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Merkur FUTUR Adjustable Safety Razor, Chrome Finish, MK-701001

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Merkur FUTUR Adjustable Safety Razor, Chrome Finish, MK-701001

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Merkur FUTUR Adjustable Safety Razor, Chrome Finish, MK-701001

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