Review of Merkur Futur

[JoeTheJoyful]

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Merkur Futur, a two-piece adjustable closed comb safety razor that has garnered a lot of attention in the shaving community. With its solid build quality and sleek, modern design, it's easy to see why this razor has captivated so many enthusiasts since its launch in 1985.

Starting with the basics, the Merkur Futur is constructed from chromed brass and Zamac, giving it a hefty, premium feel. The razor is available in four distinct finishes: matte stainless steel, polished chrome stainless steel, gold plated, and a rubber-coated variant. I opted for the polished chrome finish, but it's nice to know there are options to suit various aesthetic preferences.

One of the standout features of the Merkur Futur is its adjustable blade gap, which offers six settings ranging from 1.12 mm to 1.65 mm. This range is decidedly on the aggressive side, making it an appealing choice for those who need a razor that can handle coarse or thick facial hair. However, it may be a bit intimidating for beginners or those with sensitive skin.

Using the Merkur Futur has been a mixed experience for me. On the one hand, the razor delivers an exceptionally close shave, often resulting in a baby-bottom-smooth (BBS) finish on my cheeks and neck. The adjustable settings are incredibly useful for customizing the shave, especially when dealing with multiple days' worth of growth or tricky areas like the chin and lip.

However, the razor’s aggressiveness does come with a learning curve. Even on the lowest setting, I had to exercise a very light touch to avoid nicks and cuts. The handle, while aesthetically pleasing, is smooth and can become quite slippery when wet, which makes precise handling a bit challenging. More experienced users might not find this as much of an issue, but it’s worth noting if you’re new to safety razors.

The design also has a few quirks. The head is larger than most razors I’ve used, making it somewhat cumbersome to maneuver around tight spots like under the nose. Additionally, the unusual “pop-off” cap design for changing blades took some getting used to, but once mastered, it became quite convenient.

In terms of performance, the Merkur Futur excels. I found it worked exceptionally well with a variety of blades like Feathers, Astras, and Wilkinson Sword Black. The razor glides smoothly across the skin, providing a highly efficient shave with fewer passes, which reduces the risk of irritation. However, the aggressiveness means you must be cautious, as the Futur can quickly live up to its “potato peeler” nickname if mishandled.

Durability is another high point. Despite being made from zinc and brass, the razor feels incredibly robust. That said, the posts that hold the blade in place can break if the razor is dropped, though replacement parts are available from Dovo and other sources.

For those considering alternatives, the Qshave Adjustable and Merkur Progress offer similar adjustability, with varying degrees of comfort and aggressiveness. The Merkur 34C and Rockwell 6c are less aggressive options that might be better suited for those seeking a more forgiving shave.

In conclusion, the Merkur Futur is a striking and capable razor that offers a customizable and close shave. Its high build quality, adjustability, and modern design make it a worthy addition to any shaving arsenal. However, its aggressive nature and slippery handle may not make it the best choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin. If you’ve got the experience and want a razor that can handle just about anything, the Merkur Futur is well worth considering.

[Grayson95]

Thanks for the detailed review! It really helped me decide and appreciate the effort you put in.

[SethSeeker]

Great review! How does it compare to the Rockwell 6c?