MERKUR FUTUR 700 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor - Matte Chrome, Adjustable Razor With Dial, Made in Germany, Plastic-Free, Snap-On Cap Design, Straight Bar

There may be a better safety razor out there, but I will never know as I have found the best safety razor I could imagine and will likely stay with this type until my whiskers stop growing. This Merkur Futur arrived in perfect, brand new condition, with zero flaws noted anywhere on/in the razor. The razor is burly yet sleek -i.e. it's "manly". It's perfectly balanced heavy weight (1/4 pound), facilitates the shave processes. It is unmatched in design/engineering, production, quality and reputation (I have used other Merkur shave products); the shave may only be bested by a straight edge shave by a professional. One of the best aspects - is the dial adjust feature built into the razor; no need to remove the razor head and insert different plates, etc.; just dial up/down the desired shave strength. I purchased the brushed chrome version because I find it most aesthetically pleasing -it looks and feels as the highest quality - it also cleans easily, stray soap, other does not seem to stick to the razor (it is wiped down with a clean cloth after each use). To all potential users -beginners to experienced- GO SLOW, especially for the first shaves - this razor is made to shave whatever it is pointed at - if it's pointed/moved in the wrong direction - it will still efficiently cut whatever is in its path. Upon first use it felt very powerful/(aggressive as others say) compared to my other wet shave safety razors. I started with the lowest setting - 1, with a new (Feather brand) blade and the razor, because of its heavy weight and excellent balance, seems to almost shave by itself - the hand is only needed to guide the razor. Set aside a little more time than the usual shave requires, because this is requires focus (until one is accustomed to using it). CAUTION: two areas noted by others that required very careful actions: removing the razor head cap (to extract/insert a blade) and the adjustment function. Both of these actions can be accomplished safely without grabbing the the top/cap of the razor head. The adjustment dial can be turned by holding the razor just below the razor's head with one hand (two fingers) and the lower part of the handle can be turned with the other fingers. The razor head cap has a slight protrusion on one side that is used to lift the cap, from below, using a thumb (lift one side then the other from below. Never grab this razor from the top/by holding the cap from above - especially when a blade is loaded and your hand is wet. It is made to cut anything that is put into its path. I use this daily, with two passes per shave - as more, in my case, is not needed. I highly recommend this Merkur Futur wet shave razor to anyone; the high quality of service provided by Amazon and seller and the absolute best/lowest price for the highest quality are what you will get.

I absolutely adore this razor! I am a woman & dislike the pink tax, crumby shaves & stupid baby colors women's razors give. What are we 5? Men's razors tend to angle better & give a better/closer/longer lasting shave for all the curves & angles woman have for our various areas & intimate parts. I have wasted so much money on razors trying to find the best for me & not spend a fortune doing so. The Merkur Futur is THE razor above all razors. Prepping, post shave care is best for smoother silkier skin. It just feels better (or, not ichy or drying). Don't skimp bc time, money or any other excuse, things can be homemade that work just as good as store bought. I've had this bad boy over a year and I will never look back. I started on a one setting my first shave - legs, underarms, unmentionables. Now I'm at a 3.5 or 4. It's way easier if you get a good shave cream like cremo lavender is my go to. It works best with a shave brush. I got a heap boars bristle one on Amazon to start out but I plan on getting a much nicer one when this one wears out. It sheds but works rather well. I went to a community college near me that has either glass blowing or ceramic classes and commissioned them to make me a shave bowl with tiny groves at the bottom for ultimate lather & a little nitch to hold either my shave brush or razor depending on what I was using at the moment. Best 20 bucks I've spent in a long while. All the little things can add up initially but when you're paying $20 every 3 years give or take (depending on quality of blades) for blades, man it just works out! For women: get a big cup or bowl for warm water & sit on the side of the tub or if you are blessed with a little chair/stool sit down for legs and unmentionables. Add water as needed. If you start to dry off the razor will drag. While is doesn't normally cut you it can if it bounces too much. So lather on girl! It also helps you see and angle yourself & the razor correctly for less chance of nicks. If you do happen to nick yourself, use a stypid powder or pencil like Clubman Pinaud Styptic Pencil less than $2. Stings, but works beautifully. Take. Your. Time. Especially when you first start. Eventually you'll know which way to taut your skin and the angles will just be automatic. Another great razor for women and our curvy nature is the feather all stainless as-d2 razor. It's not adjustable & is triple the price but gives a beautiful shave & is good for sensitive skin. Is still prefer the Futur for it's adaptability. Blades: don't skimp. They're cheap enough to get the good ones. Merkur is great, the ones that come with work really well. Feather hi-stainless or Kai work really well too. I disliked shark, it dulled quickly and got bitey faster than I'd like. Feather might do this as well since it's the one of the sharpest blades you can get. Good luck, but you don't need it. This thing is amazing

I bought this almost 3 yrs ago as a 50th birthday gift to myself. I have multiple reasons of why I wanted a double-edged razor. My reasons are 1) get a better shave, 2) get more involved with my shaving experience, 3) become more ecological, 4) lower my costs. 1) I get a great shave from this razor. It's my first razor of this type I have ever bought and am not disappointed. I can change the aggressiveness with a turn of the handle. I don't know how other double-edged razors work. Are they able to adjust the aggressiveness with a turn of the handle? With this option on this razor, I think it is perfect for a beginner. As the instructions say, start at "1" and adjust it until you're comfortable with the results. Also, I would get ingrown hairs that were a pain to shave. I read in an article that with every swipe of a disposable blade is a scrape to the skin. A disposable with 2-7 blades is 2-7 scrapes to the skin. So, that one hair you're trying to get and swipe 2-5x, do the math. This creates tougher skin and makes hair more difficult to reach the surface. With a double-edged razor, one swipe is one scrape. And it gives such a better end result. I have had way fewer ingrown hairs. 2) With disposables, it's too easy to just shave and not think about it. I wanted to be more invested and understand the process better. I bought a fogless mirror (I shave in the shower), shaving cream cup, shaving cream, after shave lotion, a shaving brush and razor blades. Did it take some time to get used to the process? Anything worthwhile takes time to understand. And it is so worthwhile. I could give the list of products I bought for my process, but that was part of the fun. If someone wants it, ask and I will put it in here. 3) Do you ever think about where those disposables go when you're done? I do. Since they've touched skin and probably blood, they aren't recyclable. You would have to dispose of them as someone does needles, in a biohazard container. They use plastic to mold them. I couldn't do that anymore. So much waste! 4) Cost! How much do the disposables cost? Gillettes? $45 for 12 cartridges? Sure, Harry's and Dollar Shave have lower costs than Gillette. But they use the same process to make them; plastic and metal that isn't recyclable. My total cost to begin this process was about $170 in 2020. It's closer to $210 now. Most of the items I bought are durable and I still use them. The only things that I need to buy are razor blades, shaving cream and after shave lotion. My razor blades cost $8 for 100 blades, shaving cream is $16 about every 6-7 months and after shave lotion is $16 every 6 months. I just bought more blades after 3 yrs. I have a used blade container I put used blades in that isn't full yet. It's close though. The containers for the shaving cream and after shave lotion are recyclable. If my reasons intrigue you, then please try going this direction. I haven't regretted it once.

I ditched disposables switched to using a double-edged safety razor years ago when I purchased a Merkur 23c and I have never looked back. Contrary to the commercial, disposable razors are more about catering to shaving noobs than defining any sort of “manliness”. Looking to up my ante and get an even closer shave than the 23c, I splurged on the MERKUR FUTUR and I’m hooked. WHAT YOU GET A work of art and a flawless blade … HOW IT LOOKS, HANDLES AND FEELS After years of using my 23c, shaving with the FUTUR is like exploring a new frontier. It looks, feels and handles differently. Unlike the knurled, thin and long handled razor I’ve become accustomed to using, the FUTUR is smooth, stubby and heavy. While there is no knurling, the handle of this razor is thicker and has a cut-away that assuaged my initial concern of gripping a smooth surfaced razor (I have large hands). Additionally, the extra heft of this razor enhances it “grippiness” without derailing its aesthetic design. The weight of the FUTUR feels like you are holding a tool, not a razor. I found the look of the FUTUR particularly appealing, simply because no other razor looks like it (I opted for the brushed chrome finish). This razor has a simple, yet space-aged appearance to it. SHAVING WITH THE FUTURE I somewhat knew what I was getting into when I decided to purchase this razor … a shaving challenge. To be quite honest, this razor is not a suitable first-time safety razor ... face carnage may be an unintended outcome if this razor is not handled correctly. The FUTUR provides six progressive levels of blade gap by twisting the razor head or handle (level 1 being the smallest gap and level 6 offering the widest gap). A wider gap means there is less of a barrier between the blade and your skin. Even inserting the blade is a delicate and somewhat challenging process. Instead of the twist off/separate and insert or butterfly mechanism used to install blades, the FUTUR requires you to pinch the ends of the razor head and pull up to access the blade “bed”. This isn’t a problem when there is no blade in the razor but requires careful attention when changing blades as the “pinch and pull” technique isn’t so easy. Changing the razor setting presents another challenge as the razor head must be held to twist the handle in order to change the settings. This is another precarious situation that could be disastrous if don’t focus on the process and your fingers accidently grab or slide on the blade. I have tried all settings and find the base setting of “1” is more aggressive than my 23c razor. With that being said, I don’t adhere to the “rules of shaving” and prefer to shave against-the-grain for a baby’s butt smooth shave. I find a setting of “3” with the grain and a “1” against the grain more than adequate to satisfy my needs. While I have experimented with a “6” setting, I find it a little too aggressive, unless the stubble between shaves is minimal (there is a fine line between exfoliating and accidently performing a skin graft). What really separates the FUTUR from my previous razor is that the weight of the razor does all the work and I simply need to focus on carefully and lightly guiding the razor across my face. This is light years away from the disposable technique of grabbing the razor like a baseball bat and forcefully dredging it across your face like your raking leaves in the fall. Merkur states this razor is suitable for body shaving (let’s assume that’s at the “1” setting), but that is one challenge I’m not ready to accept. If you are an experienced safety razor user, want to add a little shaving variety/challenge and don’t mind paying a premium, then the MERKUR FUTUR is worth a shot. I initially balked at the price, but realistically, this razor (with standard care) should last a lifetime. It is a thoughtfully designed razor that looks/feels right and gives you shaving options. My only issue with the FUTUR is the delicate process needed to change blades and adjust the blade settings.

I grew up in a time when multi blade cartridges were new and all the rave, so naturally that's where I started. And stayed for my entire life until now. What a mistake... This razor is amazing. I was a little scared to use it at first after reading reviews of carnage face after your first go. I even used a cartridge razor again instead of this when it first came in. Finally today I tried this thing out and wow, I have a crazy close shave and didn't cut myself once. This thing makes shaping my beard way easier too. And my skin felt so much better today than after my typical cartridge shaves. It's was super easy to clean and I'm actually looking forward to my next shave lol. I suppose there's a learning curve but it's basically just picking it up and using it, you adapt quick. By the end I felt it was even easier to use than my cartridges. Also, I love the style of this thing. I almost got the viking one but I couldn't get over how childish it looked to me. I'm a dad in the suburbs, not a viking, I think would feel silly holding something like that. I'm man enough without all the viking flare lol. I love the look of this razor though. It's simple but very sleek and professional looking. It feels more like a surgical instrument than a razor. Cartridges feel like toys next to this thing. I'm also looking forward to letting my wife try it out, other reviews have talked about home much their wives like it too. SO, if you are on the fence because you've never used a double edge safety razor like this, I strong encourage you to give it a shot. I thought maybe I would return if I didn't like it but now I never want to use a cartridge again. You will not regret this 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.

The Merkur Future is an outstanding razor. The adjustable feature is second to none. Do not fool yourself, you will cut yourself until your become accustomed to using the Double Edge (DE) razor. Here is a Pro/Con list: Pros' 1. Replacement blades cost pennies, not dollars (I bought a bulk pack at .17 cents each). 2. The closest shave you have ever had (I shave the night before and my face is still baby smooth when I go to work the next morning). 3. Taking the time to "pamper" yourself with a quality shave is very rewarding. 4. Shaving is not a chore; it is a grooming need, just like combing your hair or brushing your teeth 5. In the long run, this razor pays for itself. I previously used the Gillette Fusion. 4-pack of replacement blades is $16 and would last me 8 weeks. 6. Make the initial investment for quality shaving accessories (stand, brush, bowl, nik (cut) sealer) and you will thank yourself. Get a badger brush ($25-$55), a stand (keeps stuff neat & orderly, plus allows proper drying of your brush). Get a quality shaving bowl so you can get a good shaving lather that helps soften your whiskers. Finally get a quality shave soap (don't fall into the cheap soap pitfall) that will make your shave process smooth and cut-free. I use an Italian brand, Proasso. 7. I replace my DE razor blade once a week. When you do the math, a year's supply of blades is $8.84. For the Gillette, you are looking at $104. In one year, the Merkur pays for itself. Cons' 1. Significant initial investment 2. For the first few weeks, you WILL cut yourself, multiple times (cutting yourself sucks). 3. Significant initial investment for the shaving accessories (stand, brush, bowl, nik (cut) sealer) 4. You need to plan for a 12-15 minute shave time The Merkur allows for adjusting the aggressiveness of the razor. When you first start, go with a #1 setting until you get used to the razor. After a 10 or so shaves, you can increase the aggressiveness (I have mine on a #3 and am pleased with the closeness). Americans are looking to get the "Drive through" quickness for everything in life. I say pump the brakes and treat yourself daily to a rewarding shave. You (and your face) will look and feel great. Enjoy!

First of all, I just used this razor for the first time and had one of the best, most irritation-free shaves in years. It really did a great job. Being able to adjust the razor to the type of hair your shaving is a feature I never new I needed this badly. Shaving with the grain, against it, is all fantastic. I almost always have a few tiny nicks here and there, but I often had nearly zero with this razor. It's heavy (which I like) and seems very well constructed. The thing feels solid. My last two Parker razors broke when they fell on the floor off of their shaving stand. One good fall, and that was it for them. They were beyond repair. I don't intend to drop this razor, but if I did, I don't think I would need to worry much. The handles reasonably long, which I like as I have long fingers, and a small razor can literally give my hands cramps from holding it. The anodized aluminum finish seems really tough. It won't oxidize (rust or tarnish). The things I don't like. The handle. It has absolutely NO traction. Most razors, even the cheep ones have raised ridges, or even indentations, so you can hold onto the handle even when wet. This razor has NOTHING. If you have butter-fingers I can almost guarantee this will slip out of your hands. I have the brushed finish, so I have a tiny bit of grip, but I nearly accidentally bought the chrome finish, and I would have hated every second of using that. It's a bit difficult to adjust the razor when it's wet (also due to a lack of traction). I wish the saving bar had groves like most razors. While I got a pretty smooth shave with this razor, I know that the little indentations most razors have would have made it even smother. The top removable part of the razor "pops" off. It's not screwed down. I have a feeling that wear and tear will make the blade holder loose over time. In fact, I saw in one YouTube video that one user of the product did develop such an issue. It was minor, but he found it annoying. Luckily I did not have that issue. It's also very difficult to remove that top if the razors wet. If you are not careful with the angle and pressure of the razor it WILL take a chunk out of you. I have a lot of experience shaving with a safety razor, and I will tell you... shaving with this thing is NOT SAFE for anyone with even remotely clumsy fingers. You should only use GENTLE pressure when shaving, or only the weight of the shaver itself or it will treat your skin like it's a potato peeler. I am not exaggerating. First time shavers should NOT start with this razor. The razor will also get gunked up with hair pretty easily if you have too much of a beard. Also, due to the thickness of the blade holder it really is very hard to get into the tight spots, like the mustache area, or behind the ears if you shave your head, which I do. It really is easy to miss spots and I usually have to go a second pass. Even when I do, I'm still super-careful. Shaving your head almost feels like you're doing surgery. As I've said, you have to be VERY careful. Is it worth the money? Well, yeah... kinda. It's sturdy. Hard to do fine detail shaving. It's a bit unsafe. It's still one of the best shaves I've had outside of a barber shop. I get such a close shave that I only need to shave once every two or three days... but I have to say again, for a "safety razor" it's not very safe. It has some serious design flaws, and for the inexperienced hands the thing is literally a bit dangerous. Like, almost straight-razor dangerous.