Customer reviews |
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Reviewer: Thomas, 2004-10-13 22:10:13
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Very heavy in the hand, the first time I used it. However, a fabulous shave, compared to my Mach III.
I would agree with James and others who say there is a "learning curve"--I had a few tiny nicks the first time I used it. Still, a slammin' shave. For home and regular use--I probably will continue to travel with a Mach III.
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Reviewer: Jon, 2005-03-10 15:49:07
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Very heavy razor, with good balance. Wide range of adjustment - do your face a favor, and start off low, okay? The advice given in the description is spot-on: expect a short but steep learning curve.
I've used a number of vintage Gillette DEs, both adjustable and fixed, and none approach the Futur for closeness of the shave. Very close to a straight razor shave, but easier to master.
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Reviewer: Rudolph, 2005-04-27 15:31:29
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What an amazing experience. I just had my first shave with this razor -- my first ever using anything but the typical plastic cartridge disposables. A different world. The closest shave I have ever had. There was a bit of blood, especially on the neck where the skin's a bit more sensitive, but no real problems. And there's something much richer about the experience. You can't do this on auto-pilot; you've got to focus and be in the moment. Altogether a great product and a great experience. Think about it -- buy four 8-packs of Gillette Mach 3 cartridges and you've paid for this, and it'll give you a much better shave.
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Reviewer: Ralph, 2006-11-12 11:29:43
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I have to use a single edge blade due to a curly beard. I had trouble finding a single edge razor. Then I found the Merkur Fortur. What a blessing! This is the best shave I have ever had and no razor bumps, ingrown hairs, etc. This is the best investment I've made in shaving and will never go back to the disposables! Worth every penny I paid for it.
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Reviewer: Robert, 2005-05-12 08:32:25
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This is an AMAZING product. For years I have been trying to get a shave that is comfortable and does not cause razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. This product will never be replaced by another razor. Think about how much it cost to buy replacement blades for Mach III or gilette... These blades are really cheap (and last a long time) and are superior to any product on the market. A MUST BUY!
Advice: There is definitely a short but steep learning curve so be patient!
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Reviewer: james, 2005-06-01 18:53:35
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takes some getting use to but gives you an excellent shave. i have used the old gillette adjustable 1-9 razor but this merkur razor beats it hands down. if it ever wears out, i will buy another.
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Reviewer: Richard, 2005-06-22 23:28:29
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WOW! I can't believe I've been missing this all my adult (shaving) life! If you are considering changing from the "run of the mill" razor (Mach III) this is the DE to buy.
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Reviewer: adam, 2005-06-23 18:40:47
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Like nothing else you've ever experienced, unless you've let someone lather you up and take a straightedge razor to your throat. It's really that voluptuous a feeling.
Basically, what everyone's saying here about the learning curve is absolutely spot on. I looked like hamburger after my first run-through with the Futur - it wasn't a pretty sight. Yet for whatever reason I tried again the next day, and the day after, and picked up the swing of things reasonably quickly.
Among many aspects I really, really like about the Merkur experience, what nobody here's mentioned is the sound of shaving with it, which is kind of a bristly, metallic remix of traffic on raindamp asphalt. A sensual pleasure all around - and a nonpareil shave.
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Reviewer: Clint, 2005-06-26 13:49:57
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I think this shaves just as good as a Mach 3, without the hastle of the cheapy cartriges. Nice to not have to spend 8 bucks on 4 stupid Mach 3 blades. What a rip those things are. I think they've doubled in price since they came out. This is a very nice Razor, but have to be more carefull when shaving. Blades stay sharp quite a while. It's a keeper!!!
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Reviewer: Joseph, 2005-09-28 09:38:23
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I've been looking for a replacement for the single edge Wilkinson for over three decades. At last my search is over! No longer will I subject my face to double bladed plastic toys that not only cut off twice as much hair, but also scrape away twice as much skin.
This Merkur is one burly blade, hefty but well balanced. It beats the heck out of my dad's old Gilette (which he still uses after 50 years!) and the only time that I managed to nick myself is when the cat ran across my feet while I was shaving. A superior shaving tool and highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Rohit, 2006-03-10 09:59:47
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I used this razor for the first time this morning. What an amazing experience! It provided an amazingly close shave with no irritation, nicks or cuts. I used a 2.5 setting. With this razor, I could do in one pass what usually took two with a Mach3 Turbo.
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Reviewer: naomi, 2006-08-28 14:11:35
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oops i meant old "Gillette" razor, not Bic!
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Reviewer: , 2006-09-16 11:48:22
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I have used the razor several times now and I am completely satisfied. The razor gives an extraodinary close shave. I would add to the other reviews to keep in mind the direction you are shaving. I get a closer shave shaving from right to left.
John
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Reviewer: naomi, 2006-08-28 14:09:15
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We got this as a birthday gift for a friend who originally wanted the old Bic "twist the handle and the top opens up" double edge safety razor, which seem to be no longer available. Instead, we got him this Merkur Futur razor. He was a little worried about the weight, and that the head seemed to be bulky at first, but after giving it a try, he described it as "the best shaving experience of my life," "truely amazing," and "undoubtedly" the best razor hes had, and said that it was very "sensitive" and great for shaping his beard. This razor, along with the Merkur double edge safety razor blade refills you can order separately on this site, will seem to take care of his shaving needs for the rest of his life :). Overall it seems to have been an excellent buy and a worthwhile investment :).
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Reviewer: Brendan, 2006-09-30 11:16:48
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Don't hesitate to buy this razor!
I just bought this razor and shaved with it the first time this morning. Wow! I have been using an older Gillette DE razor - the kind that you twist the base and the top flips open to change the blades - so, I am used to the DE experience. There is NO comparison to my old razor!
I first shaved with it set to 2.5 based on the other reviews that I have read. Next time, I will try a more aggresive setting. If you haven't used a DE before, there is definately a learning curve to it, especially with this razor because of the adjustability. For new DE users, start on the lowest setting to get used to the DE technique and then work your way up to the closest shave ever! If you're new to DEs, don't give up - just give it some time to get used to and I guarantee that you won't go back to whatever you came from.
I rate this razor five stars. Try it - you won't be sorry. It is well worth the price!
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Reviewer: Mike, 2006-10-06 12:29:02
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Absolutly correct in the learning curve area. I started to seriously shave using the Mach 3 so it took a bit of getting used too. But the shave is amazing. One pass on 2.5 and its like a Mach 3. Haven't used the higher settings yet but I'm sure it'll get better and better.
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Reviewer: , 2007-02-21 16:29:25
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Learning curve? That has to be the biggest understatement of the year. One has to completely relearn how to shave. And the process for doing so will take considerably longer than it did with the disposables. And even when the technique is mastered after living with cuts and horrible shaves for the first 1-2 weeks, the process requires much more time, is exponentially more prone to cutting oneself, and will render a shave that is more or less about as good as shaving with a new Mach III blade. And for those that shave their heads (like me), using a DE razor behind your ears is a recipe for blood.
Having said that, it's an extremely well built and balanced shaving tool and should only be considered by those who don't mind all of its aforementioned attributes.
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Reviewer: Andrew, 2006-10-18 20:33:06
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Very good razor. I previously used a fixed merkur razor and this seems to be just as good and the adjustability is neat. I'm learning to master shaving on #6 setting because I have a heavy beard.
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Reviewer: Bruce, 2006-11-07 11:59:16
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You can add me to the list of the converted. I had my first shave with the MFDESR this morning and it was just a great shave. Because of all the warnings on here, I was very careful and managed to get a great shave without any nicks. The razor kind of just gently cuts the hair, so you don't strip the layers of skin off. By the end of the shave, my technique was adequate and I felt comfortable using the razor. The best thing is the thought of all the money I will save on razors, which probably cost me $20-$30 a month.
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Reviewer: Doug, 2006-11-12 15:28:41
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If you want an incredible shave, buy this razor. You won't be sorry and will probably chuck those 2/3/4-blade razors in the trash. You'll make up the cost of the razor the first time you go to buy a pack of blades (just $5 for a pack of 10 for the Futur).
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Reviewer: William, 2008-05-12 16:39:15
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I have the polished version of this razor. I've been using for two months now and overall I like it. I haven't taken it off the 1 setting yet as I am still finding a blade that works best for me, although I think I've settled on the Crystal blades. I've read reviews that the smooth surface doesn't allow you to grip it as well as a handle with a knurled surface, but I have not found that to be the case. Blade changes are easy, just pop the top off and stick a new blade in. There is a learning curve when switching from a cartridge style razor. I use this with Proraso cream and get great results now, much better shaves and less irritation, nicks, and bumps on my face, than with my Fusion.
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Reviewer: Mark, 2006-11-28 15:32:18
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I have to say this is the very first time using a D/E razor such as this & I am very happy with the results. I was surprised with the closest, nick free shave I have had in years and the learning curve for me was good. I will never go back to a disposable razor again.
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Reviewer: Craig, 2006-12-30 08:41:26
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Stop waisting you money on Mach, Fusion and Multi-Blade Razors. This safety razor will give you a closer shave with no razor burns. Takes a week turn learn how to use a safety razor again, but you will get the best shave of your life.
Additionally, the razors cost $5 for 10 blades that last 3 times longer than the Mach or Fusion blades. Do the math and get a much better shave.
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Reviewer: Chris, 2007-03-02 22:19:05
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Long time Mach 3 customer, read the reviews, bit the bullet it and bought this.. i will never go back.. it's a fantastic shave and much better for my sensitive skin..
I also use a badger brush (awesome lather) and Brave Soldier Shave...
Quit wasting money on mach 3's and get a real blade.. thank Men Essentials later..
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Reviewer: Stefan, 2007-12-17 14:03:41
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Absolutely fantastic product. I've tried the Mach3, Gillette Fushion (waste of money) and the Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Razor. Not one of these three even comes close to the performance of this, the Merkur Futur.
I do agree with some of the other people who've review this product, don't start with setting number 6, gradually work up to it.
Also, I don't really enjoy the Merkur Blades, I've found the Gillette (Swedish) DE blades or the Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum DE blades to work best. Both of which are unavailable on this site (hopefully this will change soon).
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Reviewer: Spiros, 2008-01-23 23:33:54
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I first "tested" a DE razor about 83-84....I just got sike of the 20 Blade cartridge scene and the ridiculous prices. This Razor is fantastic, I have not had any incidents so far, I love it, I started the first few times with the the razor on 1-1.5 now its on 3 and it rocks, 2 passes with this razor and my face feels super clean and soft, I have read diffrent mixed reviews online, and was skeptical, I can tell you is that its a learning curve issue and should not be used like a disposable cartridge razor, its a piece of cake...recommended highly
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Reviewer: rupeet, 2008-08-08 19:50:19
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This is as good as it gets. The best Razor i have ever used. 5 STARS !!!
Keep it on setting 1 to start with.
Never going back to MACH3 again !!!!!
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