Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Review

Photo by Merkur

The Merkur Futur Safety Razor is a sophisticated, old-school German engineering masterpiece that elevates traditional wet shaving. Its fully adjustable angle of attack offers six aggressiveness settings, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.

Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Review Outline:

• Why Shave with Merkur Razors?
• Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Overview
• Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Review Summary
  • Wet Shaving Quality and Shaveability
  • Aggressiveness
  • Blade Gap
  • Grip
  • Handle
  • Blade Replacement
  • Affordability
  • Style
  • Material Quality
  • Care
• Who Should Use the Merkur Futur Adjustable?
• Who Should Avoid the Merkur Futur Adjustable?
• Alternate Versions
• Other Safety Razors Similar to the Merkur Futur
• Is the Merkur Futur Adjustable a Good Double-Edge Razor?

Why Shave with Merkur Razors?

Formed in Solingen, Germany, known as the "city of blades," Merkur is one of the most respected brand names in men's safety razors and dates back to the late 19th century.

Since then, they've released popular wet shaving soaps and creams, straight razors, safety razors, brushes, razor blades, cases, kits, and more. This includes the Merkur Futur, in 1980, as one of the first-ever adjustable double razors to earn and keep wide critical acclaim.

So, when you're shaving with Merkur double-edge razors, you know you've got something substantial in your hands—something that has stood the test of time, delivering a comfortable, smooth shave every time.

Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Overview

Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Review Summary

The Merkur Futur Adjustable is a favorite among seasoned wet shavers and a masterpiece of shaving equipment in style, design, and performance; however, it is not suited for beginners. People with a thick beard and large hands will be able to use all of its adjustable features; those with average-textured hair, however, will get much less use from it.

The Futur Adjustable is bulkier and longer than almost every other safety razor, yet it comes across as sleek, modern, and minimal. This juxtaposition makes it a sight of curiosity right away, but don't pass this magnificent-looking instrument off as a gimmick, because for those it serves best—people with coarse hair or large hands—it is a top-selling technological advancement.

It was one of the first adjustable men's razors to go mainstream when it was released in the 1980s and has since become one of the most iconic double-edge razors. Its hefty weight and oversized handle give it a sturdy feel in your hand, and it offers six aggressiveness settings. It has a two-piece, closed-comb razor head you pop off rather than unscrew, a process that's easy but does take some care, unlike the more convenient cartridge or disposable razors with multiple blades.

It's made in Solingen, Germany, renowned for its bladesmithing, by artisans with generations of knowledge and skill. And you see it in the razor's performance, a shave that is easy, smooth, and exacting. With a solid brass body, you can get this metal razor in a sophisticated brushed chrome, a sleek polished chrome, or a bold plated gold.

Some downsides are that the head is a little bulky, making it less than ideal for shaping and getting pesky hair under your nose. It is also completely smooth—no knurling—so it has less grip than most razors, especially the polished chrome, not as much on the brushed. However, it has a groove on the upper part of the handle, providing moderate slip protection.

At around $104, it costs more than other standard safety razors, but this isn't your run-of-the-mill razor, either. For wet shavers who fit the bill—those with unruly masses of thick, coarse hair, large hands, and experience using a double-edge safety razor, the Merkur Futur is a formidable force in the fight against facial hair.

Strengths:

• 6 adjustable settings
• Long handle for large hands
• Iconic design
• Easy razor blade replacement
• Premium quality
• Even weight balance

Weakness:

• Weak grip
• A bulky head complicates mustache trimming

Wet Shaving Quality and Shaveability

The Merkur Futur razor is well-loved as the best shaving razor for men because it delivers a close shave—almost as close as a straight razor at the most aggressive settings—a total upgrade over plastic razors.

The Merkur Futur is not a good razor for beginners. With that in mind, it is an excellent razor for experts. If you're new to wet shaving, you will have an easier time cutting yourself than you will a great shave. But if you know your way around a safety razor, the Futur can give you almost anything you ask of it. It's easy to control thanks to the razor head's equal weight distribution to the body.

The result of your shave depends on you holding the razor steady, thanks to the absence of a pivoting head and its ungrooved handle, which can get slippery in your hands, especially when you splash some shaving cream into the mix. Some find the groove at the top of the razor to be enough and revel in the feeling of connection with the razor; others should get the brushed chrome and save the whisky for after.

The head of the Merkur Futur is also quite large, so if you have dainty facial features, it may be hard to get the details.

Aggressiveness

Merkur Futur Adjustable Settings

• 1-2 (mild)
• 3-4 (average)
• 5 (aggressive)
• 6 (borderline insane)

Aggressiveness control is the number one argument for the Merkur Futur razor. It is an adjustable razor with six settings that let you control how strong you want your shave.

Each level exposes more or less of the blade, changing the pressure the sharp edge puts on your face. The more exposed the blade, the more bite it has. When you know how to use a safety razor and when you have experience with different kinds, it can be like having a few of your favorite razors combined into one. That said, if you have regular hair, you'll realize you like only one or two of the settings. And few dare to level six—the most aggressive setting—with its severe blade angle.

The settings are easy to change—just turn a dial—and, as you can see, it's easy to get an aggressive shave. Start with the lowest settings and work your way up until you find what works for you.

Blade Gap

The Merkur Futur is an adjustable razor with a solid safety bar and a blade gap that can be adjusted to six different settings. Start at a mild setting (1) and work your way up until you find one you like. You can also use a mild setting when your hair is short, then dial it up to hack off taller strands. The settings range from mild to very aggressive.

Grip

The grip is smooth and featureless, making it a poor choice for beginners. The long handle is smooth except for a dip in the radius towards the head, creating a small, groove-like impression that's challenging to use for traction. You know the opening scene of Cliffhanger?

Confident wet shavers will be able to use this to leverage the razor, even soapy. At the same time, beginners will be thankful for the length but will likely get frustrated (and likely cut) by the inevitable slippage.

The brushed chrome finish, however, offers a smidge of traction.

Handle

The handle may be smooth—there may be no knurling to speak of—but it is extra-long, which makes it much easier to handle for guys with big hands.

Blade Replacement

The Merkur Futur is a unique two-piece razor, unlike other Merkur razors, which use a screw to maintain blade placement. The Futur utilizes a fastener or clip instead. Traditional two-piece razors have a head that screws off, usually by twisting a knob at the base of the handle. But the Futur employs a pop-off method, which is a good idea thanks to the super-smooth handle, which is not knob-conducive.

To change blades, hold the razor in your hand, press your thumb into the indented head, and press up. The top will pop off. Place the blade on the bottom portion of the head (still on the handle), then pop it back on.

You can up the ante depending on the razor blade you use. If you drop in a very sharp blade, like a Kai or Personna, or any standard safety razor blade, be sure to adjust the settings accordingly.

Affordability

You can find razors that cost less, but if you're a big-handed, thickly bearded, shaving maestro, then you'll get a good bang for the buck. The price of the Merkur Futur adjustable double-edge razor can be justified by the numerous features it offers compared to other safety razors.

If you're a pro and have no issues, you'll probably love this razor, but you might also find something else to love that costs less.

Beginners, put this on your shaving bucket list. In time, it will be worth the cost.

Style

You can't shave with the Merkur Futur and be afraid of a bit of style. There's no other razor out there like it—a sleek, minimal, mid-century modern submarine that comes in three finishes: brushed chrome, polished chrome, or gold-plated chrome. Its style sets it apart as the best men's safety razor.

If you're looking for a way to display it all, we offer a 4-piece double-edge safety razor set that comes with a silvertip badger and a frosted glass shaving bowl.

Material Quality

Quality is one of the main features of the Merkur Futur. It has a solid brass body, plated in brushed chrome, polished chrome, or gold, and only a few moving parts. The innovative two-head system, where the lid is popped off rather than unscrewed, has fewer parts that can break down over time. All in all, if properly maintained, this razor can last for many years.

Care

Clean and dry the razor thoroughly after each use. Store it away from moisture. A dab of oil can help prevent oxidation, especially towards the head.

Merkur safety razors are made of high-quality chrome, which resists rust, but if the razor is dropped too many times or hits a hard surface, it may chip and be more prone to water-related deterioration.

Who Should Use the Merkur Futur Adjustable?

The Futur is an adjustable razor for experienced wet shavers. If you're comfortable with your technique and have tried shaving with a couple of different safety razors and blades, you'll have the skills to make the Merkur Futur work its magic.

It is a hack with thick, coarse hair. With so many settings, you can use the same instrument to take care of your late-day shadow as you do your over-the-weekend blanket.

One of the longest handles you can buy, it's an excellent fit for plus-sized paws. It works well with average hands, too; you'll just have to work the grip a little more.

Who Should Avoid the Merkur Futur Adjustable?

The Merkur Futur razor is never a good idea for beginners. If you're new to shaving, it will be hard to tell whether you're experiencing a poor shave because of your technique or your chosen setting. It makes it hard to learn. Besides, looks can kill—the sleek handle is prone to slips.

Alternate Versions

Merkur Futur Gold Adjustable Safety Razor

The same beguiling gem as the 700 Merkur Futur, but even more mesmerizing since it is plated in polished gold. And it only costs about $22 more than the standard.

Merkur 701 Futur Adjustable Safety Razor Chrome Polished Finish

The 701 model offers the same adjustable blade-gap performance and design as the 700, but features a shiny polished chrome finish compared to the 700’s matte/brushed chrome aesthetic.

Other Safety Razors Similar to the Merkur Futur

Merkur Progress 500 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

There are two models of adjustable Merkur razors: the 500 Merkur Progress Adjustable, which is about 1 ounce lighter and 1 inch shorter than the Merkur Futur. If you've got small hands but still want in on Merkur quality, this is a great bet. Note that the Merkur Progress 500 also comes in a slightly longer, heavier version, still sprier than the Futur but with more heft than the standard 500 model.

Rockwell Model T2 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

The Rockwell Model T2 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor is much less aggressive than the Merkur Futur; it has a smaller blade gap and less blade exposure, giving a milder shave, perfect for wet shavers with sensitive skin. It is available in three finishes: white chrome, matte stainless steel, and gunmetal.

Rex Ambassador Adjustable Safety Razor Stainless Steel

If you want the Optimus Prime of adjustable safety razors, go a few levels beyond the Merkur Futur and enjoy a perfect shave with one of the top-quality razors out there—the Rex Supply Co. Ambassador. It has a slimmer head, a shorter handle, and a firmer grip than the Merkur Futur, and gives off a different sort of throwback look, a little more early 20th-century to the Futur's mid-century modern appeal.

Is the Merkur Futur Adjustable a Good Double-Edge Razor?

And that brings us to the end of this Merkur Futur Review.

The Merkur Futur is a great adjustable safety razor, one of the best safety razors ever made. It set the standard for adjustable double-edge safety razors and still lives up to its reputation.

But it is not a good safety razor for beginners, unlike the Merkur 34c HD. Yes, it's a head-turner, but no, you can't touch. Not yet, anyway. Bookmark it for now, and you'll know when it's time to revisit.

But if you feel confident in your shaving, you can join Merkur in its vision of the future. Merkur's renowned craftsmanship, boundary-pushing versatility, and industry-defining vision make the Futur one of the best adjustable razors you can shake a silvertip badger hair brush at.

If you can handle your razor like the Karate Kid, then you've met a worthy weapon. The Merkur Futur razor is black-belt-level shaving.

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