Merkur Futur Review & Buying Guide (2018) – The Best Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor?
In today’s article, we take a close look at one of the safety razor bestsellers – the Merkur Futur.
Since this is a review and buying guide we will also check out some accessories available for it.
Merkur Futur – along with the stainless steel Feather AS-D2 razor seems to be on all Top 10 list blogs.
With a hi-tech design, innovative solutions and a price that does not break your bank, this has become a very popular razor. Let’s see how it does perform in our test and I will give you some buying info as well.
Solingen has since the middle ages been Germany’s center for high-quality knives and sharp edges.
Not unsurprisingly, this region is also where one of Germany’s best producers of shaving equipment has their roots.
The Merkur company/ brand was founded by Emil Hermes in 1896, an innovator of many of the basic designs and characteristics of today’s classic razors.
Last update on 2018-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
“Hermes” is an Olympian God in Greek religion and mythology and was the emissary and messenger of the Gods, but since many knife smiths already had that name, Emil decided to name his brand “Merkur” which was the Roman name for the God.
The famed German company has been manufacturing top quality safety razors, affordable shaving brushes and straight cut razors with their Dovo brand as well as top-notch safety razor blades since 1906 introducing adjustable safety razors in the 1980’s.
This razor (also called MK-70) is considered an industry leader featuring innovative design, a wide range of adjustment provided and superior craftsmanship of production.
The range of adjustment is divided into six increments of blade angle; 1 being the mildest with the least exposure of the blade and up to 6 providing a shave that is considered by most as certainly aggressive enough for all but the nastiest growth.
The flexibility to adjust the settings means that you can find YOUR perfect setting based on your preferences and skin type.
This great functionality comes with a simple twist of the top part of the handle, slightly below the head.
While probably not necessary for men with mild beards, experienced shavers with thicker growth could find this adjustability to be just what they have been looking for.
The design team pulled out all the stops in coming out with a manly, ultra-modern looking product.
They have come up with an innovative blade loading procedure, long handle, large head, and a smooth, silky finish. Nice!
This type of razor isn’t usually considered a beginner’s item.
That said, for the adventurous with more than a mild beard, by checking out shaving tips and available videos, time and money can certainly be saved by learning the ropes of wet shaving.
Please note that there is 3 versions of the razor:
A classic Matte Chrome (referred to as 700) , a Polished/ Satin finish Chrome version (701) and a Gold-plated finish (702) .MK-70 – Features of This Masterpiece
- Adjustable – easy selection of 6 different settings of blade exposure
- Choice of three different, smooth finishes: classic gold plated, shiny chrome and satin chrome
- Smooth handle well shaped to provide a good grip and ease of blade adjustment
- Total length is 98 mm (3.9 inches)
- German made
- Overall length of 4.3” (11 cm) and a hefty 4.4 ounces (126 grams)
Overall Length: 4.3 inches/ 11 cm
Handle Length: 4.1 inches/ 95 mm
Handle Diameter: 0.51 inches/ 13mm
Weight: 4.4 ounces/ 126 grams
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Matte Stainless Steel/ Polished Chrome Stainless Steel/ Gold-plated
Type: 2 Piece Closed Comb
Adjustable: Yes
Knurled handle: No
Blade included: 1
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness (Adjustable):
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
- Outstanding – Our Top Pick Awards’
- Very easy to quickly adjust the aggressiveness of your shave – gives you a “personalized” wet-shaving experience
- Weight and handle length makes this razor suitable for all but the largest of hands
- A beauty of fine finishing and modern style
- Wide cutting head requires finesse in tight spots on the face
- If you are a shaver used to having a knurled handle, you might feel the handle a bit slippery and that it requires extra attention when changing the settings
- New head design will also require a bit of care when changing blades
Summary: As our test shows, the adjustable double edge razor is perfect for experienced wet shavers looking for flexibility and versatility with regards to the aggressiveness of the blade. When in a high setting, it provides a smooth, close shave. Adjustability is the number one beauty of this German made quality product.
Expectations From This Adjustable Safety Razor
True to its name, this razor looks like something you would see in a futuristic Sci-Fi movie.
The chrome finish and wide handle add to the beauty of the design.
They are both smooth and the handle comes with a tiny indentation close to the top handle.
Now, it goes without saying that this product is a real beauty, and with a quick glance its way you will surely agree.
But looks are not the only thing that the razor has got going for it.
The razor is made to be highly functional.
Speaking of which, it might not seem like it but adjustable’s have been in the industry for quite some time now.
As a matter of fact, the company has been manufacturing these functional pieces of art for decades.
Over the years, it has established itself as the leader in the market.
The MK-70M functionality comes in its versatility; this beauty is as versatile as they come.
While I would not recommend it for beginners, newbies to the art of wet shaving can still use it, but with a bit of caution and practice.
If you are a newbie, be sure not to get carried away. Do not turn it to the third setting as you will surely nick yourself.
As a matter of fact, if you are a just getting into wet shaving, you should make sure you read through this particular guide that also reviews the best razors for men– it will be a great help in keeping nicks to a minimum.
Now, in the event that you have not yet made it to a newbie, in that you have never touched a safety razor in your life, I recommend that you start with a more forgiving one, such as it’s sibling 34c.
As you get a hang of wet shaving, gain confidence, and know this style of shaving is for you, an upgrade to this model is a logical next step.
Nothing wrong with learning to walk before you run! In case you really want to jump right in, my best piece of advice is sure to set it to its 1st or 2nd setting.
Before you get a hang of your technique, you should not be tempted to dial up the aggressiveness to see what it is all about.
The goal is to find the setting that fits your preferences, rather than reaching the highest setting.
The razor, though safe, can bite. Why wakes the sleeping lion?
That said, if you are a skilled wet shaver, you will soon love the close shave presented by it.
It will leave your skin feeling as smooth as a baby’s butt.
Is Loading the Blade Easy?
Most of the safety razors by Merkur have been designed with a screw that holds the blade in place.
This razor is one of the exceptions that is designed with a clip.
The innovative design is unique and improves in the process of loading blades onto the safety razor.
You, however, ought to be careful as the same design can be dangerous if you are not paying proper attention during the change.
Here is Why:
The process is simple, no question about that.
Now the dangerous part comes when the safety razor is handled improperly during the process.
You should at all times have it in the back of your head that you are handling an extremely sharp blade.
It may not be sharp enough to give you the desired results when wet shaving hence the need for a change, but do not be mistaken, it can and will cut your skin even with the slightest improper touch.
To help you load the blade onto the razor in the proper and safe way, I have taken the liberty of searching the internet and providing you with a step-by-step guide I feel details all you need to know.
The steps according to the guide are detailed below (of course these are super simplified).
- Pop the top plate using your thumb
- Separate the popped plate with the safety razor body and remove the blade
- Load the new blade
- Pop the plate back into place
Aggressiveness
This is truly one unique razor.
Why? Well, it comes with 6 adjustable settings that reveal more of the blade as the settings are increased.
Adjustable Safety Razor
The first setting will provide you with a mild shave. It is however not exactly a number 1 shave.
Let’s put things into perspective.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how aggressive is the lowest setting?
Well, it is at about 3 or 4.
Some professionals who have been practicing the art of shaving for a long time will set it at about 3 or 4 and will perform a 3 pass shave.
Believe it or not, this is more than enough to provide the professionals with baby butt smoothness.
Here is a video from GeoFatBoy where he reviewed this razor.
You might notice that during the third pass, GeoFatboy, a professional wet shaver – lowered the setting to 1 and shaved against the grain.
This technique is useful especially for those who have sensitive skin on the neck or are struggling with razor burns.
Using a less aggressive setting (less blade gap) translates to lesser irritation.
Now, when you are changing the settings, you should ensure that your hands are dry to avoid any slippage and cutting yourself.
Also, always hold the razor by the sides of the razor head away from the sharp edges of the blade.
For a close shave, you should use double-edge blades from Merkur , Timor , Derby or Feather . Personally I would pick up a variety pack to find what you like best.
Grip
Non-adjustable razors from this company features knurling on their handles.
Some of these include the bestseller 34C and the long handle Merkur 23C.
This razor however, makes use of a smooth handle.
The only source of the grip is the indentation close to the top.
The indentation is designed to guide users to the exact sweet spot to hold the razor while shaving.
This indentation provides both a firm grip and the correct balance point.
Length
This razor is at the top end of size and weight in its class.
In comparison to its counterparts, it is more like a man than a boy of a safety razor.
In length, it measures 4.3 inches long.
The handle is beefy.
This adds some weight to the razor and makes it perfect for men with large hands.
The long handle does, however, provide the user with greater control.
There is more surface to hold onto and greater leverage reduces the chances of slippage.
What Other Reviews and Consumers Have to Say
In most online platforms, including Amazon, the Merkur’s razor has garnered high ratings.
The reasons for these reviews and ratings are obvious and well deserved.
Truth be told, the company has a well-earned reputation that precedes itself – one of providing top quality products to its consumers with no exception.
Combined with its adjustability feature, this model has won over the hearts of many men.
However, it is important to point out that if you are just starting out on wet shaving and have not mastered the wet shaving techniques – the proper techniques, you may well be better to choose a less aggressive tool to learn with.
Sorry to say but it is not designed with novices specifically in mind.
On the other hand, if you have dry skin or a thick beard or both, this one is perfect for you.
It will allow you the luxury of exposing more of the blade without being overly aggressive.
In this regard, it is reputably better than the open comb Muhle R41.
There are some consumers who have gone on record to complain about the size of the razor head.
It proves to be bulky and makes it harder to reach the mustache area.
For this, however, there are some consumers who have reviewed the razor and come to the rescue and stated that pulling the nose to the side does help in reaching the nose area.
Despite the complains, as this test have shown – one thing is for sure, this is a quality product and provides a high-quality shave for those with a solid wet shaving technique.
Progress and Vision
The company has a firm grip on this particular segment of the market with their adjustable razors Futur, Vision (discontinued) and the classic Progress – coming from the same company, how do they stack up against each other?
- On the MK-70, the cutting edge is just a little bit behind the safety bar – this gives protection and smooth shaves. On Progress , the cutting edge reaches slightly beyond the safety bar, making the shave less smooth and a tad more aggressive
- The handle on MK-70 is more slippery than on the Progress – Pro tip: Rub a bit of Alum block on your fingers to prevent this
- The longer handle on MK-70 (4.1″/104 mm) vs the standard Progress (3″/ 76 mm) makes it a better choice for a person with larger hands. Please note – there is also a version of the Progress with a long handle available that measures 4.14 inches/ 105 mm
- Most users that have tried both reports that it is a bit easier to load the blade on the MK-70
- Progress is easier to adjust due to a better grip
- Design-wise, MK-70 is a beauty while Progress is a bit more basic or classic
At the end of the day – both are great performers capable of smooth, irritation-free and close shaves but not recommended for beginners.
It comes down to personal preferences which one to pick.
Actually, a lot of experienced wet shavers have both and love them equally!
QShave, Rockwell and Parker Variant
The firm has, as mentioned earlier, a pretty firm grip on this segment of the market.
There is, however, some serious competitors; I have not personally tested all of those, but I will try to do so as soon as possible.
I know that the Parker Variant has gotten good feedbacks – also in our recent review of it and Rockwell with their 6C and 6S models is also popular.
There is also a clone’ish model of MK-70 called QSHAVE available.
Price
The razor is available on several online e-commerce sites.
But to get the best deal, Amazon is a safe bet as the best platform to make your purchase.
Merkur Safety Razor Kits
There are several options on Amazon for a complete kit, there is a 4 piece set that has a matching Silvertip badger shaving brush (this is why the set is a bit expensive), a frosted glass shaving bowl and a matching stand to hold all the components.
Available as a classic matte or polished chrome. Very stylish!
There is also a gift set that is very reasonably priced and comes with Bowl, GBS Shaving Soap, Badger Brush, Stand and Amber Col Conk Aftershave.
Another gift set put together by GBS has a Matte Razor with a GBS Badger Travel Brush, 25 Safety razor blades and Leather case.
Accessories
Since this razor has become a very popular choice among wet-shavers, several add-ons has become available, some made by Merkur and some by 3-party manufacturers.
In addition to the kits mentioned above, there is a stand and cases and travel bags available.
Merkur Futur Review Conclusion & Recommended Use
This adjustable safety razor is a great choice for the intermediate or experienced wet shaver.
It is a great pick if you have sensitive skin – and/ or slightly bigger hands.
That is also why it is one of our top picks for best safety razors overall as well as a great choice for sensitive skin.
We hope that our review article about this great razor has helped you in your decision!
