The Merkur Futur Double-Edge Safety Razor: A Quick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to take a look at a razor which has Futur-istic adjustability, but is also a reminder that if we don't take heed of what worked in the past, that the Futur is not always going to be better.

[@bordgard1]

"The future" is the Futur. Actually, you HAVE made use of the Futur’s adjustability, as you initially experimented with the various settings before finally selecting the particular setting best suited to you. In my case, I use at least two of the Futur’s settings each time I shave, and as I make two passes with every shave, I’m definitely taking advantage of its adjustable feature.

[@opichocal]

I started straight razor shaving in 2010 and did that for 3 years. Then I tried the Double edge razor and never looked back. It’s a million times easier and a better shave and cheap!

[@JimIBobIJones]

Really? I tend to find shaves with safety razors much less smooth than straight razors. Its a bit more "idiot proof" and a fair bit quicker when I am in hurry - but the lack of flexibility makes it an inferior shave overall.

[@aurelianobuendia5360]

@@JimIBobIJones Ofc, for straight razor smoothness you should try super aggressive razors, Muhle R41 best example

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@aurelianobuendia5360 Aggressive straight razors don't give smoothness - they give closer shaves but retain the skin abrasiveness of safety razors compared to straights. Straight razors have flex, which means they are not only close but leaves the skin feeling much more comfortable. I rarely need to use aftershave after a straight razor shave but can't say the same for safety razors. Also the R41 barely counts as "aggressive", the blade gap is pretty mild compared to actually aggressive razors. And they are only "aggressive" because the safety razor crowd relies too heavily on the safety bar when shaving and lack control. If you have even a modicum of understanding of blade angle, any safety razor regardless of "aggressiveness" is as idiot proof as a cartridge razor. I have a couple of very large blade gap razors , the Parker 12R (0.9mm+ blade gap) and a Razorock 0.84, and they are no more aggressive than my very "mild" Merkur.

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@aurelianobuendia5360 And you don't need an aggressive DE for a close shave. Just give a few passes across and against the grain...

[@rsrrhino]

I've been shaving with this razor for 6 years. Great razor.

[@ChinookOutdoors]

Holy cow, I never realized you could reverse those Gilette razors! You've saved me from more lacerations!

[@danchovanes2612]

I'm still using the same pack of Astras I bought on 2010. I think the razor and the blades cost me $70 together.

[@ramboxlegacy14]

Coming from an AL native, I was so mind blown by the accent lol The only time I've ever heard anyone speak with that kind of dialect has been on TV or the internet lol

[@unknownriderinbound]

Phew! Had me on the edge of my seat there, congrats on a completely bloodless and bandaid- free razor review!

[@rnmike1569]

Great video Nick! I’ve been wet-shaving for years, and it’s the only way to shave. Girls go get facials, manny-peddles, etc, this is something VERY nice & very therapeutic for guys. I get to slow down & do something for me. I have a Merkur Progress that I use with Astra blades regularly. I also have several straight razors that I use when not shaving with my Merkur. I highly recommend wet shaving to all.

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

You are the funniest reviewer i have ever heard. Love the sarcasm and jokes throughout. Very fun to watch! Thanks for the review!

[@rossr4222]

Bass Whoopin' you should search up AVE tool reviews

[@3chiefsknives927]

What Ross said. He kicks knowledge and he’s hilarious.

[@steelheart4148]

I shave on setting 6 on my first pass (with the grain), setting 4 on my second pass (across the grain) and setting 2 on my 3 pass (against the grain). This is why I prefer the Futur.

[@phillipbirton7268]

"Mach 10, whatever they're up to these days" hahahaha

[@jcjewell]

Oh wow, I never realized that the head could be flipped over to make it more travel safe! I always try to put it into some kind of case so that I don't reach in and happen to slide my hand across my razor and get cut. That is a super tip. Thank you, @Nick Shabazz !

[@quazimotolikespie]

This is an excellent review and I like how you went into very specific detail about this razor. Thank you. This is how you do a review. I know everything I feel like I should know about the Merkur Futur.

[@_multiverse_]

I just bought the 23C and kind of regretted it after seeing the futur, I no longer regret my purchase.

[@philipjanes]

I've used cartridges my whole life and just decided to go to a de. After tons of reviews that were very mixed I settled on buying a 1958 Gillette Super Speed Flair Tip. Its looks almost new and its the razor that everybody learned on back then. You pretty much just hear great things and I confirm its a great razor. Good review Nick.

[@MrChippinator]

I just got one of these and used it. It’s really a fantastic razor! PS I’m a long-time safety razor user. I love the weight of this thing.

[@chrisp5550]

Anyone who is considering this as the first saftey razor should not be afraid of it. I always used the single razor bics and switching to this its basically the same angle, just take it slow and steady! I like it very much!!

[@Daniel456324]

I shaved cartridges for many years. My beginner DE razor was the muhle r41. Closest shaves ever. I never cut myself with it because I learned the technique and correct blade.

[@JJDITALIA]

Nice video Nick. I love the varied content you've been putting out besides your always excellent knife reviews. I use a Merkur Slant Bar with Feather blades and I'd never go to anything else, it's amazing.

[@Keen_Edge]

Justin D what's the benefit of the slant razors?

[@G11354]

My Merkur 23C is tried and true, I am interested in potentially upgrading to a higher end Merkur model. Good video, much appreciated.

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Feather blades are the best.

[@balinoob1837]

SuperPussyFinger No! Birds blades are the best ;)

[@tayloraustin1997]

I have to use Crystal

[@DC-ci3mg]

They are good but Russian Gillettes like silver blues, rubie,stainless and some of the 7 o’clock variants are all just as sharp and can be had cheaper.

[@mooseclappin11]

The only ones I've tried so far are the Astra super platinum blades.

[@SuperPussyFinger]

It’s widely known that Feather are the sharpest blades on the market. Exquisite Japanese steel, with Samurai-level sharpening tech. Blows the German Merkurs out of the water; not even close. I’ve yet to see anything comparable.

[@b16crxt]

If you want to try some American made blades, I love the Personna line. I bought a box of 100 in 2014 and I'm not even halfway through. Granted, I only shave a couple times a week. Got a DE Razor handle from Sally Beauty Supply for like $5. It's a butterfly operation that works very well. No complaints.

[@DavidV4444]

Very helpful!!!! I just started using the Merkur 39c - a heavier version than your Merkur and it’s fantastic!!!

[@robhowell4424]

I love my vintage gillette I use a 1963 gillette adjustable slim wanted one since I was 18 and saw james bond use one in gold finger and think it's one of my best razors

[@garnel66]

Being using a Merkur 23C but not very happy with it so Just bought a Futur copy and it works really well.

[@davethebarber62920]

Merkur 34c is where it's at. Cheap razor that shaves great.

[@danielrgusa]

I found the feather blades to feel a little rough on my skin. Sounds weird, I know. I like the Derby Extra blades. I usually use them once, maybe twice the swap them out. 100 blades for 10 bucks. Can’t beat it.

[@JacksonKnives]

If you want to see some hard numbers on blade sharpness, check out refinedshave.com. The guy tests blades out of the box and edge retention over a few head shaves. Sharpness isn't the only factor (I tried Voskhod after seeing the results, and I've found that there are at least a few dud blades in a 50 pack) but it's cool to see how the different types compare.

[@NickzAndMikz]

@@JacksonKnivesVery nice

[@bakkencutter189]

If your a big vintage guy. Razor emporium is awsome. They also specialize in restoring vintage razors

[@lac29]

Cool trick to carry the blade in the safety razor ... safely. I can actually use that when I travel.

[@palmwineguy]

I used this razor to death (~9 years) til one of the metal pieces setting the blade corroded off. Loved the look and weight of the blade but it was certainly slippery, meaning that I had to oftentimes dry my hand sometimes mid shave then reengage. Still loved it. Now I will try something else.

[@profesam8457]

Great video. Lots of information and super interesting even if I don’t agree with all of your opinions. I learned to shave with my dad’s hand-me-down Gilette slim. For many years it was even hard to find DE blades and I am glad for the resurgence of wet shaving. I have tried other DE razors over the years. And have now picked-out the Futur as my daily-driver. I like the weight. Amazing results. I utilize the adjustability for different regions of my face, against the grain, or depending on the time elapsed since my last shave. I usually wear a mustache so the larger head is not an issue getting under the nose. It’s not the one to carry when flying, though. I either carry a disposable cartridge razor (bummer) or score some blades in a pharmacy at my destination to use in my older (and lighter) Gilette. I was disappointed that you didn’t show how to disassemble the Futur for cleaning. Take the top off, push down on the spring clip assembly and you can unscrew the handle. You MUST do this periodically and clean with vinegar or isopropyl alcohol from time to time or the adjustment can freeze up. I have been using it for years and anticipate many more years of good use. Even if you figure to get 5 years out of a $50-$60 razor that’s less than $1 month plus $.50 - $1.00 a month for good Feather blades. You can’t shave for a buck-fifty with other cartridge razors.

[@dude28405]

I bought that razor by mistake but actually like it very much.

[@iraqiboyize]

Thank you for this video. I just got mine and didn't know nothing about it. Now I know. 2019!

[@1youtubeviewer]

Great review and your accent is easy to understand and very cool

[@samyounes7197]

I have both of these and holy crap I just learned I could flip the head and it acts as a guard. You’ve earned my sub. Kudos

[@joangg]

Exactly like me, lol!

[@4715826930]

I adore my adjustable Gillette fatboy. I need the adjustability. I like to be aggressive on my side burns and then tender on my upper lip. Otherwise my upper lip bleeds like crazy or my side burns have stubble. Also I like the one-piece razors more.

[@eronavbj]

I use a Gillette Adjustable circa 1962, and I vary the settings according to how many days growth I have. BTW, the old Schick Injectors are great for getting around the moustache.

[@anthonyschreiber4184]

I have one on order from a local shop and I was a bit concerned with the size of the head of the razor but after watching a KZbin by PaulHFilms (he gave you a nice shout out by the way) and he does the same thing I do... hold the Razor upside down and go right to the edge of your nose. I also bought a Merkur detailing razor awhile back and I use that to get even closer. My wife calls it my nose hole trimmer. Currently, I have a Merkur 23c and I still have trouble getting close to the nose and I have been using a DE since 2016. Proofs in the pudding as they say... we will see what happens when it arrives.

[@MrTangent]

Your accent is amazing. Where are you originally from, the Bronx? Great review, thank you for taking the time.

[@Mezuzah87]

It's a terrible accent. He's a cartoon. A bad cartoon.

[@jetaddict420]

@@Mezuzah87 👃

[@peladoarg]

Very helpful review, I'm looking my first razor and this video comes great, thanks man.

[@rumatadestora]

Just got one yesterday and I must say that compared to mach 5 and wilkinson hydro 5 I used before it's amazing. Didn't really have a problem shaving under the nose though idk

[@humansrants1694]

Got one today my first safety razor, going to try Wilkinson and Bic blades in it soon vs the one that came with it.

[@btedd]

Love the idea of razor reviews. You are correct TSA will take the blade out of your razor, so it's just easier to travel with cheap throw-away, or maybe put your razor in your check-in luggage and see what happens? Now that your doing razors...how about something as equally important, shave cream reviews?

[@ashcarrier6606]

In a pinch you can get blades at a Family Dollar. But they are definitly a "one and done" proposition!

[@stevenunyabidness]

you'd be surprised how easily tsa looks part the shape of a razor blade in carry on luggage.

[@bakkencutter189]

Hey nick have you every checked out any of the offerings from timeless razors. I own 2 of them and their are awsome. One is titanium and one is solid stainless steel. 100% made in the USA

[@ricktemmen6272]

Good job ... I love wet shaving and collecting razors and brushes ...

[@terrywho22]

Nick, try a slant. No going back after you find one you like.

[@vulpsturm]

I've been wet shaving with a safety razor and for $8 years and it is definitely cheaper and you're right, a MUCH BETTER SHAVE.

[@joangg]

Absolutely. And I also hated the amount of plastic waste each time I threw disposable razors away. Aand the space they used up in my bathroom cabinet.

[@joshnd1978]

i preferred the progress. adjustable but a lot less bulky

[@frankbruno7122]

Hey there Nick.. good review! I like this razor.. I prefer to shave with my pilot vanishing point! Just kidding.. you and I have similar interests! I agree with your economic analysis.. good deal.. I have a Merkur 33c, a Parker 22r, and a vintage Gillette Flare Tip.. my wife bought me a lovely horn handle Plisson Joris Palladium.. beautiful! Thanks again!Frank from Boulder,Colorado

[@molonlabe9602]

Lots of good clones available. On Amazon you can get a nice clone in a leather snap case for $12.99. If you want a decent razor blade that's smooth and has less propensity to cut or nick you, there's 200 Derby Extras on eBay for $9. Yep, 4.5 CENTS per blade. If Derby doesn't work for you, go with Voskhod or Derby Premium...@ 10 cents per blade.

[@aaronchapman1613]

good entertainment. i enjoy watching all your videos. Its a little late but congratulations to you and your wife

[@TangomanX2008]

I agree with this review. The big head will be a problem shaving under the nose until you learn how to push the blade up your nose the right way so that you can do an effective shaving pass, which you should be able to do. Until you do, you are going to miss a spot under the nose, at least during the first pass when you are shaving down. Would I recommend this no. If you get it, its fine. But you can get a cheaper and less gimmicky Merkur. Having said that, even at the Futur's elevated price, you still experience the savings of wet shaving compared to using the newer plastic shaving razors.

[@joangg]

... I also hated the amount of plasic waste they mean.

[@justme8246]

Hello Nick, I shave my face and head. Adjustable razors are great for me. I prefer a bit more aggressive of an edge on my head then I do on my face. I agree that I find my settings and doesn't change what works once I find it but I do like a different setting for the two different areas. Also, I'd love to see a review of the REX Embassador. Thanks, Stephen

[@peterr.905]

Hey Nick, great review video! That handle looks a bit too smooth to hold especially if you have soapy hands, is that the case?

[@NickShabazz]

It's well blasted, so that's not a big deal.

[@zackthompson665]

Which finish is the most durable with this specific razor? The (polished chrome) or the (matte chrome) ?

[@albertoarguedas7186]

Awesome review! Thanks.

[@malthus101]

Oh you do razors as well.... I didn't know that.

[@jesuslovesyou5330]

Thanks

[@THEROOK2007]

Informative video and love your accent !

[@Vex319]

Is using a double edge safety razor good even if you don’t grow a super coarse/thick beard? Never used one but interested in it but I don’t have a super insane beard yet so unsure if it’s really necessary.

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

go ahead with it! your blades will last even longer. dont go with feather blades though, try something milder

[@bluebirdsigma]

Me, at age 31, can only grow a thick goatee and a mustache and the rest of my face has either weak teenager-like hair or thick but inconsistent hair in the cheeks and sideburns. Switching to double edge to shave all the crappy hair and shape my beard was the best decision ever. Disposables gave me ingrown hairs on my cheeks ALL THE TIME, it looked like a bad case of acne and blackheads. Now, it grows like actual hair. And if I wanna look 10 years younger (because under the beard I still have the face of a kid), the DE razor will get rid of the thick hair without clogging.

[@craigsimpson1903]

I prefer the Merkur Progress, easier to get under the nose and if you crank that sucker up to unofficially 10 its as aggressive as the Futur on 6. As for feathers I love them but my beard burns them out after 3 shaves

[@WalterW]

If I could turn back time!

[@Blacklightwarrior]

Hey Nick did you ever hear of the silvertip brushes from mühle? Its a vegan version of the badger brushes.

[@brotherpablo]

How do you know you aren’t using the same side of the double edge razor each shave ?because one side might be dull and the other side might be unused ,do you mark the razor,side one side two etc so that you remember which side of the blade you have been using ??

[@michaelmorgan8432]

It's really easy with the Futur and a benefit of the razor that Nick doesn't mention. You just note the adjustment number on the handle for the side of the razor you use for the first pass, and then use the other side for the second pass, etc. Hey, Presto! Even wear on both sides of the blade. It's more difficult with other razors. You just need to be conscious about not swivelling the razor in your hand on the various passes. Of course, you could also just trust that chance will even out the blade wear.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice review... thanks.. 👍👍👍

[@WOMPITUS]

I wasn’t aware that Bugs Bunny was a wet shaver!

[@tightflight24]

Now that's funny! I grew up in Jersey so I can't criticize.

[@WOMPITUS]

Julio Alonso just bustin balls. It was cool to listen to.

[@RasurPur]

The Merkur Futur is a nice Razor !!! Good Video !!!

[@reaneya]

I think the sales pitch for the Futur stated you let the weight do the cutting with little or no pressure coming from the hand, I have one and it scares me.

[@Keen_Edge]

Anthony Reaney using just the weight of the razor will make your shave MUCH better.

[@The_Lone_Wolf_Emperor_]

Can you manscape with this? Does anyone have tried it?

[@humansrants1694]

You only need to manscape with it once in your life.

[@The_Lone_Wolf_Emperor_]

@@humansrants1694 What? Why?

[@Orto-db4wh]

Astra blades for me.

[@teamprins7719]

I shaved my head with it it's good

[@gitman3486]

merker 34c supremacy

[@Dillion203]

Those feather blades were too aggressive for me. I like derby or silver blues.

[@thomash4578]

How slippery is the handle when wet and soapy?

[@taylorfremont]

This one isn't too bad. The chrome plate is a bit worse. I will say though that holding it on the ends while wet to adjust the aggressiveness is dangerous. The 3rd time I shaved with it, it slipped and I took a healthy chunk out of my thumb!

[@thomash4578]

@@taylorfremont sorry to hear that

[@JurgenADV]

Which blades do you recommend for a n00by safety blade shaver. About to order the Merkur Long Handled--- unless you recommend something else

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

Get a sample pack if you live in america. Otherwise my favourite are gillette 7 o'clock (super?) stainless, the green ones.

[@mark12345574]

That voice.....

[@sophiagautier3605]

Best safety razor for shaving legs?

[@NickShabazz]

Most of them should work about the same :)

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Amazing video about Razor! ^w^

[@atrocious79]

Hay check out Above the tie razors. Made in USA for fancy men.

[@xdrazormon454]

That New English accent though he must be from NYC or Boston

[@samsum4525]

Mighty Salamance Dragon power Sounds Jewish

[@nightraker]

The patent on the Futur must have expired as Qshave makes a clone for half the price. Lack of knurling on the handle can make the Futur slippery but has never been an actual problem for me.

[@ashcarrier6606]

I think the Chinese have been making a knock-off of the Futur for awhile now. But I'm sure [cough] they waited for patent expiration...

[@edgblades]

Have you tried or heard of Viking brand? Outstanding shaver & quality for the $

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

NewCastleNinja unfortunately, you got scammed. The Viking razors are made by baili. They cost about $10 unbranded on Amazon. Good reviews on them.

[@edgblades]

I don't feel scammed if they shave better than my Merkur's or Edwin Jaggers. Very impressed with them overall.

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

NewCastleNinja yeah, scammed is a little strong. Viking does have good marketing.

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

NewCastleNinja and it's good to read how well they work for you.

[@jamesgregory2918]

Why would you use a pocket knife as a point of reference, doesn't help at all.

[@michelevitarelli]

Feather blades are no joke. Be careful.

[@jamesgregory2918]

My last comment before I bail at 2.46 I'm not sure how many times you said "nice" but fuck, a thesaurus would be an ideal Christmas gift.

[@-Anthracite]

I cant stand feather blades always end up with razor burn no matter how cautious i am switched to derby problem solved 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@frzh0626]

Good time to do a beard (face) review!

[@neroknives1828]

I have this razor. It’s good just a little to big.

[@giant_avocado7973]

oh my gawd is this guy heavy

[@ejdiii333]

$68.00? I just got this same exact razor for $15.99 on Amazon?! It's called an RZ700. Iike the heft, and the over-all clean lines, easy to clean, and rinse while shaving. and I do have a tough beard. I nuse to have a Gillette adjustable, but lost it some time ago, and I really needed the Adjustable, so I ordered this being apprehensive spending $15.99, thought it might be a cheapo china knock off, but it's not shoddy or cheap. the only thing it says on the box is: mfg is River Lake,USA No Merkur label, in fact no label at all, but it is the same exact razor being shown here. I came to this sight because I couldn't figure out how to change the blade. I've been wet shaving since day one shaving back in 1978 at 16, used those disposables once in a while, but they are not good on my beard.

[@knivesbeforewivessmith5925]

Not first

[@squ1r33]

Feather Blades are the best ones out there! LOVE EM! The Futur though.... beat with an ugly stick and unnecessarily complex. A nice 3 piece razor is all Anyone ever needs!

[@NiklasMalmqvist]

I just bought this as my first safety razor, and tried it out today for the first time, and it was the worse experience ever! It was so dull, it got cought up in my hair, and it was bouncing over my skin. I started out at number one, and worked my way up to 6, but it was no difference. I used a Derby Extra blade in it, and then I changed it out for a really sharp Feather, but it was just the same. I had to go over the same area over and over again......while with my old Gillette Mach 3, its so i easy.....it just glides over the skin, and Im smooth as a baby. I also bought some Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood, and o boy how that sucked! It dried out almost instantly.....I had to ad water all the time, for it to not dry out. The Gillette with regular shaving foam is 100 times better. What a waste of money!

[@michaelmorgan8432]

You're definitely doing something wrong.😂

[@rumatadestora]

Oh lol man you are either extremely unlucky with dull blades (which is unlikely, considering you used two different blades) or just don't know what the hell you are doing there😂

[@MrPAULONEAL]

The razor he's using in this video was over $70...

[@singletrack_king7700]

Yeah I use a 1947 Gillette it's just a better shave lol

[@hawghawg381]

Most people with very curly hair can't use it.

[@luisguillermoperezmejia7907]

El futuro será forzado por la condiciones que ahora estamos ignorando. La tierra no se va a acabar, se acabará la humanidad si no cambia. Yo ya deje de usar las hojas de afeitar plásticas y regresé a este sistema. Por lo menos se sabe que el metal es reciclable y en ningún caso contaminante. Además el AHORRO de dinero es importante y la calidad de la afeitada es muy buena. Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.

[@joangg]

Exacto. Se acabó tirar maquinillas de plástico. Saludos desde Valencia, España.

[@735Secure]

I have 4 double edge razors of several brands and this one is my least favorite. Primarily because it’s bulky, heavy and hard o shave with! Going back, I probably would not have purchased it .

[@stephanef5239]

Efficient razor and above-average material qualities! For 70 euros it is not very expensive I find

[@stevenewsom3269]

Idk if you're embellishing your accent but I cant handle it.

[@foppitywoppity]

You talk too fast. My brain can't keep up.

[@rashid_art]

Lam Borghini you're name is frickin lamborghini !

[@balinoob1837]

I believe new Gillette razor are at most made to shave **the gentleman area**, nothing more.

[@NickShabazz]

Uh, Double Edge works fine there too.

[@balinoob1837]

Nick Shabazz I'm not a risk taker. I don't want my nuts to look like they have gone through a fight against Bruce Lee with a sword.

[@Keen_Edge]

Balinoob it's super daunting, but it works very well.

[@bluebirdsigma]

I'd use a DE for the pubic hair since it's a flat area, but shaving the balls and the uneven skin down there feel like suicide.