A Quality Razor - Yes There Is A Difference

from JoeUser Forums
After putting off my final stop this afternoon I headed to the truckstop to await the information for my next load. I'm picking up a grader in Spartanburg, SC heading down into FL, and then home from there.

While at the truckstop I was checking out the knife shop. He had a great many quality knives of every type and description. While browsing in one display case I noticed a razor that looks very much like the antique Merkur that I shave with. Sure enough, it was the same brand. Actually, it was the modern version of the same model, imported from Germany.

I noticed that he had several different models of Merkur razors and I asked to look them over. I examined several of them and one in particular struck me as a very high quality razor. It was their top of the line model. An adjustable double edge safety razor called the Futur. It's quite heavy and a grey in color, and just has a quality feel and look to it. Although at $66.90 I thought the price a bit steep, I bought it anyway.

I came back to the truck long enough to grab my shave kit and load a blade in the new razor and then returned inside to try it out. I have to say that it was worth every penny. Once I had it adjusted properly for me, it gave me the closest and most comfortable shave I have ever had short of going to a barber shop for a shave.

I'll never use a cheap razor again. I find I could have ordered one online for around $50 but by the time I paid for shipping it would have come out close to the same so I guess I wasn't over charged.

This a pic of the razor I bought.



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6,986 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Guess I just have a leather face, as the cheap ones do me just fine.  But I understand your need to protect that million dollar face of yours.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Just one blade?

I like the three blade disposables, they give my legs the best shave ever.

Of course sometimes I forget which one is mine and use my husband's....I can usually hear him grumbling two rooms away! ha.

Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wow! Quite pricey but not too bad. I've seen some priced higher, not your brand that you like and always wondered why. I know, I know, like you said, you get a better shave. I'm a disposable gal myself. I bought an expensive one for my hubby one Christmas, not as pricey as yours, just a bit less. He plumb didn't use it much and I couldn't tell you where it is right now. So it's back to disposables!
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Of course sometimes I forget which one is mine and use my husband's....I can usually hear him grumbling two rooms away! ha.

As my face is tough, I usually use hers!  And she does not grumble!

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Doc, she uses mine and I do grumble. By the way that Merkur reminds me of my old Minora---antiquated but gets the job done.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
"I'm a disposable gal myself."



foreverserenity don't be so hard on yourself, I'm sure everyone here thinks highly of you! Sorry I couldn't resist.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

foreverserenity don't be so hard on yourself, I'm sure everyone here thinks highly of you!

Oh!  I missed that one!  Good catch!

We love you Forever, Forever!

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #1
Guess I just have a leather face, as the cheap ones do me just fine. But I understand your need to protect that million dollar face of yours.




Actually it's my neck that gives me the most trouble. If I don't use a quality razor and shave cream I get horrible razor burn on my neck. I've found a single blade razor with Neutrogena shave cream gives me the best results with the least burn. I have a very tough beard and it dulls even the best blades very quickly. Probably why I get the razor rash so easily.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #2

Just one blade?

I like the three blade disposables, they give my legs the best shave ever.

Of course sometimes I forget which one is mine and use my husband's....I can usually hear him grumbling two rooms away! ha.


I don't like the multiple blade disposables for a couple of reasons. Firstly, with my heavy beard they clog up quickly and it's hard to get them to rinse out completely. Secondly, the disposables use a lesser quality steel in their blades and they aren't nearly as sharp as a good quality double edged razor blade. I prefer the ones that are platinum coated as they stay sharp longer.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #3
Wow! Quite pricey but not too bad. I've seen some priced higher, not your brand that you like and always wondered why. I know, I know, like you said, you get a better shave. I'm a disposable gal myself. I bought an expensive one for my hubby one Christmas, not as pricey as yours, just a bit less. He plumb didn't use it much and I couldn't tell you where it is right now. So it's back to disposables!


Yeah, a little expensive but, as you said, there are even more expensive ones out there. As for your hubby, maybe he just doesn't know how to use it properly. One shaves differently with a good double edged blade than a disposable.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #5
Any time I don't cut myself - it's a good shave.


Can't argue that one.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #6
Doc, she uses mine and I do grumble. By the way that Merkur reminds me of my old Minora---antiquated but gets the job done.


I like the antique razors. They had some style to them. If straight razors weren't such a royal pain to maintain and keep sharp I'd use one. I used one for several years but got tired of the stropping and the having to coat it with oil all the time.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
If I don't use a quality razor and shave cream I get horrible razor burn on my neck. I've found a single blade razor with Neutrogena shave cream gives me the best results with the least burn


The only part I shave is my neck. and I use the cheap gillete and cold water. I cant remember the last time I used Shaving cream. Razor burn? Not on this leather hide!
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #14
If I don't use a quality razor and shave cream I get horrible razor burn on my neck. I've found a single blade razor with Neutrogena shave cream gives me the best results with the least burn


The only part I shave is my neck. and I use the cheap gillete and cold water. I cant remember the last time I used Shaving cream. Razor burn? Not on this leather hide!


Must be nice. I've had the razor burn problem since I first started shaving at age 13. But using the right tool and products solves it.
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
The 3 bladed gillette disposables work amazingly well, I use the same one for months without issue.

I could never, ever, justify paying $66 for a shaver, that is quite extreme.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #16
The 3 bladed gillette disposables work amazingly well, I use the same one for months without issue.

I could never, ever, justify paying $66 for a shaver, that is quite extreme.


I've tried that razor and found that, for my beard at least, it clogged far too easily and didn't rinse out well. Also, the quality of the blades themselves is pretty low. But, if it works for you, that's all that really matters isn't it?
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
The 3 bladed gillette disposables work amazingly well, I use the same one for months without issue.


How awesome for you! I'm lucky if I can get a week out of one!
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
Reply #18
The 3 bladed gillette disposables work amazingly well, I use the same one for months without issue.


How awesome for you! I'm lucky if I can get a week out of one!


Hend must have a light beard (or leg hair whichever the case may be). I could never get more than two or three so-so shaves from one at best. I can get just about a week out of a good double edged single blade though.