After trying many razors I found that I liked the Merkur Futur far better than any others. In particular, I think it's the Futur's wide blade gap that I like. Unfortunately, the razors never seemed to last more than a year or so before the plating would flake and peel. Eventually, I stopped throwing good money away on the genuine articles and switched to the much lower priced QShave clones. I was happy to find the QShaves to be equal to the Futurs in all respects except cost. My paradigm for the last few years had been to spend $20 a year on a QShave and throw it away a year later when coating fails. From an economic perspective, it's a hard system to beat. Still, I wish I could find a razor that matched the Futur / clone gap agressiveness, but in a long lasting build. Any suggestions for a razor with a wide blade gap and high quality build and materials? It doesn't have to look like a Futur, it just has to shave like one.
Odd. I've had my Merkur Futur for about 14 years. Plating is still like new. Yep, in the rotation, so it gets used. Never disappointed when it comes 'round. Never a bad shave.
Interesting recommendation. I read that the blade gap on the Red Tip is just 0.65mm. Data on the Futur indicates it adjusts from 1.1mm to 1.6mm. Elaborate on what you like about the Red Tip.
That is odd. I've always assumed the razors are just cheaply made (which they are). But maybe it's the Los Angeles water? Or my corrosive disposition?
It's on the low end of aggressive, it is well made, they can be had for a cheap price, and they can be replated. The replating can be in nickel, silver, gold, rhodium, or black chrome. They are made of brass, so they will not rust or corrode. As for the blade gap, it all depends on the position of the blade, not necessarily the gap in a razor.
Your water might be part of it. I've had a QShave for a few years now with no serious plating issues. I have several razors so it doesn't get daily use and maybe that makes a difference. My water is hard and rusty so I rinse/wipe/dry razors and keep desiccant packs in my storage area.
I just looked online at blade gaps and it looks like the Merkur Progress has that same blade gap ability ( I dont know for sure since I don't have one ) I hope to get one to try one day as it's one I really want to get..... Good luck finding a razor that works for you....
Agreed, for all the reasons @DaltonGang states. For a number of years, Red Tip(s) were my daily driver(s). There was a very slight learning curve, but once mastered, the shaves with a Red Tip are sublime. The shave geometry, overall weight and ergonomic grooviness of Red Tips contribute to what are possibly some of the most excellent shaves I’ve ever experienced. It’s been too long since I’ve fired up a RT. Next on deck, baby! (Oh, also imo and fwiw, Red Tips shave quite similarly to an Aristocrat - - ok, after the Red Tip, I’m breaking out the ‘crat )
I used a many Progress years ago, just before I first switched to the Futur. I thought it was OK. But back then I was using Merkur blades, which I think most of us would say are not very good. Maybe I'll throw an Astra SP in there and give it a go.
See, now I've always wanted to try an Arostocrat, one with Rhodium plating. Dang it, now I'm going to have to start saving for one.
I absolutely love the look and feel of a good Aristocrat. Now, if you decide to go that route, Gold, or Rhodium? Open Comb or Solid Bar? .
I have a Merkur Futur and yes, the plate work is iffy. I think the Parker Variant, closed and open comb versions, are terrific razors in design and manufacturing quality. I actually prefer that design to the futur, and you can get plenty of blade gap if you want there.
@BigMike , have you looked at a Fatboy or other Gillette adjustable? Last I looked they could be had for~$50 in pretty good condition.
Oops… my next shave will be with a Red Tip. I was so excited about the forthcoming redesigned Sabre, I just instinctively reached for my trusty ol’ Bullet Tip this morning. Red Tip, Bullet Tip… what is, “when is a Tip not a Tip?” Hey, @BigMike , maybe you oughta try one of these babies! Efficient and smooth
I see you got a GEM. Funny, I have that same model and just brought it out from the back of the drawer where it's been hiding for a couple of years. It's a pretty good shave.
I've been looking at the Pearl Flexi. Brass with chrome over nickle. I'll give a report if I pull the trigger on it.
Yep. The Bullet Tip is my favorite Gem razor. Flat to the face, slow and steady. I don’t reach for Gems too often, but when I do, excellent results result.
The Heritage Shaving Gibbs are pretty good adjustables. The aren't as good as an original Gibbs but they are very close to one more so than anything else on the market that I know of. Price is good on them also being in the sub $100 USD range, only issue is catching them when they have the razors in stock.
