I have a Merkur Futur razor. I really like the razor but do not always enjoy shaving with it. I have a bit of tension when shaving with it. I am always afraid of it slipping out of my soapy hands. It hasn't happened yet but I know it is a strong possibility.I kept trying to modify my grip on the razor to make it feel more secure in my hands. However, no matter how I used it the handle always felt too slippery. Someone on another forum suggested the use of O Rings on the handle. The O Rings offer a lot more friction between your hand and the razor.Furthermore, they do not detract too much from the overall impression of the razor.
Interesting hack, and I think it looks nice. I would be worried about moisture getting trapped between/underneath the o-rings. Maybe if you rolled them back once in a while and allowed them to dry, that would be good enough.
Just don't let your hands get soapy. Mine get wet, to be sure, but never soapy. And no, wet hands aren't slippery.
Good timing for this post. I was just thinking about alternative methods to ensure a better grip on the Futur. I love this razor, and my only criticism is it's tendency to be a bit slick with wet hands. I have to ensure my hands are dry—not easy to do with 'wet shaving'—in order to feel confident with my grip. I've tried the pen pads—those cushioned slip-ons that fit over the lower part of writing pens—and didn't care for either the look nor feel. I have also considered 'dipping' the handle in PlastiDip—the multipurpose rubber coating used on pliers and other hand tools. I have a container of it after having used it to coat the arms of my stamp (now 'brush') holder. I happen to have an 'extra' Futur handle (picked up 2nd hand) to try it on. Easy to do, and it would certainly improve the grip. It would also be permanent. The end result would look something like this:
I know, I know…almost sacrilegious! It is a practical modification…but it is sort of akin to putting curb feelers on a Ferrari Enzo.
Enzo's already have curb feelers. Also, how 'bout snakeskin? Just kidding, the o rings actually look pretty good.
How about using braided tubing or non slip heat shrink? There is a company out of the UK by the name of Hilltop that makes all kinds of neat stuff. There website: http://www.hilltop-products.co.uk/
I just finished shaving with it for the first time after the mod. Much easier to use. Enjoyed the shave more without worrying about the razor falling. Downside I had 3 weepers. Never had weepers with this razor before. I think some of the pressure I used to exert grasping the razor went into applying pressure onto my face resulting in the weepers. I am sure it is probably only a one time thing.
You could rub your fingers over a damp alum block. It looks cool. If it works for you that's all that matters.
Man, I was going to say the same thing. The plasti-dip is another good idea. The shrink tubing can be found at any hardware store and can be had in CLEAR.
Love the Future.....but worry about it slipping as well. I had thought to try and get a extra handle and have knurling put on it by a machinist. I do not know if it is possible but it could be interesting.
Really? Now I'm beginning to feel like the salesman may have cheated me. Mine is feeler-less. No cup-holders, either. Can you say, 'Rip off!'
Plastidip isn't permanent. In fact, in now comes in different colors, including metallics. Take a look here. It is used for car wheels and all other types of coatings. The beauty of it is that you can remove it entirely or just change colors if you like.
