I've been wet-shaving and using de razors for years and my experience with nice name-brand razors is nil. I've been using the inexpensive Lord brand Merkur copies with a variety of blades until using this. Loaded it up with a fresh Polsilver Super Iridium blade, set the adjustment fully closed (it would not adjust down so that the number 1 aligned with the mark) and proceeded to enjoy the best and closest nick-free shave to date!! Typical three pass shave, nothing more than the weight of the razor on my face, absolutely delightful. Now for the "but"... But,... there is considerable alignment issues with this particular razor (and evidently others as I've read similar feedback) in the higher settings. Here is my observation with the razor I received. The top and bottom plate seem to be substantial and nicely finished castings, the bridge as well, however this is a zinc alloy casting.. it is thin and will bend as mine has. I've disassembled to clean and look over the construction and quality and can clearly see the bend in the bridge. Of course this is a result of tightening in my opinion however the spring used to keep tension on the assembly for the purpose of holding the selected setting and head alignment is substantial and I'm uncertain if it exerts enough force to flex the bridge. At most any setting other than fully closed down (1 or as close to it as it will get) there is a fair amount of play in the head meaning that there can be considerable misalignment of the plates as well as difference in height at opposing ends of the head. There is a video posted that has a gentleman walking one through the disassembly and adjustment of this razor and he speaks of this play in alignment and how to "set" it so to speak. You can see that by searching the popular un-named video site for "This is not a Futur Razor. This is Primeshave Model TX18". Now,.. all that said to say this, for the money paid I'm quite satisfied! I could have spent more and gotten the genuine article but chose to wet my feet with this selection. I have no plans to open it up anyway as I'm now at an age that I can get away with shaving only every third day.. so no dense heavy growth with which to deal. The design of the head is such that it really protects the face from the corners of the blade preventing the nicks I sometimes get with my other razors. There is no reason I can find to apply any pressure while using this razor as the weight alone combined with a good blade is enough for me to get the desired results and I've gotta say this is the best shave I've experienced to date! This will be my go-to for quite some time to come. It has peaked my curiosity and desire to one day have the genuine Merkur. Money well spent for me. I of course have no way at this point to compare this with the originator of this design so can't say that you would be happier spending more money. There are clearly differences in the details as I've observed from photos.... and I would guess differences in metallurgy as well. As we all know, it is the precision in and of the details that separate the benchmark from all others. So in summation,.. if you are looking for a different shaving experience sure to delight... spend a little and check this out. Maybe your new to the whole wet-shave de scene?... purchase yourself one of the inexpensive Lords as I did and use that for awhile.. THEN get this razor and you will be able to discern and appreciate the difference! Now for an UPDATE!!! I have received the latest production series razor, the next in the evolution of NT VIGOUR's tribute to a fine fine razor! The difference between this razor and its predecessor IS PRONOUNCED. The finish.... is FLAWLESS.. absolutely BEAUTIFUL WORK! The alignment is SPOT-ON, it stops PRECISELY at 1 and adjust smoothly and precisely thru setting 6 and beyond. There is NO noted misalignment or unevenness from one end of the head to the other. It is my hope that this manufacturer will produce this updated edition in the finishes formerly offered as I would certainly have each and every one! If you haven't purchased one for yourself yet, my question to you would be.. "WHADDAH YA WAITIN FOR?" I'll update again a bit later after putting this gem thru the paces...Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If you have shaved with a Merkur Futur, you will feel perfectly at home with this razor. Pretty much an identical copy of the German razor, it is a little more aggressive--so, I shave with the setting in the "1" position. A Merkur blade is likely the best to use in this razor and, of course, the proper wet-shave technique is a must. It shaves easily and cleanly if you pay attention and let the razor do the work. No pressing down is necessary. No careless quick strokes...otherwise, it'll nick you quite easily. Definitely not for a newbie, but a great bargain for the experienced, adjustable-razor fan.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
As a sceptic I wondered. And, I ordered as a gamble. Thoroughly surprised in the one I received. Good quality and first shave was great and easy to accomplish. For the price it is a bargain if the same quality razor is received as I did.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Heavy and nice quality razor. Leans to the aggressive side but in a good way. I have used safety razors for over 10 years and this is one of my favorite ones when my stuble gets long. Very beautiful and useful razor.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is an awesome adjustable at a great price! If you want a Merkur Furtur at a deep discount look no further. The only "problems' I had were that the razor came 'tight' and I had to add a drop of mineral oil and work it back and forth.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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