As I mentioned yesterday, I just purchased a Merkur “Futur” safety razor from ClassicShaving.com. Today was my first shave with my new razor. For the most part, it was wonderful.
I got a nice lather going with my cup and brush, and then picked up the Futur. Right from the start, you can tell this is an actual tool, not just a disposable piece of plastic. It’s solid metal, with just enough heft to make you feel like you’re doing something real, and very nice balance. It’s pretty, too.
As I started to draw the blade down my neck, I started to think I was doing it incorrectly — it felt like no blade was there at all. As it turned out, that’s what a sharp blade feels like. With the right angle and just enough pressure, the cut is so smooth that you can barely feel it, even when your ear tells you that stubble is being cut.
As a thirtysomething who grew up listening to big band music and who still collects Old Time Radio shows, this shaving experience was right up my alley. Not to mention that I’ve spent the week watching Frank Capra films on DVD each night while I’m here by myself in Albany with my family back in Rochester, so I already feel like I’m living in the 30s and 40s.
I made one mistake, which was to experiment with a different direction of cut on part of my neck. I think the combination of too much pressure and the wrong direction caused some irritation. Otherwise, the shave was great. With a little more practice, I hope to leave the days of plastic razors and ridiculously expensive cartridges behind forever.
Sounds like a great shave. You’re right about the sound of shaving. I don’t run water or play the radio when I shave because I enjoy the quiet ripping sound of the stubble being cut—and the auditory feedback is also useful in monitoring the shave.
Your technique will improve quickly so long as you practice frequently, pay attention to what you’re doing and the results you get, and do judicious experimentation. And it’s just wonderful that the former “task” of shaving becomes something enjoyable.
Well, I have been using safety razors for ages, especially Merkur’s products and have to admit, that wet shaving gets a very cloth shave and does not cause any skin irritation at all!