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98 reviews
This is a Futur copy at a Bargain Price. A wonderful razor! Buy one!
The Merkur Futur and Futur Clone Ming Shi 2000S:
A Side by Side Review and Test; The Clone War has Begun!
Summary:
The Ming Shi 2000s adjustable razor is available from Ali Express sellers, Qbrush, Qshave, and Ebay USA, and shipped directly from China, is a fantastic bargain at under $8. It's a Merkur Futur copy. It's well made and shaves as well as the Futur.
The Merkur Futur is a popular razor and gets many positive reviews on Amazon, and in my opinion, deservedly so. It's not my favorite razor, but it is a very solid performer, and so I wanted to see whether a near clone, the Ming Shi 2000s that has come onto the market from China, is able to deliver an equally good shave.
It's not an exact clone because the handle is marginally thinner and therefore the razor is a shade lighter but only very slightly. However the Merkur Futur currently retails at for about $56 on Amazon ( I paid less for mine over a year ago) and I've seen it sell for over $70. My Ming Shi 2000s clones from China cost me under $8 each including shipping!
When using an adjustable, (and following advice from others on this forum, including Jim Chandler, plus my own long experimentation) I've found the best way, for the smoothest and most comfortable shave is to INCREASE the aggression with each pass. It seems counter-intuitive at first but it really works best. It's like lowering the blade on a lawn mower to get a closer cut. I increased the aggression on each pass on this test.
This is an aggressive razor even at the lower setting, so I chose a set of numbers in the middle of its range. I may try another with settings at the upper end of the range.
I shaved using exactly the same setting on both razors WTG at setting #1.5, XTG at setting #2.5 and AGT at setting #3.5. Final cleanup, touch up, buffing and J-hooking is done at setting #4. The Futur is a very aggressive razor at the higher settings, and fairly aggressive at the lower ones. For a comparison one Amazon reviewer of the Futur reported the following:
The blade gap for the Futur is;
On setting
1) 1.12mm
2) 1.19mm
3) 1.35mm
4) 1.47mm
5) 1.60mm
6) 1.65mm
To give you a sample of some others
Above the Tie R1 = .58mm
Gillette Fatboy at 1 = .56mm
Gillette Fatboy at 9 = 1.14mm
Merkur 38C = .64mm
Merkur 34C = .71mm
So this is a pretty aggressive razor by any standards. I'm not geeky enough to measure the settings on the Ming Shi 2000s but I'm going to assume it's pretty close to those above for the Futur.
If you don't use or like aggressive razors, (or have never used an aggressive razor) using this one for the first time can be shocking. It's not like a Gillette Tech, or a mild Merkur 34C, or any other mild razor for that matter. However, it can produce some wonderfully close and comfortable shaves when appropriately handled.
Now some on this forum don't like the Futur, and say some odd things about it. One constant complaint is that the head is “too big”, and shaving under the nose is difficult because of this. I disagree completely. I have a small face and I have never found this to be true. In fact the smooth contours of the Futur head make even, XTG and ATG passes under the nose easy. It's fine on the jawline, chin AGT and neck too. It's just about good technique and some practice. You don't need to have a large face to make this razor work. If you have poor technique and press too hard or are clumsy, then this razor will nick you. If your technique is sound it will deliver a very close shave almost effortlessly.
The Merkur Futur is not my favorite razor, (currently that honor goes to my RR Wunderbar slantand I now own 54 razors) but it is in my rotation, I have used it many times and it gives very close and comfortable shaves.
So the appearance on the market of a clone intrigued me. I bought three! Why three? Well at under $8 including shipping from China (they arrived in five days only) if the clone is remotely as good as the original it's not only a bargain, but may be the greatest bargain in wet shaving. Worth the risk. Even though it's heavier than say a bakelite, or smaller razor, it may be a contender for the “ideal travel razor” contest, because it's so cheap. No big deal if it gets lost. Plus it produces shaves close enough and long lasting enough to take you through a long business day, looking good, if that's what you need on your travels.
When I got my first Ming Shi from Qshave I was very impressed by the craftsmanship and finish. Some Chinese razors are horrible. I especially don't like the RR Teck II, and DE1. They are well made, but indifferent razors. The Ming Shi 2000s razor is very nicely made. Some people have complained about alignment issues with the Ming Shi, but I can find none, nor is there any problem feel on the shave itself.
The Blade used for the Test
I chose to use the Rapira Platinum Lux. I've found this blade to be consistent and reliable in just about every shaver, and it's always good for at least four shaves, often six, in juRead full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: moandzhou
good bargain but not up to par with Merkur Futur
Overall this razor is a good value. I gave it three stars though because the blade does not fit snug on the plate holes, so it is very easy for it to be misaligned. Secondly, even on the highest setting this is surprising not very aggressive. I have heard the Merkur Futur is very aggressive on the high settings. I was looking forward to have the option to try the aggressive settings if desired.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: latvia2000
Not a MERKUR..... its a clone
I have a MERKUR FUTUR in Gold and totally love it..... this is like 4/5 a MERKUR.... not quite the weight and not quite the heft in your hand. Meaning it just does not have the feel of the MERKUR... but I paid almost $80 and got an awesome sale deal... normally a Gold is like $100....
The price certainly means something on this... I wish this has sold for $25 and the Chinese has finished their knock off and been a little more accurate....
BUT !!!... when you compare this razor to what you get for under $15 at Target or another store, it is way better of a razor than that....
I would recommend this for a great second, or if your just getting your feet wet in Wet Shaving...
Here is my original FUTUR and you can see how close it looksRead full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: vintageartform
Shave like a Man! Break out of the Commercial Razor Scam!
I bought a WowE Bamboo safety razor and LOVE it! My wife used it and was blown away how much better a single razor shave was over her 'women razors' she gets at Costco for $40. She asked if we could get another handle because she wanted to switch to a safety razor, so I bought this. Aside from the $ you save on this versus an authentic Merkur, blades are .09 - .18 cents per blade. I use 1 blade every 2 months (.18 cents a month to shave) and now she is too. The razor industry is a scam. Even the Dollar Shave Clubs are a rip-off...al you need is 1 good blade for many shaves, and Safety Razors are all that and a bag of chips. I'm never going back to Commercial Rip-Off blades again...and this handle is AMAZING....super heavy (heavier than my bamboo wowE) and has adjustable settings...I don't really have a use for the settings, but its a nice feature. Looking for an inexpensive, heavy handle, this is the one. LOVE IT!! Will recommend to anyone!Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: latvia2000
Solid Performer
This razor far exceeded my expectations! Don't let the price fool you, it is well made! As with any other razor, pair with a good blade to get the best shave possible for you. I'm currently using a Gillette Rubie blade and am getting a great, smooth shave. At this price, give it a try with a quality blade that is right for you and you won't be disappointed!Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: moandzhou
Merkur futur de safety razor
Build quality is 8/10 as a clone product has some heft on it. Adjustable blade setting from 1-6 1 as being the least aggressive setting it has easy to change blade nice grip ang length of handle but as a said it is on the aggressive side so be wary of this other than that its a good value for it's price rangeRead full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: vintageartform
this rocks for beginners
having tried a few different DE razors out, this is hands down the best. Much safer than a straight razor. Love the adjustable feature. Don't hesitate to buy, this is a great deal! You'll save so much money over multi blade setups that are a complete rip offRead full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: latvia2000
It may be a clone, but it’s great!
I have a Merkur, not a Futur and it’s great. Wasn’t sure what to expect from a low price clone, but I was pleasantly surprised. I slipped a Feather blade in this baby and it just glided over my face on number 3. You literally cannot beat this for price and quality performance. Get one quick while they’re at this price.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 1999m300
Merkur Clone
So far so good. It's a little awkward for someone who has used disposable razors all their lives , but i'll get used to it. It works great , clean cut and easy rinsed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: latvia2000
Very surprising
I've owned the chrome futur and I have a week's worth of shaving every day with the ming shi, it's a lot milder than the futur but it does take a little effort to align the blade in the razor, I have to snap the cap on and the Jimmy it around until I hear the blade snap into place, which is no big deal for 15 bucks. I like this razor a little more than the futur due to the mildness and it's a little lighter in weight. The futur is pretty dang heavyRead full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: vintageartform
EXCEPTIONAL Clone of the Merkur counterpart
Costs 1/3 of the Merkur Futura. Long handled, heavily weighted, beautifully finished razor. Adjusts from detent to detent smoothly with a positive stop and click. Blade adjusts WONDERFULLY from very reserved to an aggressive shave. Lightly textured handle helps with soapy wet hands. I do care for my safety razors with clipper shaver spray cleaner and lubricant so I can not comment of razors not cared for similarly. I am beyond pleased with the quality and price of this razor. This product I am looking to last me for a lifetime.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: moandzhou