07.15.06
I have a Vision
This is yet another report on The Daily Adventure (formerly known as “The Morning Shave”). Today I had my first shave with my new Vision. The photo (even clicked) doesn’t do justice to its size and heft.
When I first started this new interest, I almost ordered the Merkur Vision, on the basic American principle of “bigger and more expensive is better” (cf. the Hummer, a comparison made explicit in the Vision’s description). But the fact that almost all holders for razors were labeled “Does not fit Vision” made me pause.
So I called Classic Shaving to talk to their shaving consultant. He said that most people found the Vision too big, wouldn’t fit under the nose, etc. He recommended, if that was the direction I was going, to go with the Futur, which I did.
Then I contracted RAD (Razor Acquisition Disorder) and decided I really needed some additional morning options—in particular, a safety razor that didn’t require a setting decision (both the Futur and the Vision are adjustable).
I picked a Merkur 1904 (pictured), which (in marketing parlance) “you never have to adjust” (i.e., you can’t—cf. “you never have to change the batteries”). I got a terrific shave with it—and it was easier to use than the Futur. (The critical reader may note a seeming contradiction between wanting more choices (more safety razors) and wanting no choices (nonadjusting safety razors). The critical reader is invited to adjust the criticism downward a tad and recognize the symptoms of RAD.)
But then I noticed something interesting in the discussion groups: Vision fans: shavers whose go-to razor was the Vision, shavers who declared it the best safety razor ever. Sure, there were those who hated the Vision, but why so many loving it?
In the interests of research, I thought I should give it a try. Gentlemen, this is the one. Somehow that large head delivers just the perfect angle to the blade. And, oddly, it’s less cumbersome under the nose than the Futur—perhaps because it encourages one to come in at a slant. This morning, with a new Feather blade, I had a BBS shave—baby-butt smooth.
The adjustment settings are labeled, with Teutonic whimsy (see: “whamsy”): V, I, S, other I, O, and N. N is the least aggressive and it’s the setting I used to start—and it did a fine job. The settings, BTW, are continuous: the labels are just for points along the continuum.
Used shaving soap. Two passes downward, one pass up, and then some touch up as I felt for rough spots. No nicks, no razor burn. Wonderful, wonderful razor. YMMV.
UPDATE: I’m told that the model to get now is the Vision 2000, which includes some engineering improvements on the original Vision. And here’s a more jaundiced view of the Vision, with some great information on disassembly, maintenance, and cleaning. Contrary to this guy’s experience, though, my Vision continues to perform admirably. And this review is also positive.
Constant Reader said,
15 July 2006 at 8:38 am
Priceless post!
Douglas said,
21 August 2006 at 6:42 am
Thanks for all of your helpful information! How is the Merkur Vision different than the old adjustable (1-9) twist-to-open Gillette? I am new to wet-shaving, and I bought the Gillette and am trying it (for past few days). Before I spend $100 for the Merkur, I would like to know more. Is there a detailed picture or diagram available anywhere? THANKS!
LeisureGuy said,
23 August 2006 at 5:00 pm
I think the Vision’s adjustments are smoother and seem to have a wider range. Of course, in all razors, YMMV. I suggest that you post a query in the Razors topic on ShaveMyFace.com and request feedback from those who have used the Vision: this will give you information from a range of users. Also, the Buy & Sell topic might enable you to pick up a Vision slightly cheaper…
Clicking the photo above will provide an enlargement that will let you see more detail.
John McGhee said,
10 September 2006 at 8:07 pm
Have tried more than once to access site listed on sample packs of double edge safety razors with no luck.
Any other site recommendations?
Regards
John
LeisureGuy said,
10 September 2006 at 8:33 pm
You can order the sampler packet here. Follow the instructions at the post—they include a link for actually placing the order.
Tony Newsom said,
26 November 2006 at 3:48 pm
This is a great piece of information. Makes me look at shaving totally differently. I think I’m going to have fun with this new Classic way of Shaving.
By the way, the Vision 2000 is incredible.
Tony Newsom
http://www.Top10Crimes.com
alex said,
15 January 2007 at 8:23 am
Where can I actually get the double edge razor? I have the gillette double edge razor blades from walgreens but need the actual razor to put the blades on. Please let me know.
Alex
LeisureGuy said,
15 January 2007 at 8:27 am
The post at “My Shaving Knowledge” (just below my photo above) has lots of links to sources for razors, blades, and the like. You’re probably going to find that the blades from Walgreens are not so good as some others, BTW.
Steven said,
13 August 2007 at 12:20 pm
Does the vision make a big difference when it comes to safety razor shaving? I have a few classic gilette models and a few parker models, but I am very interested in the vision 2000 and specifically the 4 piece set. However, as you know the price tag on the set is very steep. What do you think?
LeisureGuy said,
13 August 2007 at 12:24 pm
I have to say that I would never buy a set or recommend that someone buy a set. I think you can get much more satisfying and cost-effective tools by purchasing the components separately.
I think the Vision is quite good, though in the Guide I do recommend that your second razor, once you have established good technique, should be the Merkur Slant Bar, which is much less expensive. But if you like a Vision, I suggest that you get the razor by itself. Once you learn to handle it, it provides a great shave.
Rodrigo Gressler said,
10 October 2007 at 11:51 am
I recently buy a Merkur Vision 2000 and I got a fantastic shave.
BTW, your blog was the first good reference that I found about shave on Internet. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
LeisureGuy said,
10 October 2007 at 12:17 pm
You’re welcome. The Vision is great, isn’t it? I’ll use mine tomorrow, now that you’ve reminded me. Thanks for commenting.
St00pidChicken said,
24 March 2008 at 2:17 pm
I know this post is several months old, but you say NOT to buy a set. However, I found a Vision 4-piece set for only $225!!! http://www.razorandsteel.com/4Piece.html
That’s inexpensive as far as I’m concerned considering it is all genuine Merkur product and all the pieces separately are WAY more than that price. I was looking to get all the pieces anyway, so i figured i couldn’t pass it up.
Also, between the Futur and the Vision, how much better would you say the Vision is? At that price, it is the same as the 4 piece Futur set I was going to buy on another site.
LeisureGuy said,
24 March 2008 at 3:51 pm
The Vision and the Futur are both excellent. The Vision mechanism is slightly more complex and may require a little maintenance, but it does give an excellent shave—as, in fact, does the Futur. It’s really a matter of personal preference. Go with the one you like.
St00pidChicken said,
25 March 2008 at 11:36 am
I’ve read mixed reviews on both the Vision and the Futur. I *know* everyone’s opinions and experiences vary greatly, and I’ve read a lot of your posts on SMF and respect your take/opinion (I won’t hold you responsible if my opinion varies ;-).
So, my next question is, what is your take on some of the negatives people mention, such as:
- The Vision (and Futur) razor head is too big for shaving close under the nose.
- The Futur’s method to both change and adjust the blade is flawed in the sense that the top snaps on and doesn’t hold the blade in place well (people have said it chatters and moves around), and that it can be dangerous to change or adjust.
- That the Vision is just too massive and requires special holders and cases, etc.
While I don’t personally know if these things would be true for me, I’d love to hear your response to those (again, knowing that it’s YOUR opinion and everyone’s may differ).
Finally, I have a “Pure Badger” brush, but have been thinking of buying a Silvertip Badger Brush after reading some things about them. Does the brush make a huge difference (in your opinion)?
And I just want to reiterate that I understand my mileage may vary and would not hold you responsible for any perceived differences. People seem so sensitive about giving their opinions… it must be that someone disagreed and trash talked that person or something, but I’m not like that. I can appreciate a persons opinion whether I agree or disagree and still regard it as very informal, if for no other reason than it gives me insight into the person who gave it.
Cheers!
LeisureGuy said,
25 March 2008 at 12:22 pm
Here’s my take:
my next question is, what is your take on some of the negatives people mention, such as:
- The Vision (and Futur) razor head is too big for shaving close under the nose: this is false. No problem at all. You have to do a horizontal pass to get the upper lip fully shaved, but I find that’s true with any DE razor.
- The Futur’s method to both change and adjust the blade is flawed: this is false. The snap-on top is actually a clever design, IMHO: it prevents the flaw of the TTO razors (that novices don’t tighten the head fully). If the Futur’s top is snapped on, it’s tight. I haven’t seen any sign of the blade moving once the top’s snapped into place. It does make sense to exercise care in changing the blade—e.g., don’t do it with slippery hands. But this is true in any event. If you’re careful to use the side with the thumbhold when you change the blade, no problem at all.
- That the Vision is just too massive and requires special holders and cases, etc.: Well, it’s true that the Vision won’t fit the regular razor rack, but most of my razors lie on the side on a shelf, so that’s not a problem. I personally like the massiveness, which encourages a light touch.
Pure badger vs. silvertip: a big difference. I suggest that you get the G.B. Kent BK4, a great brush in a size right for lathering on the face—and this little brush can (as someone said) get a good lather from a pot roast. It’s only $68 US from The Gentleman’s Shop (you don’t pay VAT since it’s shipped out of the country, and shipping charges are modest). Other favorites: Rooney Style 2 Super Silvertip, Simpsons Emperor 3 or 2 Super.
Hope this helps.
St00pidChicken said,
25 March 2008 at 7:03 pm
Thanks for clearing those up. I didn’t think they sounded like they made too much sense. I ordered the Vision today, so hopefully I’ll have it by Saturday (I’m traveling all next week). I also got a Super Speed used through the SMF forum for really cheap that looks like it is in great condition as a second/backup razor.
At any rate, I appreciate your advice, and I was rather surprised to see so many people do NOT use razor stands. So I decided to skip that for now too (and spent the money on other things that I wanted). I guess I just thought since so many stands are out there that it was the best way to store your razor (I didn’t have any real reason why it would be better, just an assumption). However, from what I *have* read, it is important to hang your brush bristle side down.
So thanks again for your advice!
LeisureGuy said,
25 March 2008 at 7:06 pm
Simpsons specifically says that you should stand your brush on its base to dry. Here’s the routine: rinse out all lather with hot water, rinse out brush with cold water, shake brush well, optional: squeeze brush with dry towel to dry some more; shake brush; stand on base in enough air so that it’s dry when you next use it (open shelf, spacious cabinet, etc.).
St00pidChicken said,
25 March 2008 at 7:41 pm
Interesting… so much to learn.
I bought your book on gourmet shaving and should have it tomorrow. Gotta love Amazon.com Prime with free 2-day shipping.
I currently have a cheap’o Art of Shaving “Pure Bagger” brush that came in a sampler pack with shaving cream and oil and lotion. It’s not a bad brush (that I know of.. it’s my first), but I have to believe that the Silvertip brush I just ordered will be loads better. I’ve thought about using the AoS brush for when I travel… what do you use when you travel? Do you take your best/favorite equipment with you, or less favorite/quality?
Finally, do you have a favorite shop/website that you purchase your shaving equipment from? I just made my purchase today from BestGroomingTools.com because my best friend has purchased from them before with a good experience.
St00pidChicken said,
25 March 2008 at 8:06 pm
I just found your post on some of your travel experience http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/08/20/travel-shaving/
So I will read that. If you care to reply to my questions though, I welcome it.
LeisureGuy said,
25 March 2008 at 8:51 pm
I have a travel brush that I use—the Simpson Major. I had a second, but I gave that one to my son-in-law. For travel, I usually take the HD: good shaves, readily replaceable, not expensive. I normally will take a shave stick, sometimes a tube of shaving cream as well.
So far as vendors go, check out the list at the right of this comment. In addition, the book includes a list of vendors (with links) as an appendix.
Hope this helps.
St00pidChicken said,
27 March 2008 at 9:02 am
Well, I got the book last night and almost finished it. Great info and I’m very pleased I bought it. There are a lot of things I never considered. Nice piece of lit.
My razor and all my goodies arrive today! Can’t wait for the first shave with a DE… I had been trying to follow a lot of the techniques you mentioned in the book (having garnered them from various internet resources) with my current Mach3, a badger brush (not great quality) and some AoS shaving cream, oil and after shave cream. It was CERTAINLY better shaves than when I wasn’t using some of the techniques, but reading through your book and understanding the method and steps, I can see where I was still going wrong. While I expect that I will still have some “getting used to” period with a new DE razor I’ve never used and still trying to perfect technique, I am confident that the information you armed me with from your book will GREATLY help me achieve the perfect shave sooner than if I tried to figure it all out on my own.
GREAT STUFF!!! Thanks for sharing with everyone! I only hope I can return the favor one day.
LeisureGuy said,
27 March 2008 at 9:08 am
Well, if you want…
You can write a review at Lulu.com and/or at Amazon.com. People really like to know what a reader thinks of the book.
St00pidChicken said,
27 March 2008 at 11:02 am
I will, and already planned on doing just that. I want to finish the book before I do that, but I would think it will probably be this weekend that I do it.
I also started my own blog for my experiences with shaving
http://babybuttsmooth.blogspot.com/
Your book will definitely be getting its own post.
I only have one post there for now, but I will definitely be adding more quickly.
Feel free to chime in on there!