MANION M5 Matte Silver Long Handel Adjustable Double Edge Classic Safety Razor

Well I had tried two other versions of this same product, Q-Shave and River Lake and, despite the fact that they all likely came from the same Chinese manufacturer, this Manion razor was the only one that had a balanced gap alignment and blade reveal. So I lucked out, on my third try, before completely giving up on these Merkur Futur clones altogether. The packaging on this one is very basic. As far as I know, it does not come in a set with stand included. This one comes with 5 Dorco stainless steel blades. There are no instructions and no operational warnings enclosed. Had I not ordered the other brands, I am not sure I would have understood the proper way to remove the cover and load the blade. Please, please, whatever you do, DO NOT change the blade or adjust the blade gap with wet hands (you need to hold the head while you turn the handle to adjust the blade gap). Just so happens I neglected to adequately dry my hands, I went to adjust the blade gap, my hand slipped and I sliced my finger. Lesson learned.As on all other models, including the Futur, settings range from #1-6. I would consider the shave to be very aggressive at settings above #2. The finish is smooth and unmarred. As others have mentioned, the handle can get slippery when wet. So just be careful and grasp the handle at the indent below the head for better control.

This clone of the Merkur Futur adjustable was way better than I expected. I've been using it for legs and underarms, primarily, for about 4 months. I find it to be built with good quality -- it provides a close shave, adjusts smoothly, and the head seems to be set pretty even on both sides. I found no issue even when shaving more oddly-shaped hills and valleys. I feel that the razor has pretty good grip as long as your hands aren't slathered in soap. It also comes with 5 high quality Dorco blades in a little plastic dispenser that can also be used to store used blades in a separate compartment until you're ready to dispose of it.To clean and change blades, you have to be a little careful because you need to pop the top cover of the razor's head off to do it. I grab the handle firmly and turn the razor as though it's a tiny hammer, then use the other hand to gently pop/pivot the top cover off with the thumb and index finger.One thing I learned from YouTube is that this and other Futur clones like the QShave -- you can adjust the head's gap width further, if you prefer a more aggressive razor. When you get to level 6, squeeze the entire razor head together then twist the dial clockwise again -- you will bypass the locking mechanism and reach level 1 again. You'll see the gap widen on the head. In this "mode", level 1 technically becomes level 7 and so on. I prefer mine this way, although the razor's perfectly good as it comes out of the box. To get back to the default gap width settings, move back to level 1 (i.e. 7), squeeze the head again and twist the dial counterclockwise until you're back at level 6.I've not ever used a real Futur so I don't know how well it mimics that one in actual performance but, from what I understand, these clone razors mostly vary from the original in weight and minor design differences (apparently the original Merkur patent expired, making way for these clones). What I can tell you is that this one's a great deal for the money.One other thing to note: This week, I began to really understand that we have a major condensation issue in our bathroom (There's no exhaust fan and only a tiny window.) While some other metal items began to show some rust, this razor is one of the few things that doesn't have a single spot on it anywhere. Given the price, that's definitely evidence of higher quality materials than I would have expected.

I've owned a Merkur Futur for two years and figured I would give Manion M5 a try. The Futur weighs about 127 grams with a blade installed, the Manion M5 is lighter at 87 grams. The machining is a bit rougher on the Manion M5 but otherwise it seems to be a very close clone. The Manion M5 cost 1/5th the price of the Merkur Futur. For my first shave I used a less agressive blade than my usual Feather blade and set the razor on the 1 setting as I didn't want to knick myself using this razor on my first shave in a few days with a new razor and blade. It gave a very acceptable shave going with the grain, no knicks at all, using Arko stick shaving soap. Next time I shave I'll likely install a Feather blade and set the razor on 2. The razor came with five Dorco blades.

This razor seemed to have a lot of promise but failed to make it. First off there are a few good points. The material seems fine with only a few minor flaws in the base material that are not seen unless specifically looked for. The finish is fine with no bubbling or flaking. The numbering is clear and easy to read.The rest;The head is way too big, nearly impossible to get hairs in area around nostrils.The head does not hold the blade edge properly and causes flex/chatter.The blade edge reveal seems incorrect. The blade edge seems too even with the comb so that when you adjust the razor you just get a wider gap that lets skin in but not more edge reveal. Just ends up harder to dial in a comfortable shave.The head moves around too much causing uneven gap that you constantly have to correct.Balance of the razor is terrible.The included blades are acceptable, on par with your average blade but nothing I would purchase.

It's good.. I don't have a Merkur Futur but this looks just like it. It feels solid and it works. The only complaint I have is that the head is slightly uneven,but it works just fine. If you want to start using a saftey razor this is a good cheapn to see if you like it. After using this for a while you can go ahead and by an expensive one if you want.I haven't tried the razors that came with this as I already had my own.I feel like these are a very good value compared to the 70 dollar futur.

I've used this razor for over a week now and get awesome results. Gets a little to get used to, but the shave is close. I would definitely buy another one if i need to replace this one.

This is very good quality considering the economical price. The finish is smooth and the weight is balanced.