LANSKY Adjustable DE Safety Razor - TARGA

A good Futur copy

So, how does the Targa stand up against the Merkur Futur, which it is a direct copy of? Very well actually, I'm pleased to say. In dimensions, the Futur and the Targa are basically the same, except the Targa feels slightly less heavy (I assume the internals are different, eg some of the components in the Targa may be made of a different alloy). The Targa has slightly less blade gap on all settings than the Futur on the equivalent settings. That is not a bad thing, the Futur is a razor that goes from "very aggressive" at the lowest setting (the gap on the lowest setting is bigger than the gap at maximum on all my adjustables I believe, it is ridiculous) to "super, super aggressive" at the high end (I've only ever been able to take any of my Futurs - I have 3, all in different finishes - to about 3 on the adjustment scale, which goes from 1 to 6). The machining on the Targa is quite good, only one little blemish on mine (on the edge of the top cap). Blade alignment - the most important thing on an adjustable - is even throughout I am pleased to say, so quite well made. Audio feedback on the Targa is also very good, as it is with the Futur. One thing to note for non-Futur owners who might be looking at this (it is much cheaper than a real Futur so is an attractive prospect for someone who does not own a Futur already). Be very careful when handling this razor. The Futur design is such that it will attempt to maim you even when you are not using it, so some safety tips. Do not remove the top cap when there is a blade in the razor when you have wet hands, one tiny slip and you will slice your hand open. Dry your hands first before you take the top cap off to remove a blade (and to be extra careful, put a towel between your thumb and the top cap when you press up on the cap release). When you are pressing down on the cap after installing a blade, put your thumb lengthwise along the cap, that will reduce the chance of your finger slipping and running across the blade. I would also suggest that if you adjust the dial during the shave, dry your hands first - again, a simple slip (the handle has no knurling for grip, exactly like a Futur) and you might find that you cut yourself. Don't get me wrong, I like the design of the Futur/Targa, but that design is more prone to injuring the user than a normal two or three piece razor. It shaves very well when you get used to it, but you need to be careful handling it.