I have the chrome futur. Love the looks and the weight and 'feel' of it. It was my first DE and I think it is an OK choice for a first time DE shaver, the weight and aggressiveness make you take it seriously. I haven't found the finish to affect my grip.
First blade tried was a green Gillette, not good but OK. Second was the Derby and that worked well. Third was a Bolzano, truely awful. Fourth was a Bic Chrome, better than the Derby. Fifth a Tesco Personna, OK but not as good as the Derby or Bic. Sixth was a Black Gillette which I thought was the mutt's until the fourth shave. Seventh was a nice first shave with a Feather.