KAI vs Feather

[SUNA]

Good morning all,

I have a question as a complete newb to straight razor shaving. Should I get the Kai Captain Excelia or the Feather AC DX (probably teak). I have never shaved with a straight before.

Thanks all!

[Seraphim]

The blades they can use are interchangeable, so get whichever holder you prefer.

[maxman]

I'm laughing over here because I was going to post the same question!
I've been looking at both, and it appears that they both are well made and have blades that can be used in both.

Subscribed. I want the same question answered.

[michiganlover]

It's really a matter of personal preference, as both are well built tools. I personally prefer the all stainless look of the Kai Captain. :thumbup1:

[Kentos]

I have the AC DX with the teak scales, and it is nice. Shaving aside, just aesthetically speaking I prefer it over the Kai, although a recent 100.00 Kai being sold on the BST seriously tested my will power as the Kai does look nice too.

[JeffE]

Just wanted to jump in on this discussion, and please excuse my 2 cents if you've already resolved this issue, but are you SURE that you want to use a replaceable blade razor rather than a normal straight?

I started straight razor shaving a while ago and was tempted to try the replaceable blade as sort of a newbie, intro-to-straight-razor-shaving razor. It seemed to me that I'd avoid all of the hassle of stropping and honing and still get all of the benefits of straight razor shaving.

As it turns out, I read more about it and found lots of comments by others here who said that a replaceable blade razor might be perfect for lots of people and gives a great shave, but it's not really the same thing as straight razor shaving. In fact, from what I read, it sounded like the replaceable blade razor might even be harder to master because you need to use such a light touch with it.

Problem is -- I don't really know the answer to these questions, because I ended up buying a normal straight razor and now, with dozens of them lined up in my closet, I'm not really tempted to use anything else.

I just thought I'd raise the issue with some admitted newbies to make sure that you're giving thought to the type of razor that you want to start learning with. Good luck and I'm sure whatever you end up with will be a great choice!

[maxman]

I've used a DOVO shavette and traditional straights.
I have strops and even a Coticule.
But I haven't tried a Feather Artist Club or the Kai.
That's where I'm headed next.
This game we play is kind of funny that way.

Are they better or worse? I dunno. I want to find out.
If I can get a great shave then it's worth it.

I have enough experience under my belt all around to be able to figure out if I like it or not.

[Kentos]

It gives as close a shave as my W&B, which frankly shaves as well as my gold dollar. The real eye opener was the MANNER in which I got that BBS. It has to be tried to believed...:001_wub:

[Seraphim]

It gives as close a shave as my W&B, which frankly shaves as well as my gold dollar. The real eye opener was the MANNER in which I got that BBS. It has to be tried to believed...:001_wub:

Meaning Scarlett Johanson giving you a massage while shaving?

[Picaro]

I've used a DOVO shavette and traditional straights.
I have strops and even a Coticule.
But I haven't tried a Feather Artist Club or the Kai.
That's where I'm headed next.
This game we play is kind of funny that way.

Are they better or worse? I dunno. I want to find out.
If I can get a great shave then it's worth it.

I have enough experience under my belt all around to be able to figure out if I like it or not.

That kind of sums up my shaving world. Let me know what I havent tried, because I'm going to want to.

In this case, I chose the Kai for its looks. So that must be the correct answer ! :thumbup1:

[maxman]

The Kai looks solid and the price is nicer than the Feather.
I'm still torn between the two.

[StillShaving]

The heads (blade holder) are practically identical so they will shave similar to each other. I recall an earlier thread stating that one was a little more head heavy (balanced) which may be the biggest difference between them when shaving but even that was subtle.

[dpmtherrien]

It's really a matter of personal preference, as both are well built tools. I personally prefer the all stainless look of the Kai Captain. :thumbup1:

+1 here. Both are excellent, but I find the Kai to be the better shaver for me. :wink2:

[Seraphim]

+1 here. Both are excellent, but I find the Kai to be the better shaver for me. :wink2:

I lean towards the Feather DX....:wink2:

[danjared]

Just wanted to jump in on this discussion, and please excuse my 2 cents if you've already resolved this issue, but are you SURE that you want to use a replaceable blade razor rather than a normal straight?

I started straight razor shaving a while ago and was tempted to try the replaceable blade as sort of a newbie, intro-to-straight-razor-shaving razor. It seemed to me that I'd avoid all of the hassle of stropping and honing and still get all of the benefits of straight razor shaving.

As it turns out, I read more about it and found lots of comments by others here who said that a replaceable blade razor might be perfect for lots of people and gives a great shave, but it's not really the same thing as straight razor shaving. In fact, from what I read, it sounded like the replaceable blade razor might even be harder to master because you need to use such a light touch with it.

Problem is -- I don't really know the answer to these questions, because I ended up buying a normal straight razor and now, with dozens of them lined up in my closet, I'm not really tempted to use anything else.

I just thought I'd raise the issue with some admitted newbies to make sure that you're giving thought to the type of razor that you want to start learning with. Good luck and I'm sure whatever you end up with will be a great choice!

I started using straights, coming directly from cartridge razors. I've used DEs a handful of times and never really cared for them much. Telly was selling a Feather DX with Kai Captain Milds for a really good price, so I got it because of curiosity. Believe it or not, I found it incredibly similar to a well-honed traditional straight razor. The shaves are even quite smooth. The behavior is indistinguishable from a traditional razor operated in the same manner. Sure, much is lost (honing, stropping, having nothing that's disposable), but these replaceable blade razors are still nothing short of remarkable.

[Kentos]

Meaning Scarlett Johanson giving you a massage while shaving?

Shhhh! Don't let the cat out of the bag.

[TstebinsB]

I started using straights, coming directly from cartridge razors. I've used DEs a handful of times and never really cared for them much. Telly was selling a Feather DX with Kai Captain Milds for a really good price, so I got it because of curiosity. Believe it or not, I found it incredibly similar to a well-honed traditional straight razor. The shaves are even quite smooth. The behavior is indistinguishable from a traditional razor operated in the same manner. Sure, much is lost (honing, stropping, having nothing that's disposable), but these replaceable blade razors are still nothing short of remarkable.

I'm a big fan of the KAI Captain Mild blades. It's too bad they aren't available outside Japan.

[SUNA]

I bought the KAI tonight...but am going to hedge my bet by buying the DX next month. :lol:

[Kentos]

Hmm, I should have pushed harder for the DX LOL. When time comes to hedge, italianbarber.com had the lowest price I could find...the great service is thrown in for free.

[Seraphim]

I'm a big fan of the KAI Captain Mild blades. It's too bad they aren't available outside Japan.

Don't you still have a closet full of those?:biggrin1:

A kind member sent me a Mild to try, and Im on shave three so far. They definitely have a very different kind of coating on them, as you can see the edge is blue, and it's very difficult to get a scope pic of the edge due to that coloring. So far, very similar in performance to the Feathers, but KAI claims a 70% longer edge wear with their edge coating technology.


KAI RAZOR TECHNOLOGY
Electro Etching & Titanium Coating Technology

PINK (Plasma, Ion, New process by KAI)

The latest Kai technology to harden the blade edge.
Makes the blade edge 70% harder than our conventional process.
Provides a more acute edge for better performance with durability.
20 Blades.per Dispenser
.

[Kentos]

Wha, what? Something better to buy and obsess over?? I'm on #6 BBS so assuming a 6 shave per blade the Kai would take me to 10 and beyond....

[Kentos]

Not to start a run on Kai blades, but razorbladesandmore has em for 19.00 buxs. ADs engage impulse power.

Im off to get my creditcard:001_tt2:

[Seraphim]

They also sell the KAI Excellas and Captain Excellas:thumbup1:

I found that site a few days back,but hadn't pulled the trigger yet.:w00t:

[TstebinsB]

Don't you still have a closet full of those?:biggrin1:

:thumbup:


They also sell the KAI Excellas and Captain Excellas:thumbup1:

I found that site a few days back,but hadn't pulled the trigger yet.:w00t:

At $130 and $200, respectively, though. Five packs of blades cost $95. :blink:

[Kentos]

Just for the sake of argument, hypothetically speaking, how much could one get a box for? 13.50 per box retail in Japan, so I'm paying a 6.00 premium here in the states. I would be happy paying Japan retail.

[danjared]

:thumbup:



At $130 and $200, respectively, though. Five packs of blades cost $95. :blink:

Yeah, it's ridiculous. If you run a group buy for Kai Captain Milds, I'm the first in line. Sign me up for five packs!

[SUNA]

Hmm, I should have pushed harder for the DX LOL. When time comes to hedge, italianbarber.com had the lowest price I could find...the great service is thrown in for free.

Joseph and I were emailing each other last night. It's on my list. That and 1000 Feather DE blades. :laugh:

I have an AD problem. Seriously.

[Seraphim]

Joseph and I were emailing each other last night. It's on my list. That and 1000 Feather DE blades. :laugh:

I have an AD problem. Seriously.

Don't go buying 1000 DE blades. You may find shaving with a straight will render them obsolete in your shave den.


Just sayin'...

[maxman]

I almost bought the Feather DX last night.
You guys are no good for me.
"I keep trying to get out.... but they keep pulling me back in!"

Anyway, I was hesitating because I didn't know if Canada Post was going on strike or not. Looks like the earliest they could go is Friday.

Think I can get one from Joe before friday?? :blink:

[SUNA]

Only 1 teakwood DX left at ItalianBarber! :wink2:

[jgkeegan]

Good morning all,

I have a question as a complete newb to straight razor shaving. Should I get the Kai Captain Excelia or the Feather AC DX (probably teak). I have never shaved with a straight before.

Thanks all!


I got the Kai Captain Excelia, folding, about 6-weeks ago and have used nothing else since.

But I'd like to try a non-folding Kai or Feather DX.

--james

[jgkeegan]

Not to start a run on Kai blades, but razorbladesandmore has em for 19.00 buxs. ADs engage impulse power.

Im off to get my creditcard:001_tt2:

It looks like they only stock the mild?

--james

[Kentos]

It looks like they only stock the mild?

--james

I only saw the mild, and mild guarded with the "pink" coating.

[SUNA]

I got the Kai Captain Excelia, folding, about 6-weeks ago and have used nothing else since.

But I'd like to try a non-folding Kai or Feather DX.

--james

Glad you like the KAI. Any special tips for its use? I bought the KAI last night thinking my spending was done. The Feather DX I was also looking at was in very limited supply at an incredible price so I "had" to pick that up today. :blushing: *cough* ItalianBarber.com *cough*

However, I think it's a great opportunity for me (a complete straight razor newb) to give my feedback on both the KAI's and Feather's initial use. Might as well use this thread to give my .02. :thumbsup:

[Kentos]

No doubt the Feather will be better since it has teak scales.:001_tt2:

[jgkeegan]

Glad you like the KAI. Any special tips for its use? I bought the KAI last night thinking my spending was done. The Feather DX I was also looking at was in very limited supply at an incredible price so I "had" to pick that up today. :blushing: *cough* ItalianBarber.com *cough*

However, I think it's a great opportunity for me (a complete straight razor newb) to give my feedback on both the KAI's and Feather's initial use. Might as well use this thread to give my .02. :thumbsup:

I followed the advice of man of the posters here. I was VERY careful.

Days 1 and 2, I used the Kai Titan mild bades. One small cut.

Then I tried a Feather Pro. I used it six days with one bad cut. Each day by shaves improved. That, no doubt was a result of my technique.

Then I inserted a Kai Captain Blade, used it for 10 days, and replaced it with another. I probably could have used it a few more days. It seems the shave gets better after the blade is used 3 times, although that was less distinct with the Kais with which I never cut myself.

The quality of my shaves is improving almost daily. I have a few tricky spots that were always difficult even with a DE or SE.

I am feeling better, somehow, using the Kai.

Good luck with both of yours.

Post here your feelings about each.

--james

[maxman]

I caved in and bought the Feather DX in wood.
Gonna have to sneak it past SWMBO. :shifty:

[Altair]

I'm a big fan of the KAI Captain Mild blades. It's too bad they aren't available outside Japan.

I just got a Kai Captain Excelia from a member here on BB, I also noticed that razorbladesandmore.com has the Kai Blades. You should look there

[danjared]

I just got a Kai Captain Excelia from a member here on BB, I also noticed that razorbladesandmore.com has the Kai Blades. You should look there

Telly has little trouble getting nice things from Japan. :w00t:

[TstebinsB]

Telly has little trouble getting nice things from Japan. :w00t:

It wasn't from me. :001_smile

[danjared]

I just got a Kai Captain Excelia from a member here on BB, I also noticed that razorbladesandmore.com has the Kai Blades. You should look there


Telly has little trouble getting nice things from Japan. :w00t:


It wasn't from me. :001_smile

Ah, sorry, I was referring to the second part of his statement, which was directed at you: "You should look there". But really, Telly, you're putting up with competition? :lol:

[Seraphim]

KAI blades.

Let's take a look, shall we?


Here are three brandy new KAI blades, The Capatin, the Captain Sharpblade, and the Titan Mild (blue). The edge looks a little funky due to the PTFE coating, pay it no heed.

[Seraphim]

Here is the same lineup after at least one shave.

KAI Captain after 1x use

KAI Captain Sharpblade after 1x use

KAI Titan Mild after 4x use (love the blue, how cool is that?:001_cool:)


And just because I came across it, the last one is a Feather SuperPro after 4x use

[Blix]

So for us uneducated noobs, what are your close-ups telling us?
The Feather looks like it have a double bevel.

[maxman]

KAI Titan Mild after 4x use (love the blue, how cool is that?:001_cool:)

I want these blades just because of that.
It's wild. :biggrin1:

[Seraphim]

I want these blades just because of that.
It's wild. :biggrin1:

It's like Frodo's sword in Lord of the Rings, isn't it?:thumbup:

[maxman]

It's like Frodo's sword in Lord of the Rings, isn't it?:thumbup:
They're better. They're real and I can get them!
Whooooo. Shopping time!

[TstebinsB]

This is the blade that I use.

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5382/kaib.jpg

[Altair]

those pink blades look awesome

[SUNA]

I'm hoping my DX will be here before Canada Post goes on strike! :cursing:

[SUNA]

The Feather AC DX in teakwood arrived today. Not what I was expecting...it is above and way beyond what I was expecting! It is a beautiful razor! Just waiting on the KAI to begin the noob showdown! Haha.

[Kentos]

The Feather AC DX in teakwood arrived today. Not what I was expecting...it is above and way beyond what I was expecting! It is a beautiful razor! Just waiting on the KAI to begin the noob showdown! Haha.

Doesn't it almost justify the cost?? I love mine too.

[Seraphim]

Shave #6 on Mild blade, still going strong.

The blade has mellowed, at this point it feels like shaving on cruise control, not as finickey as when you pop in a new blade.

169710

[TstebinsB]

The reason I use straight razors is because I suffered from razor bumps when I used other types of razors. If you suffer from irritation, I really don't think you can find a better blade than the KAI Mild. It makes me wonder whether KAI makes a double-edged equivalent.

[Seraphim]

The reason I use straight razors is because I suffered from razor bumps when I used other types of razors. If you suffer from irritation, I really don't think you can find a better blade than the KAI Mild. It makes me wonder whether KAI makes a double-edged equivalent.


Yeah, I'd think they'd use their PINK technology on their entire lineup.

[Altair]

I dont know about the Feather quality but my Kai Excelia is bomb. those kai Blue blades are pretty good too. it takes time to learn, it feels pretty good when you acomplish your shave.

[Seraphim]

Shave #7, still quite nice and BBS.

Either my lighting has changed, or the blue is fading....

[Kentos]

It must be like the blue bristles on a toothbrush that tells you when you need a new one.

[Whisker Biscuit]

+1 for blade porn :)
Man those blue are sweet. And the edge still looks so smooth afaik

[BobS]

Where can I go to see and potentially buy a Kai razor?

[jgkeegan]

Where can I go to see and potentially buy a Kai razor?

I think this is one for Telly.

[BobS]

I think this is one for Telly.

Actually, after getting interested and making the first post, I went further and found a reference to razorbladesandmore.com and they have them.

I will say that they are not easy to find with a regular google search for the razors.

[Seraphim]

Shaves 8,9,10, &11 are in the books.

Edge is as mild as can be, but has definitely lost some of that super sharpness, and effortless whisker demolition.

Still HHTs quite well.

[Seraphim]

For comparrison, here is a Feather SuperPro after 10x shaves, same magnification.

[Kentos]

I see a lot more nicks on the feather. I am on day 6 of my Kai trial and so far so good. Let's see if it goes to 10.

[Seraphim]

Popped in a brandy new KAI Captain Sharpblade.

Gave me a few weepers (my technique got soft after using the Mild until the 11th shave...:wink2:).

New, and after the shave:

[instpasr]

Where are you guys getting your kai mild blues from?

[Picaro]

Theres a fine chap here (http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/catalog/straight-razors-blades/kai), who I believe would be happy to help you.

[ink]

I'm going to have to order some of those Kai milds. So far I've only used Pro Guards and Pro Supers. I do love the Pro Supers but I've wanted to try the Kai blades for awhile now but could never find them.

[jgkeegan]

I'm going to have to order some of those Kai milds. So far I've only used Pro Guards and Pro Supers. I do love the Pro Supers but I've wanted to try the Kai blades for awhile now but could never find them.

Just a thought: you might want to try the Kai Captain blades too. They are very good, I think.

--james

[Picaro]

Popped in a brandy new KAI Captain Sharpblade.

Gave me a few weepers (my technique got soft after using the Mild until the 11th shave...:wink2:).

New, and after the shave:

Is this one lasting as well as the Mild ?

[maxman]

To add my two cents, I've been using the Kai Captain Milds (sounds like a cigarette to me) and they are wonderful.
I get BBS in 2 passes without irritation. The Feather Professional blades were too much for me.
Irritation all over the place on my neck from those. Too harsh.

[instpasr]

Got a couple of shaves under my belt with the Kai milds and the verdict is in....:thumbup1:

[TstebinsB]

To add my two cents, I've been using the Kai Captain Milds (sounds like a cigarette to me) and they are wonderful.
I get BBS in 2 passes without irritation. The Feather Professional blades were too much for me.
Irritation all over the place on my neck from those. Too harsh.

I agree. :lol:

[dpmtherrien]

Theres a fine chap here (http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/catalog/straight-razors-blades/kai), who I believe would be happy to help you.

Just sent off an order here. I get really nice shaves from any of the Feather blades, but I've gotta give these a try. So far the postings seem very favorable for the Kai's. :thumbup1:

I'll let you know after they arrive and I've given them a try. :wink2:

Also found the price for the Kai's to be pretty good.

[Seraphim]

Is this one lasting as well as the Mild ?

I only used it for two shaves. It didn't appeal to me as much as the other blades I've tried. It is definitely extremely sharp!

[Seraphim]

Blade exposure differences:

Feather Light


KAI Mild (same as Feather Pro)


Feather SuperPro

[Picaro]

Now thats interesting ! I use the Kai Captain Excelia razor, and it looks like you have the Feather in those shots.

When I first got the razor I loaded it with a Feather light, and it dropped in to the point that it had virtually no exposure, so I manually aligned it. This was before I knew there was a stopper to give the correct alignment.
Since then, I've been using the Kai Mild blade, and the exposure in the Excelia is the same as you show for the Feather Light. So, it looks like there could be a slight difference between the two razors, in the depth they set the blades.

[Seraphim]

Now thats interesting ! I use the Kai Captain Excelia razor, and it looks like you have the Feather in those shots.

When I first got the razor I loaded it with a Feather light, and it dropped in to the point that it had virtually no exposure, so I manually aligned it. This was before I knew there was a stopper to give the correct alignment.
Since then, I've been using the Kai Mild blade, and the exposure in the Excelia is the same as you show for the Feather Light. So, it looks like there could be a slight difference between the two razors, in the depth they set the blades.

Definitely!

A Feather Light loaded in a KAI will have about zero exposure. The blade sits about 0.5mm deeper in the KAI than the Feather.

I used the SuperPro loaded in the Feather DX today and really laid the body of the razor flat against my face, it gave me a superb shave without having to worry so much about applying too much pressure.

So far my fave blades are KAI Milds & Feather SuperPros ( both tied for 1st place) and KAI Captains. I'll try out a Light again after I burn through this SP...

[TstebinsB]

Definitely!

A Feather Light loaded in a KAI will have about zero exposure. The blade sits about 0.5mm deeper in the KAI than the Feather.

I used the SuperPro loaded in the Feather DX today and really laid the body of the razor flat against my face, it gave me a superb shave without having to worry so much about applying too much pressure.

So far my fave blades are KAI Milds & Feather SuperPros ( both tied for 1st place) and KAI Captains. I'll try out a Light again after I burn through this SP...

There's KAI Captain Titan Mild, KAI Captain Sharp, and KAI Captain.

[Blix]

I wonder if the blade exposure on the SS is different? Have you checked that Telly?

[Seraphim]

I wonder if the blade exposure on the SS is different? Have you checked that Telly?

It is -0.2mm from a regular Feather

[Blix]

It is -0.2mm from a regular Feather

Cool, thank you! :)

[Seraphim]

I've been totally loving the KAI Milds. I did have a weird one though. It felt rough on shave #2, and I had to ditch it. It gave a very close shave, but the comfort level was way down. Put in a new Mild, and it was back to normal.

I also love Feather SuperPros. Similar smoothness. However, the difference for me seems to be that the SPs can give weepers the first couple of shaves, whereas the Milds seem to be more forgiving straight out of the gate.

[Kentos]

With my DX, SS, Kai milds, SPs, wedges, hollows, half hollows, diamond spray finish, CBN finish, coti diluticot, Naniwa SS progression, blah, blah, blah....I suffer from edge schizophrenia...I don't know if I'm coming or going LOL.

But yes, I love them Kai Milds!