Who else thinks feathers are overrated?

[sumit]

I know YMMV, but still who else other than myself thinks that feathers are overrated and overpriced? I also think they're too rough and those with sensitive skin would most likely get irritated skin from them. A good blade should be smooth and sharp, not extremely sharp and rough.

[Greyfox]

Me. They are great for 2 shaves and then ready for the trash can. They degrade quicker than any blade I have ever seen. Given their price they should be a lot better after 2 shaves.

[Giant Kiwi]

I started using feathers about a month ago and assumed my irritation was down to technique.

I am actually starting to wonder if it might be the blades.
Lovely smooth shave with a '60 SS and Timor blade.

[sumit]

There are still some great blades that are sharp and because of their smoothness they're also forgiving of subpar technique as well, which is an advantage that feather doesn't have IMO.

[Easttexasman]

Not me.If I shave with a DE,a feather is the only blade I will use.I get around 4 shaves out of one blade and I am satisfied with that.

[GreekGuy]

I don't like the bevel that feather uses, It seems harsh to me on the first shave. After the first shave, they aren't any sharper than any of my other blades. Coupled with the price, its not worth it to me. They are definitely one of the better blades on the market, but some people act as if they are the greatest product to wet-shaving since the badger brush.

[CWR]

Me. They are great for 2 shaves and then ready for the trash can. They degrade quicker than any blade I have ever seen. Given their price they should be a lot better after 2 shaves.

For me it's the opposite. The first two shaves I get with a new Feather are rough-stuff, but the next 3-5 are gold...

[cfender]

I really want to join the "Feather is Overated He Man Women Haters Club" but every time I go back to the Feather after using other blades, even blades that work good, I am reminded of their superiority. I'd love to find a really cheap blade from a far away land with exotic or old-school packaging that I could replace the Feather with, but so far I haven't found it.

Have tried:

Personna Labs and Meds
Personna Reds
Personna Barbers
Astra SP
Derby
Merkur
Gillette 7 O'clock Yellow

[mwleach58]

Feathers are, by far, my favourite and most-used blades. Yes, they are expensive, but for the quality of shave they give me, I'm happy to pay the premium.

I get a good 6 shaves from one blade - however, I have a small van dyke beard, so I'm not covering quite as much facial real estate per shave as if I was totally clean shaven, but still, they are #1 with me.

[TallyShave]

I think the whole fascination with "sharpness" is overrated in general.

[talibeard]

After the first shave, they aren't any sharper than any of my other blades. Coupled with the price, its not worth it to me.

My experience as well. I don't find them rough on the first shave btw. but the second is below a lot of third shaves from other blades and then they have to go out.


They are definitely one of the better blades on the market, but some people act as if they are the greatest product to wet-shaving since the badger brush.

Boar. You mean boar-brush. :001_tt2:

[doug1066]

I find them highly over rated. But, that is my personal opinion. My favorite blades are Wilkinson Sword Classics and I know that most people dislike them.

[coyotewhisper]

Feathers are overrated in my opinion, they are a good blade. There are other blades that I find to be better such as Gillette Blue, most of the 7 o'clock blades. There are others too numerous to mention.

[Blix]

No.

[TZee]

They are not overrated nor overpriced IMHO. I haven't tried every blade out there, but I have used CVS Personnas, Astra SP, Merkur, and Derby. I've had the best shaves with the Feathers, followed by the Derbys. The Astra SPs didn't do anything for me.

If you can make cheaper blades work, that's great. I admit that it takes some getting used to, but once you do, oh wow, do they shine.

[wimbouman]

Certainly not overrated.
Maybe not your choice.

[MoJoe]

You can't fake sharp and they are as sharp as advertised. A lot of folks like sharp hence the passion for them. Personally, I like them. Then again, I'm on a run of using less sharp blades so they're only use Feathers occasionally.

[kingfisher]

I think the whole fascination with "sharpness" is overrated in general.

This doesn't make much sense to me. If you want to cut something, you need something sharp.

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble. I've tried: Dorco, Gillette Greens, Gillette Yellows, Kai, Astra SP, Astra SS, Timor, Bolzano, Med Preps, Personna Labs, Gillette Bleue Extras, Gillette SuperThins, Bluebirds, Souplex, Shoguns, and probably a bunch of others that I've forgotten about.

I like several of those blades, and would be OK using them if Feathers weren't available.

But Feathers still work better than any of the above for me. Sometimes I wish I had softer facial hair or less dense growth. I would love to be able to just buy a cheap blade and get good results. But the cheaper, duller blades just WILL NOT go through the areas on my chin where my beard is densest.

[talibeard]

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble.


Without trying to get a debate about who has the toughest beard I think my hard to cut whiskers are exactly the reason why the Feather only delivers once (that superb shave I mean). The sharper the wedge the more vulnerable the edge so to speak.

Some less sharp blades can stand up to it longer and that is why I find my optimum in the slightly less sharp category. The razor plays an important role here too; in a Tech or SS I really need a Feather to get a close shave while in (slightly) more aggressive razors like the R89, the LP1822 or my Gladweg other blades are in the same range (a bit less the first shave and better after that) as the Feather but with much better stamina.

[kingfisher]

I think, metallurgically, that harder metals/alloys hold an edge better than softer ones. I don't know that sharper necessarily means faster degradation. Certainly the amount of sharpness drop-off might seem more dramatic because of the extreme thinness of the edge.....

[TallyShave]

This doesn't make much sense to me. If you want to cut something, you need something sharp.

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble.


Every razor blade is a sharp object, certainly sharp enough to cut properly prepared human facial hair. I am fascinated by the BS macho concept of "if you don't like Feathers, you have a girly beard" mantra on here. I would guess that my beard is as thick and nasty as all but a very few. I don't need Feathers to shave and the real problem for me is they don't last at all. At most I can get 3 shaves from them and first shave is no fun. Maybe that is the trade off for their sharpness? Not sure.

You don't always need the "sharpest" object and sharper=/= better, especially if there are trade offs. And this doesn't mean you are shaving peach fuzz. In fact I am guessing the reason I don't like Feathers is due to the thickness and courseness of my beard causing longevity issues with the blade.

[sumit]

Well said.


Every razor blade is a sharp object, certainly sharp enough to cut properly prepared human facial hair. I am fascinated by the BS macho concept of "if you don't like Feathers, you have a girly beard" mantra on here. I would guess that my beard is as thick and nasty as all but a very few. I don't need Feathers to shave and the real problem for me is they don't last at all. At most I can get 3 shaves from them and first shave is no fun. Maybe that is the trade off for their sharpness? Not sure.

You don't always need the "sharpest" object and sharper=/= better, especially if there are trade offs. And this doesn't mean you are shaving peach fuzz. In fact I am guessing the reason I don't like Feathers is due to the thickness and courseness of my beard causing longevity issues with the blade.

[sumit]

what's your favorite razor blade tallyshave?

[jumper]

I've been shaving with DE razors for over 40 years and sampled all sorts of blades. The only blade I use is a feather. Plain and simple, for my face/beard/razor/technique combination they are the best blades I have found. With so many followers I don't think 'over rated' is the term the OP should be using. Simply not for him and that's fine.

[mark_mw]

Some of those "girly beard" folks will defend "weenie razors" to the end by claiming they will deliver with expensive, limited life Feather blades...instead of using a more capable razor from the start and low cost, average DE blades.

[noahpictures]

Me. They are great for 2 shaves and then ready for the trash can. They degrade quicker than any blade I have ever seen. Given their price they should be a lot better after 2 shaves.

Ditto.

[mandoman]

not I feathers are my favorite blade i get at least 5 good shaves from one

[Optometrist]

The Feather has become the only blade I'm now using, having exhausted my Bolzano supply. Yes, they do carry a premium price, but I'm happy to pay for the shave they give. Compared to cartridges, they would still be cheaper, using a new blade every day. Furthermore, althougn I change my blade every 3 shaves, I can go easily to a week's worth of shaves(7) using the same blade. I definitely don't get the loss of sharpness that's so commonly reported as this blades big downside.

[TallyShave]

what's your favorite razor blade tallyshave?

Right now I would say the Perma Sharp Supers. Also like the Astra SP's. I just tried a Iridium Super for the first time this week and they might be in the running soon.

[talibeard]

Some of those "girly beard" folks will defend "weenie razors" to the end by claiming they will deliver with expensive, limited life Feather blades...instead of using a more capable razor from the start and low cost, average DE blades.

That is part of my ideas about Feathers as well. I do not think Feathers don't deserve their place among the finer blades but some of the raving is way beyond my experiences. But a lot of the über-mild razors demand for nothing less while razors with just a little more blade exposure, I am not talking about the really aggressive ones, give a lot more choice in blades that can be used. Of the 70+ blades I tried only a handfull or so made it to my fav list but most fail in a too mild razor. With my choice of tools Feathers don't go beyond the "ok, but not really special" category. Just like Merkur blades btw.....:closedeye

[penmanship]

personally, I don't think they're over-rated BUT they aren't in my top 3. I find that the first shave is a tough one (for me) & as I get to about the 3rd or 4th shave, they get better. For me I find the BOLZANO or Merkur are amongst my top picks.........

[Copierguy]

Different things work for different people.

Having had good luck with Derby Extras and Astra SPs, I would guess it may be fair to say I have an "average" beard.

Also I am one of those who feels the Feather blade is great. While performance does seem to fade after three uses in my case, I think the results justify the price. Useing two blades a week, I shave weekday mornings and Saturday night, a hundred blades will last 50 weeks.....just short of a year. So I spend about $30.00 dollars a year instead of $15.00. Big spending like that I can handle.

[Ozgun]

This doesn't make much sense to me. If you want to cut something, you need something sharp.

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble. I've tried: Dorco, Gillette Greens, Gillette Yellows, Kai, Astra SP, Astra SS, Timor, Bolzano, Med Preps, Personna Labs, Gillette Bleue Extras, Gillette SuperThins, Bluebirds, Souplex, Shoguns, and probably a bunch of others that I've forgotten about.

I like several of those blades, and would be OK using them if Feathers weren't available.

But Feathers still work better than any of the above for me. Sometimes I wish I had softer facial hair or less dense growth. I would love to be able to just buy a cheap blade and get good results. But the cheaper, duller blades just WILL NOT go through the areas on my chin where my beard is densest.

+1 Million

Light bearded guys can not easily notice sharpness differences between the blades as tougher bearded people can.

Feathers are not a little bit rough imo. You just need to find the right razor combination. Try them with a milder razor(like ej 89), with thicker lather, using longer, less strokes. When you mean rough blade, you mean dull blades like derbys, merkurs, german wilkinsons and so. They would simply scrape your skin as you would need more strokes with more pressure for a close shave. I wont even talk about dorko junks. Feather though, cuts whiskers like corn tassels.

But I %100 agree that they are overpriced like most Japanese made products. Its no space technology, no very special alloy or extreme sharpening. I would prefer feathers in a cheap cardboard box with a lower price.

Overall, I dont think they are overrated, because for really though bearded people there is no really a equivalent of them in some terms. They may not be the best blades, but they are special for the time. Also feather and merkurs are so distant with each other in all terms, except price.

[Dalejr]

I have a tough beard and I also only get 2 shaves out of a Feather, not worth the price or hype in my book...

[Ozgun]

I have a tough beard and I also only get 2 shaves out of a Feather, not worth the price or hype in my book...

Same here, 2 shaves. But most other blades are similar in durability with my beard. Also nothing would give me a closer shave than them. Not for everyday, but very good for special occasions.

[TallyShave]

But I %100 agree that they are overpriced like most Japanese made products.

Overall, I dont think they are overpriced...

Hmmm.

Also, I thought you didn't like Feathers because there were uncomfortable?

[Ozgun]

Hmmm.

Also, I thought you didn't like Feathers because there were uncomfortable?

I'd corrected it with overrated. I'm sleepy as its 2,30 am here. Going to bed.

Yes, they are not comfortable as other blades, this is because of their sharpness. You cant be as fast or relaxed while shaving with them as with other blades, or they'll simply bite you. Though this doesn't changes their shave results.

[AlanL]

They're good performers for a short while (sprinters?), so on that basis alone I wouldn't strictly say they are overrated. However, they are among the most expensive blades, so I would judge their performance/cost ratio (aka, bang/buck) among the lowest.

[talibeard]

I have a tough beard and I also only get 2 shaves out of a Feather, not worth the price or hype in my book...

+1 That is the whole point. They are sharp but fragile (like any guy with a really tough beard seems to know) and about every second sharp blade on the list is not that much less sharp but can at least hold their edge a little longer.

I still don't get the comments about the first feather shave being rough. Thanks to the sharpness it is pretty smooth imo.

[TallyShave]

I'd corrected it with overrated. I'm sleepy as its 2,30 am here. Going to bed.

Yes, they are not comfortable as other blades, this is because of their sharpness. You cant be as fast or relaxed while shaving with them as with other blades, or they'll simply bite you. Though this doesn't changes their shave results.

Gotcha...get some sleep!

[Godan]

This is not a balanced opinion, because I have only used Feathers in my Feather All Stainless and Ikon Modern. Both razors are said to be mild, but with the Feather blades I can find the right angle with each and produce a clean shave. The combinations definitely reward a light touch. I change blades after three good, smooth shaves.

[ras120]

Feather Schmeather.

That is all.

[GreekGuy]

I still don't get the comments about the first feather shave being rough. Thanks to the sharpness it is pretty smooth imo.

As others have said, the razor makes a HUGE difference. We all know that you know what you're doing and it isn't your technique, but the same blade is going to feel VERY different in a tech compared to a fatboy on 9, or say a single ring. I think sharpness is easy to evaluate. Only by placing a blade in a very aggressive razor is smoothness really measurable. I like aggressive razors, and the feather falls short on its first shave in that regard. 2-4, no problem, but the first one it feels rough to me. Of course, YMMV

[Sledgehammer39]

I know that this is a YMMV thing and I am not going to bash the Feather blade, it works for some but not for me. I have used many blades and it's true the Feather is sharp if not the sharpest, but it lacks the smoothness that I would like to see in a premium blade. There are other blades that are almost as sharp but kill the Feather in longevity and smoothness.

[Chester]

The razor plays an important role here too; in a Tech or SS I really need a Feather to get a close shave while in (slightly) more aggressive razors like the R89, the LP1822 or my Gladweg other blades are in the same range (a bit less the first shave and better after that) as the Feather but with much better stamina.

This is a great point. I find that when I pick up a tech, a 40s superspeed, or I have a long-combed new, the feather puts those razors in a whole new comfort and efficiency category precisely because they balance mildness against the native feather sharpness. I only use feathers in my AS razors and I wish they were thicker in that format, but they're able to give me three great clean shaves on that tooling, too.

It's a great blade, and a point of reference for sharpness, but it doesn't shave as well as my other faves in DE-land and it doesn't last as long.
My $.02,
-- Chet

[Wil Dorenbos]

I do not think overrated, but perhaps overhyped. It is a quality blade and among the sharpest currently in production. If they work for you, they are great blades. But, any blade that works for you is a great blade :wink:

[dadwasright]

I'm a fan, but have been happy with some other blades like the Super Iridium. Derbys are, for me, the most over-rated.


Rick

[Bestarrkin]

Maybe we just need "Karl Drbal" patented razor blade banks for Feathers.:001_tongu FI:Pyramid Power Theory (http://www.margaretmorrisbooks.com/pyramid_power.html) Anyway Perma-Sharp Supers from St. Petersburg work best for me. I like Red IP, SI and Astra SP.

[rockviper]

I don't necessarily think that they're overrated, but just decided this morning that they're not for me (so I put my remaining Feathers on the BST). After about 8 months using Astras, Sharks and Rapiras (my fav by far), I went back to Feathers last week. I can't remember the last time I had so many weepers. Bye Bye Feathers.

[Pbalkan]

When the talk about Feathers is still polite, we tend to put YMMV at the end of our posts. I think it belongs at the very beginning because it's the most important fact about Feather. Actually, there is quite a lot of agreement on Feathers. We all agree that they are ultra sharp and we all agree that they are somewhat, if not prohibitively, expensive. What we disagree about is whether their shaving characteristics are.... good.

Not only do we disagree on that as individuals but wet-shaving is an evolution so that we might disagree with our own previous opinions. My first goal was to safely shave... period. Feathers were simply too sharp for me and beyond my capabilities. I know some think that if you LEARN with a super-sharp, unforgiving razor, you'll be a better shaver but.. hey... it's my FACE! Then, as my technique improved, I wanted to "push the envelope" into closer and closer shaves and more aggressive and exotic razors. Now... I must reflect.... I simply HATE nicks or weepers. I'd rather have something less than BBS than to risk blood. This is especially so because I can consistently get really good shaves without blood or irritation. Every time I "push it" and get blood or irritation (no matter how slight), I regret it.

In this context, Feathers seem just a bit too demanding of time, attention, risk and money. If they were the only premium blade available, I could definitely learn to live with them. But, there are simply a plethora of very good blades, cheaper and less demanding out there. Feathers have to be compared to those.

So... in effect.... it's all YMMV.

(BTW.... as to girly beards. At age 65 my beard is as course as it's ever been and it's still only "average." Long ago, I learned not to fret or brag over the attributes that God gave me, through no choice or effort on my part. At age 65, I'm far more concerned with keeping what I've got than feeling superior or inferior about it.)

[Stubblefield]

They are still cheaper than Mach3 cartridges, so I don't mind the cost so much.

[Kentos]

You can make the point that ANY much loved blade is overrated. I personally like them, compared to:

Gillette 7:00
Merkur
Derby
Gillette bleu
Bics
Personna red
Personna preps
Kai
Wikie swords white
Walmart wilkies
Crystals
Plus a few more I can't remember.

Some happen to shave better in certain razors. Unless you have 1 brush, one soap, one razor and one brand of blades, the argument that Feathers are "expensive" is hypocritical at best.

[pirateskull]

I think the feather blades are one of the best blades out their.I can get four to five good shaves with them.I know its a ymmv but these blades work for me.

[talibeard]

They are still cheaper than Mach3 cartridges, so I don't mind the cost so much.

True but hardly a reference point imo. We are not talking about cartridges here but about a DE blade. It works for you or it does not but for me the extra sharpness on the first shave is simply not good enough to compensate for its premium price.
Actually I think the Feather isn't good enough at any price; I want a blade to perform good more than once and I found several blades that offer this but Feather isn't among those. At the same time I could live in a word with just Feathers on the shelf but thankfully I do have a choice and shave with something else in general.

[troy1979]

sharp but i only get maybe 3 shaves..............so i don't use them.

[RABIDMONKEY]

For me feathers are not worth the price when there are so many other blades at half the price that work for me

[SolaceG]

I like the feathers in less aggressive DEs. I get a better shave with them and i keep them in for about 5 shaves. But i agree in my more aggressive razors the feather is overkill, i prefer the astra platinum, seems plenty sharp to get the job done but still very smooth. Not to mention a little cheaper.

[john.bradburne]

i think they are under rated

[Kwaka_Chris]

I tried them recently and I enjoy them to a point. I will be using them as an occasional indulgence blade but personally prefer a smoother, if duller blade.

[andrewinman]

They are very sharp and they do cut through my thick, coarse stubble nicely. They also aren't easy on my baby like skin and I have tried them and razors like a Tech or a EJ89. So far for me the Astra SP is just where it's at.
Price point is not a huge deal for me considering I used to go to wal-mart quite often spending loads of money on carts that pretty much all left me with ingrowns so I will not gripe about cost on DE blades lol.

[rbaloha]

Interesting thread.

Used numerous blades in a slant. Feathers are numero uno followed closely by the Super Irridiums. Several key factors:

1. Razor matters. More agressive the better

2. Beard prep is more crucial. Preshave and super lathering are critical.

3. Blade angle and shorter strokes are magnified.

4. Newer production dates matter (newer=better performance).

5. Longevity is difficult to determine. My beard is not as rough as others. Hence one week is good for me. (Although slightly more work is required as the blade ages). My guess is otehrs are giving up too early on this blade.

6. Price is not an issue if you buy in bulk from the banned vendor in the uk. The blades are new and cost effective. $0.34 per week is not bad (shipping included).

[jwilock]

Interesting thread.

Used numerous blades in a slant. Feathers are numero uno followed closely by the Super Irridiums. Several key factors:

1. Razor matters. More agressive the better

2. Beard prep is more crucial. Preshave and super lathering are critical.

3. Blade angle and shorter strokes are magnified.

4. Newer production dates matter (newer=better performance).

5. Longevity is difficult to determine. My beard is not as rough as others. Hence one week is good for me. (Although slightly more work is required as the blade ages). My guess is otehrs are giving up too early on this blade.

6. Price is not an issue if you buy in bulk from the banned vendor in the uk. The blades are new and cost effective. $0.34 per week is not bad (shipping included).

Can you clarify ... does this mean to take more shorter strokes, or to avoid short strokes?

[BurkDarkpatches]

Feather's aren't that great. However, when I use them, my prep, razor, lather and blade angle all markedly improve. ;-)

Personally, I give large error bars on self-reported blade quality unless you've done a lengthy double-blind test of blades. Our posts about gear quality are often more like gossip than data. Yeah, I know; that's part of the point of forums....

Steve

[rbaloha]

Can you clarify ... does this mean to take more shorter strokes, or to avoid short strokes?

More short strokes. DO NOT ATTEMPT THE GILLETTE SLIDE!

[rbaloha]

Feather's aren't that great. However, when I use them, my prep, razor, lather and blade angle all markedly improve. ;-)

Personally, I give large error bars on self-reported blade quality unless you've done a lengthy double-blind test of blades. Our posts about gear quality are often more like gossip than data. Yeah, I know; that's part of the point of forums....

Steve

http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28823

Maybe this answers your statement.

[bvance554]

Overrated but to each his own. What gets me is that despite the YMMV mantra there are some that will look at you in disgust if you speak ill of a Feather. And if you do you will often you get the 'well it must be your technique' or 'you need to try a different razor' response. No, I don't. I have simply found other blades to be superior.

[Jimbo]

Overrated? No.
Overpriced? Yes.
Feathers are my best shaving blade. I usually use a Slant but they are a favorite in all my razors except the Tech. Because I take more passes and press harder with the Tech, I get more redness.
With my Slant, I get five good shaves with a Feather. This is inexpensive compared to the M3 cartridge but I still think they are a little expensive but everything Japan is going to be expensive compared to Russia or Turkey or the US for that mater.

[Bluebriz]

They're the only ones available here, and so not really (if at all) more expensive than ordering online from other countries. As for the shave, nothing else i've used is as smooth for as a Feather, and i can get 5 good shaves. Cheapest i've found here is 353 yen for 10, which is about $4.46 according to xe.com. I've read enough on these pages to know that this isn't necessarily the case for everyone that uses them.

[Kevan]

I joke on Feathers all the time here. That's well documented. I also complain about their harshness. I shave every 3 days, so my beard is pretty wiry and coarse. The first Feather shave is painful. The second is better, but by the 3rd it's like I have a razor loaded with a 7am blade...rough and unpleasant.

Contrast that with the Treet Dura Sharp (coated) carbon steel blade in the yellow pack. Every bit as sharp and smooth as the feather for two shaves, then ready to be tossed. But they're anywhere from 40%-50% cheaper per 100.

So yeah....in my opinion, Feathers are overrated.

[SmoovD]

Admitted Feather fan here. I agree that they cost more then other blades. I also agree that they can be harsh if you are not careful. But I cannot agree that they are overrated. IME, they will mow down a beard quicker than any other blade out there. And they can do it smoothly too. After spending the weekend trying out some sample blades (Lord Cool and a Sputnik) and will gladly go back to Feathers.

[BurkDarkpatches]

http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28823

Maybe this answers your statement.

I have a feeling I'm as confused by your post as you were by mine.

Feathers are my favorite blade. No, I haven't done a double-blind test to confirm my opinion/bias. :-)

Steve

[Go West Young Man]

Feathers are highly rated by some.
Assuming that those people are wrong because you don't like Feathers is a bit of a stretch.

[Jimbo]

Feathers are highly rated by some.
Assuming that those people are wrong because you don't like Feathers is a bit of a stretch.
I agree. A lot of people, including me, rank Feathers as their number one blade. Probablly an equal number rank Feathers in the top three but not #1 due price or "harshness" (which I don't understand).
If Feathers don't rank right up there for you, look at what you are doing differently. It's not like soap where you can say "I love the lather but hate the scent".

[doug1066]

I agree. A lot of people, including me, rank Feathers as their number one blade. Probablly an equal number rank Feathers in the top three but not #1 due price or "harshness" (which I don't understand).
If Feathers don't rank right up there for you, look at what you are doing differently. It's not like soap where you can say "I love the lather but hate the scent".


Assuming that people who dislike Feathers because we have tried them and found them to be harsh and irritating at best and face shredders at worst are doing something wrong is a bit presumptive. I believe that the "sharpness" of Feathers is primarily due to blade grinding and honing angle. I believe that Feathers are ground and honed at a shallower angle than many other highly rated blades and as a result feel sharper than many other blades. A shallower grind and hone angle would also account for Feathers near legendary inability to keep an edge for more than two or three shaves. For the price, I find them highly overrated.

[Ozgun]

Assuming that people who dislike Feathers because we have tried them and found them to be harsh and irritating at best and face shredders at worst are doing something wrong is a bit presumptive. I believe that the "sharpness" of Feathers is primarily due to blade grinding and honing angle. I believe that Feathers are ground and honed at a steeper angle than many other highly rated blades and as a result feel sharper than many other blades. A steeper grind and hone angle would also account for Feathers near legendary inability to keep an edge for more than two or three shaves. For the price, I find them highly overrated.

Doug I disagree with you. A steeper blade angle can never feel sharper. Its the opposite. Sharpness is low thickness, low sharpening angle, clean edge(not necessarily polished). I dont know if feathers has a steeper edge than most, but they feel sharp because of their nicely honed edge. With the same thickness and honing steps a steeper angle can not be as sharp as a lower angle. If you hone the steeper angle better, or made the blade thinner it may work and can be sharper, but still it wouldn't be because of steeper angle, it would be because of other parameters.

[kingfisher]

I know that this is a YMMV thing and I am not going to bash the Feather blade, it works for some but not for me. I have used many blades and it's true the Feather is sharp if not the sharpest, but it lacks the smoothness that I would like to see in a premium blade. There are other blades that are almost as sharp but kill the Feather in longevity and smoothness.

Can you tell me what blades you feel are almost as sharp but smoother and last longer? Thanks.

[Kevan]

I agree. A lot of people, including me, rank Feathers as their number one blade. Probablly an equal number rank Feathers in the top three but not #1 due price or "harshness" (which I don't understand).
If Feathers don't rank right up there for you, look at what you are doing differently. It's not like soap where you can say "I love the lather but hate the scent".
This is exactly the kind of thing people have talked about in this thread. It seems that YMMV is the mantra of B&B, unless we're talking about Feathers. In which case, everyone who doesn't like them is doing something "different" (i.e., your technique is faulty, haters!). Silly.

And as for harshness....If I shave 3 passes with a Feather and my face stings afterward or there's irritation, whereas there is none with a Treet Dura Sharp or 7 O'Clock Super Platinum (which are almost as sharp as Feathers), I call the Feather a harsh blade. Everyone's skin is different.

[doug1066]

Doug I disagree with you. A steeper blade angle can never feel sharper. Its the opposite. Sharpness is low thickness, low sharpening angle, clean edge(not necessarily polished). I dont know if feathers has a steeper edge than most, but they feel sharp because of their nicely honed edge. With the same thickness and honing steps a steeper angle can not be as sharp as a lower angle. If you hone the steeper angle better, or made the blade thinner it may work and can be sharper, but still it wouldn't be because of steeper angle, it would be because of other parameters.

Ozgun,

I stand corrected. I did mean a shallower angle. Sometimes my typing gets ahead of me. I was thinking of my kitchen knives and cleaver at the time and got ahead of myself. My post has been corrected. Thank you for catching that.

[doug1066]

Can you tell me what blades you feel are almost as sharp but smoother and last longer? Thanks.


Red package Israeli Personna blades, for one.

[AZShaver]

Feathers are over-rated just like Starbucks!

[SmoovD]

Feathers are over-rated just like Starbucks!

Easy, Dollar.

[Tiggercat]

I thought so at first, and gave all mine away. Then after a long break, I picked up a Merkur Slant and tried it with a Feather out of curiosity. Now I'm a fan. I didn't like the way the Feathers performed in any of my other razors, but in a slant, they're perfect.

[Rexall]

Finally, when I now get 10+ greats shave from a feather in my 1904, or slant, or OLD, now I start reading about those 7'Oclocks. Can they really be better for me? Some days it is better to not read the forums and just stay happy!!

[Doug123]

I don't really care for them. Not worth the price in my opinion...

[Jimbo]

I thought so at first, and gave all mine away. Then after a long break, I picked up a Merkur Slant and tried it with a Feather out of curiosity. Now I'm a fan. I didn't like the way the Feathers performed in any of my other razors, but in a slant, they're perfect.

This is my favorite combination. That's what I call my "Job Interview" selection. I'm not looking for a job but for me, that's the go to selection if I want results with no mishaps.

[TallyShave]

Finally, when I now get 10+ greats shave from a feather in my 1904, or slant, or OLD, now I start reading about those 7'Oclocks. Can they really be better for me? Some days it is better to not read the forums and just stay happy!!

This has to be some sort of world record for Feathers!

Great shaves? Sure.

Over 10? My face hurts just thinking about that.

[BurkDarkpatches]

This has to be some sort of world record for Feathers!

Great shaves? Sure.

Over 10? My face hurts just thinking about that.

I'm not going to dig up my old post about this, but the bottom line is that I too have been able to get 10 comfortable shaves out of a Feather (I've got an old post about it somewhere). I'd bought into the common idea here to replace every 3 days to keep the blade at its peak. Then one week I decided to clear my mind of expectations and see what would happen each day. For days 5-10, I was very surprised that each pull across my face was smooth and effective. Shave 11 I was clearly tugging a bit. That being said, today I replace my blades between 5-7.

I have at least a mid-tough beard. Expectation bias is a big factor here at B&B (and in life).

Steve

[Ozgun]

Guys who can shave with a feather 8+ shaves, I would like to see your beard's pictures :)

[guero_gordo]

Guys who can shave with a feather 8+ shaves, I would like to see your beard's pictures :)

You can't, because the flash will singe it off.

I like the Feather, but it doesn't work any better than Red Personna in my rig.

[JonM]

Frankly, I've gotten just as good of a shave with my Personna reds (and more shaves out of them) as I did with Feathers. Best of all, Personna blades are cheaper than Feathers too.

[Neep]

I like the feathers in less aggressive DEs. I get a better shave with them and i keep them in for about 5 shaves. But i agree in my more aggressive razors the feather is overkill

So.... like many others, I experiment. I have had a sample pack of many different blades for quite some time now, and I have been working my way through them, when I have not been using my favourite 7 O'clock yellows.

Today (with regard to all the "warnings", and suggestions to use them in a less aggressive razor) I opened up the pack of Feather blades, popped one into the Fatboy and dialled it down to "3". Even considered 2. OK I'm a chicken, but you guys did give warnings, right?

All I can say is.... BRILLIANT !!
(I also discovered that my Fatboy set at 3 is different on each side, one with slightly more bite than the other).

I have also read lots recently about the Feather AS DE razor.... that's it! I'm buying one, together with a lot of Feather blades.

Rod

[SailBob]

I wish there was a blade as good as feathers.Iridiums were a very close second and I enjoyed the variety.The only blade I haven't tried is polsilver,but I will.

[Mysterio]

You can't, because the flash will singe it off.

:lol:

Hilarious...

[sdaniels]

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble. I've tried: Dorco, Gillette Greens, Gillette Yellows, Kai, Astra SP, Astra SS, Timor, Bolzano, Med Preps, Personna Labs, Gillette Bleue Extras, Gillette SuperThins, Bluebirds, Souplex, Shoguns, and probably a bunch of others that I've forgotten about.

I like several of those blades, and would be OK using them if Feathers weren't available.

But Feathers still work better than any of the above for me. Sometimes I wish I had softer facial hair or less dense growth. I would love to be able to just buy a cheap blade and get good results. But the cheaper, duller blades just WILL NOT go through the areas on my chin where my beard is densest.[/QUOTE]

+ 1, I have used over a dozen different blades and as my technique has gotten better the supposed 'harshness' of a feather isn't a problem anymore. It simply cuts closer than any other blade I've used.

[MajorBurnz]

I used to think that Feathers were overrated.......but that was a long time ago.

Now, I'm convinced that they're the best blade for me. YMMV, of course. In just about any razor I try, the Feather blade gives me an excellent shave. I generally limit my DE use to upper-lip touch-ups after a straight shave and I get many, many uses from each Feather (not the same as doing a full shave with the blade, of course).

In reference to the poster above: I do have a very coarse, thick beard - so that may be why I like Feathers so much.

[d16daily]

You can't, because the flash will singe it off.

I like the Feather, but it doesn't work any better than Red Personna in my rig.


loooool.

well played

[sumit]

My stubble is pretty tough. To each is own.

I think the people who think Feather blades are overrated are likely those with thinner or less coarse facial hair, and the guys who rave about Feathers are the guys with steel for stubble. I've tried: Dorco, Gillette Greens, Gillette Yellows, Kai, Astra SP, Astra SS, Timor, Bolzano, Med Preps, Personna Labs, Gillette Bleue Extras, Gillette SuperThins, Bluebirds, Souplex, Shoguns, and probably a bunch of others that I've forgotten about.

I like several of those blades, and would be OK using them if Feathers weren't available.

But Feathers still work better than any of the above for me. Sometimes I wish I had softer facial hair or less dense growth. I would love to be able to just buy a cheap blade and get good results. But the cheaper, duller blades just WILL NOT go through the areas on my chin where my beard is densest.

+ 1, I have used over a dozen different blades and as my technique has gotten better the supposed 'harshness' of a feather isn't a problem anymore. It simply cuts closer than any other blade I've used.[/QUOTE]

[Altair]

Blasphemy

[SUNA]

I have tried so many blades it is crazy! There is no blade as sharp as the Feather. Love them.

[rajagra]

Guys who can shave with a feather 8+ shaves, I would like to see your beard's pictures :)
http://www.g-ray.co.uk/pictures/Ray2.jpg
Me when I was 22. I'm 46 now, and my facial hair has matured accordingly, with a fair bit of grey which is rumoured to be tougher to cut.

Can we just stop the assumptions? They aren't helpful.

I won't say Feathers are overrated. They are sharper than most blades, and some people like that. I find them rough on the first shave. But they do seem to shave closer on the first pass than most I've tried.

Having said that, I just tried my first Astra SP. One shave isn't conclusive, but it shaved me even closer than a Feather. I didn't bother with a full 3rd pass, just WTG, XTG and some ATG touch-ups. BBS everywhere, but with a little irritation on the neck. For me, the Astra SP just out-Feathered the Feather, at a much lower cost.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iH2v6dUKcc

[d16daily]

Feathers are not over rated. They are the only blades that can cut my whiskers (which seemed to have gotten even tougher since DE shaving) smoothly. Some of us need the sharpest of the sharpies.

I just bought my 100 pack and can't wait to enjoy smooth shaving for over a year

[Johnny Dale]

I really enjoy Feathers but I have found a few blades that work great for me at a cheaper price. Just a pure economic stance for me to buy a couple of other brands. I will buy some Feathers again once my financial standing improves.

[Sargon]

The Astra SP is close to a feather, but I think that a feather is indeed sharper. I do call the astra SP "the poor mans' feather." unsurprisingly, it's my go to blade. :P

[sumit]

How does your beard get tougher since DE shaving? What does DE shaving have to do with you beard seeming to get tougher?

Feathers are not over rated. They are the only blades that can cut my whiskers (which seemed to have gotten even tougher since DE shaving) smoothly. Some of us need the sharpest of the sharpies.

I just bought my 100 pack and can't wait to enjoy smooth shaving for over a year

[GOLDCREST]

Feathers are my favourite and the yardstick I measure all the other blades against........just not good in my r41.....but in the Merkurs ...38c and Futur...they're superb.....................Just about get three shaves out of 'em.

[Galengwath]

No, they're not overrated, but like most products YMMV. Yes, some people have skin that is too sensitive to handle them, but I, like many others, find them to be exceptional. I don't find them to be too rough or too aggressive, and I've never cut myself with one, even the first time. They provide the smoothest, most consistent shave of any blade I've tried at this point, so no, for me they are in no way overrated.

[Galengwath]

The Astra SP is close to a feather, but I think that a feather is indeed sharper. I do call the astra SP "the poor mans' feather." unsurprisingly, it's my go to blade. :P

I also find Astras and Feathers to be similar. Astras are my daily blade, simply because they're cheaper and still get the job done, and after 3 or 4 Astras I load up a Feather.

[Ozgun]

I find astras so far away to feathers

[d16daily]

How does your beard get tougher since DE shaving? What does DE shaving have to do with you beard seeming to get tougher?


LoL I don't know. Believe me I realize how ridiculous it sounds...

It just feels like my 5 o'clock shadow is straight sandpaper now. After revisiting the blades from my sample pack it seems like they all "tug" now compared to the Feathers (all other things constant). Maybe years of my whiskers being mangled by an electric or disposable weakened them. Now cleanly slicing with a DE has strengthened them and allowed them to heal. I came up with this analogy because of how when a dull lawn mower blade cuts the grass it actually tears and weakens the grass blades and roots compared to a fresh, sharp mower blade. I really don't know but it just feels like my skin and/or beard has toughened up a tiny bit. Could all be in my head considering I never gave a care in the world to my face prior to wetshaving

[talibeard]

I find astras so far away to feathers

I agree; I tried the Keramiks, SP and SS and none of them is even close.

[rbaloha]

I found astras to be rough on the face.

[yapyisoon]

Well, this is probably not the right place, but since I am unable to open a new thread (not sure why, I have registered as a member for a few months now), I have 80 brand new Astra Super Platinum blades (unopened 5 count boxes with the 100 packed box) I would like to exchange for, I dunno, say 20 Feathers, based on current market prices (around 4 to 1).

I started out with Feathers, went through a whole sample pack, settled with the Astras, but am now sufficiently experienced enough to enjoy the Feathers. BTW, I am a head shaver using an Edwin Jagger (modified long handle) and sometimes a Feather Popular or Lord. My apologies to the moderators if my post is not suitable here.

[email protected]

[man00ver]

Yapyisoon, although you've passed the minimum time of membership for selling or trading (45 days), you still need 50 "meaningful" posts in order to do so. Do a bit of writing and you'll get over the limit very shortly... and it's quite likely you can find a taker for your offer.

[dmalsbury]

As an avid Super Max user I can tell you that Feathers are over rated. I really couldn't tell the difference in my vitange Tech razor. Ten out of ten shaves I think is a good enough test.

[Cigarettes,Cigars]

Feather are meh for me, I like them but I can get an almost as good shave out of a Lab Personna and Personna last longer at over half the price.