Feathers

[josroge]

I'm certain I am not the first or only noob to reach this epiphany, but you guys who tell new guys to stay away from Feather blades are absolutely right. My first 4 shaves were with Feather. I didn't get razor burn, I didn't get irritation. I got what I considered an excellent shave.

Today I switched blades to a Personna Platinum. I got the best and smoothest shave I've ever gotten. I wouldn't say BBS, but definitely close. But I noticed that this blade just seemed to cooperate with my face a lot more. It was a lot more enjoyable. I feel like the blade lends itself better to my unrefined technique and is a lot more forgiving than the Feathers.

I realize blades are 100% YMMV. However, I was more comfortable with the Personna. I'm sure as I try more blades my results will be different each time, but it's a lot more clear to me why Feathers aren't the end all be all of razor blades.

[mskembo]

I think its more a matter of Personna being a more forgiving blade, where as the Feathers are so stinking sharp every mistake you make will be transmitted directly to your face. I've found several blades that I really like. No idea what they have in common, but none of them have a feather on the box ;-)

[chuckr9]

I like Featrher blades, but usually in less aggressive razors (Feather All Stainless, Gillette Tech, etc.). If you like the personna blades you might also like Astras. Very sharp, but not as "edgey"
as Featrhers look at Personna Medical Prep blades (my favorite), or KAI blades.

[ihateclaims]

Are the Feathers deemed to be the sharpest and least forgiving?

[badgermushroom]

Are the Feathers deemed to be the sharpest and least forgiving?

Feathers do have that reputation. Some of it is more myth than fact, though.

[abershaver]

I find that Feathers give a very good and painless shave indeed in the Edwin Jagger range of razors. However, I tried a Feather for a few days in my UK Gillette #70 and I experienced a world of pain!

[BrookR1]

I tried a Feather for the first time last week. No nicks or cuts, but the main thing I noticed about Feathers was the lack of feedback compared to other blades. By this I mean that with other blades, I could hear/feel when something is not quite right and I could adjust my technique before being bitten. With the Feathers, I feel that there's no warning whatsoever. It's a very smooth blade, but I don't feel it shaves any closer than a few of my favorites (Crown Super Stainless, Gillette Platinum, Lord Platinum, 7 O'Clock Green, Astra, Derby). I also noticed the shave degraded considerably on the second day I used it.

As always, YMMV.

[Cary Grant]

Feathers are great in the right razor. I find Red IP's come close in sharpness but I find them a whole lot smoother than the Feathers.

[Snuff-Belgium]

Feathers do have that reputation. Some of it is more myth than fact, though.

I agree, used them in my DE before I got into straights and I often shave with a feather straight (with replaceable feather blades) never had a problem. But hey it's all about what works for you.

[dpmtherrien]

Feathers are great, but not for everyone. As with any blade you've got to try it yourself to see how it will work for you. Just use them as you would any other sharp edge that you'll be moving about your face. Keep a record of each blade, each different make, and compare them until you find your best blade.

[saintpat]

Tried a Feather blade last week for the first time. I thought it was a fine shave in my Merkur long handled razor which I take to be on the mild side. I'm not sure newbies should necessarily be steered away from Feathers but just warned of their characteristics. Being careful and using with a less aggressive razor I found to be not too perilous. :)

[ackvil]

Some like them and some don't. For me I get two good shaves and then it goes straight down hill form there. But that's what so good about today's world: we have so many blades to choose from! Back in the late 50 and 60s the only ones I knew about were store brands, Gillettes, and Wilkinson.

[Tom-Dave]

i started on feathers and never had any problems, about six months ago i ran out of blades. i went online to my usual source and found they were sold out- i decided to buy a pack of every other blade they sold. i am now still working my way through my two year supply that i dont like. some of the blades i found were quite good but IMHO nothing beats feathers

[talibeard]

Are the Feathers deemed to be the sharpest and least forgiving?

This;


Feathers do have that reputation. Some of it is more myth than fact, though.

I think they are maybe the sharpest but I have used much less forgiving blades; there is no reason to stay away from them because of their mythical status as in the end they are just another blade waiting to be tried.

[pcumby]

I love feathers in my "Feather All Stainless" and my EJ 87 but in my merkur HD they give me a world of hurt