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Ben
09-23-2006, 07:10 AM
Gents,

My special-order Feather Artist Club DX arrived yesterday. It's the Japanese version of the razor.

http://www.benrosenfield.com/feather-acj1.jpg

VITAL STATS

Length: 6.375 inches (approx.162 mm)
Weight: 46.4 grams (approx. 1.6 ounces)
Material: 316 stainless steel


http://www.benrosenfield.com/feather-acj2.jpg

The razor comes with a stand. A plastic bubble fits snugly on top of the base.
________

I shaved with the Feather for the first time last night. Wow! Talk about sharp.

I thought I should go easy for my first time, just in case. But during the first pass, I found myself having too much fun to stop. I decided to go for the three-pass shave (with touch-up against the grain) that I normally favor with a safety razor and Feather blades. However, my face was so smooth after the second pass that I used what would have been the third for touch-ups on my neck and to go against the grain on my jawline and cheeks. It was a superb shave. No nicks, no irritation.

I did cut myself once. I was going across the grain on my cheek and started the pass under my earlobe, where the jawbone pivots. As I started to shave toward my cheek, the blade decided to tuck itself into that slight recess where the jawbone connects to the rest of me. It felt like a paper cut -- more of a biting sting than a slice. Anyway, the nick was small and didn't bleed out. I can't even see it this morning. Like I said earlier: sharp.

This was a very enjoyable experience. I'm going to dedicate the use of this instrument to as many shaves as possible. I stress that this is not a tool for the beginner. Those who have solid foundations in shaving with safety razors and conventional straight razors will have the easiest time adjusting to the Feather Artist Club. Even then, it takes a bit of getting used to.

Lyrt
09-23-2006, 07:24 AM
You mean it’s the traditional shape of Japanese razors.

http://www.ehamono.com/zakka/img/kamisori/toumaki2.jpg
http://www.babashoten.com/goods/limited/data/kamisori_04.jpg
http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~y.kanna/furumingu.files/image042.jpg

Ben
09-23-2006, 07:41 AM
You mean it’s the traditional shape of Japanese razors.

No, I meant what I said and in the way I said it.

jduffy
09-23-2006, 08:28 AM
Wow, those things are cool. They look like some kind of kitchen knife.

jduffy
09-23-2006, 08:45 AM
I have a Japanese saw that I use for trimming trees. The thing cuts so fast it's crazy. It's also very lightweight so you can cut branches above you or while you're climbing the tree. Love the thing.

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3694/japansawux2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jfm
09-23-2006, 09:27 AM
That's a really interesting shape! Can someone fill me in on any differences between that and the folding-style I am used to seeing? Any major differences in use?

Should I be going to SRP for these questions?

Lyrt
09-23-2006, 09:38 AM
I skimmed through Japanese sites and basically it works like a European traditional cut-throat razor.

fisherc
09-23-2006, 09:43 AM
Ben:

Where did you order this from ? And how long was delivery and pricing if I may ask ?

Thanks,
Chris

LtBrugman70
09-23-2006, 09:46 AM
I've been looking at trying out a straight razor. How much does one of these cost? It seems like it should be inexpensive due to the replacable blades...

moses
09-23-2006, 12:02 PM
MMB, think again....

Ben
09-23-2006, 12:25 PM
That's a really interesting shape! Can someone fill me in on any differences between that and the folding-style I am used to seeing? Any major differences in use?

The main difference is you get unhindered access to the entire handle. You're not limited to wrapping your hand around the handle and pivot of a European straight razor. And the primary difference between this and the classic Japanese razors is that the latter are ground only on one side, meaning you can only shave with one side of the blade. The Feather accommodates any of the Professional series blades.

Ben
09-23-2006, 12:31 PM
I've been looking at trying out a straight razor. How much does one of these cost? It seems like it should be inexpensive due to the replacable blades...

The razor was $110, and with a dispenser of blades and UPS shipping, the total was $131. I ordered from Jatai International (www.jatai.net). Contact Dean Wada. Tell him Ben Rosenfield sent you. Also note it'll take a few weeks to get to you. I'm told the Pro Super blades can go 7-10 shaves, so you can get 140-200 shaves for about $12.

The Japanese-style DX model (stainless steel) is item ACD-N.
The Japanese-style RG model (coated brass) is item ACR-N.

BE WARNED: Great care and attention are necessary for a comfortable shave. The blades are wickedly sharp.

LtBrugman70
09-23-2006, 12:57 PM
Intersting.

I knew that straight razors are more expensive, of course, but these feather blades seem to be on par with cost per shave when compared to DE blades. My greatest fear with straight razor shaving has been that I will mishandle the razor or strop it improperly, thereby doing damage to my razor.

These do seem like a nice idea...

GeeQue
09-23-2006, 12:58 PM
I don't see this one at their site. Is it special order...also, how do you learn how to use one of these ?

Ben
09-23-2006, 01:49 PM
I don't see this one at their site. Is it special order...also, how do you learn how to use one of these ?
Yes, it's a special-order item. It may take a few weeks to reach your doorstep. I have experience using safety razors and traditional straight razors. Experience and practice are the mot valuable tools.