You guys weren't joking about the feathers...

[jonnyt]

I'm about 3 months into a serious wet-shaving habit and have been methodically working my way through a range of products to see what suits my face the best. I've settled on the Merkur 38C (and will likely try the slant sledgehammer in a couple more months when i'm getting perfect shaves every time with my current set-up) and my fav creams are Santa Maria Novella, Acqua di Parma and Castle Forbes Lime (although I'm beginning to get the hang of DR Harris soap).
I've gone through every blade in the UK sample pack (Derby, Swedes, Dorco, Israeli Red, Merkur, Wilkinson White) with Derbys being my heavy favourite up till now. So last night I finally got round to the Feathers. I had left them till last because of their reputation. I went through my usual prep and lathered up some lovely Santa Maria Novella and loaded the feathers into the big-handelled Merkur. After my first stroke, I though I must be using the wrong blade angle as I couldn't hear or see any contact or cutting. It wasn't until I had done half a pass before I realised I has no hair left where I'd shaved, the blade was so sharp and smooth that I didn't even realise it was cutting.
So, two passes and touch up later, my first truly BBS shave, all-be-it with a couple of weepers on my neck where the blades had just cut through slight bumps on my skin like a hot knife through butter, but otherwise, no irritation.
I hadn't thought it likely any blade would match the Derbys but if my next few shaves are as good as this one, I think my first bulk buy may well be 100 Feathers.

[Tommy_C]

I've been edging my way towards the feathers for a while. I first tried the Derbys, and loved them. Once I got my slant, I graduated to the yellow Gillette 7 o'clocks. That's working out very, very well. After I work through about twenty of those, I think I'll try the feathers.

I'm glad it worked out so well for you. It's encouraging.

[SRock]

There is no need to fear the Feather. It's not some hideous flesh destroying machine. You are correct, they are sharp and we need to be mindful of that when using them. However, all in all they are just another blade meant to be enjoyed.

Congrats on your first true BBS shave and here's to many more!

[theologist]

Guys...guys

I've used Feathers on and off for years.

They are sharp, smooth and durable. Just like a good blade ought to be.

It is a top quality blade and it costs a little more for that reason.

But there is nothing to be scared of. All razor blades - even Merkurs! - are potentially lethal if carelessly deployed.

If you are cautious, there is NOTHING to worry about. If you get good results with a Derby (and I like them, incidentally) the Feather will not attack you.

"Never hit your grandma with a shovel;
it makes a bad impression on her mind" (Tiny Tim)

Feather blades are like shovels in that regard. Used for the intended purpose they are serviceable, reliable and safe.

[thirdeye]

Feathers are fine, you just need to respect them...

[SRock]

Feathers are fine, you just need to respect them...

No stealing my material. Oh wait, this was my response in a different Feather fearful post, my bad. :lol::lol::lol:

[Brodirt]

I have a slant coming in the mail today. Next shave will be with the Devil's razor loaded with the blade of pure evil! It sounds more like a Tolkein novel than a few minutes in the bathroom.

Anyhow, I expect no problems. Feathers are awesome, although first blade out of my current pack was a dud. This seems to be a common complaint.

[Tommy_C]

I'm not fearful of the blade, I'm fearful of my lack of technique. My slant razor has exposed that I, still, didn't quite get the concept of absolutely no pressure. Moreover, I had been a little lax on proper blade angle, sometimes. I have been getting much, much better just within the last month. But I'm afraid of the unforgiving nature of the feather, and that I will be made to pay dearly for my "sins". :eek:

[uberculture]

Maybe I just got a bad pack of feathers. I've used two of them, and they irritate my skin, made even worse because after four passes, I've still got tactile stubble. Yesterday, I had my Slim cranked up to 7, and there was still leftover stubble. I just can't get a good shave with this blade.

[AverageJoe]

I won't wait another week to whip out one of these whisker-whacking wonders! Judging by all the "fear", they sound like they ought to be pretty good, sharp blades----just what I'd expect from a good razor blade. That's their sole reason for existing, after all. If blades scared me, I'd still be using an electric! Can't wait to try them! :cool:

[LagerLover]

Mekur HD + Feather + Patience = BBS Shave. A sharp blade pulls less, an irritates less because of this.

Vorschlaghammer (Sledgehammer) + Feather + Bumps on Face = blood loss.

My Slant still cuts me. I am likely to sell this 39C soon, I just can't get the hang of it. My HD on the other hand, loaded with feather blades is still the best ever.

[SavantStrike]

No stealing my material. Oh wait, this was my response in a different Feather fearful post, my bad. :lol::lol::lol:

Uh oh... there's trouble brewin!

[narf]

((snip))... I couldn't hear or see any contact or cutting. It wasn't until I had done half a pass before I realised I has no hair left where I'd shaved...

Maybe my hair is different, my HD with feather sounds like a pallet of bricks dragged across a gravel road when going against the grain. I have to go 5 or 6 passes to get bbs (the last three are all atg or xtg, mood dependent). I haven't bled yet, and I've found the best angle following these last couple months. Should I try a slant?

[ambrose]

All I use are feathers, I just ordered 10 10 pks last week

[nueldwsa]

no mystery here. They are are a little less forgiving than others but certainly nothing to be feared.

[bordeaaj]

I'm not fearful of the blade, I'm fearful of my lack of technique. My slant razor has exposed that I, still, didn't quite get the concept of absolutely no pressure. Moreover, I had been a little lax on proper blade angle, sometimes. I have been getting much, much better just within the last month. But I'm afraid of the unforgiving nature of the feather, and that I will be made to pay dearly for my "sins". :eek:

I went to the Slant/Feather combo less than a week into DE shaving with no trouble...something many of us who have jumped right into Feathers and/or Slants have experienced. In fact, I had more irritation using the less sharp blades. It seems that many who take the longer "safer" route from the less sharp to extra sharp blades often have these types of problems that result in extending the transition over months or even years. I often wonder if it may be that starting off with less sharp blades encourages the development of bad habits because they actually require the use of increased pressure and allow for less than acceptable blade angles...bad habits which you pay for in a nick or two and must then unlearn each and every time you step up to a sharper blade. I was always told that a sharp knife is safer than a dull one. I wonder if the same applies to razor blades?

[strat1117]

The Feathers are great. I get equally fine results with the Derbys, however, at lower cost and with less trepidation.:rolleyes:

Enjoy!

[dmnall]

SS + Feather = BBS in 2 passes
SA + Feather = BBS in 2 passes *set on 9*
37C + Feather = BBS in 2 Passes
39C + Feather = BBS in 2 Passes

As you can tell the feathers are my favorite blade and only blade I am using because they are super sharp, super smooth and just give the best possible shave in only 2 - 2.5 passes. I am not going to say that I do not cut myself *acne + any of the combo above = blood loss* or if I get too confident with my technique will get a little weeper here and there but for the cost of the Feathers = cheapest shave for me since I am getting 10 - 18 shaves per blade, where Astras I get 5 - 7 shaves and Derbys 4 shaves tops! So for over double the average shave per blade compared to the other blades I have used, Feathers are the cheapest in the long run.. Next blade of choice is the Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge and Astra Superior are tied for 2nd! Feathers are not to be feared, just respect them and they will not bite! As well as the Slant Razors *I have 2* and never had a problem, actually my Slim Adjustable set to 9 is more aggressive!

Cheers,

[Tommy_C]

I often wonder if it may be that starting off with less sharp blades encourages the development of bad habits because they actually require the use of increased pressure and allow for less than acceptable blade angles...bad habits which you pay for in a nick or two and must then unlearn each and every time you step up to a sharper blade. I was always told that a sharp knife is safer than a dull one. I wonder if the same applies to razor blades?

This is a very interesting point. I hadn't thought of it from that perspective before. I think I'll order a 10 pack of feathers and give them a shot!

[bordeaaj]

This is a very interesting point. I hadn't thought of it from that perspective before. I think I'll order a 10 pack of feathers and give them a shot!

No matter what cream or soap I use I tend to use the 4 pass Method Shaving Cutting Forms + an oil pass for any leftover roughness and even with Feathers it still takes me just as many passes to get a smooth shave. Feathers just do it with less irritation...but I do just as well with Swedish G's, Kai's, and a few of the other sharper-type blades I have tried. Try to go with a good pre-shave prep (as in at least one hot, damp towel application over some shaving soap, cream, or maybe oil or glycerine for a minute or two), good lather, no pressure, shorter strokes, etc. Yes, you are likely to get a nick or two but will be less likely to feel it with the Feathers as they are so sharp...and, as always, you will automatically make adjustments to prevent the nicks in the future. Just pretend your face is one big nick you got yesterday and are trying to shave around and over today using as little pressure as possible so as not to reopen it. My prediction is that, nicks or no nicks, within a week you'll have the Feathers down. :smile:

If you want a cheap recommendation for a very slick and protective lather to use to help ease the transition I have found that HeadBlade HeadSlick is about the slickest, most protective I have ever used. It's not fancy but it works very, very well...surprised the hell out of me after years of Trumper's, Taylor's, Harris, Aos, etc. Good luck and have fun!