Low cost Feather AC Japanese handle

**maxzoran** · 06-20-2012, 04:43 AM

Hey guys, is there anything out there that is a lower cost version of the Japanese handled ACs? I'd like the see if that style works for me but at a lower initial cost. Thanks for the help!

**plpenn** · 06-20-2012, 04:52 AM

I think Paco got his hands on something like that a month or two ago. Could be wrong though...

**maxzoran** · 06-20-2012, 04:59 AM

Thanks Paul, I like the shaves so far with the Weck but I find the folding handle cumbersome. It probably takes more practice to feel natural but I'm interested in seeing the difference

**WoodfordReserve-Neat** · 06-20-2012, 05:25 AM

Originally Posted by maxzoran

Hey guys, is there anything out there that is a lower cost version of the Japanese handled ACs? I'd like the see if that style works for me but at a lower initial cost. Thanks for the help!

I use a Feather Artist Club SS Japanese style and love mine. (Also, real straights and Safety razors,too)

Not Japanese style but :
I also, keep a (don't laugh ) shavette I bought from Sally Beauty Supply in my dopp bag. It cost around $10 usd
in store. Cheaply made, uses a half of a DE blade and its blade holder has a tendency to want to slide out the end while shaving.
It is not their hair thinning shavette, but a black handled, folding shavette.
Looks like this one http://www.sallybeauty.com/Magic-Raz...l?cm_vc=SEARCH
Amazingly, this thing gives a really decent shave. I put a half of a Feather DE blade in it and get really nice shaves despite its quirks. For the price, its worth a try. I like it better than the Dovo shavette, myself.
It seems to have around the same blade exposure as a Feather Pro blade does...maybe a tad less.

If you take the scales off of it it will be really close to the length of the Artist Club SS Japanese style.
Just wrap the tang with some paracord and you are good to............the very cheapest way I know :)

If you use both hands to shave with, it will be helpful, IMO. I don't have a straight that is as sharp as a Feather blade. It will require a light touch for pressure and full concentration or you will definitely get a few weepers. I wouldn't do a 'Fools' pass with one myself....

I think the KAI Japanese razors are around 200.00 USD or just under ?
At the moment, it seems hard to beat $120.00 USD at West Coast Shaving for a Feather Artist Club SS Japanese style. Anyway, I always get great service from them and usually the best prices too.
Good luck

**plpenn** · 06-20-2012, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by maxzoran

Thanks Paul, I like the shaves so far with the Weck but I find the folding handle cumbersome. It probably takes more practice to feel natural but I'm interested in seeing the difference

Did I send you one of the shorter ones? They are more or less a 3/4 scale version of the black one I sent. I am not a fan of the smaller ones but they may work better for you. Glad you like the shaves..

**maxzoran** · 06-20-2012, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by plpenn

Did I send you one of the shorter ones? They are more or less a 3/4 scale version of the black one I sent. I am not a fan of the smaller ones but they may work better for you. Glad you like the shaves..

You did and I will give it a try and see how that goes. to me it just seems like the whole folding mechanism seems unnecessary (tradition straight guys don't kill me). Maybe it's just my fat fingers

**plpenn** · 06-20-2012, 06:11 AM

If my fat fingers can do it so can yours! It did take a little getting use to for me too. Man, just think about how much money you are going to be blowing on kamasori's and fixed blade straights by this time next year!

At least you will have some time to restart that college fund

**casus4844** · 06-20-2012, 06:17 AM

Try it for the CJB razor for free first http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ri-pass-around then decide if you want it or if like the style but want better quality get the SS as recommended!

**maxzoran** · 06-20-2012, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by plpenn

If my fat fingers can do it so can yours! It did take a little getting use to for me too. Man, just think about how much money you are going to be blowing on kamasori's and fixed blade straights by this time next year!

At least you will have some time to restart that college fund

Nah, at this point of my life I don't have the time to mess with stropping/honing/blade care etc. I just want to replace a blade, grip it, and rip it!

**plpenn** · 06-20-2012, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by casus4844

Try it for the CJB razor for free first http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ri-pass-around then decide if you want it or if like the style but want better quality get the SS as recommended!

That is what I was talking about, good find!

Originally Posted by maxzoran

Nah, at this point of my life I don't have the time to mess with stropping/honing/blade care etc. I just want to replace a blade, grip it, and rip it!

That's what I have come up with too. Give it some time, force yourself to do at least your cheeks with it and you will get it down.