First Shave with Feather All-Stainless DE Razor

[SplitHair]

I thought I'd share my observations with others for feedback.

For context...my primary razors are the Merkur HD and Jagger DE89 Barley. Both of these razors have their nuances, but they basically are both shorter handled, moderately aggressive angle, and thinner head (for getting close to nose). I had mastered the Merkur HD and eventually moved up to the Jagger DE89, which I now feel is simply a supreme shaving head. I've recently placed an order for an Ikon Bulldog handle to complement it - not that the Jagger Barley isn't already very nice. I have a lot of other (mostly Merkur DE's) razors, but the HD and DE89 reign supreme for me.

I decided to upgrade to the Feather all stainless. I checked the various reviews posted on the web and I heard some common themes: High build quality, flawless finish, mild, great grip. All of these are true. However no matter how much quality goes into a razor, let's agree that it won't get used if the shave isn't there. Now it's too easy to judge this with only one shave, but I found the Feather was simply overly-mild compared to an HD or DE89. Is this a bad thing? Well consider some of the Pros/Cons below:

Cons:
Doesn't shave as close (potentially) if using traditional technique
Takes longer to achieve a BBS shave
Expensive for a mediocre shave
You have to push down on the blade edge to achieve equivalent shave - breaking 'traditional DE techniques'.
You have to raise the angle as high as 45deg to achieve significant cut.

Pros:
You can shave without any significant fear of nicks under typical blade pressure.
You can shave faster since there are not significant concerns of nicks.
Blade buffers will love the shave, since you can buff away (up to a point) without nicks.
Blade angle is not as much of a concern since it is difficult to nick.
Quality, asthetics, classy.

I did my shave with a fresh Feather and I shave with Feather blades very often, so I know what to expect. As I consider this razor, I think what happened back in Japan is some engineer decided to design a razor of the highest quality to match the incredibly sharp edge of a Feather blade so that mortals (not like us seasoned DE users) could shave with a Feather blade without significant bloody consequences. Is this what you want? Then go get yourself a Feather and have a high quality razor that can nimbly handle the Feather blade with a lot of class. For me, I'll probably use it from time to time just to vary the rotation. It will not however be the razor that I will reach for when I'm looking for the best BBS shave.

[bmathe02]

Try the razor again but with the handle as close to parallel to the floor as you can but still making contact with blade. The only way I can describe it is having the razor's cap ride your face not the safety bar. See if your results differ and please update.

[SplitHair]

Yep...tried that. I agree, at an extreme angle the cut is better. However I also found that at that angle, casual skin bumps get aggravated, particular when the angle of the skin change rapidly (like around the bottom of the jaw). It makes it hard to really get a comfortable approach around the curve when you are having to maintain that angle. I noted that you can really feel it kicking in at that angle, but I felt that I lost control of the cut a little as I was pushing the head into my skin instead of across my skin. Scary.

I'm not going to give up on it after one shave, but I can see it will take more time to master and I would venture to say that it will never approach what I'm traditionally used to. However I'm optimistic! Spending $180 on a razor certainly motivates you. :-)

[Predict]

I used the feather for a week and hated it at first. I almost sold it. Tried it with really shallow angle and NO pressure and it's now one of my top shavers. Gillette blacks work great in it.

[eizan70]

I am also a big fan. This razor actually turned me to the mild shave side of things. My favorite combo is with feather blades, Gillette silver blues (was just turned onto them so of course they are discontinued ), and SIs. I now also frequently throw in the Gillette adjustables dialed to one into the rotation, and am getting great shaves with no irritation, and can shave every day with no breaks for healing.

[JeffOlson]

I, too, shave every day--for work during the week, and for fun on weekends. Having used the Feather AS-D1 almost exclusively for many months, I can appreciate others' frustration with how mild it is. Personally, however, I appreciate that about it. No weepers, nicks, cuts, or irritation. Just a good shave, every day (with Feather blades, of course).

I'm thinking, however, of finding the AS-D1 a partner. Perhaps a fat handle Tech, perhaps an R41. ;)

[Predict]

I, too, shave every day--for work during the week, and for fun on weekends. Having used the Feather AS-D1 almost exclusively for many months, I can appreciate others' frustration with how mild it is. Personally, however, I appreciate that about it. No weepers, nicks, cuts, or irritation. Just a good shave, every day (with Feather blades, of course).

I'm thinking, however, of finding the AS-D1 a partner. Perhaps a fat handle Tech, perhaps an R41. ;)

As odd as it sounds, the feather and r41 are my two favorites so far. Opposite ends of the spectrum but I don't seem to like the in between Razors much.

[SplitHair]

I am going to definitely stick with it for for than just the one shave. I will reach for it when a milder shave or faster shave is my priority - like when I'm running late for work!

It will definitely require a change in approach. I have read that others have trimmed the edges of an old blade to create a spacer. Might try that as a last resort.

As others have suggested it is probably like getting any new razor, you have to adjust to the blade gap and head. Time will tell.

[chongo gordo]

For many people, the "best" razor may not be the most aggressive razor. Additionally, for a boutique item like an all stainless model, it's a better business strategy to target the wider part of the bell curve. I assume a new razor running above the $100 line is going to be moderately aggressive.

[SplitHair]

Interesting than that the Feather is so mild at $180.

[Copierguy]

Funny as this may sound, my shaves with the Feather seem opposite from what one might expect. The less pressure I use the closer shave I get.
Look for just a trace of blade sensation and a bit of razor cap.

[SplitHair]

When I used it on that first shave, I did a three pass without a lot of pressure and ended up feeling lots of leftovers when rubbing my hand against the grain. I ended having to put more pressure and increase the shaving angle to 45 deg to work through most of what was left. Lots of buffing as well at the corners of my moustache and chin to eliminate the stragglers.

[bmathe02]

Ymmv is rampant on these feather threads. My first DE was my dads black beauty and I find the feather more efficient than the bb set on 9. Not at first but once the angle is acquired definitely more efficient. (took me several months)