Fear of Feather #3... Warranted?

**Trouthunter** · 08-11-2012, 08:20 AM

Hi - 3rd week of DE shaving and happy overall with my progress - until yesterday..... Yikes.

First 12 days using Astra in a new Muhle 89, RazoRock Classic Cream, followed by Thayer's alcohol freee WH, then to Pinaud Clubman. Nice progress, 2 pass shaves. Then.....I changed to try Feather.

First blade: first run I nicked my upper lip (sleepy that morning...until that happened), otherwise recognized I may be using too much pressure. Next few days just fine. Next day went to three pass shave. All OK...

Secind blade: yesterday morning. Holy scar face Batman! I have never had such razor burn all over my face! (Maybe once 15 years ago when I tried an electric razor for a while in hopes of solving ingrown hair troubles - the foil had a hole, the blades shredded my face....Ouch!). My entire face burned all day - repeated application of Thayer's throughout the afternoon and evening helped to sooth the savage face.

Question: I realize batches of blades can hold variation - was Blade #1 bad/dull? Blade #2 have an edge blemish?

Do I dare try a third...? What if #3 is like #2?!? someone call Batman!
Planning on Astra today until the boy wonder and caped crusader appear!

**Attila** · 08-11-2012, 09:50 AM

I use feathers myself. As long as you watch your pressure and angle (I myself shave at night before I go to bed so I don't rush or am not sleepy as I would be early in AM). Feathers are my favorite, but as with any sharp blade,including Astras, you have to watch your technique! Don't worry. It only gets better.

**mistervee123** · 08-11-2012, 09:53 AM

DO NOT fear the Feather. They are blades like any other, but they do deserve some respect due to their sharpness and a little extra focus on technique, particularly in the pressure you use. Enjoy! Feathers are one of my "goto" blades along with a lesser known Russian Voskhod Teflon, which you may also want to try if you can find them. The Shave Den is where I get mine.

**sparco** · 08-11-2012, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Attila

Feathers are my favorite, but as with any sharp blade,including Astras, you have to watch your technique! Don't worry. It only gets better.

+1 Maybe you can stick with the Astras for a one or two more weeks and perfection your technique and then you can try the Feathers, when the biggest fear for the them have been forgotten.

**Trouthunter** · 08-11-2012, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Two pass with Astra today - could only achieve reasonable performance due to significant skin irritation. Will try for better tomorrow.

Ordered sevral different AS last eve: Floid Blue, Lucky Tiger AS and Balm. Considering additional glycerine to my Clubman. Hoping to find the right balance of toning and AS to help calm and moisturize my skin.

Thanks for the advice!

**Trouthunter** · 08-11-2012, 11:16 AM

One more question: I do have a Col Conk glycerin soap. Should I give that a try in place of the RR Classic? Not wanting to mess with too many variables...

**dpmtherrien** · 08-11-2012, 07:09 PM

Nope, don't fear it. Just use it as you would any other blade. Go slow, use no pressure, and just one or two WTG passes until you get your technique down.

**Wildalaska** · 08-11-2012, 07:44 PM

you have been shaving for three weeks. Pick one blade and be done with it until you have got your technique down pat. Get yerself a good crea m too.

**TonyJ** · 08-12-2012, 05:41 AM

Don't worry about blades. If feathers don't fit to your style there are around 70 others available in the market. Cheap sample packs are easy to find good ones for you.
What I have read I think your soap and cream are ok and like others said be patient and focus on your tehnique. Especially watch out the pressure.

**Pat.G.Boisvert** · 08-12-2012, 06:09 AM

If you had a couple of shaves with feather that weren't bad, is it possible that your pre-shave and lather technique was sub-par the day it caused you really bad irritation? I love my feather blades and in fact they have become the only blades I use but for me the pre-shave is very important... Right after a shower or a steaming hot cloth on face for at least a minute before lathering with a good soap/cream.

**gus1942** · 08-12-2012, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by Wildalaska

you have been shaving for three weeks. Pick one blade and be done with it until you have got your technique down pat. Get yerself a good crea m too.

Yes, I agree. Stay with the Astra SP 4-5 more weeks, get your technique down and the Feather will be a pleasure. Then you might consider a slant or open comb. Wish I had years ago.

Gus/BOTOC

**Trouthunter** · 08-12-2012, 06:12 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the advice. I am sticking with Astra for now, have ordered a few more products (hey - it's a theme around here!) and will focus on technique. Looking forward to investigating open comb or slant options...

**Charlie NJ** · 08-12-2012, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

Hi - 3rd week of DE shaving and happy overall with my progress - until yesterday..... Yikes.

First 12 days using Astra in a new Muhle 89, RazoRock Classic Cream, followed by Thayer's alcohol freee WH, then to Pinaud Clubman. Nice progress, 2 pass shaves. Then.....I changed to try Feather.

First blade: first run I nicked my upper lip (sleepy that morning...until that happened), otherwise recognized I may be using too much pressure. Next few days just fine. Next day went to three pass shave. All OK...

Secind blade: yesterday morning. Holy scar face Batman! I have never had such razor burn all over my face! (Maybe once 15 years ago when I tried an electric razor for a while in hopes of solving ingrown hair troubles - the foil had a hole, the blades shredded my face....Ouch!). My entire face burned all day - repeated application of Thayer's throughout the afternoon and evening helped to sooth the savage face.

Question: I realize batches of blades can hold variation - was Blade #1 bad/dull? Blade #2 have an edge blemish?

Do I dare try a third...? What if #3 is like #2?!? someone call Batman!
Planning on Astra today until the boy wonder and caped crusader appear!

too much pressure sounds like, those blades need no extra, just the weight of the razor. You might want to try shaving at night so you aren't rushed and can give it 100 pct.

**Longhorn** · 08-12-2012, 08:02 PM

Feather blades require zero pressure. I find that if I rush my shave or put any pressure, then I end up with weepers. Also, if you keep trying and can't make them work - just remember that some blades are just never meant to be.

**Saturn** · 08-12-2012, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

Question: I realize batches of blades can hold variation - was Blade #1 bad/dull? Blade #2 have an edge blemish?

Do I dare try a third...? What if #3 is like #2?!? someone call Batman!

Personally I've found Feather to be one of the most reliable blade brands I've tried. I don't think I've ever had a bad Feather. It's possible your technique may still need some work, as Feather is a sharp enough blade to require a delicate touch and reveal flaws in your technique that may not have been evident with other blades. It is of course possible that you just got a bad blade or bad batch. Hard to know for sure until you get more experience and try more of the Feather pack.

**Pat.G.Boisvert** · 08-20-2012, 06:37 PM

I do the 'J' stroke, slide stroke and buffing using Feather blades without any issues/weepers/nicks... etc. A good prep, a good soap/cream, light touch and practice will get you there!

**rchandonnet** · 08-20-2012, 06:50 PM

Feathers are simply too sharp for my tender skin! Stick with the Astra's if they work for ya! Ignore all the macho men who say only Feathers will do. Your goal is a great shave with minimal irritation - use what gets you there.

**Mad Man** · 08-20-2012, 08:01 PM

TBH it's not worth the pain early on - keep with the blades that work and come back to Feathers later - I hated them the first time i tried them out of a sampler; cut me to shreds and irritation and i stuck to astras.

6 months later i tried them again and wow! had a 100 blade pack on it's way quick smart...

Get technique sorted - then upgrade to Feather Class

**Searlands** · 08-21-2012, 03:34 AM

+ 1 to getting your technique sorted and then trying a Feather. As most have said ANY blade will cut/weep and burn you if you don't respect it.

When you feel your ready give a Feather a try. As always take your time, apply zero pressure and most importantly enjoy your shave.

**ackvil** · 08-21-2012, 05:49 AM

An observation from an older shaver. If you are getting good shaves from an Astra blade and poor ones from a Feather, why do you want to keep on trying with the Feather? Don't think it is a right of many passage that everyone must use a Feather! Feathers are not for everyone.

I have tried Feathers a number of times. I don't get cuts from them. The only irritation I get from a Feather blade is if I try to get a third shave from them. For me and my beard, I can only get two decent shaves from Feathers. Hence, Feathers are not for me.

But if you insist on using a Feather, you have been given good advice above. Feathers are not a forgiving blade. So, NO pressure and watch your angle.

Well, that's my two cents.