Sharpest Blades & Softest Touch

[JoWolf]

Like many new DE shavers I had to try the sharpest blades by reputation. Like many shavers I soon learned that Nacets and Feathers were rough uncomfortable unforgiving blades. A few years later bottom and middle tier blades held back the efficiency I strived for. A combination of technique and soft touch came together in my third year of DE shaving. I moved from Bic Platinums and Nacets to single use Feathers. Over three years of exclusive use of the Fatip Grande had me yearning for a shaper blade. Feathers are the sharpest blades. The .095 OC Lupo may not be the most efficient razor but considerably more efficient than the Grande. A greater blade exposure and blade gap gave the single use Feathers another gear in speed and sharpness. It took a half a dozen shaves to reach the smoothness I was accustomed to with the Feather. Another half dozen shaves to achieve a softer touch.

The Lupo’s blade exposure and gap very apparent without measuring. A combination that softened the blade touch and increased blade efficiency. Quicker closer shaves with reduced strokes and passes. I’m still in the honeymoon stage with the Lupo being the newest member of an efficient locked four. Sharper blades demand a softer touch. Efficient razors excel a sharp blade. Will new found sharpness and efficiency keep me satisfied? Time and familiarity will answer that question.

Happy Shaves

 

[htownmmm]

The .95 Lupo OC + Feather is one of my favorite combos. You will definitely enjoy it. Conversely, I did not enjoy my Fatip OC + Feather combo at all; tried other blades with it but they weren't sharp enough for the shaves I wanted.

marty

 

[JPO]

I don't like feather blades in all my razors. However, it works grate in the 0.95 Lupo for me.

 

[BigJ]

Good man! The main thing is to keep experimenting IMO to allow for changing technique and taste.

 

[Jens]

Over the years, I have kept returning to the humble Turkish-made YUMA razor when I wanted a super efficient and close shave. It's a super cheap, and cheap-looking razor, but there is just some magic to it. For sharp blades, I enjoy Feathers in it, but I also find Personna Med Prep to be a very nice sharp and smooth blade.

 

[Jay21]

YMMV as I find Nacets incredibly smooth. I’m a bit scared to try Feathers, though. I have a tuck that is in the drawer mocking me.

 

[SalS]

I never understood why people think Feathers are tricky. Easiest blade to shave with.

 

[Phoenixkh]

YMMV as I find Nacets incredibly smooth. I’m a bit scared to try Feathers, though. I have a tuck that is in the drawer mocking me.

Me too.. and I have a tuck of the BIC something-or-other... I'd have to check... Nacets and Perma-Sharps are excellent for me, along with some of the next tier down in sharpness like the Personna Comfort Coated USA and Wizamets.

One day, I'll have enough intestinal fortitude to try the Feathers and BICs.

 

[dmshaver]

One day, I'll have enough intestinal fortitude to try the Feathers and BICs.

Send me your address & I’ll send you some Feathers & Bics.

 

[horizon]

I use all kinds of blades, but I prefer sharper ones. It will probably sound trite, but it's true, the sharpest are Kai and Feather. I often see Nacets also categorized as sharp, but I don't think so. I'm probably one of the few who doesn't like Nacet. They don't work well for me, I feel pulling, not enough aggression and too short endurance.

 

[SalS]

With the precision of a Henson, the slickness of JBBL, Feathers are an absolute dream.

 

[Saloogie]

When I first started DE shaving, I figured the sharper the blade the better right? ()So of course I went with Feathers. BIG MISTAKE! It was so bad, they almost made me give up on DE shaving.

I've since gone to Treet Platinum and Trig's, which are both somewhere in the middle of the sharpness scale. They are safe, comfortable and reasonably efficient for me. I still have a bunch of Feathers, but I haven't touched them since those early days. They psyched me out and got into my head. They own me!

Someday, I'll get up the nerve and give em a shot again.

 

[Dodger59]

I avoided Feather blades for quite a while. However, once I started using them, I have found them to be a favorite, along with many of the PPI blades and Kai's. The only issue with the Feathers is that they are only good for 1 shave for me. Actually, it would be 2 shaves since I mostly use them 1/2 blade at a time. A very slick cream helps for me as well.

 

[mjacobs2036]

I use all kinds of blades, but I prefer sharper ones. It will probably sound trite, but it's true, the sharpest are Kai and Feather. I often see Nacets also categorized as sharp, but I don't think so. I'm probably one of the few who doesn't like Nacet. They don't work well for me, I feel pulling, not enough aggression and too short endurance.

I am with you on the Nacets. I wanted to like them but for whatever reason they don't agree with me!

 

[PALORAZOR]

I'm mainly a straight razor shaver, so none of them feel too sharp to me.... But I really like the Derby Extra Professional in something like a Merkur Slant for a very smooth and easy shave. I just set my son up, who is a beginning safety razor shaver, with a Merkur 34c and a box of Derby blades.

 

[Captain Howdy]

I never understood why people think Feathers are tricky. Easiest blade to shave with.

Agreed, I don't find them any more difficult or demanding than any other blade. They're a very decent blade, in any case, although I sometimes question their seemingly undisputed "sharpest blade" title. Like, are people just telling people that because that's what they've always been told/read online?

 

[Captain Howdy]

I am with you on the Nacets. I wanted to like them but for whatever reason they don't agree with me!

I had similar experiences with Voshkods and Astra SP.

 

[SalS]

Agreed, I don't find them any more difficult or demanding than any other blade. They're a very decent blade, in any case, although I sometimes question their seemingly undisputed "sharpest blade" title. Like, are people just telling people that because that's what they've always been told/read online?

I guess it circulates and becomes the truth eventually. I think with blades most is just made up anyway.

 

[MNSunny]

I will only use Feathers in a Slim/Fatboy at 1.

 

[JoWolf]

Agreed, I don't find them any more difficult or demanding than any other blade. They're a very decent blade, in any case, although I sometimes question their seemingly undisputed "sharpest blade" title. Like, are people just telling people that because that's what they've always been told/read online?

sometimes question their seemingly undisputed "sharpest blade" title. Like, are people just telling people that because that's what they've always been told/read online?

No not at all. There have been mechanical tests performed on many blades. There are categories of sharp, sharper and sharpest. Feathers have always been rated sharpest in these tests. Second runners up would be Nacets and Bic platinums. Shavers with their choice of razors, their experience and technique may not always distinguish the differences. In the end all blades are sharp.