Thread: Using a feather artist club with super blades. I now want a true straight. Help

Hi there,
Ive been using a feather artist club with super blades for about a year now and love it. I got it because the thought of maintaining a blade was a bit daunting however I now think its about time I went the whole hog and got myself a real straight. I had some great advice from you all before I bought my feather so hear goes again, which should I buy?
I know it's a question of taste and there's many to choose from but don't want to get ripped off spending more than I have to. HELP

You will find that the regular straight, honed by an expert is going to be a similar experience. Out classifieds have quite a few for a fair price. Look up the thread strop threads here. A strop is as important as the razor!
Now, having said that...for the sake of you ear lobes, go slowly with the new, longer, cutting edge!
And...Have fun!
~Richard

Thanks geezer, I'll have a look now

+1 on all of Geezer's comments.
I've used Feathers, Kai's & CJBs and they have a place, especially if you travel or have limited space for all that "other stuff".
But if I have a choice it is always a conventional Straight Razor that I reach for.
You did not say if you are using a RG, SS or DX - but I would suggest you look for a 6/8 Round point razor to start - for me the closest to the wight/balance of a Feather.
If you use a Super blade you will have the technique down already, but as Geezer mentions you need to get used to the start and stop of the new to you edge.

I find what I give up in pure sharpness and ease of maintenance with the Feather I make up for in comfort and forgiveness in a conventional straight.
Take advantage of the reference material on getting started for your edge maintenance issues.
The Classifieds or one of the vendors we often send people to like SRD. And some of our members that provide honing also sell razors.
If you can find a mentor in your area an hour with one of them will save you many hours in your learning curve. You understand the hard part (the shaving thing) you should pick up the rest quickly.

Obie has an excellent post on getting started this month Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: December 2014

Smooth shaving...

I also shave occasionally with my Feather Artisan Club Razor. I get fantastic BBS shaves. You will soon discover it's impossible to get a S.R. edge as sharp as a machined sharpened artisan club blade. Don't be disappointed, the beauty of a straight razor and acquiring the skills to shave, hone, and maintain your own blade is a very rewarding experience.

Thanks mjc, I use a DX at the moment. I'm trying to find a mentor as we speak. Cheers.

Thanks for your reply

Originally Posted by shavingrash

Thanks mjc, I use a DX at the moment. I'm trying to find a mentor as we speak. Cheers.

For me the DX Folding is the closest to the balance of a "conventional" straight as any of the Feather type.
The tang shape and size is much closer to that of a jimped razor, unlike the narrower and smoother tang of the SS for instance.

If you are thinking new, the Ralf Aust in 6/8 (or 7/8 - what I have to compare) might be a frame of reference as to weight and balance.