How about a Feather razor for a newbie?

I'm new to the world of straight razors and I am considering purchasing a Feather Prebeau due to it's design for sensitive skin, which is what I have. I am prone to razor bumps whenever i use standard blades (Mach 3, etc...) and also don't get a close enough of a shave with the electric blades that i use now (Andis T-Outliner II). I mainly would be using the razor to shave my head and occassionaly my face.

I found a Fromm straight razor in a store the other day and was thinking about buying it, but then I came on here and read about the maintenance needed (honing, etc..) and I don't know if I'm ready for the time and finances needed for that kind of upkeep.

So, when I saw the Feather replaceable razor line on classicshaving.com, I was excited. But, I'm still not sure if it's a good fit for me.

What do you guys think?

My first straight was a Feather Artist Club, chosen for just the reason you pointed out. I didn't want to deal with honing, stropping etc. right off the bat. I had no problems shaving with it. The biggest criticism of the Feathers is that they are very sharp (not really a criticism, per se) and they are extremely unforgiving. That means that you must be super careful with your pressures and angles or you may end up with weepers or really thin out your skin. I don't think they are any more prone to accidental lateral cuts than a conventional straight, but they don't float over irregularities on the skin very well, so if you have scars, etc you may have a problem.

On the positive side, Feathers do not drag, they are always sharp (just change the blade once in a while) and they require no maintenance other than blade changes and an occasional rinsing out of the blade holder assy. There is also a ready market for used Feathers, although more so for the Artist Clubs than the Prebeau, so if you don't like it there will be no problem selling it.

All in all, I would say give it a try, but get the AC instead of the Prebeau. If you like shaving with a Feather you can be confident that you will like a conventional straight and may be willing to make the somewhat larger commitment to shaving with a true straight. Then the real fun starts.

Welcome to SRP!

Thanks for the great response, Bill. I don't have many scars, so I should be good in that department. I will definitely consider your suggestion of getting an AC rather than a Prebeau.

The only other question I would have is: Are there any suggested shaving creams/lotions to use along wtih Feathers?

I was thinking about using this stuff: http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/00053?expand=Closeup

But, I'm not sure if there might be anything that is recommended.

Lastly, what straight razor would be best for a noob if he does decided to go that route?

Thanks again.

I personally like the Feather AC also and use it as a part of my straight rotation. I would just use whatever cream or soap you really like with your razor. A little bit goes a really long way so I would not be too intimidated by price.
Lot's of folks have great new razors and used razors. I would highly recommend Tony Miller at the Well Shaved Gentleman. He has prehoned razors and and makes some nice strops. If you do not have some experience honing, I would recommend that you get it honed by a honemeister instead of trying to climb that learning curve too. Then you should read up and look at videos on stropping. You can destroy an edge on the strop and then you would think that the person honing your razor had not done a good job. In reality, it could have been your lack of skill with the strop. It's not hard... you just need to be a little careful.

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Originally Posted by Justus

I was thinking about using this stuff: http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/00053?expand=Closeup

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I must say that I have never heard of this stuff but it does not mean that it might not be good.
I would be more inclined to some of the products that you can find on www.classicshaving.com or www.bear-haven.com. I personally really Momma Bear's soaps. I have quite a few (30 or so) shaving creams and soaps and Momma Bear's Rosemary and Mint is the only product that I have completely finished and ordered another replacement.

As a long time user of the Feather AC, do go with an AC rather than the Prebeau. The AC can use several types of blades and can mimic the Prebeau by simply using the "Pro Guard" blades. They work well and would help with ingrown hairs to some extent as they will not allow you to shave as close as an unguarded blade. I found them frustrating actually, but mostly because I'd already gotten used to the other blades first. The Prebeau does not have the option of using other blades, only the guarded ones so it's resale value would be significantly less I would think.

The "Professional Super" blades would be the other logical choice for sensitive skin, they are not quite as sharp as the "Professional" but last twice as long and in skilled hands shave very close and yet allow you to skim over yesterdays nick without problems.... it becomes a matter of adjusting the shave angle which would come with time and practice.

There is no functional difference between the various AC models, only appearance and choice of materials. I had both and while the feel was slightly different due to the different weights, it was really minimal so pick the one that appeals to you, either by price or looks.

I don't use my AC much anymore, I have come to prefer the traditional straights as I enjoy the "ritual" of keeping them sharp and I do find they are a bit less harsh on the skin but tug more than the Feather. Some long time AC users have a bit of an adjustment problem when trying to switch to a traditional straight due to that tugging on the beard. A 2 week old Super Pro blade feels about the same as a freshly honed trad. straight.

As for the remaining shaving products, whatever works for you is fine... nothing special is required and if you have something you like now, it'll work fine with the Feather. Just make sure you do prep properly and get a good cushioned lather going and lastly use NO pressure during the shave... those Feathers are sharp!

Regards

Christian

If you learn with a feather you may experience transitional issues when going to a regular straight as nothing will feel sharp enough. It just takes a little time to get used to regular straights.

I think if I could go back, I would have started with a traditional one rather than a feather but thats just me.

As mentioned, NO pressure is needed with a feather.

As for soaps, you may want to check out, http://thegentlemansquarter.com, Colleen is a member here and her soaps... Unbeatable.

One good thing I learned with the disposable blade straights is the shaving technique. As it was indicated before, you may have some issues if you decide to switch over, but it won't be anything you can't get used to.
I have sensitive skin and did go through a little period in which my skin was red for like an hour after shaving, but your skin will get used to it.

What if wanted to start out with a DE? Just to get started? I was thinking that DE's would be much easier to find than straights or feathers. I HATE ordering stuff. I always end up chasing the UPS man down the street because he only knocked one time "very lightly" or he's leaving as I'm pulling up, etc... And, delivering stuff to my job is like a major no-no. I'm also still very afraid of aggravating my ingrown hair issue.

What do you guys think? Also, are there any stores where I can find DE's? I'm guessing places like Walmart and Target are out of the question, but what about Neiman Marcus or Saks or something like that?

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Originally Posted by Justus

I HATE ordering stuff. I always end up chasing the UPS man down the street because he only knocked one time "very lightly" or he's leaving as I'm pulling up, etc... And, delivering stuff to my job is like a major no-no.

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Just as an option, UPS Stores have mailboxes you can purchase. It is kind of like a Post Office Box but the UPS store will sign for packages. The cost is something like $6 a month in my area. Depending on what type of consumer you are, in the long run, you may save some money using a UPS Store box.

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Originally Posted by adickerson0

Just as an option, UPS Stores have mailboxes you can purchase. It is kind of like a Post Office Box but the UPS store will sign for packages. The cost is something like $6 a month in my area. Depending on what type of consumer you are, in the long run, you may save some money using a UPS Store box.

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Thank you for your suggestion, but I really feel that the whole "UPS box" thing is a hustle. I feel sometimes like the drivers "purposefully" do not want to deliver stuff.

I once ordered some items and paid the additional money to guarantee an early delivery and they still didn't deliver on time. I had let the receptionist at my job know that the UPS guy should be coming and, between 4-5, I kept calling her to see if he had shown. Nope.

I even kept checking their website to see if maybe they had attempted delivery. At like, 5:00, I checked their tracking system and it stated that they had attempted to deliver but they were unsuccessful. When I checke the front of the building, there was no notice, nothing.

So, I called them and made a complaint about this. I told them that I was travelling that day (which I was), and they said they would get it to me at the airport, if need be. I hung around at my job until 5:45 (my flight was like at 7) and then had to leave.

At like 6:15 I call them back to get the status of the delivery and they said it had been delivered to it's original destination. So, of course, at this point, that did me no good.

But, my question was: If the driver was unable to deliver the package before 5:00 p.m. (which is their policy for deliveries to business adresses), how was he able to do it after 5:00 when he would have had to go to the side door of the building and get one of the folks who work late to open the door? Which is in opposition to the fact that, if he had really tried to deliver the package before 5:00 p.m., he would have been able to just walk right in the front door and leave it with the receptionist?

I know I just went off on a tangent there, but, my point is: Why should I have to pay you an additional $6 a month to ensure the proper, timely delivery of items that I already paid you $10-30 for in shipping, insurance, etc...?

And let's not talk about times they've left packages at the door (didn't bother to get a signature or anything of that nature) of buildings across from mine because they didn't bother to read the apartment or building number correctly?

Mehn, forget UPS. Fedex isn't heaven, but they surely make UPS look like a lowly, inexperienced startup.

P.S.

My frustration is not directed at you, just UPS.

My first post on SRP! Hey, I read this thread 2 1/2 years ago and ordered my Feather using Professional Super blades. I've cut myself silly ever since, including two significant scars. However, I've finally gotten my hand to stop shaking and my mind focused. Much less blood. So, I've just ordered a Dovo Pakkawood Black Star and a Dovo Russian Leather strop. Read the tutorials. Getting a professional hone put on the razor. I think I'm finally ready. By the way, the blades on the Feather last five days at most if you have a heavy beard and do more than one pass.

I started out with disposables as well and ended up with a no name, Dovo Shavette, and a Feather. The first time you use the blade to shave, they are very sharp and unforgiven. The second time, a little more forgiving, and by the third shave, just right for me.

The no name was the big winner in that it was the best buy. The blade was thicker than the Shavette and Feather, so it didn't flex as much.

Using the disposable blades to learn how to straight shave is a nice way to try out straight shaving and while focusing on the shave. They always come in handy when you travel or just want to blow off stropping.

Enjoy!

Pabster

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Originally Posted by jimrobb

My first post on SRP! Hey, I read this thread 2 1/2 years ago and ordered my Feather using Professional Super blades. I've cut myself silly ever since, including two significant scars. However, I've finally gotten my hand to stop shaking and my mind focused. Much less blood. So, I've just ordered a Dovo Pakkawood Black Star and a Dovo Russian Leather strop. Read the tutorials. Getting a professional hone put on the razor. I think I'm finally ready. By the way, the blades on the Feather last five days at most if you have a heavy beard and do more than one pass.

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Hey, here's a followup. Four weeks of shaving with my DOVO Pakkawood, and not one cut. With the feather, over a two year period, I cut myself almost every single day. I do have some significant stropping issues--I'm working that out with a couple of experienced guys from SRP in my area. But if you love your skin, don't use disposable blades!

Glad to hear the positive experience of using a fixed straight. I enjoy keeping the straight razors "tuned" to give a great shave, but offering enough forgiveness to avoid uncalled for weepers.

Pabster

In the last week I have made about four shallow cuts on my face with the pakkawood. These are not weepers, but shallow cuts. Something is going wrong with my approach.

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Originally Posted by Pabster

Glad to hear the positive experience of using a fixed straight. I enjoy keeping the straight razors "tuned" to give a great shave, but offering enough forgiveness to avoid uncalled for weepers.

Pabster

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Starting out, I would get shallow cuts that looked like small straight scratches. I wasn't paying attention to the blade and it would very lightly touch my face at a 90 degree angle to the skin and that was all it took. So, a few of those and I wised up quickly about where that razor is at all times while shaving. Sometimes, the razor may not feel sharp when shaving, but it still is sharp enough to cut you.

Keep the pressure light, use short strokes and by the wiki and hopefully that will keep those type of cuts to a minimum.

Good Luck,

Pabster

hey guys.. sorry for the slow response time.. i use an artist club dx as my main shaver and love it.. i have a somewhat light beard and only do a single pass with some minor touchups along the jawline and around the edges of my mouth... i prefer the professional light blades and am trying to use up my professional blades right now.. i have 3 packs of them left.. so even with corking them.. i'll prolly use them till thankgiving or so..

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Originally Posted by Justus

I'm new to the world of straight razors and I am considering purchasing a Feather Prebeau...
...snip...
to shave my head and occassionaly my face.
...snip...

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Skull shaving -- since much of the skull would
be blind shaving I doubt that an open razor would
be ideal. Some folks do use them.

The Prebeau might be OK but for skull shaving I would
take the advice of other skull shavers (not me). For
blind shaving I would look at a nice DE razor. I know
that Feather also makes a DE blade is is top notch
and a DE can be a lot easier to use especially driving
almost blind.

That is exactly what has been happening to me. I have sort of set the blade down on my face at 90 degrees. Like black magic, a thin red line appears, and it takes a week to go away. Pabster, any way to shorten the healing process? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Pabster

Starting out, I would get shallow cuts that looked like small straight scratches. I wasn't paying attention to the blade and it would very lightly touch my face at a 90 degree angle to the skin and that was all it took. So, a few of those and I wised up quickly about where that razor is at all times while shaving. Sometimes, the razor may not feel sharp when shaving, but it still is sharp enough to cut you.

Keep the pressure light, use short strokes and by the wiki and hopefully that will keep those type of cuts to a minimum.

Good Luck,

Pabster

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Just my two cents....If you're going to use a feather,I would just go with a straight.As was stated earlier in this thread ,feathers are unforgiving(especially if your going to head shave with it) and IMHO are really not a good representation of a real straight.A straight will solve all of your razor bump issues.Call Straight razor designs..they can recommend an affordable package(shave kit)for you and help you out.Like most everyone else who comes here,once you get over the learning curve,you will love it.But a word of advice on the advice heh....be patient,read the wiki before jumping off half ****ed and ask advice from the vendors and stay away from E-Bay.If you don't know much about straight razors,you could end up buying a headache from there.And also,when buying a straight,you'll want a honemaster to make it shave ready.It only usually runs about 20.00.Most razors do not come shave ready from the factory and unless you know the vendor well,it should never be assumed to be shave ready.Once you make the initial investment you will have equipment for life as opposed to buying new blades.about the only thing you will buy is shave soap and more razors once you get hooked.We here call it RAD (Razor acquisitions disease). Welcome to SRP :)

The very shallow cuts from letting your straight razor touch your face accidentally tended to hear for me in 2-5 days. Good facial skin cream, good nutrition, vitamins, and care not to bother it all work in your favor to shorten the healing time.

Also, if I can remember correctly, I think I let my facial hair grow out for two to three days.

Good Luck,

Pabster

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Originally Posted by jimrobb

That is exactly what has been happening to me. I have sort of set the blade down on my face at 90 degrees. Like black magic, a thin red line appears, and it takes a week to go away. Pabster, any way to shorten the healing process? Thanks.

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The best trick is to apply a bit of triple antibiotic ointment
(like Neosporin). It does help....