Thread: 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.

Originally Posted by Justus

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

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?

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.

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.