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  1. #21
    Junior Honemeister Mike_ratliff's Avatar
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    Buy a straight razor
    This has been a nonsubliminal message.

    Factory sharpened blades are super sharp, more flexible, and very unforgiving.
    My suggestion would be to try a thicker ground straight and have it honed by a pro.
    I'm not going to make any recommendations here, (I can tell you what I'd like you to buy... ) you need to shop around, and find the right blade for you. I will suggest a half hollow or wedge as a starter, they tend to work better for beginners, and I just like the smoother feel I get from them. Again this is a personal choice, and only you can decide what blade is the best for you.

    also look at the lather threads, adding just a little aloe or glycerine to your soap or cream can make a world of difference.

    and above all else, relax. this should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, not a chore.

  2. #22
    Senior Member zenshaver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kaptain_zero View Post
    Just a couple of points, in the land of the Feather, the Pro blade and Pro Guard blade are the same, with the latter simply having the wire guard over the edge. The Pro Super is an entirely different beast, it's edge geometry is different which results in more comfortable shaves when you get the hang of how they shave.

    Life span for a Pro blade, guarded or not is about 1 weeks worth of shaving, for me that meant 5-6 shaves and then it falls apart. For the first three shaves it's wickedly sharp and unforgiving of sloppy technique, there is NO margin for errors.

    Life span of the Pro Super blades is double that of the Pro and for me it was 2 solid weeks of shaving per blade. The first two shaves demanded close attention to technique and then it sort of mellows out until by the end of 2 weeks when it starts to pull like a traditional straight. The triple bevel on the Pro Super can give you incredible control once you get the feel for it, you can shave right over top of yesterdays nick by just dropping the spine slightly closer to your face as you skim over it and it feels like you shaved close as always but you don't catch on the nick. I highly recommend the Pro Super blades for the Feather AC.

    The harshness of the Feather is most often caused by improper technique, either too much pressure or too steep an angle or stretching the skin too much. I can slackskin shave with my Feather, no stretching at all other than just tilting the head, this way and that... I'm in my 50s so there's a bit of loose skin around! For the record, I cannot slackskin shave with my traditional straights, they demand some very slight stretching. The Feather, once mastered can give incredibly comfortable shaves, but you *must* master it and that does not come as easy as it does for traditional straights.

    As for shaving prep, this is all important and I'd suggest a quality cream rather than soap as you learn the ropes with the Feather... Good creams tend to have a bit more cushion and makes shaving with such sharp blades a bit more manageable, soaps can be close cutting with less cushion but more glide. Taylor of Old Bond Street has a nice selection of scents, they are rather inexpensive and when lathered up properly (lather should be more like a Mime's face paint rather than a fluffy meringue). Other brands are equally efficient but I thought I'd mention one of the lower cost products with a wide range of flavors.

    Regards

    Christian
    Ya, I tried a super pro last night and it is a lot different. I love it. I also tried using some shaving gel (miessence shaving gel) I have had under the sink and never used and WOW. Now, I am getting a much better shave and there is no irritation. Finally, I am not getting discouraged. It is a good thing I got some super pros too. I was afraid the super pro's would really tear up my face but they are the opposite of the pro's. They are actually a lot easier to use than the pro's. Go figure.
    Last edited by zenshaver; 06-21-2008 at 10:14 AM.

  3. #23
    Senior Member Navaja's Avatar
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    Where do you buy your Freather AC blades from? I'm considering buying an AC but I'm concerned with the blades not being readily available.
    Thank you

  4. #24
    Senior Member zenshaver's Avatar
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    I purchased my blades from member TstebinsB over at B and B.He hangs around here too.
    Last edited by zenshaver; 06-21-2008 at 11:51 AM.

  5. #25
    Senior Member zenshaver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bbqncigars View Post
    I've got one of the non-folding Feathers as well. It makes for a nice change of pace, but the shave will stubble out sooner than one of my regular str8s. If you can get a decent shave with a Feather, you can get a great shave with a properly keen regular str8. The main difference is the lack of feedback on the Feather. A regular blade will be easier to get the angle/pressure just right w/o blood. Just my ¢2 worth.

    Wayne
    I am intigued with an iwasaki so I figured the feather would introduce me to what one of those is like. Unfortunately, I am left handed so I need to learn to use my right in order to really use an iwasaki. So, the feather will be around for a while if not for anything else but to learn how to use my right hand japanese style.

    Now that I know to use the super pro blades things are going to improve and maybe someday I will be shaving with an iwasaki.

  6. #26
    ;>} Orgborn's Avatar
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    In my use of the Feather, the biggest improvement in comfort came with the use of shave oil. Specifically Shave Secret. For me it has been the Feather "tamer".

  7. #27
    Senior Member zenshaver's Avatar
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    The organic MIESSENCE shaving gel I purchased from australia seems to do a great job. It is very slick like an oil.

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