Thread: Need some advice

Hi,
I have done a search and read all the threads and posts related to the Feather but I guess I need a bit if encouragement after reading another shaving blog where the author suggests one must have a death wish if they use the Feather blades.

I guess I should have come around here first, but thought the Feather system might be a good way to start (no honing, etc) especially with the guard blades.

I use a brush and high quality soaps and get good shaves from a Fusion and double edge razors. Just wanting to move on to a straight.

I guess a bit of trepidation comes with the territory. For those of you that have used them, will the guarded Feather blades offer a degree of protection that a newbie could benefit from or am I still taking a big risk?

Heya, BigHat!

Fellow newb here... Just wanted to say that honestly, I don't think there's much risk in using a straight. I've done all of three straight shaves, and have left myself far less bloody than I normally do with a DE or fusion.

I think there's alot of confusion between "it's difficult and dangerous", and what I really think it is: "you have to pay more attention." Well, paying attention isn't difficult and dangerous. You just have to pay attention. Without going into a huge diatribe, it just seems like we're all so used to doing things on autopilot without paying attention; hell, we even talk and/or text message on our phones while we're driving! Now that's *really* not paying attention! Anyway, as long as you don't try to talk on your cell phone and/or text message while using a straight (i.e., you're paying attention ) it absolutely is not dangerous.

+1 with Bighat. The blade will feel different in your hand and against your face with the straight as compared to the feather. I went directly from a safety razor to the straight razor. The key was patience and taking my time. I purchased a copy of Lynn's CD and found it to be one of the best $20 investments I made. I am not normally known for my patience, but am glad I used a good healthy portion of it. I started with just the area between my sideburns and jawlines, and only WTG. I finished with my safety for the time being. After I got comfortable with manipulating the blade (positions and angles) and the feeling of it against my face I moved on to other areas and XG. Finally I have added ATG. I still have some small areas to work on. But I am starting to get that BBS that we strive for.

Personally, I didn't understand the need to add the feather as an in between step. But to each his own. If you think it will help you, go for it. You are the one to be happy.

Thanks guys. I guess I should have made the leap to a regular SR but really don't think I'm up for the honing and stropping yet. Maybe later.

+1 Old School! I purchased one of his 5/8 round points. It really is a great razor. You normally can't go wrong with one purchased from the classifieds. You may eventually want to get hones. But that should be down the road. Your basic needs to start with are:

1. Shave ready razor (5/8 or 6/8 round point to save your ears and nose)
2. Hanging strop (but there is nothing wrong with a paddle strop either)
3. Soap/cream (personal choice)
4. Brush

You can get a starter kit from Kenrup (a member here) that has a good razor and strop. Check the Vendors Corner forum. If you buy a razor from the classifieds you will be getting a good razor at a reasonable price. Those selling them have reputations to keep. So you will get a good quality razor (shave ready" is indicated in the ad).

I mentioned it above, but Lynn's CD is a great investment. In it he will walk you through the basics of stropping, face preparation, lathering, honing, restoration, and yes, even shaving. It's over 3 hours long and packed with a lot of material to get you started.

I really appreciate you of weighing in with good suggestions. I should have purchased some of the other Feather blades I guess. I'll also take a look at some shave ready SRs in the specs you all suggested.

Again, thanks for sharing the scoop guys.

Matt