What about a Feather SR for a newbie?

First, thanks to all for the excellent information in response to my earlier question. And, yes, you've convinced me -- going to take the SR plunge.

Anyway, here's the question for the group. If I want to try the SR experience but I don't want to put the time into learning honing and stropping and other blade maintenance, would I be missing anything if I bought that Feather SR with the replaceable blades? I mean, I've read about the Feather blades elsewhere, and they are supposed to be among the sharpest things you can buy. And it seems like you'd get most of the SR benefit (minus the pleasure or work of blade maintenance, of course) using the Feather.

So does this choice make sense, or is it better to wait until I have more time and stick with a real SR, strop and honing tools? Thanks!!

You have described exactly how I got started with straight razors. In addition, it wasn't just the time involved to learn, I also wanted to remove a few of the variables (stropping & honing) and get comfortable with using a straight razor. In my case, it worked out very well. I adjusted to the Feather with no problems and, with Lynn's help, moved on to conventional straights. I still use my Feather from time to time (in fact, I upgraded from the polymer handle to the teak handle).

For me the sharpness concerns about the Feather proved to be unfounded. If you have blemishes or scars they could cause you some problems, but otherwise I would recommend that you just dive in and give it a try. There is a ton of information here on the forum about sucessfully using a Feather. There is also 2 tons of conjecture from guys who have never used one so you will have sort out the good from the not so good advice.

Good luck, and welcome to SRP.

I have a feather Japanese straight and yes they are SCARY sharp!!! I have three regular straight all have been honed by a pro and they are not even near the feather! That being said the traditional straights do shave much smoother. The feather is awesome but must use a fairly flat angle and NO pressure, with a new blade you can get a pretty good cut just presenting it to your face. As they dull a bit by about the third shave they are a cadilac! But after a few more shaves you have to start all over with the tiny nicks and being super carefull with a new blade. I just ordered the super pro blades which I hope will be a bit more forgiving.
I don't regret my feather purchase but as a first razor I think I would have cut my face off! You almost need straight experience to use one well. Hope this helps!

You could try a Mr. C it is a shavette sorta. It takes Personna injector baldes but has the same weight as a str8. It also costs about $30 instead of $100.

And Welcome.

brokeup

+1 on the flat angle and low pressure.

BTW, I really like the SuperPro blades. They seem smoother than the Pros IMO. Can't stand the Pro Guards.

I just recieved my super pro blades today! Will post tomorrow.

IMHO having finally tried some Feathers and some diferent blades in the Feathers (TY Don & Logistics) They are not the same experience as a straight razor... The biggest difference is the angle, a straight razor allows you to adjust the angle, a Feather is pretty limiting in that respect, the other diference is the use of the blade.. A straight razor allows you to use the toe, middle, and heel of the blade, much, much, more than a Feather does... It is a good shaver but it is not a Straight...

Just tried the super pro blades, much more forgiving in the feather!