I've never used a feather so I can't comment on them other to say that basically your shaving with a big razor blade. That doesn't seem veery inviting to me.

As far as brands and types of straights go as X-man said any quality razor with silver steel or swedish steel made in Germany, England, U.S, Sweden, France and Spain will probably fill the bill. The lessor TI's are not the cats meow in razors but will give you a quality shave.