Thread: Feather - probably not a great starter...

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

"More forgiving" is a matter of attitude. Long time str8 shavers have a problem with Feathers and DEs because they don't have the more delicate technique required for a DE.

And lots of guys that do have the "delicate technique" for DE use have problems with the feather. Depending on your face and beard, it may not be worth the blood, time and tears to master the feather in exchange for a slightly longer-lasting shave, especially if your beard grows fast enough that you're gonna have to shave the next day anyway.

Originally Posted by mparker762

And lots of guys that do have the "delicate technique" for DE use have problems with the feather. Depending on your face and beard, it may not be worth the blood, time and tears to master the feather in exchange for a slightly longer-lasting shave, especially if your beard grows fast enough that you're gonna have to shave the next day anyway.

The most enthusiastic responses I've seen to Feathers have come from long time veterans.

From your posts I've learned that you have a heavy beard and even a really sharp str8 doesn't work well for you. You could be good candidate for a Feather AC with a super pro blade, but that's about it. I wouldn't recommend a DE for a guy like you and definitely not a Feather blade, because the blades are so thin and tend to flex with a heavy beard. That's been know to cause irritation issues. I wouldn't consider your experience as typical by any means. A large (6/8+) str8 is the best razor for you.

Your experience is hardly typical, and I would caution newbies not to be discouraged by it. It's always worth trying something new.

Let me add that you'd want a substantial grind for that large blade. For heavy stubble I'd go with a 6/8+ wedge. A delicate grind would also have lots of flex.

Well, it’s seems I’ve touched off a bit of a philosophical debate here… That certainly wasn’t my intention, although I appreciate the great viewpoints and opinions of everyone putting in their 2c worth. That’s what’s so great about these forums – you get educated, informed opinions and experiences, expressed in a constructive manner. And a little healthy debate among friends is just that in my mind – healthy! Despite being new hereabouts, I already know I could easily sit down and shoot the sh_t for hours over a few beers with all you gents!

Anyway, in fairness to all opinions expressed or implied, I should point out that my original hypothesis – that a traditional str8 might be better suited to my skin type and experience level than a Feather – remains unproven. (Hopefully that will change within a couple days when I receive my new Dovo from Tony Miller!) There is no denying that the Feather provides an outstandingly close shave for me. I suspect I could also stick with it and get past the initial heebie-jeebies it gives me. And I have a feeling I’ll probably develop my technique with the Dovo (and perhaps other str8s), and maybe keep the Feather around as well. Because I also have a feeling that a traditional str8 probably won’t shave me quite as closely as the Feather. I’m OK with that, though. Gives me an excuse to shave more frequently…

I also must say that the more I read about the fine art of honing, stropping and generally maintaining a str8, the more intrigued I am about learning how to do it, and do it well. I have a steady hand, I’m reasonably patient, and the “artisan” quality of the process really appeals to me. (Translation – my next batch of noob questions will pertain to honing practices… And yes I've already ordered Lynn's DVD!)

Anyway, many thanks again to all who have contributed to this thread – it has been really helpful for me.

Entropy,
Enjoyed talking to you Sunday (in the chatroom). From what you've mentioned about yourself, I think we'll be seeing a lot of you around here. Be prepared for all of the associated acquisition disorders...straights, brushes, creams, soaps, hones, strops ... it really never ends.

Anyway, take it easy and enjoy the process. Since taking up straight razor shaving, I look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, touching base with the gents here on the forum on a regular basis, and the relaxing repetitive process of honing all of my rescue razors...all the more enjoyable because I usually do this with a wee dram of scotch near by.

Cheers,
Ed

Entropy,

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum
and the insanely addictive world of straight
razor shaving.


Terry

Originally Posted by wvbias

Entropy,

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum
and the insanely addictive world of straight
razor shaving.


Terry

Thanks much Terry! I've certainly been made to feel most welcome here, and for that I am in turn most appreciative.

And I can assure that I am also well on my way to developing a number of Acquisition Disorders already!

Cheers,
Randy

I'm not sure this has been mentioned already, and please forgive me if it has (I'm a bit tired and lazy tonight to read through the past 4 pages of replies...). One thing you have to realize with the Feather Razor is that the blade are VERY sharp. And that you might find that there is a LOT of razor burn after you use it....the reason beeing you are adding too much pressure when you shave and are removing a few layers of skin (aka, the burn). When I first tried one of these I was a little disappointed with the 'burn' but then held off on using it like a saftey razor, etc. Use minimal weight (just enough to bring down the razor), and you should have a baby smooth shave with little to no burn!.

The same applies to a 'regular' straight razor when you have a sharp edge....

Good Luck!

C utz

Originally Posted by C utz

I'm not sure this has been mentioned already, and please forgive me if it has (I'm a bit tired and lazy tonight to read through the past 4 pages of replies...). One thing you have to realize with the Feather Razor is that the blade are VERY sharp. And that you might find that there is a LOT of razor burn after you use it....the reason beeing you are adding too much pressure when you shave and are removing a few layers of skin (aka, the burn). When I first tried one of these I was a little disappointed with the 'burn' but then held off on using it like a saftey razor, etc. Use minimal weight (just enough to bring down the razor), and you should have a baby smooth shave with little to no burn!.

The same applies to a 'regular' straight razor when you have a sharp edge....

Good Luck!

C utz

Hi Buddy! It might have been said before, but it sure is worth repeating. Some very experienced shavers have also had weepers when first trying Feathers. This is another sign of too much pressure.

If you've seen NO PRESSURE mentioned with respect to DEs, you need to multiply by 10 here. The Feather AC and DE blades require a new level of delicacy. Just remember that the first time you use it- just the weight of the razor will shave you so smoothly that you won't believe you've remove anything until you touch your face.

Also, and I suggest that you start by putting the blade flat against your face and raising the spine until you get cutting action. A flatter angle will avoid skin shaving as well.

I know everyone's situation is different and so please take this with as much salt as you want. I've been shaving with a feather for about six weeks now and when I return to a DE, I can not get as good of a shave as with the feather. So I am addicted to straight (feather) shaving. My problem has been not having enough pressure when I shave with the feather. The blade would glide along nicely until I hit a particuarlly tough patch of beard and then the blade would bounce causing nicks and burn. I have found that there has to be some pressure there to get the razor to work properly. So everytime I read about "no pressure," I wonder how much pressure in reality that means is applied to the blade as it is going through the shaving motion.

- Jeremy