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

Howdy to all… I’ve recently decided to take the plunge from a safety razor (a Merkur Futur) to a straight rig. I figured since, based on all the research I had done, honing and stropping were the most time-consuming and difficult to master aspects of the straight razor experience, I’d try a Feather (one of the “Artist Club” series). I guess the idea of the precision interchangeable blade appealed to me from both a convenience and shave quality standpoint. Well, going on week # 3 with it, I’m sort of finding it to be very much as someone else in here described – “unforgiving”!

I mean, I haven’t taken an ear off or anything, in fact I’ve actually had relatively few minor nicks and cuts. It’s just that when you’re coming from the incident-free, relatively “boring” world of a safety razor shave, any amount of nicking, cutting or razor burn are kind of a drag… (Yeah, I know – quit whining and get to the point!) So here’s my point – while I feel like I’m getting the hang of the Feather, and there’s no question that it provides an amazingly close shave, I don’t really find my shaving experience as relaxing as it had been. I actually find myself kind of involuntarily tensing up a bit as I’m shaving now. Sort of defeats the purpose…

So my basic question is – if I were to try a traditional straight razor, and take the time to learn proper stropping (and eventually honing) technique, will it reduce the chance of minor cuts/irritation by virtue of its perhaps less than scary sharp blade? I find myself totally hooked on the closeness of shave that I get from the Feather, but I feel like – even if it’s mostly a psychological effect – using a blade maybe just a tad bit less sharp might help me get over the hump. Am I totally over-analyzing this or what?? ☺ My last question is – what’s a good “starter razor” for someone with an average beard, and probably slightly above average skin sensitivity? I’m looking at a couple Dovo set-ups on ClassicShaving.com. Is 5/8 a good size to start with (I have a goatee to trim around)?

Thanks for already being a great resource for this newbie!

It should. I tried the feather and gave up on it as well; I know what you mean about tensing up with the feather. If you hone your own, you can control the sharpness of your edges. With my straights, shaving feels more like wiping the lather off with a squeegee, it's a world of difference from the feather.

Took me awhile to get there, though.

I find that most people know the answer to all their questions in themselves. I think any properly honed razor will provide a good shave for sensitive skin. I suggest starting with a pre-honed razor, honed by someone who knows what he is doing. I personally don't think the Feather is the razor for you (and its not for me either) but I'll tell you now that a few will tell you to stick with it. You can sell it sometime in the future as three weeks isn't much time with the edge.

If you do get a razor from Classic (and any razor will be nice) just send it through the honing service.

Unforgiving is a good term. Once we get it through a few hard heads that there IS such a thing as too sharp, we will all enjoy shaving more.

Thanks - that's a great reply. It's always good to know that there are others who have been down the same path. And I certainly appreciate and realize that it will take time to develop my technique and become proficient in the maintenance and use of a straight razor. I actually just ordered a whole set from a guy on eBay (razor, paddle strop, brush, mug, soap, styptic...) - most of which I already have, but the razor looked like a much better starter. It's a 5/8 Dovo round point carbon steel (he hones it before shipping...). I think in time, once my technique is more consistent, maybe I'll be able to dust off the Feather and give it another go. But for now, I like the sound of your approach better. thx again...

If you bought from Heirphoto then you have a very good setup. He is a member here and his name is Tony Miller.

The next thing you should purchase is the new DVD made by the founder of this group, Lynn Abrams. Go to the Buy/Sell/Trade forum and get the ordering info from there.
It is, quite simply, the best video available on shaving with a straight razor. It will answer 95% of your questions.

Wecome to the group!

Randy - thanks for another great reply. (And to get sage advice from another 'Randy' - that's just a bonus!) Yes, it is Heirphoto from whom I purchased the set. I read his write-up on the package on eBay and checked out his site and knew right away it was totally legit. When I read the reference to SRP, I purchased with confidence. (Tony - if you're reading this - very well done on your eBay item description!) I'm really looking forward to my first shave with the Dovo. I have a feeling, with my skin type and still admittedly "JV" technique, it’s going to work out better for me. And I am going to purchase Lynn’s video as well. I’ve been voraciously consuming as much “research” material as I can to make for a good switchover. I also downloaded and read the great guide by Christopher Moss. I’ve also seen references to another video made by a master barber that details straight razor shaving technique – is that worth a perusal as well?

Was watching lynn's video last night. *very* well done; I wish it had been available when I started, though my RAD would have been even worse if that's possible.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Was watching lynn's video last night. *very* well done; I wish it had been available when I started, though my RAD would have been even worse if that's possible.

"RAD"...? "Razor Aquisition Disease"...? I'm only 3 weeks into it and I think I'm developing some symptoms of that already...!

Straight and DE shaving both have a whole slew of "Acquisition Disorder's".
RAD - Razor, SSAD - Shaving Soap, SCAD - Shaving Cream, SBAD - Shaving Brush, HAD - Hone (straight only), RBAD - Razor Blade (DE only).

Of these, SBAD is probably the most expensive one, though RAD and HAD can come close for straight shavers. There are only a few DE razors that get up there with straights (Gillette 195's and toggles are about it I think).

I have extremely sensitive skin. In fact I have skin condition for which I use medication every day. I've been a DE shaver for nearly 50 years, but I shave mostly with str8s now. I do have a Feather AC and a few DEs (including a Futur) in my rotation.

"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. You do.

So, I think it's great tha you're getting into str8 shaving. It offers a complete experience that no other razor can. But don't give up on the Feather. You may actually be a sharpness freak once you get comfortable with it , and you can'r beat its sharpness.

Also, for an incredible shaving experience put a Feather blade in that Futur. Start off with a low exposure until you get the feel of it. Use beard reduction, removing a little at a time (don't try to take everything at once) until you're left with a fine stubble for the last pass. This is the only pass you should cut to skin. And for this pass you should lighten your touch even more than you ever have before. It may take a while before you can work at a high enough exposure, but you'll be amazed at the shave. I'll put it up against anything. In any case it's a nice transition in your rotation.