Quote Originally Posted by Tierdaen View Post
I have some doubt that I'll be able to do with a standard straight what I can do with a Feather. I think I can get close enough that it's not particularly worth complaining about, but the Feather will probably always win when used with equal mastery. I can fall out of practice with either and end up with mediocre shaves. Adjusting to a kamisori has reminded me that technique can be an issue even with a lot of experience with other razors.

Though not everyone promotes it, there is a fairly popular double standard when it comes to razors. If it's a disposable, it's fine to blame the razor for a less-than-optimal shave. If it's a properly-honed straight, then blame is generally placed on the user.

Good shaves can be had from traditional straights. They'll require some adapting of technique as they don't cut the same way as Feather blades. You should be able to get pretty comparable results, but it might take work to get there. If you like the straight razor because of romance or nostalgia and a connection to tradition, then don't give up on it because you're getting superior results with a disposable. Just keep at it and give it the time and practice needed to approach the quality of a good Feather shave.
I don't agree with you at all. With a feather type you know the blade is as sharp as possible (it's really a big razor blade) so if you don't get a good shave it's not the razor it has to be your technique. With a straight there are a variety of reasons you are not getting a great shave and the razor is the first thing we ask folks to check to make sure it is proper sharp and your stropping isn't damaging the edge. After that technique comes into play as a big factor. Prep and all that are way more minor issues.

So there is no double standard. If it seems like we treat one differently it's because they are different and de facto differences are just the way it is.

It's a trade off. The convenience of having a perfect edge all the time and no stropping or honing vs a much more unforgiving blade. Some would see it as a plus and some (mostly straight users) would see it as a liability.