Thread: Fear not the Feather AC...

Greetings everyone,

I want to take this opportunity to both introduce myself and offer some reflections upon my wet-shaving experiences to date.

As a little back ground, up until about a month ago, I had, like many of you, tried a vast array of shaving devices, gadgets, and accoutrements (cartridge razors of various sorts, a brief stint with an electric, various creams, gels, etc.). While I wasn’t necessarily dissatisfied with the quality of my shaves, I was unsatisfied with the process and the associated rising costs.

You see, I was yearning for the mythical “zen” of a morning ritual – something I could take pride in, something to offset the morning drudgery… I discovered this and the other forums, along with Mark’s videos and Michael’s blog, dedicated to the art of wet-shaving, and at once knew I had found that which I was seeking.

Over the course of the next month, I proceeded to purchase a modest collection of DE razors, blades, brushes, soaps and creams. I trepidatiously explored various combinations, all the while trying to discover the techniques that would work best for me. Following the veritable cornucopia of guides, hints, suggestions offered on this site, I was able to settle into a nearly wound-free routine.

Along my journey, I found I preferred the Merkur razors (Viz. HD and the “slant,” over the Merkur Progress, Vision, and Futur), and didn’t care for the various vintage Gillettes I had tried. I also discovered I prefer a “thicker and dryer” lather (esp. those provided by a quality soap), over the “slicker,” but generally thinner lather provided by creams (although, this is not meant to say these qualities are mutually exclusive, nor indicative of all soaps and/or creams). And finally, I learned I preferred smaller "stiffer" brushes over the larger more “luxurious” brushes (this is not to say I prefer lathering with steel-wool; but rather, do not have a preference for a “floppy” brush).

This is by no means to say there weren’t some moments of reservation and self-doubt. Like many, I did have my “false starts” (with all the nicks, cuts, rashes, burns, etc. to prove it), and nearly reverted to “the old ways” on more than one occasion. However, with anything new, there is always a certain amount of acclimatization. Furthermore, with anything truly worth pursuing, there is the necessary dedication that surely must follow. I was, after all, not looking for simply a pragmatic alternative to my former ways (if that were the case, why bother?); rather, I was looking for an entirely new paradigm.

In pursuit of the latter, I finally ventured into the world of straight razors (well, truth be told, almost. I purchased a slightly used Feather Artist Club DX). With this instrument, I believe I have finely found my “zen” (no pun intended). Heedful of all the warnings of it’s nearly mythical sharpness (yes, these cautions are well warranted), I – with unsteadied hand – set out on my first (near) straight razor shave. Perhaps, it was the healthy respect I had gained for feather blades (I frequently used them in my DEs), or maybe it was the plethora of cautions I had absorbed from reading the posts on this, and other, site(s), BUT, I lived to tell. Not only was this the closest shave I have EVER had, but it was – horror of all horrors – the MOST COMFORTABLE I had ever had. “How can this be?”, I asked myself; Wasn’t this supposed to be THE MOST FEARFUL razor on the planet? The one referred to “Scary Sharp?” Not only that, but, against cautions, I am NOT an experienced straight shaver. Well, it IS scary sharp – at least I WAS scared... However, I learned today, it is nothing to be truly “feared.” Yes, I DID nick myself (on the upper lip, trying to go against the grain), but that cleared up with a little styptic and a splash of cold water. But, as I’m living proof, if I can do it, ANYONE can.

So, what else have I learned for all this? Clearly, I have found what I have been seeking all along. Perhaps most importantly, I learned the humility that I – although much more pleased than previously – still have a lot to learn. However, it is not necessarily the end itself, but the means to the end that has proved this such an enjoyable journey.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have made this forum such an invaluable source of information. Since joining the forum, I have, on several occasions, felt not like I was joining yet another web-site, but rather a true community of fellow devotees. Without your support and guidance, I would never have been able to realize shaving dreams…

Sincerely,

Sean

Welcome`to the forum...a`great place with great members`offering lots of knowledge and information to help you enjoy your new hobby which will turn into an obsession...like many things in life as you gain knowledge and try different razors, your tastes will change...many of the members started out with a feather razor and not to take away from it, the shave cannot compare to that of a honed, stroped shave ready str8 razor for closeness and comfort...not to mention the enjoyment of collecting razors, learning the skills necessary to hone and strop your own razors...there are many choices available to the shaver novice or expert...razor grinds, blade size, balance and asthetics of the razor...strops paddles pastes shaving cremes soaps and different brushes...it goes on and on...enjoy what you have but buy a shave ready razor, a strop from one of the members on the forum read everthing you can in the newbies section, buy one of lynn's shaving dvd...half the fun is searching for the perfect shave! ask all the questions you want no question is too silly or stupid everyone has been there...we started the newbie section to help speed up the newbie learning curve so as to help the new shaver enjoy his new hobby and avoid some of the pain frustration and suffering that many of us went thru....I am one of the moderators of this forum but if you post a question many members will jump in to help answer your questions...charlie larman

Charlie,

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I will not lie to you, I am very interested in getting into "real" straights, at some point. Two things, however, keep me from doing so at this point: First, and most importantly, I feel I should stick with the Feather until I "perfect" my technique with it; being my first straight razor. Secondly, I am currently a Graduate Student, and I need any time/energy saving help I can get.

Admittedly, the "mystique" and "pride" of caring for an "old blade" does hold appeal, and will undoubtedly "snare" me at a future date - just not yet...

Thank you again,

Sean

Welcome aboard Sean. Even though my skin is a bit too sensitive for the AC, I respect the tool and it will serve you well.

Ilija,

Thank you for the welcome.

Ah, yes..."respect" is defiantly in order...wise words, indeed.
I'm certain I will eventually move into the world of "real" straights. In order to do it "right," I will want to be able to spend more time/energy than I can afford at this point in time. Regardless, I have already found this site extremely helpful, and I'm grateful for having all of your accumulated knowledge at my disposal during these early days of my journey.