Thread: For Feather Artist Razor Owners READ!

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Being an occasional user of a feather, and having learned to shave with one before a real straight, I have to say, that grinding a feather holder just so you can use it properly is taking things to the extreme. If you learn how to use a feather correctly, you'll find you can get a damn near perfect shave every time and it will always be cut/nick free. *Damn near being, its just not the same as shaving with a real straight.
The razor flat against your face idea is also a bit of a myth as I have discovered during the times I have used a feather. Yes it helps prevent you cutting yourself, but doesn't shave as well.

IMO grinding a razor so you can use it properly, is the same as pureeing your meals before consumption so you don't have to put any effort into chewing your food.

Hey, thats great that you like the way that it is, different strokes for sure. I have a different experience with it though. I actually get a much closer shave with it flat against my face. Flat against my face for the first pass and the majority of the shave, but then of course on the second pass is where some creativity is required. For now I am not going to get mine ground, but I may do that later after I see if there is really a need for it. It is mostly going to end up a travel/no time for strop type blade. Faces are different, and mine has moles and weird growth patterns for the hairs and all kinds of stuff that make me constantly have to shift styles. I don't believe that Tim suggested grinding it for using it properly however, as I am sure that Tim is probably better at shaving technique then most people. It IS a 32 degree angle, which IS extreme. The reason that I put this here is because I think that A LOT of people start with the Feather, and when you go from a Feather to a "real" blade there is a major difference. I have already stated on other threads that I felt that the Feather is excellent prep for a straight, as I have no doubt most easily moved from that to my Livi and Dovo blades. When you watch the videos as a newbie, you see that most people are choosing their own angles because of the grinds of the blades. You get a Feather and try that and you kill yourself, just as some have already attested. I also feel that the less angle that you have on the blade, the more finesse you have, so I would actually argue the opposite than you. A "newbie" would have a better time with a non ground blade, as they would not have to account for angle whatsoever. It is when you master the other blades that you figure out how to change angles. So grinding is not for newbies I don't think, at least not until you ave become comfortable with the feather as is. It would be worth having a video on shaving with the Feather for new people I think.

One more thing, Tim also mentioned that in the store you can get the disposable safeties and cut them to fit the Feather. If that is something you want to do.