Thread: Which is sharper?

Originally Posted by ravkesef

This thread scared me off the feather, but lacking the skills to take proper care of a real blade, does that mean I'm out of the running? (and don't try and flatter me and tell me that I'll learn--there are some things I know are beyond me.)Eric

The Feather AC has to be one of the most feared shaving instruments available. I think this is somewhat unfounded. Yes, it's very sharp. So is a shave ready straight. It is unforgiving of sloppy technique and facial imperfections (ie: blemishes, etc). That said, it's not that much more extreme in these areas than a shave ready conventional straight.

Bear in mind that this is an internet forum populated by guys on the fringe of the wet shaving world (which is already a fringe group. How many guys do you know that even use a DE?). We discuss the huge difference between an edge refined with CrOx after polishing on a Nakayama vs diamond spray. What? All I wanted was a better shave?! My point is that to us, small differences are large. We are in pursuit of the unattainable and it makes us very fussy and particular. Or maybe we do this because we are fussy and particular?

When I started with straights I was thinking just what you are now. I didn't want to fool around honing and stropping, I just wanted to try a straight. It is, after all, the ultimate shaving tool for most people that actually think about such things (shavegeeks, I believe we are called). I had read on Cory Greenberg's blog all about the feared Feather AC...a sure way to slice off parts of your face. I was concerned, but tried it anyway. Guess what? It wasn't that bad. I got used to it pretty fast, in fact.

So, fear not. I say give it a try, and sorry for the overly long post.

BTW, I found out (soon after starting out) that I only live about 20 minutes away from Lynn which helped me get over my concerns about honing and stropping, but didn't do my checking account any favors.

thanks bill, that was really helpful. Maybe that's the way to start, and then, when I feel confident enough, I can switch to a real STR8. And you're right about the fringe group--I shave with a DE, I'm pretty good with it, and I've been wet shaving since 1963. I always look forward to my next shave, and seldom experience any irritation at all. You're right, speed is not the answer, because if I wanted to shave in a hurry, I could smear some goop on my face, grab a cartridge razor, and be done in less than a minute. Maybe there's hope for a klutz like me.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Not at all. The feather AC is easily tamed with a wine cork. Put the Super Pro blade in the holder, and drag it lightly across a wine cork 6-8 times, and this will strop off some of the teflon and dull the blade slightly, leaving it shaving about like a well-honed straight. The blade won't last as long like this, about 6-7 shaves, but they will be good dependable shaves.

The other alternative is the Feather Pro Guard blade. I went from DE shaving to the Pro Guard without a hitch. You will very like do so, too. As I got used to using the Feather AC, I went to Pro Super.

Originally Posted by JimR

How do you know they were feather blades?

That's what the barber said and he pulled it from a Feather box on the counter. So, maybe they were derbys.

=)