Thread: Feather Artist differences DX or RG.

Since I started using the Feather "System" I've now acquired another type of AD..."FRAD"
And I don't have one of everything, but I do have:
DX Folding
SS Fixed and Folding
CJB Fixed
Captain Kai Excella Fixed.

My CJB Folding is on the way.

That leaves a big gap, the RG fixed and folding and the DX fixed to name a few.

But from what I have tried the DX folding does stand out. Better balance (IMHO, YMMV) - the shank is a big improvement over the SS folding (no jumps, small, wavy profile that can be hard to control - as always, YMMV) and the fit/finish is excellent.
The more conventional shank style of the DX Folding seems to improve the control/balance.

The SS Fixed on the other hand has a great grip/profile/balance and I would recommend it as a first choice for a fixed version of the System.

I'm told by those who have used both the RG and CJB fixed that they are similar, the fit and finish of the CJB can range from fair to "rustic".

With just a little practice - 2 or 3 shaves if you are used to the system, a little longer if you are new to Str8 shaving and any of them provide great results.

For travel and when you want/need to dispense with the Pre and post shave care of your beloved Straight(s) this is a great system as long as you mind the slight changes to conventional Str8 technique - ie dial down the pressure.

Good shaving Mates !

Originally Posted by MJC

Since I started using the Feather "System" I've now acquired another type of AD..."FRAD"
And I don't have one of everything, but I do have:
DX Folding
SS Fixed and Folding
CJB Fixed
Captain Kai Excella Fixed.

My CJB Folding is on the way.

That leaves a big gap, the RG fixed and folding and the DX fixed to name a few.

But from what I have tried the DX folding does stand out. Better balance (IMHO, YMMV) - the shank is a big improvement over the SS folding (no jumps, small, wavy profile that can be hard to control - as always, YMMV) and the fit/finish is excellent.
The more conventional shank style of the DX Folding seems to improve the control/balance.

The SS Fixed on the other hand has a great grip/profile/balance and I would recommend it as a first choice for a fixed version of the System.

I'm told by those who have used both the RG and CJB fixed that they are similar, the fit and finish of the CJB can range from fair to "rustic".

With just a little practice - 2 or 3 shaves if you are used to the system, a little longer if you are new to Str8 shaving and any of them provide great results.

For travel and when you want/need to dispense with the Pre and post shave care of your beloved Straight(s) this is a great system as long as you mind the slight changes to conventional Str8 technique - ie dial down the pressure.

Good shaving Mates !

Thank you so much for your insight MJC! I'm a newbie to straight razor shaving and looking to learn a lot here...

MJC: what is your take on the folding CJB?

Originally Posted by Galhatz

MJC: what is your take on the folding CJB?

Thanks for asking -

Since I don't have an RG Folding to compare it to (and we know that is a thought that costs money) I will stack it up against the folding Feather system razors that I do have.

Some Reference pics
top to bottom or left to right

Feather DX Folding, CJB Folding, Feather SS Folding



The cost comparison - using the SRD list price you get around $215 for the DX and $110 for the SS Folding - the CJB Folding was around $40 - (values for comparison only)

And its not fair to put the CJB head to head with the DX - All you have to do is pick it up and you notice the difference in weight (the DX is more like a heaver grind straight) coupled with the larger shank and more pronounced jimps. The Fit/Finish on the DX is impressive.

The SS and CJB weight and balance is very similar

I found the CJB tang/shank easier to manage than the SS - which is thiner and has this wave thing that is a harder fit for me (YMMV)

The SS Fit and finish is much better than the CJB, which has a bent metal once piece scale in keeping with the price point.

All three provide excellent shaves - you do have be be conscious of the slight differences when you switch between them. (I did find the DX to be an easier transition)

So you have three different price points - and the rest is up to you.

Sometimes I think that Shaving with a straight razor is like driving. If you have done it long enough, and with a wide enough variety you get to were you can drive (or shave) with anything, you just might not like it as much.

Yes, that 1952 Studebaker M35 6x6 and that 2007 Z06 both have manual transmissions...but there are some other "adjustments" that must be made.
But you can do it if you mind is in the right place...and they each have attributes that make them unique...
Need to get through 4' of water? Don't reach for the fob on that Z06...
Need to get from Fort Stockton to Sanderson in less than 25 minutes? (you can do this legally one day a year - Big Bend Open Road Race) The M35 would not be the ride of choice..
YMMV...

Here's to smooth shaving...

Thanks for the comparison. I think it is the only comparison on the web that compares the folding ss and cjb models.

I tried straight razor shaving a while ago but I messed up the edge on one razor due to my lousy stropping technique and decided to shelf it until I get more time.
I was considering getting the Feather SS for a while. There is a guy on B&B that every now and then offers CJBs and I jumped on the last batch, got a folding with a pack of dorco blades for $31.
It arrived yesterday, but I have yet to shave with it... well... yet to shave at all a I am recovering from leg surgery and I have to be in bed elevated with nothing to do beyond going through shaving forums

So it sits next to me here, looking at me. I was wondering if I were missing something by not going for the Feather SS but from your comparison, it seems that they are comparable and if I want something better I need to shoot for the DX, only time would tell if they foray will be successful.

About the CJB finish. The scales are as basic as can be but they don't throw it off balance, the blade holder looks nice enough. My other razors are a basic Dovo and a TI with the heavy metal scales sold at AOS. Now those metal scales made it very difficult for me as a newbie to hold it properly.

I've used the same source at B&B for CJB/Dorco - he has become the "Whipped Dog" of the Feather type razor.

And it cannot be said too many times - dial down the pressure and angle when you get started. If you use the same pressure/angle as a "regular" straight shave you will end up with at least some weepers and a touch of razor burn.

For me the Dorco "settles down" after 2-3 shaves - and it may be that I just get used to it.

Wishing you a speedy recovery so you can give us an update....

Even though the DX is lighter than the RG, it's still about the same weight as most full hollow 6/8 vintage straight razors, I use both and it's a refreshing change of pace to use the DX on occasion, I'll leave you with some stat's on a few razors I own so you may compare them to the Feather RG and DX.

Jamie.

Feather DX including the blade 53g
Vintage Japanese Fon Golden star 13/16 full hollow 51g
Vintage Japanese Orion Kikuboshi 13/16 half hollow 46g
Vintage Japanese "G' TOWA T" 7/8 full hollow 47g
Vintage Japanese Tamahagane Dragon God 13/16 Kamisori grind 49g
Vintage Japanese Gold Rex 13/16 full hollow 80g
Vintage Filarmonica especial Monserrat Pau 8/8 full hollow 64g
Vintage Sheffield 3000 special 6/8 full hollow 55g
Vintage Swedish Heljestrand Le Duc 13/16 quarter hollow 51g
Vintage German dubl Duck Goldedge 6/8 full hollow 38g
Vintage Max Otte German 5/8 extra hollow 31g

A note from Will about the post above and we have decided to collaborate on the Fixed/Non Folding version.
Between the two of us we have what would probably be the five most common versions in use.

Mine are the Kai Captain Excelia, the Feather SS and the CJB




Note that the handle style between the three differs a bit.
The CJB most closely follows the RG and DX in profile - the material has a different feel/texture.

Use any of them a few days in a row and you get used to them.
I have noted that the Kai is "Handle Heavy" and the SS & CJB is more "Head Heavy" to me. (YMMV)
And that seemed to be the biggest adjustment to make when you switch.