Need help with a Feather RG

Hello all,
I need some advice regarding my Feather RG. My situation is this: I moved to the Philippines on a 12-month employment assignment back in June, 2010. Prior to this, I was a daily user of straight razors. However, I was concerned about traveling so far with my straight collection. I kept envisioning them being lost or damaged in transit, so I oiled them up and put them in storage for the year. I bought a Feather RG and several different types of Feather blades to fit it. It seemed like a logical move...no strop, no stones, and only one razor. If something happened to it during the year, I would not be all that heart-broken like I would with my straights. I thought I would become accustomed to the razor and maybe even learn to love it. Over the past five months, I have become accustomed to the different technique needed to shave with the Feather (so much so that I worry about my technique with a real straight once I return to the U.S.). However, the blades are incredibly sharp, and I continue to have much more irritation than I ever did with a real straight. I was wondering if anyone has come up with other blade options or tips to keep irritation to a minimum when using the Feather RG. I have seen people modify the Feather blades for use in the old Schick Injectors. Does anyone know whether it can go the other way (use the Schick Injector blades in the Feather RG)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I caught myself looking at the cartridge display at my local drugstore today...I'm getting desperate! :gaah:

I have found that the Feather blades become easier to use after a couple of shaves, but it sounds like you have already passed that point. When I have had harshness or irritation problems with a Feather it's because I have used to much pressure.

When I use my Feather my grip on the razor is very light. In fact, the razor is kind of loose in my hand. This prevents me from using anything other than the lightest amount of pressure and yields a very good shave without irritation.

Another thing to look at is your blade angle. I use a pretty flat angle with good results.

Good luck with the Feather.

Bill,
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking I had finally had the hang of using the Feather, but maybe I just need to refine my technique a bit more... I'll keep playing around with my angle and grip and post updates if things change. Thanks again!

-David

I've only ever used the Pro Guard blades with my Feather with good success. Bill S is right about the angle and the light grip. I also use a flat angle & I take my time. The moment I realize I'm going too fast is about the time I end up with a weeper.
I'm still working on angle and technique around the upper lip and chin area.
Of the different razors I've tried, the Feather gives me the closest and smoothest shave. Good luck with the Feather.

I've got a Feather AC in the mail so I haven't actually experienced one yet. I know that some people that found some of the DE blades too sharp used to cork them before using them. They used to run the edge through a cork a couple of time to just take away a little of the sharpness.

I used a feather RG for a couple of month and had the same problems with skin irritation. The blades become a bit duller(?) after 3 shaves. I tried several different types of blades (professional, proguard,super blade, light blade) and all of them where too sharp for me. That's why a stopped using it and changed to straight razors completely.
The only advice I can give you is keep a low angle to your skin (spine almost touching the skin) and use a very light stroke (which is not easy because of the weight of the razor). Some users are dulling the blades cutting into a cork stopper before using them the first time.

Hello, droach:

The Feather is extremely sharp. It also shaves differently from the regular straight razor.

I have the Feather Artist Club and love it. On trips the Feather is the back up razor to a pair of regular 4/8" straights.

The Feather requires far less pressure than the regular straight — not that I put any pressure on the regular straight — and fewer stroke on the same spot. You have to be especially mindful of these points.

When you return to the regular straight, I expect you'll adjust, probably, after no than two shaves.

Regards,
Obie