Thoughts on the Feather SS D-2 razor

Gentlemen:

somethings in life draw us like a magnetic. Some even become an obsession. Kim Novak for me, for instance — but don't get me started on that.

Then there is the Feather stainless steel double edge razor. Oh yes, I am drawn to that razor like a magnet. I Think I went through four SS D-1 models, in the end giving up on the razor, because it failed to give me an acceptable shave.

Now, I am not neurotic about getting that perfect shave, especially on the neck, with the DE or the straight razor. A comfortable shave is more important to me than a crystal smooth shave. The D-1 was just impossible despite all my effort in experimenting and improvising with angles, blades, and so on.

I saw hope in the D-2 version and spent a fortune on one with the stand. The shave was good, comfortable, and the razor and stand looked quite handsome in the shave den. It also had the same impeccable workmanship as the D-1. The balance was ideal, the length of the razor, the feel of it, from the finish to the knurling on the handle, and I like a shave head that encloses the entire blade. Exposed blade tabs, especially those on the Gillettes, have never made sense to me.

I must note that thus far no stainless steel DE razor matches the Weber for its shave — for me. The Weber with Personna "red packs." The Weber would dazzle if the finish and texture were a bit smoother, like that on the Feather. Still, it is a well made razor and well worth the price.

I have a tough and unruly beard and an extremely sensitive skin. That's why I had to let go of all my aggressive razors, including the open combs that were crowned with a beautiful 7-day set of Joris. The Weber, the Edwin Jagger and the Muhle razors — since both have similar shave heads — are ideal for me. And now Feather D-2.

The Feather D-2 proved far superior to the D-1 in my shave. A far more comfortable shave, at that. The D-1 frustrated me; the D-2 pampered me. Yet I sold my D-2 along with the stand. I am not sure why except that I rarely used it, or my other DE razors, since I shave mostly with the straight razor. It did not take me long to regret having sold it, although it went to a gentleman member here, who deserves nothing but the best.

Yet here I am again with the Feather SS D-2. I bought one this week. No stand this time, because I was tapped out. I am looking for a used one at a far lower price.

The workmanship is superb, the sculpted texture smooth. The balance is perfect — for me — and the razor tucks in my hand as if it were made for me. The shave, the most important element, is close and comfortable.

Perhaps there is no single reason why I am drawn to the Feather D-2. There many reasons. The Feather D-2 has my name on it because of all the qualities I require of a DE razor. This time around my Feather stays in the shave den, even if I only might shave with it once in a while. On the other hand, I find myself using the DE razors more than before, scattering them among my straights in the rotation.

Stay well.

Thanks Obie! Your description of the razor makes me want to shave with one. Since I don't have one, today I'll shave with the Weber and Red Personna blade (one of my favorite on it). I agree that when I see the workmanship of those high dollar DE it makes the Weber looks like its lacking. I don't use DE's that often to justify any more on my den ( Merkur Futur and Weber), but that Feather DE 2 will look very nice in the SS stand! Doible O

DoubleO:
Yes, the workmanship is dazzling and the shave mild and comfortable. I still prefer the shave from the Weber above all the stainless steel razors. I dare say, above all the DE razors I have tried through the years. Yes, I wish the finish on the knurled handle were a wee bit smoother to the touch. Of course, one cannot deny the overall quality of the Weber. I must admit, though, that I don't like the Feather with Feather blades. Well, in truth, I no longer like Feather blades. They are sharp, yes, but they have always irritated my sensitive skin, something I finally had to accept. That's why I have retired them permanently. That's it. Goodbye. Adios. I prefer Super Iridium, Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (yellow packs), PermaSharp Super and Personna. Personna are not the sharpest blades on the market, but I think they are the smoothest of all the blades I have tried — and there have been many.

The way I see it any shaving tool is an instrument and when you use it the instrument should become an integral part of your hand and you should not even be aware it's there. The Feather is that in every sense. I know of no other DE that even comes close. Yes, I get a better shave with the R-41 and with the Tradere OC but overall I'll take the DS-2 over all of those and several others.

I remember years ago, wishing there was a stainless steel DE. I figured due to the difficulty in machining, compared to the usual plated brass, it would never happen. The cost would be too high. They are pricey but it sounds like you're getting a product worth the money. I haven't gone for one and I probably won't unless some outfit comes up with a slant head stainless. I recall rumors that one of those was in the works but I haven't seen anymore on that in quite some time.

I wasted my money on a Feather SS D1. That company will NEVER get a cent of my hard earned money again. Their R&D department did a great job on cosmetics, but the worst job possible on shave effectiveness. I don't think I've ever felt more ripped off than I did with the Feather SS D1.

Wayne, this thread's focus is Feather SS D-2 not D-1. Please stay on topic. Thank you.

Like you Obie I didn't like the D-1 because it didn't shave at all. The D-2 is indeed very mild but very effective. A razor that IMHO is a must try for anyone who has very sensitive skin, you must do a lot before this one will give you burn or a cut, it seems you can really press down on this razor and still get away with it (not that you should for best results). It's one of the best razors I have owned (but not as good as the Weber DLC, that one is still my top DE razor).

Right you are, Snuff, my friend. The D-2 is mild but effective. Surprisingly effective. I shaved with it yesterday, using three passes, standard for me with most razors, and all along kept wondering, "Am I really shaving?" By Jove, I was. The shave was that comfortable with Super Iridium blades. And I have a heavy and unruly Assyrian beard and extremely sensitive skin. In the end the D-2 left my face as smooth as it's ever been — sheer Hollywood. You're also right about the Weber. I have yet to find a DE razor that shaves me as well as the Weber with Personna "red pack" blades.

Well the disease is kicking in ...... So I went and looked at the Weber DLC. Right off the bat I'll say that, aside from the glowing reviews touting the razor, the fact that it is $70.00 instead of $200.00, and made in the USA, of stainless steel, impresses the heck out of me.

Speaking of the 'disease', RAD aspect, I read these threads on the Muhle R41, Feather D2, and now the Weber DLC, and I want one of each ....... maybe one of each with the different handles ! Saying that with the fact that I love the Merkur slant, and I rarely shave with a DE anymore ...... :gaah:

Does it ever end ? :rofl2:

No, Jimmy, it doesn't seem to end, because temptation lurks in every corner. I can only call the Feather D-2 surprising — in a good way. Gentlemen who expect the D-1 in the new version will be disappointed. It's not the same razor, but I believe a far superior shaver. The Weber is an exceptionally good razor and deserving of every shave den. I found the Muhle R41 just mean. Oh, it's a fine shaver, the most aggressive on the market, I believe. The 2013 version, from what I have read, is slightly tamer than the 2012 version, but I can't speak on that, because I have not shaved with it.

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Originally Posted by Obie

No, Jimmy, it doesn't seem to end, because temptation lurks in every corner. I can only call the Feather D-2 surprising — in a good way. Gentlemen who expect the D-1 in the new version will be disappointed. It's not the same razor, but I believe a far superior shaver. The Weber is an exceptionally good razor and deserving of every shave den. I found the Muhle R41 just mean. Oh, it's a fine shaver, the most aggressive on the market, I believe. The 2013 version, from what I have read, is slightly tamer than the 2012 version, but I can't speak on that, because I have not shaved with it.

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See this is part of the sickness. This makes me want to try them all ...... especially the 2012 Muhle R41 ..... :p

On the D1, I should probably refrain from commenting, since I've never shaved with either for the Feather offerings but ..... I'm wondering if the D1 is not like the old Gillette blue tip super speed, deliberately designed to be a mild shaver, while the D2 is akin to the old Gillette red tip, pleasantly aggressive ?

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

See this is part of the sickness. This makes me want to try them all ...... especially the 2012 Muhle R41 ..... :p

On the D1, I should probably refrain from commenting, since I've never shaved with either for the Feather offerings but ..... I'm wondering if the D1 is not like the old Gillette blue tip super speed, deliberately designed to be a mild shaver, while the D2 is akin to the old Gillette red tip, pleasantly aggressive ?

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Indeed, Jimmy, the Feather D-1 reminds of the blue tip super speed, although with far superior workmanship. And you're comparison of the D-2 with the super speed red tip is spot on. Now that you mention it, the shave is similar in some respects. Interesting thoughts, my friend.

Your description and use of the D-2 tempts me. If only Feather would use the same head design of their infamous Portable I would be a taker without question. Still their craftsmanship is second to none. Use it well Obie.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

See this is part of the sickness. This makes me want to try them all ...... especially the 2012 Muhle R41 ..... :p

On the D1, I should probably refrain from commenting, since I've never shaved with either for the Feather offerings but ..... I'm wondering if the D1 is not like the old Gillette blue tip super speed, deliberately designed to be a mild shaver, while the D2 is akin to the old Gillette red tip, pleasantly aggressive ?

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The thing with the R41 is that it will give you the closest thing to a straight shave you will ever get without the straight. However the issue is, because it is so aggressive you need to take your time with it. If you are strictly a DE shaver it is a good buy on the days you need the extra closeness but if you are a straight shaver using the straight doesn't take much more time so to me that kind of removes the desire to use the R-41.

I certainly don't have that many DE's but the Tradere OC comes pretty close to the R-41 in closeness without so much aggressiveness though the Tradere is well on the aggressive side itself. To me the downside with the tradere is the head is really heavy so the razor is not balanced as you shave.

Personally, I like the feather #2. I think it's the best all around shaver there is factoring comfort and shave quality and ease of use and fit and finish.

+1 for the Feather SS DE (Mk II) - I found it took a while to get the right angle but it's sublime... I much prefer it to my Merkur Futur, the knurling on the Feather is fantastic.