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.