Thread: Feather AS D2 Rediscovered

Gentlemen,

It had been a while since I shaved with the Feather AS D2. Until this morning. What a delightful razor. Mild, yes, but a sweet shaver nevertheless — and I have a sensitive skin and a heavy beard. Of course, the fit and finish, as well as the balance, are about as perfect for me as possible. This is my second D2 — should have spent more time with the first — and I have finally discovered the angle at which it should be used — the sweet spot. Paired with Feather, Personna Med or Super Iridium blades, the shave is sweet and comfortable.

I take each double edge razor for what it is — and I have tried scores of different brands and models. The Edwin Jagger DE89 and the Muhle R89 (the shave heads were designed jointly by Edwin Jagger and Muhle, but now each company manufactures its own) both are medium aggressive razor and fine shavers. The stainless steel Weber is a touch more aggressive and also a fine shaver. The Parker has never held much interest for me, although it has some fine shavers.

The Muhle R41, arguably the most aggressive razor on earth, is a great shaver but a mean razor — I have never liked this razor. Shaving with the Pils was like shaving with a sharp edged hammer. The dual personality iKon took getting used, but in the end it failed to hold my interest. Shaving with the Joris is like having a love affair with a tempestuous beauty.

And so on.

Each razor has its own particular characteristic and personality. For instance, comparing Joris with the Muhle R41 is pointless — two different razors with two sets of distinct characteristics. At one time, I had a seven-day set of Joris razors — such gorgeous razors — but in the end, Joris was not comfortable enough to keep.

The Feather AS D2 gives me a good shave, in three passes, as is usual with any razor, straight or double edge, and the shave is close and comfortable. I opt for comfort over perfect. Yes, I still like my Merkur Progress with Personna Red IP blades; Muhle and Edwin Jagger with the Gillette yellow, Super Iridium, Personna Med and Feather blades.

I am glad I re-discovered the Feather AS D2. And you, gentlemen, any re-discoveries?

Rule number one for Thebigspendur: When I sell or get rid of something I never ever buy it back or get a facsimile of it again. Everything gets one shot and that's it.

I have managed to limit my use of DE razors to a Merkur Slant and two Webers (each with different handles). I have a lot of vintage and a few other new production DE's to play with but I don't anymore. I think it's like when you find the one you know it....

I sold most of my DEs to fund my straights, but at no time was my Feather D2 in peril. It works exceedingly well with the Feather blades that are inexpensively sold in my country. (~$1 per tuck of 5) It took a bit of perseverance to learn its desired angle but once I had my a-ha moment, even my favored Progress couldn't surpass the D2's performance.

My recent rediscovery is my Gillette New Long Comb. This is the only OC razor I've ever agreed with, and I love how it shaves with a Silver Blue, Bleue Extra or Polsilver. Of the vintage Gillettes I've owned, this is the one that performs best for me.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Rule number one for Thebigspendur: When I sell or get rid of something I never ever buy it back or get a facsimile of it again. Everything gets one shot and that's it.

I generally agree. Especially when it comes to women!

The Feather Stainless. What a wonderful shaver. I started straight shaving +/- a year ago, but wanted to add a safety to the rotation. Not because I am lazy, but for the simple fact that I loved shaving with a DE before I made the switch and still wanted to have that option (gifted my beloved Muhle R89 to a family member). The Feather Stainless is perhaps the best investment I have ever made for my skin. To date I own only a handful of razors, though I am sure my collection will grow over the years. I'll go out on a limb to say that the Feather will always have a place in my rotation. Its that good.

I have the first generation Feather Stainless. It is such a horrific piece of crap that I refuse to give the Feather company any more of my money. It is a beautiful piece of machinery, but it is WAY too mild. I pull it out and use it from time to time, since I paid so much for it. It never fails to disappoint. This is the razor that nixed my budding RAD. I haven't bought a new safety razor in a few years because of it. I would like to try the 2nd generation Feather, but refuse to spend my money into the Feather coffers.

Oh, I don't know. I had the first generation Feather and I got a very good shave out of it and I don't have a mild beard by any means. I have the AS-2 and it's an improvement but it's more a matter of degree and the improvement is subtle. With all the opinions on this razor I have found it hard to believe the range of experiences. I wonder if those who dislike it ever really learned how to properly use it. You do need to get the angle right or your results can be really poor and the window on the angle is very small.

Spendur,

You are right about choosing the proper angle for both the D1 and D2 Feather razors. I have a tough beard and sensitive skin, and the D2 works very well with the proper angle. I no longer have my D1. I was impatient with it and wish I had kept it to work on the shaving angle a wee bit more. I've looked everywhere for the D1, but cannot find one. Obviously, the Feather is not the Fatip, or the Pils, or the Above the Tie, but with the proper angle, it can be a good shaver.

When I first purchases my ASD2 I initially liked it but was not blown away, I wondered why it was rated so highly. I was only 2-3 weeks into DE shaving at the time and managed to cut myself quite regularly with it. I slowly began to hate it as I was cutting myslef and the shave wasn't great. I simply could not find the angle and chasing the BBS was resulting in razor burn and weepers. After a few weeks I switched back to my R89 for a week then went back to the ASD2 and suddenly everything fell into place, great shaves, no weepers. I love it now, it's just perfect.