Feather DE Blades

I began wet shaving in 2006 (DE and SE safety razors). It took me years of reading the effusive praises of Mitchell's Wool Fat and dismissing them as hype to finally break down and try "The Fat" only to learn that it was worthy of every praise I had ever read and more. And so it was with Feather blades. If you've been around the wet shaving world very long at all, you know that they are generally considered The Gold Standard of DE blades. Of course, being a grumpy old codger, and a skeptic at heart I dismissed their reputation as hype.

Then one day out of sheer desperation I bought a 10 pack of DE blades from CVS (I knew better too but I was fresh out of blades and didn't have time to go to my local place that sells Dorco blades (better than CVS.) The CVS blades were consistent with the CVS standard for blades. They all shave alike...just like s**t. Even though they were like shaving with a broken beer bottle, the cheap basta...uh I mean frugal gentleman in me insisted I finish the pack. One of my co-workers (who happens to be a wet shaver on a beard hiatus) asked about the fresh potholes in my face and I said, "CVS blades, they really suck, Dude" He shook his head and said, "You should have known better. I've got a bunch of Feather blades at the house. Want me to bring you in a couple?" "Sure".

Well, immediately following my first shave with a Feather blade. I jettisoned the remaining two CVS blades and ordered up a 50 pack of Feathers. These things are the bomb and if you think any of the accolades they receive is hype, you're just plain wrong. They will likely be my go to DE blade from here on. Haven't tried them in my shavettes yet but my money says that half a Feather in my Sanguine (what an unfortunate name for a razor company) R5 should render just about the ultimate shave. At any rate, I'm a believer. Do yourself a favor and order some of these up. You won't be sorry.

I came so close to ordering Feather blades this morning. I was afraid of purchasing a 10 pack and finding they don't agree with me so I went with some blades I've used before. Next time I guess I'll go with the Feathers.

Yeah, Sanguine is a bloody curious name for a razor.

There's always the option of trading for some. Personally I prefer Voskhod and Rapira, but I'm sure there's plenty with a stockpile of Feathers that will trade some.

40 years shaving with a DE and I,ve tryed them all, but Feather is my go to blade. Some can't use them, and some razors are aggressive which makes you pay attention, I,m also a fan of Polsilver Iridium,s, but my best shave comes for ME, from my Fatboy on 9 with a fresh Feather blade. My Feather RG is great with the Feather Super Pros too. Tc

I've only tried Feather blades a couple of times, and did not care for them. There are a few left and, as I do with every shaving product that I've tried and not liked, I will revisit them in the future.
Every time I've revisited(save one) I discovered a great product that did not work for me due to my own previous inexperience. I hope that this will be true for Feather blades as well.

Everyone's face is different, is the same with DE razors too, not everyone likes every model, and like I said before Feather blades in an aggressive razor isn't for everyone, plus experience is a big factor, I have a lot of time with a DE in my hands so I,m pretty sure I can shave well when some can't. As your experience grows you may fine your technique can handle them an if not you can pay them forward at some point, trust me there's plenty of guys who do use them. Tc

I switched from carts to DE's in 2010 and Feather blades were my "learning" choice. I had read all the horror stories of how sharp they were and should be avoided by beginners. Well, I'm glad I went ahead as I found them perfect. The only issue I have with them is that the blades go off (for me) after the 3rd or 4th shave. Not really a problem as I don't use any blade for more than 3 shaves, anyway.

I also use Polsilver Super Iridiums. Not quite as sharp as the Feathers, but a little longer lasting, should the need arise.

I can only echo what TC has said about Feather blades. For me they are very sharp and can be a bit harsh if your technique is not quite there yet. When using them the right angle and no pressure on the razor is the only way to go. Add to that a very good lather for a successful shave.

I could never use my Gillette Fatboy at higher than 5 before I learned to shave with a straight razor. Now, because using a straight razor has taught me how important the right angle, no pressure and a good lather are, I can use the Gillette Fatboy on 9 with a Feather blade for a 4 pass shave. Probably helps to have skin like rhino hide too.

Bob

I used a lot of samples, Gillette blues, Merkur, Persona, Wilkinson etc. most were OK ho hum DE blades. They worked well enough but until I loaded a feather in my 34c I didn't know the meaning of a great shave. How these blades behave really depends on your razor. I use a 23 and 34c merkur and its mild but really cleans up your face but if I load one in a Merkur Progress and crank up the agressiveness, your shave may look something like a dermatologic biopsy session. I dont use DE's that much anymore just for the rush rush out the door shave really. For me they deliver the goods. Great DE Blade and fairly long lasting edge.

Feather blades stand on position #1 of my personal top DE blades list. They extremely consistent in quality, and nobody ever showed fake feather blade. Different colors for different market. Blades are the same.
This is 300x magnification with peak 2034-300 microscope


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Blue feather for Brazilian market

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Gentlemen,

Feather blades are exceptional in overall sharpness and quality, although not suited for every face or every safety razor. Many shavers note that the second shave on the Feather is smoother and more comfortable than the first. It seems to be for me, too. Either way, two shaves and out for me per blade. I do the same with my other preferred blades: Super Iridium (I still have some left), Polsilver Iridium, Astra and Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge "yellows." All good stuff.

Started with Feather stayed with Feather. I tried a Derby once, never changing blades again.
Seeing how I have 200 Feather DE blades, 200 Feather SE blades, and 240 Feather blades for the OneBlade razor tucked safely in my drawer.

When I used a DE I used Feather and a couple other brands. Feather was good. But I found Kai much better. The sharpest blade is not always the best blade.

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Originally Posted by tcrideshd

40 years shaving with a DE and I,ve tryed them all, but Feather is my go to blade. Some can't use them, and some razors are aggressive which makes you pay attention, I,m also a fan of Polsilver Iridium,s, but my best shave comes for ME, from my Fatboy on 9 with a fresh Feather blade. My Feather RG is great with the Feather Super Pros too. Tc

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I'm with ya brother, I've since given my Fatboy up to my son but when I had one it was never off the 9 setting. I'm a huge fan of a very aggressive shave. Come to think of it, my wife has commandeered my Mercur Slant too. :)

I like Feather, Super Iridium, Voschod, Persona Blue, Gillette Silver Blue. They all perform well for me, the difference being the degree of keenness.
The Feathers are the keenest and work for me in any razor that I own, including the R41.

I get lost trying to find blades and what I would prefer. I've been sticking with my Treet Platinum and don't have any issues. But I think I will try Feather soon.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

I think everyone should try different blades until they find the one they like and suits them personally. I love Feathers and they were the third blades I tried. My search is over. A pack of 5 or 10 blades isn't expensive, so it doesn't cost too much to try different ones if you are still looking for the blade for you. Once you find it, stick with it. Bin the rest. Or send a few samples to the monthly giveaway.

I started with Derby blades, and liked them, went through a hundred of them. Then I tried Feathers, and I've been with them ever since (although I usually straight razor it nowadays). A couple years ago I happened upon a fluke 100 Feathers for $7 on Amazon. That was nice. I get a good 5 to 7 shaves out of a blade.

I like Feathers, but they always give me a little irritation, so I stick with Polsilver, Voshkod, Astra (Green), Derby and Gillette Silver Blue. I have some Permasharps coming to try. The next blades that I found very close to the Feathers were the Bolzano, the shave I get is almost identical to the Feathers including the weepers and irritation.

Never saw the Feathers in the blue packs, I have both the yellow and black packs (10's and 5's).

I too get about 7 shaves out of a Feather and the sweet spot for me is 4-6.

I used a DE for the first time in years this past weekend while on vacation. I used one of my Kai blades. If you like Feather but have never used Kai, give one a go. Its an extremely comfortable shave.

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Originally Posted by Hutch

I like Feathers, but they always give me a little irritation, so I stick with Polsilver, Voshkod, Astra (Green), Derby and Gillette Silver Blue. I have some Permasharps coming to try. The next blades that I found very close to the Feathers were the Bolzano, the shave I get is almost identical to the Feathers including the weepers and irritation.

Never saw the Feathers in the blue packs, I have both the yellow and black packs (10's and 5's).

I too get about 7 shaves out of a Feather and the sweet spot for me is 4-6.

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I have to add a second vote for Bolzano blades. I just recently purchased a Fatip Piccolo open comb; which is a somewhat aggressive razor. 1st attempt with a Feather blade left me red faced and irritated. (I'm sure my technique was partly to blame) The Bolzano however was very close and satisfying. They are a bit pricey though; $20 on Amazon for 30 blades.

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Originally Posted by ChopperDave

I have to add a second vote for Bolzano blades. I just recently purchased a Fatip Piccolo open comb; which is a somewhat aggressive razor. 1st attempt with a Feather blade left me red faced and irritated. (I'm sure my technique was partly to blame) The Bolzano however was very close and satisfying. They are a bit pricey though; $20 on Amazon for 30 blades.

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Amazon also sells 100 packs for $34.99.

If I could only have one - Feather without question.

I really like Persona Reds too.


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Finding your blade and razor is not so easy. I tried a lot of the blade, in that chile and "Feather" - they did not like me. I have a soft 89 head. At the second shaving, it is necessary to pass twice the same site. The blade misses the hairs. I found a blade that fits well with the 89 head, it's "Sputnik", which is often scolded for their excessive sharpness.

I didn't care for the Feather blades. I went back to basic Derby, 100 for under $10 on Amazon, delivered. Gives BBS shave.

I find that Kai blades are quite similar to Feathers. Plus they are beautiful: plain white paper wraps and naked (no brand stamps) holographic/rainbow finish on the blade. They deserve to be in MOMA.

Aloha!

Well, in decades of shaving with a DE, I have indeed tried Feather blades. And they are indeed extremely sharp - or at least that's how the edge presents itself in my shaving experience - EXTREMELY sharp. They are also, IMO, very unforgiving. You need light pressure. VERY light pressure, and your first few shaves with Feather will usually produce cuts, nicks, and irritation. To this day, I still end up cutting myself with Feather every so often, even if I am very careful. It's usually on the 2nd pass. Setting 3 on the Merkur.

In my eperience, any mistakes you make while shaving are greatly amplified by a Feather blade. I mean greatly amplified. Razor burn, rash and irritation combined with cuts may indeed make a newbie shy away from them. Or they just may NOT be for YOUR face or YOUR style of shaving.

Personally, they are my 2nd favorite blade, as long as I remember I'm using them and have to back off.... I mean really back way off on pressure, and pay attention to the detial of my shaving form and technique while shaving with them. If I make even the smalest mistate, ZipZop! I have a nick on my face.

My favorite blades by FAR are the Russian Voskhod blades. Now available for $11.00 from Amazon (Prime Shipping Included). These blades are miraculous. Smothest and most comfortable DE shave I have ever produced from a safety razor. I'm tempted to order 1,000 of them just in case the factory in Russia ever shuts down.

My 2 cents worth on Feather blades. YMMV of course. And in this case, YMMV is really true. It may vary greatly. Some say they are the best blades ever produced, some cut their face to pieces with them every time they shave with them.

Mahalo!

-ZipZop

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Originally Posted by ZipZop

Aloha!


My favorite blades by FAR are the Russian Voskhod blades. Now available for $11.00 from Amazon (Prime Shipping Included). These blades are miraculous. Smothest and most comfortable DE shave I have ever produced from a safety razor. I'm tempted to order 1,000 of them just in case the factory in Russia ever shuts down.

My 2 cents worth on Feather blades. YMMV of course. And in this case, YMMV is really true. It may vary greatly. Some say they are the best blades ever produced, some cut their face to pieces with them every time they shave with them.

-ZipZop

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I've moved on to straight razors in the last year, but the best shaves I've ever gotten were using Astra blades, which I think are also Russian. Astra and a Muhle R41 - best and smoothest DE shaves I've ever had. I've tried Feathers, and they do the job - but Astras are about half the price and gave me a smoother shave with less irritation. $10 for 100 blades - at one blade a week, that's a couple of years worth. I still have the last box, mostly full and since I don't use the Muhle much anymore except when traveling, they'll probably last the rest of my life ;)

I am also a big fan of the astra blades. Economy and quality together, smooth and cheap.

I rarely use a DE, but when I do, I'm always pleased with how good the blades are for about 1-2 pennies a shave.

Aloha!

Agreed, I too mostly use a straight, but I still go with a DE once or twice a week just to mix things up, and when traveling. Astra is a great blade and I have a few packs in the cabinet. But I still prefer Voskhod overall for a "smooth yet close" shave. We're lucky we still have the choices we have in DE blades.

Lately, I have been using Feathers in my Edwin Jagger DE89 with stellar results. To me this is a far better razor for a Feather blade than other razors I have tried, and the combination seems to be a match made in heaven. The Jagger is a mild razor and seems to work much better with the Feather blades on my skin. Coincidentally, I just posted the Feather with the Jagger it in SOTD today.

Again, the bottom line for Feather blades is VERY light passes, let the razor do the work, and watch your technique. Today the Feather in the Jagger gave me a truly BBS shave with no irritation and only one tiny small weeper. Small price to pay for such a close shave, IMO. A light touch is the buzz word here. Feathers take a light touch. Most guys that want to "muscle" through a shave are going to end up with the razor burn from hell. I did the first time I used Feathers. Now they are my 2nd favorite blade, especially in the right razor with a light touch.

-Zip

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Originally Posted by Jfavre08

There's always the option of trading for some. Personally I prefer Voskhod and Rapira, but I'm sure there's plenty with a stockpile of Feathers that will trade some.

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.... or, instead of getting trades, you all might look at Buy Individual Razor Blades for Double Edge, Single Edge and Shavettes for some blades to try. I did. Found some shavette blades to try and lets you get a few blades with decent shipping, to try, before committing to a bunch of blades that are just "not for me".

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Originally Posted by ChopperDave

I have to add a second vote for Bolzano blades. I just recently purchased a Fatip Piccolo open comb; which is a somewhat aggressive razor. 1st attempt with a Feather blade left me red faced and irritated. (I'm sure my technique was partly to blame) The Bolzano however was very close and satisfying. They are a bit pricey though; $20 on Amazon for 30 blades.

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Aloha!

Oddly, I have never tried Bolzano. I ordered some last month from Amazon and they are sitting in my shave cabinet. I'll try them soon. Looking forward to it. They have a good following, and most that try them are very happy with the shave result.

-Zip

I checked Amazon today and my favorite blade, the Personna Lab in the blue box is only $12.36 for a 100 box of them. With my Prime they ship free and here in 2 days. Improved blades and let me tell you, they are smooth and sharp. Work extremely well for me, YMMV.

Coincidentally I used a feather for the 1st time this morning. Hands down....the best shave of my life!