Thread: Feather Proguard disposable SR blades are very impressive - and not just for newbies

Originally Posted by bruseth

I am going to get a Feather SS Japanese style razor and I wasn't clear on what the Proguard blades were good for, or how they worked. I didn't know about those 'fingers' running along the length of the blade. I'm still not clear on what their function is (bear with me, I can be a little slow ;=) ). Do the fingers prevent the blade from 'digging in' and cutting you? Are there any disadvantages to these blades?
If somebody could explain a little further the purpose of these blades, and how they work, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks for the interesting post.

The only thing I would add to U2U's comments is that the guards are virtually imperceptible while shaving. They are so small that they easily pass between your whiskers and even press down into the skin, but without letting the edge ride on the skin. This blade is perfect for those with extra sensitive skin or are just starting out in SR shaving.

If you are new to SR shaving then I would recommend the folding model over the Japanese style. Don't get me wrong, I love my SS, but I appreciate the western style and recommend it over the Japanese style to those just starting out. The main reason is stability. The Japanese style is a bit more difficult to hold an angle during the stroke. Just my opinion.

The whole concept is brilliant for learning straight razor shaving. My son learned on it, and now he is shaving with full metal straight. He learned his face, the strokes, lathering without the added complication of stropping. You ding the edge on the sink, $1.50 blade and you are on your way. Better than $25.00 plus shipping and 10 days wait. After a year he asked for a real straight with strop and all. It even served him as a practice blade for his stropping (better than a kitchen butter knife). We started with the ProGuard blades and tried all the other plus some more from other manufacturers. We found the ProGuard to be up there with the better blades. I liked it so much that I bought one. We keep feather ProGuard, KAI PINK Captain Titan Mild protouch MG (same concept as the ProGuard), KAI PINK Captain Titan Mild (like Feather Pro).

For the quickest and safest straight razor shave in the west, I use the Feather Artist Club with the ProGuard or KAI protouch MG blades. Cold water, load brush, face lather, one quick pass WTG, one ATG, rinse face , razor and brush. Hang brush, open razor an let air dry on towel, use after shave balm, and out the door, 6 min. or so! Faster than with a DE. It doesn't happen often, thank God, but its an option for those times when time bites you in the butt and you need a fast lighting shave.

It also makes for a great travel razor. No strops to worry about, and you still get a very good straight shave you can enjoy on the road. It is TSA compliance with out the blade in it. Even if you forget to take the blade out with your carry on, you can surrender the blade and continue on your way. TSA may pull you aside and take a closer look at you and your orifices, but you be on your way shortly, ask me how I know (just kidding)!

Yes, I'm sold on the Feather straight and the ProGuard blades! Double O

The travel idea makes sense, especially with the folding model. I will need to get that funky plastic head cover for my SS.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

The travel idea makes sense, especially with the folding model. I will need to get that funky plastic head cover for my SS.

Gammaray, I have a hunch that the funky plastic head cover which I have been coveting does not fit the SS.

I stand to be corrected and hope I am wrong.

Sunbird

Originally Posted by Sunbird

Gammaray, I have a hunch that the funky plastic head cover which I have been coveting does not fit the SS.

I stand to be corrected and hope I am wrong.

Sunbird

Without modification you can force the plastic cover (designed for the Feather DX & RG non folding) but the thicker handle puts a strain on everything - even if you remove some of the inside contact area with your trusty Dremel tool... The first thing to go is the small plastic tabs that help keep the head in place. The hinge is not far behind.

I have this setup at a remote office, I put the SS with the DX/RG guard inside a plastic tooth brush holder as a "belts and suspenders" solution for the moment.

And looking for a better solution....

I might be alone here but neither the Feather nor Kai guarded blades can give me the same shaves as the other blades, light blades don't work well for me either.

I have tried all the Feather and Kai blades and really like the Proguard the best. I used the blades in all the Feather and Kai Captain razors and find they give a very good shave. No irritation. Can I get closer with the Pro, yes but you better have your wits about you when using them. One thing I noticed, I can get more quality shaves with the Proguard then the others. I've also found that the Pro can take a couple of shaves before they give a smooth shave. I've also got some Pro blades that were just dull. Maybe the Pro's are just to sharp initially.