Thread: Help with Feather folding DX

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

Thanks for the advice guys. I should clear up, I WILL stick with this and WILL not be giving up. I approached this with too much confidence which was why the first shave was such a let down. I realised 1, my lathers have been really poor, I have since discovered a better technique and 2 while I have been stretching the skin I haven't done it properly. I did not consider the razor to be for beginners, I initially bought the blades for the mongoose razor (which I'm still waiting for) then saw the DX at a great price so I ordered that too.

WHat does a steep and shallow angle mean? Is steep more vertical and shallow horizontal? I think more vertical works better. I've had 2 more shaves since the first one, haven't cut myself and have not attempted the chin or moustash and certain areas of the neck, 1 pass north-south finishing with a DE. I've read the recommendation to NOT use a DE to finish up or problem areas, opinions please?

Thanks guys, everything you said makes perfect sense, really appreciate it.

Angle - imagine that you where to lay the razor flat against your face, then lift the spine up - if you raise the spine up 1 to 2 spine widths that would be "shallow or low angle"

Cleaning up with a DE - It is your face and razor and you should do what is best for you. Trying to do too much too early with any straight can be frustrating and counter productive.
With a Feather this is even more so IMHO.

The best thing for me while learning was to do the borders/starting points with something else along with finishing with a DE. Then one day I "forgot" to do that and realized that I no longer needed to.

You are on your way...

Smooth shaving.

Originally Posted by MJC

Angle - imagine that you where to lay the razor flat against your face, then lift the spine up - if you raise the spine up 1 to 2 spine widths that would be "shallow or low angle"

Cleaning up with a DE - It is your face and razor and you should do what is best for you. Trying to do too much too early with any straight can be frustrating and counter productive.
With a Feather this is even more so IMHO.

The best thing for me while learning was to do the borders/starting points with something else along with finishing with a DE. Then one day I "forgot" to do that and realized that I no longer needed to.

You are on your way...

Smooth shaving.

Sound advice regarding the way to determine the initial angle for the Feather DX.

Agree as well that there is nothing wrong with using a DE razor to clean up as long as it is understood that this is only an aid in the early weeks of straight shaving.
Ultimately, neither the Feather AC nor regular straight should depend on a DE clean-up, as a proficient straight shave surpasses a DE shave both in closeness and in smoothness.


B.

I think the angle is only part of the issue here. Try to apply no pressure at all and catch only whiskers with blade. With time you'll train light touch and make perfect shaves! Don't forget to tighten the skin in opposite direction from shaving. If you are nervous try to dry shave little hair on your hand, just to get a picture about the pressure amount.

As an owner of many true straights and a Feather, I can attest to the fact that Feathers are hard to shave with. I actually use a very wide angle - almost 90 degrees - and a VERY light touch. I can whip out a quick shave with my straights, but I have to be very careful with the feather.

I feel your disappointment. Arg! But keep at it as you say you will, and I am sure you will find it'll pay dividends. It's a unique tool that gives a unique shave.

Thinking you should try other blades is perfectly normal when flustered, but the wrong approach I would think. Stick with the blades you have. Master them. Master the system. Then when and if you get other blades, you'll better understand the difference between them.

I really like mine. It gives a passible shave with one pass - a damn fine shave with three. It's fast, low maintenance and easy to transport if you are inclined to take road trips.


It's been a couple of days since you posted - have you tried again? Would love to hear your progress.

Thanks for the support guys. So I think I've had 5/6 shaves now, after the first day and 2 bad cuts I stopped cutting myslef. I've got 2 faint "scars" but they haven't reopened. I very hesitant when bringing the blade to my face and the angles around the jaw line confuse me no end xD I am still shaving both cheeks and parts of the neck for 1 pass. Long long way to go.

I would have thought the proguard or lights would be great for the beginner, while I realise the problem is with me and not the blades would this be counterproductive? From what I've read the proguards are the same sharpness and size as the pros but will prevent serious cuts, something that sounds very handy especially when attempting ATG for the first time. In anycase I've ordered the 15 pack.

I feel it's this (new)fear of getting cut that is holding me back, I never had this fear before the second of my cuts on that first day. I'm guessing this will die down in a few days.

At this point you are well on the way.
Would not bother with the Light Blades, I believe they are mostly use for cosmetology.
The Guards and nice, you can still cut yourself and they don't seem to last as long.

You can work out the pass patterns by taking out the blade - but in general it just takes time and you seem to be making great progress.
25 shaves from now you wonder what the problem was.

I can only speak of my experience with true straights as I've never used a shavette. I was probably 12 or so shaves into my journey before I began to realize just a small hint of the potential of straight shaving. Thereafter every 6-10 shaves I would experience a dramatic improvement in technique and results. So, it does take some time to learn this thing. The only advice I would offer to someone that wants to straight shave, is to get a straight razor. Don't get a safety razor (the route I took, and spent a lot of money!), and don't get a shavette. The only way to get good at straight razor shaving, is to use one.

Didn't know where to put this so I figured I might as put here.

Tip for any newbs:
At the heel where the blade holder attatchment meets the holder, even though it is inplace correctly, before shaving check that there is ZERO gap. Especially if going XTG or ATG, if there is a gap,even a tiny gap for me anyway it tends to catch and pull.

I have been using a shavette off and on for 50 years. I've owned all the Feathers and now a Kai Captain. Here is the best advice on how to learn using a shavette. Take your shavette, without a blade, lay it flat on your face and slowly angle the razor until you feel the razor tip touching your face. That is the starter angle. Now slowly make 2-3" strokes on your check. WG, Across and against the grain. Keep going through this process until you feel comfortable holding the razor. I started with a pro-guard when I got my feather. It's like training wheels. When you use the razor with the blade, start on you cheeks only. Remember, angle and pressure. These blades a deadly sharp so no pressure is better then to much pressure. It's a journey, there will be bumps in the road.