feather AC SS OR DX?

I have lurked here for a while and as of late have been seriously considering a feather straight. I am pretty good with a regular straight but often don't have time for the maintenance. From what I have read here the DX is particularly unforgiving yet extremely efficient, while the SS is a step below in efficiency but less likely to exhibit regular blood letting.

Also, I am curious why there is such an extreme difference in price between the two. Is the DX really worth 2-1/2 x the price?

please clear this up for me.

I own and love the SS. The DX may have more class, but I don't have much of that myself so I'm happy with the SS.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ace

I own and love the SS. The DX may have more class, but I don't have much of that myself so I'm happy with the SS.

---

How does it compare to a regular straight in quality of shave and aggressiveness?

I love my DX. Mine cost me £102(ebay) shipped to UK or approx $150USD. Then another £30 for import charges. The SS would have cost me £50 shipped. I haven't tried but I have no regrets. The main difference is the DX is a pure wedge, the SS is sort of hollowed and has "lips" which some find gives a smoother shave. The DX has slighty more heft. IMO the SS is better value, the DX is the pinnacle of the feather artist club range but IMO not worth x2.5 the SS strictly in monetary value. Also consider the RG which is the brass version of the DX at half the price.

I would say if you can afford it get the DX, if not, you will probably be happy with the SS.

I got the DX because I knew if I got the SS I would always be wondering at the back of my mind how the DX compares.

YMMV

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Straightandproud

How does it compare to a regular straight in quality of shave and aggressiveness?

---

Have a read of the "recent thread":
http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...l-feather.html

Some prefer the feathers over straights, some don't. In anycase they are the closest to straights as they come. Handly for travel or when you don;t have time to strop.

Which ever you get. It'll use the same blades, so if price is what you want , get the cheaper model ,, as far as they go they are the best shaves I've had with a non traditional straight , as Obie has said they are not really shavettes they are in a class by them selves, there are also some other knockoffs that use the feather blades that are cheaper , I have the RG and have used a DX. But it is the blade that makes these tools work , the feather blades are really good stuff. Tc

I was in a similar situation when I was looking for a "no sharpen" straight (travel) razor that mimicked my straight razors as close as possible - a task that Dovo and similar shavettes could just not fill.

In the end, I chose the (admittedly pricier) DX over the SS, because design, weight, balance and feel of the DX come closer to a classic straight razor than the SS.

There are some slight changes in technique and Feather AC's are unforgiving when used with too much pressure, but once you are used to these razors they provide smooth, comfortable shaves.

I have never bothered with "Light" or "Guard" blades and used "Professional" blades from the start. A few weeks ago, I started alternating morning shaves between a teak DX with "Professional" and a resin DX with "Professional Super" blades, but have at this stage not developed a clear preference towards any of the two blades as I find the differences not that pronounced.
As I am in the middle of this trial, I have used my classic straight less for the last weeks, but I like my DX's so much that I use them now also at home; and not just for travel, as I had originally planned.
In fact, I now own three: one with resin handle for travel, and one each with teak and resin handle for use at home.




B.

I've used all three an actually preferred the SS over all the others. I prefer the pro and pro guard blades. Great shavers no matter which you choose.

I've tried the CJB Fixed and Folding, SS Fixed and Folding, RG Fixed, DX Folding and Kai Excela Fixed.
Blades? Dorco Super, Feather Pro and Pro Guard and the Kai Mild, Mild PINK, and Kai Guard.

The DX is more $$ because it is SS, the rest of them are "other".
I find the weight, balance and most importantly for me the shank (squarish, jimps) of the DX Folding to work best for me.

But it is very YMMV...I was an SS fan for a long time until I got to try the DX.

The good news is that they are a commodity and you can trade/sell/buy them with confidence. Sanitize and a new blade and you are ready to go.

Easy to maintain and they give consistent results.
My preference is a conventional straight - but when I'm traveling and can bring or stash a razor it's the DX folding or some other Feather type razor.
Just take your time, dial down the pressure as low as you can...have that styptic handy...

Smooth shaving...

Hi there,
I use the RG with feather professional super blades and find it gives me a great shave. I use it when I'm away from home and is easy and no fuss.

I've owned the CJB, Feather RG, RG Dx and the SS.

The CJB was an inexpensive way to try the system, but the QC wasn't there. Sold it.

The SS felt way to light and the tang is very thing. The feel was not what I was looking for. Sold it.

The RG is a good option in my opinion and the weight and feel is closer to a regular straight. Had one. Sold it and wish I had it back.

The Dx is what I have now and I love it. Heavier and built to last. Much better balance. I use the non-folding version and at some point I will add a folder.

I am a fan of the Kai mild blades.

Has anybody actually weighed the weight difference between say a Artist Club SS and Artist Club DX?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nirai

Has anybody actually weighed the weight difference between say a Artist Club SS and Artist Club DX?

---

After my dx arrives this week I can weigh it against my ss.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nirai

Has anybody actually weighed the weight difference between say a Artist Club SS and Artist Club DX?

---

I am not really convinced that this is relevant to a good shave - once the weight moves away from the Dovo light-weight shavettes and becomes similar to the weight of a typical straight razor - but FWIW about 44g for the SS and about 55g for the DX folding models.


B.

At my early stage of learning I would agree but there has been mention on this thread about the weight difference between the SS & DX
10grams is nothing

Hi There,

I use an SS most days of the week, I also have a CJB which I have had scales fitted. Both razors provide a great BBS finish with very little difference. The Feather will last a life time the CJB will most likely not, but it is a good way to start. I have just ordered one from the USA for my son to cut his teeth on. Expect a few cuts if you are new to straights but once you master it, boy is it good.

I love my Feather SS Kamisori style. I have a folding version also but the Kamasori straight non folding works better for me.

I had the Feather DX. It was better than the cheaper competitors. Sold it in favor of my other SR's. It was great for traveling. A bit unforgiving on the first shave, but if you were skilled, it wasn't an issue.

Pabster

Just up graded to DX and it rocks. Much better than Feather SS having now used both.
The DX does not have the skin stretching bump and that's a positive IMHO

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nirai

Just up graded to DX and it rocks. Much better than Feather SS having now used both.
The DX does not have the skin stretching bump and that's a positive IMHO

---

4 shaves in and if I can offer any advise to anyone looking at the Feather Artist Club SS save your money and get the DX version

And this morning I took my eye off the ball and got a bit over confident:aargh:any bit parts in Sweeny Todd good bleeder on both sides available

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nirai

4 shaves in and if I can offer any advise to anyone looking at the Feather Artist Club SS save your money and get the DX version

---

My first thought on the Feather line, having used all of them as well as the CJB, is that the Dx is a serious tool and all the others are wanna-be's.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nirai

And this morning I took my eye off the ball and got a bit over confident:aargh:any bit parts in Sweeny Todd good bleeder on both sides available

---

Sorry about that.. but yes, one lapse of concentration and the blades will bite, swiftly and deep and you won't even know it until the blood flow starts, regardless of the handle you use. They are scalpel sharp for sure.

I received my Feather SS (folding) a couple of days ago. I've used it once and I'm really impressed with it. I've found it much easier to use than my regular straights and infinitely better than the other shavette I have - good weight, nice balance and the rounded tip makes shaving tight areas much easier. My first shave with it was very, very good. Not perfect, but for a first outing I was delighted and I think as I get used to it I will get some really outstanding shaves. Will be giving it another outing this evening so I'll try to report back.
Brand new on Ebay it cost about £47 (about USD73 I think) delivered directly from Japan. Considering these are sold here in the UK generally for £130 upwards it was an absolute bargain! Can't complain about the price of blades either - about £14 for 20, so if I can get a few good shaves out of one I'll be a very happy bunny!

Blade life gets longer with practice and finding the right blade for you.
I've been getting up to 20 shaves out of a Feather Pro, we have members who get 2X that.

Smooth Shaving...

I have or have owned all the Feather SS & DX razors. I prefer the DX folding for its weight and results. A very good option at much less money is the Kai Captain. It is equal in quality to the Feather DX for much less.

I have used all the Feather folding and non folding razors. The SS with its rounded lips really didn't impress me. The DX has a narrow lip and shaves more like a straight. I sold them and recently decided to try them again. I bought a KAI Captain that is identical to the DX but cost more like the SS. It works the same as the Feathers. I like the ProGuard blades. For some reason I get more shaves out of them then the pro. For some reason I found the Pro blades inconsistent. Takes 3 or 4 shaves to break them in. Got some that were down right dull. The Feather system is less forgiving then a straight and I use mine once in awhile at home and take it on the road when traveling.