Thread: From feather AC to straight?

I've been shaving with a feather AC DX (Feather Pro blades) for a while now with good results. I've been thinking of "upgrading" to a traditional straight, but 75mm of blade seems like an unwieldy edge. I don't think I have ever fully engaged the entire 50mm length of my feather dx -- I only ever use about half or even a third of its edge and I often "choke up" on the razor by gripping the spine. Any thoughts on the longer traditional straight blade and whether I'm likely to find it too cumbersome?

Thanks

I use both. I don't think you will have any problems. It might take a couple of shaves to settle in with the new razor, but it's not a big deal.

Most straight shavers don't use the entire length of the razor a good part of the time so it won't be much different for you than the shavette in that respect. it will be mostly a matter of getting used to the different feel of the razor and adjusting your angles and pressure.

TBS is right, with a proper straight razor you'll use different sections of the blade (toe, middle, heel) depending on the area you're shaving, very much like what you are probably doing now with your Feather.

One thing you should be aware of is the difference in sharpness. You'll likely feel that a SR is significantly less sharp than a Feather blade. In all the years I've been here I have yet to hear someone say "wow, my new straight razor is way sharper than my Feather AC, what a difference!". In fact it's always the opposite. That being said, don't be discouraged as that's very normal. It's a matter of technique, and with time and practice a SR will provide a more forgiving and smooth shave.

light pressure and go slow and you will do just fine

jb45,

I use both. The Feather DX while I am traveling at work for 3 weeks, and SR's when I am home for 3 weeks. There are definitely differences in both. I started on the Feather and moved up to the SR.

Feather; Easy care. IMO harsher edge (Sharpness?), stiff (I think this comes from the wedge like blade holder), not as forgiving. I love how easy it is to just change the blade. Shave results are good. Maintenance is almost nonexistent.
SR; Moderate care. Comfortable edge, seems flexible (Hollow Grind), forgiving. You are going to have maintenance with this system and additional gear (Strop). Shave results seem better to me. There is a lot of information on refreshing an edge.

When I made the initial change, you feel like you are using a different animal for similar results. I went with a hollow ground 5/8 SR. It feels lighter and larger at the same time. The feeling/feedback/ and cutting feels different as well. I find with a SR the extra length can be helpful seeing in the mirror. Like has been said above, I have never used the full blade all at once. Toe for near the ear, mustache, and curves in the neck. Middle for most flat parts of the neck, and cheeks. Heal for lining out my goatee area.

Like I said, I currently use both. I prefer the SR over the DX. I use the DX due to convenience away from home. Both do the job. I enjoy the maintenance and process of the additional steps in a SR.

I say give it a try. Worse case scenario, you keep doing what you have always done. Worse case scenario, you like SR and that leads to all kinds of acquisition disorders (AD).

I do think that you have an advantage. Knowing what it should feel like, and how to do it. You are less likely to get into some of the new person question about; Is my technique good, is the razor sharp, etc.

I use everything from a Feather SS to an 11/8 with a blade four inches long. The differences between them don't cause problems.

I went the other way around, from straight to DX, no problem. You might even be better off as you already know what the lightest touch possible is when shaving with a DX.

So I picked up a straight and a linen/leather hanging strop and had at it for a few shaves. My straight is a vintage 5/8 full hollow from a well-regarded maker that arrived shave-ready from a vendor of good repute. (Sorry, I'm not going to indulge anyone's brand fetish.)

Straight Razor Impressions: the feedback from a hollow ground is INSANE. Every whisker pings and because the blade is so mild, I can buff ATG repeatedly (mainly on my chin) without getting weepers or burn. I used to think the feather provided "good feedback" but switching to the hollow put that lie to rest. The straight doesn't cut as readily as the feather, it requires a lot more pressure (all things being relative), but the edge is so much more mild than a fresh feather blade. With a fresh Feather pro blade, I am able to make _one_ ATG pass, but it is always harsh and typically brings up one or two pinpricks of blood (not quite what I would call a weeper, but clearly undesirable).

After four shaves, I wasn't enjoying so much feedback and so I went back to my feather. I use a kamisori-style feather DX and I really love the balance, the rubber grip, and the stiffness of the blade. But, now that I own a strop, I have been stropping the feather pro blades. The stropped blade doesn't cut as readily as it did fresh from the package, but its mild on my face and a lot more like the true straight. I'm still on the same blade that had about 4 shaves on it back on november 15th. At one point it got a little tuggy so I bumped the strokes on the linen from 20 to 40 round trip and on the leather from 40 to 80 and its comfortably back in business. It still cuts a hanging hair.

My "shaving agenda" is to finish off my package of feather pro blades (which might take a while now), then try a package of super pro, and THEN, if I'm still curious, I might put out some coin for a 6/8 or 7/8 wedge or near wedge. What I learned from my 5/8 hollow is that I'm more comfortable shaving with more weight in the blade, less feedback, and a stiffer edge. I'm pretty sure all of these preference relate to my having learned to shave first with the feather instead of starting off with a true straight.

What didn't bother me about the true straight were the things I was most worried about before buying it: the longer edge and the possibility of the scales being in the way. I didn't find any advantage in the longer edge but I really like the convenience of the scales to protect the blade.

Thanks to everyone for previous encouragement.