Thread: First shave with the Feather AC RG Special

The biggest trick is adjusting between a blade with 10 shaves on it and a new blade. It becomes automatic, but pay attention to the first few blade changes.

I really like my Feather and use it when traveling or when I'm in a rush and don't want to strop.

A very light touch is needed - especially the first couple of shaves with a blade. I use the Super Pros, which I found better for me than the others (they're a little thicker and there's more blade exposure).

I find that they're most like a wedge in terms of being very heavy and in having to use light pressure to avoid burn - I tend to get a bit of burn if I'm a little too aggressive with a wedge.

These are very good shaving tools.

So after having mine for a week, I have gotten some really great shaves. I got it because I don't always have time to freshen up my straights on a hone or want to take the time to strop. The blades are great and they let me go ATG on my chin which I was always afraid to do before.

It's definitely true that the 3rd and 4th shaves with a blade are much better than the first one. I used the professional blades and have just put a pro guard blade in, but I haven't tried it yet. I've also got some super pros and I'll give those a go next time

This will definitely be great for traveling...although, does anyone know if you could take the blades in a carry-on...like if they're in the dispenser? I doubt it...but I'm curious.

Pack them in your luggage. If they're lost you can get by with injector blades.

I tried out a friends AC a few months ago, and wow those blades are sharp. I always used a feather DE blade in my merkur when I'm in a rush and never realized how freakin' sharp that thing is.

I've just started using a straight razor, brush and shaving cream, and decided to go with a Feather to begin with (and then move to a regular str8).

I'm now on shave #2, and I have to say, I must not be doing something right. My shaves aren't smooth - I was getting better with my aerosol lather and a Mach III.

I go WTG and XTG. I've watched Lynn's DVD a couple of times. Any suggestions? Should I try playing with the angle? The biggest issue I find is that the razor is "rough" on my skin. Also, I have a really hard time shaving the moustache area.

BTW, I use the Pro Super blades.

Thanks for the help.

BLenny,

The Feather is a different animal than a traditional straight. The main difference is that it's insanely sharp. The edge is harsh, so pressure and angle take on even more importance. I try to use such light pressure that I'm practically holding the razor off my skin. I keep the angle really low--the spine almost touches my skin. One silly thing that helped me was remembering the name--"Feather." It should almost tickle your skin like a feather.

I've never managed a totally irritation-free shave with it, but I do enjoy the change of pace.

Also, make sure you are doing enough beard prep. I shower first, washing my face with gentle soap and then slathering on hair conditioner to further soften it.

Good luck,
Josh

Thanks for the info, I will try what you recommend.

Silly question ... if it takes so much prep (lather, conditioner etc) then what is the real advantage of a str8? Seems like if I do all this with a regular razor, I'd get a pretty good shave too?

i have always shaved with a disposable straight until i really liked the feel of properly honed razor---even though i am in a situation that i have to shave with a disposable straight at the moment that i miss my first ever properly honed Stainless Steel dovo

i was just getting the hang of shaving with a dovo but now i am back to disposable for now and it feels like i ahve to relearn this too

lol

Originally Posted by blenny100

Thanks for the info, I will try what you recommend.

Silly question ... if it takes so much prep (lather, conditioner etc) then what is the real advantage of a str8? Seems like if I do all this with a regular razor, I'd get a pretty good shave too?

I like the skill it takes and the satisfaction of knowing that when I get a really close shave it was by myself. I haven't shaved w/ a mach III in a year..I was gonna buy some blades the other day until i $aw the price! But I'm getting extremely close (albeit with some irritation) shaves and I never noticed shaves that close before w/ the mach III.

Keep on keeping on and hopefully you can find what you're looking for, too!

-Q