First shave with the Feather AC RG Special

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05-08-2007, 12:16 AM
Quatsch

First shave with the Feather AC RG Special

Thanks to Axel I am now the owner of a feather AC...whether or not I'm a proud owner, only time will tell.

It came in the mail today and I couldn't wait to try it. Unfortunately I got a great shave yesterday morning so I probably should have waited another day or so...but what the heck.

All I have to say is, damn those blades are sharp! Even with an excellently honed straight I can hear my whiskers being cut...this guy just sails along like it's nobody's business though. Oh, I should mention that I used the professional blades, although I have some of the supers and the pro-guards as well.

Right now my face is slightly irritated, more so than after shaving with a regular straight, but then again, I never shave two days consecutively, so I know that doesn't help. No cuts, but about 4 or 5 nicks that bled a little (nothing some cold water couldn't fix...I was very careful, keeping the blade as flat as possible and using very little pressure.

After a WTG and ATG pass, my face was feeling slightly raw, so I decided to call it quits without really getting my chin BBS. After rinsing off I dumped a handful of Clubman's Bay Rum in my hand and threw it on my face...I love that calm sensation after the burning subsides:D

Oh, and here's a couple pics for those who are interested...
Not safe for dialup!
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9...ac04th9.th.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5...ac06vf4.th.jpg
05-08-2007, 12:18 AM
Quatsch

Also have one quick question. I rinse my razor off instead of wiping it on a towel. Should I be concerned about water in the mechanism? If I let a blade go for 7 shaves, then the water will just sit there...is this something to be concerned about? Should I take the blade out and dry the mechanism?

Haven't seen anything on this topic, so thought I'd ask...

Cheers,

Kyle
05-08-2007, 01:41 AM
mparker762

It's fine to leave the water in there. Every few months just take it apart and clean out the soap scum buildup.
05-08-2007, 03:18 AM
grunion

I have a Feather Artist Club DX, which was given to me as a gift, and from which I get my best shaves. After use, I shake the water out, dry it carefully on the towel, and put it back on the shelf open a bit, so that it might dry out more easily. I haven't noticed a trace of corrosion or anything else undesirable. It is truly a fine razor.

-denis
05-08-2007, 06:04 AM
aschaab

Hi,

glad you like it :) The Feather really is a different beast, compared to a traditional Str8. A very light touch and a limitation of passes for me is the clue to get a comfortable shave. The good news is, given the sharpness of the blade the light touch and only one or two passes are fully sufficient to get BBS...

Have fun,
-Axel-
05-08-2007, 06:40 AM
Steelforge

I'm quite tempted to try one of these one day, if only Classicshaving had some competition to bring their prices down a little...
05-08-2007, 12:58 PM
zepplin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quatsch

Also have one quick question. I rinse my razor off instead of wiping it on a towel. Should I be concerned about water in the mechanism? If I let a blade go for 7 shaves, then the water will just sit there...is this something to be concerned about? Should I take the blade out and dry the mechanism?

Haven't seen anything on this topic, so thought I'd ask...

Cheers,

Kyle

You'll find the shave will get better as you get more shaves in with the same blade. I get at least 10 shaves per blade. I do open the mechanism and dry everything, blade too, as part of my clean up. I don't know if it's necissary, but I feel better about it(part of my compulsive disorders). It's a great shaver, but beware on the 1st shave with a new blade. OUCH!
05-08-2007, 01:35 PM
JoshEarl

The Feather is actually made out of brass and coated with something metalic, so it doesn't seem to corrode. I suppose the blade could rust, but I haven't taken any precautions to prevent it and nothing has happened. The blades are probably coated, too.

As others have said, the Feather really is different. Insanely light pressure is very important. I usually lower the blade angle, too.

I've also noticed that the Feather requires a different approach to shaving for me. For example, on my neck I usually go straight down with a regular straight on the first pass. With the Feather I do better to go up first. So don't assume that whatever works for your straights is optimal with the Feather.

It definitely adds some variety. :)

Josh
05-08-2007, 05:22 PM
Quatsch

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

I've also noticed that the Feather requires a different approach to shaving for me. For example, on my neck I usually go straight down with a regular straight on the first pass. With the Feather I do better to go up first. So don't assume that whatever works for your straights is optimal with the Feather.

It definitely adds some variety. :)

Josh

Next shave I'll have to give that a shot on my neck...see how it does.

The touch with the feather is definitely much different from a regular straight...now I just have to wait for my hair to grow back :P

-Kyle
05-15-2007, 02:53 PM
ScottS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelforge

I'm quite tempted to try one of these one day, if only Classicshaving had some competition to bring their prices down a little...

$80 for the rg at http://www.appletonbarbersupply.com/...ry_Code=SHAP01.

They don't offer the Pro Super blades, though.
05-15-2007, 02:55 PM
ScottS

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.
05-15-2007, 03:02 PM
suzuki

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.
05-15-2007, 03:10 PM
Quatsch

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.
05-15-2007, 04:28 PM
mparker762

Pack them in your luggage. If they're lost you can get by with injector blades.
05-16-2007, 11:49 AM
Gravitas

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.
06-12-2007, 04:59 PM
blenny100

Newbie help with a Feather

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.
06-12-2007, 05:14 PM
JoshEarl

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
06-13-2007, 02:15 AM
blenny100

Newbie using a Feather

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?
06-13-2007, 03:56 AM
raZor

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
06-13-2007, 04:49 AM
Quatsch

Quote:

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
06-13-2007, 08:35 PM
JoshEarl

My Mach III tore the crap out of my face, so for me that's the major benefit of a straight. But there's also the cost issue. Now I don't have to buy $3 blades that make my life miserable...

I used to dread shaving; since I'm not a morning person, that was one less reason to get out of bed. Now shaving is a pleasure, and I look forward to it. A good shave puts me in a good mood all day.

And then there's the manliness factor... :D

Josh
06-13-2007, 08:45 PM
Friggin Joe

I recently tried a Mach 3 and after a relatively short time of straights and DE's I could not believe how cheap and poor the Mach 3 blades felt. I forgot just how much "buffing" or "scratching" I had to do against the grain of my face with those cartridges before I got the effect even comparable to a Slantbar DE or Straights.
I do occasionally use a Dovo Shavette with various blades, which I'd guess is the same effect as the feather. Unforgiving.
06-15-2007, 06:05 AM
saladbar2000

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

I've also noticed that the Feather requires a different approach to shaving for me. For example, on my neck I usually go straight down with a regular straight on the first pass. With the Feather I do better to go up first. So don't assume that whatever works for your straights is optimal with the Feather.

It definitely adds some variety. :)

Josh

Sorry I'm so late to the conversation. Anywho, I was hoping I could get some more info on the difference in strokes. I remember when I got a professional shave with a feather the barber did go against the grain on my neck but I just figured it was because he was that frickin good so I didn't bother trying it. Has anybody else tried this?
06-16-2007, 01:18 AM
bbqncigars

I had my second shave with my new DX (SMF group buy) this morning. I find I've got to use different hands for certain passes than I do with a regular str8. The shave today stubbled in 13 hours, pretty good for my beard. The corked pro blade did not give me any irritation at all. I was able to use the same angle as my traditional str8s, with no nicks. I will state that I have fairly tough skin, and have never had to stretch my skin to get a BBS shave. So YMMV. I'll have to try the first pass on the neck ATG tomorrow. I could really get used to a japanese-style str8. Hmm, I wonder if Robert would...

Wayne
06-16-2007, 01:49 AM
JoshEarl

The cork thing sounds interesting, but I don't think it would work for me. I used mine every day for about a month or six weeks, and I found that the blades were only good for about five shaves for me. After that I found myself needing to increase the angle and pressure, resulting in MAJOR razor burn. My shaving saga is unusual, though, and most guys seem to be able to get 10 to 15 shaves from a blade.

One of these days I'm going to pop a fresh blade in my Feather and see whether my skills have improved...

Josh