Concerns with a Feather AC

Hey fellas,
I've been shaving with a feather AC for a few years now and have a concern. Most of the time when I shave I end up with my face on fire and lots of tiny little cuts around my mouth and on my neck. Just specks of blood. Additionally it sometimes feels like my razor has hit a brick wall when I'm shaving against the grain under my chin and on my upper lip.

I was wondering if this is likely a blade problem or a technique problem. I've read a little about the blades from the feather being inconsistent so I wasn't sure if my symptoms seem to suggest they're bad blades.

I'm getting a legitimate straight razor for Christmas, should I expect less face-fire?

Thanks for your help. The site has been very informative so far.

(This was first posted on ShaveMyFace but it was recommended that I swing by here and see what you all have to say. Thanks again!)

Welcome to SRP. I've never owned or shaved with the replaceable blade Feather. I've read posts by guys who have that they are "scary sharp" and not as face friendly as a standard straight razor.

The on fire feeling, irritation, could be caused by too much pressure. Do you always get that when shaving with the Feather or only with this batch of blades ? Nicks are one thing, specks of blood, A.K.A. "weepers" were something I frequently got shaving with Feather blades in a Merkur Slant Safety razor. I don't get them with a straight razor.

To avoid nicks read my sig line below. Following the old barber's advice has worked well for me. Also, in regard to technique, if you are trying to get bbs in one pass that can lead to irritation. Gradual stubble removal with multiple no pressure passes seems to work better for a close and comfortable shave for most guys. Here is a small tutorial on the topic. :gl:

First of all, welcome to SRP!

From your description it sounds like a technique problem. Feather blades are among the sharpest instruments on the planet, so I can't stress enough how light a touch is required to get a good shave with one. If your face feels like it's on fire and you're all cut up you are likely using too much pressure while shaving, using the wrong angle or both. I have to give you props for sticking with it for a few years, with the irritation and all. Ouch!

In all likelihood you will find a real straight to be much more forgiving and comfortable than the Feather. You'll probably discover pretty quickly that the level of sharpness is not what you're used to, and may even question its shave-readiness. In that case be sure that your straight has been sharpened by a recognized honemeister to begin with.

In the meantime you could also try corking yor Feather blade; I've never done it, but it's supposed to help tone down the harshness.

Happy shaving,

Ryan

Sounds good. Thanks for the help! What would you recommend me do under my chin when it feels like the razor is running into a wall? Is this likely an angle issue?

I have a Feather and what you are describing can be lessened or avoided with a decrease in pressure. Try holding the razor very lightly, which will prevent you from bearing down too heavily.

I would avoid the ATG pass under your chin (for now). Do two WTG passes, or go across the grain. You may also have a problem with too much angle on your blade. Two or three spinewidths off you face should be about right. Remember that as you move the razor over a curved surface (your chin, for example) you have to keep adjusting your angle to compensate for the curve.

i apologize for taking so long to reply.. i have been offline since yesterday afternoon..

i use an artist club as my main shaver.. i do use the light blades.. but i have to say.. from what you have posted.. operator error is to blame.. i would think that after 2 years you would have found the proper technique required..

as a child my fencing maestro used to tell me to always hold my foil as if i were holding a small bird.. tight enough as to not allow it to fly away.. yet loose enough so as not to squeeze it's head off.. i've adapted that to my grip of the artist club.. absolutely no pressure is to be applied to your face.. a very slight angle is also important.. i'd say 20 degrees is a good place to start..

you can also try a swipe across a wine cork to lessen the intensity of the edge for now.. feel free to pm me also..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vthomlinson

i apologize for taking so long to reply.. i have been offline since yesterday afternoon..

i use an artist club as my main shaver.. i do use the light blades.. but i have to say.. from what you have posted.. operator error is to blame.. i would think that after 2 years you would have found the proper technique required..

as a child my fencing maestro used to tell me to always hold my foil as if i were holding a small bird.. tight enough as to not allow it to fly away.. yet loose enough so as not to squeeze it's head off.. i've adapted that to my grip of the artist club.. absolutely no pressure is to be applied to your face.. a very slight angle is also important.. i'd say 20 degrees is a good place to start..

you can also try a swipe across a wine cork to lessen the intensity of the edge for now.. feel free to pm me also..

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To be completely forthright when I say I've been shaving with a Feather AC for two years I mean that for most of it I've been touching up with a DE and certainly doing ATG under my chin with the DE. I've only recently mustered up the nuts do all of it with the Feather.

I'm going to give you my opinion, as direct as I can. Hopefully, you and others will not be offended.

1) You are a little crazy for having stuck with a shaving system/tool that caused skin irritation

2) The Feather razors are wicked hard to shave with, little pressure or not. They are really a big challenge.

I would strongly suggest you get yourself a regular, traditional straight. I can also recommend a Parker disposable straight. I have the Shark blades for mine. I love it.

A traditional straight has a big learning curve. It is far, far, far, more comfortable than your Feather. Seriously, you need to give some clear thought to ending this nightmare.

Okay, that is my opinion. I have shaved with a straight razor for, let's see, seven years. With my experience I would not ever consider going back to a Feather disposable, even if you paid me to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I'm going to give you my opinion, as direct as I can. Hopefully, you and others will not be offended.

1) You are a little crazy for having stuck with a shaving system/tool that caused skin irritation

2) The Feather razors are wicked hard to shave with, little pressure or not. They are really a big challenge.

I would strongly suggest you get yourself a regular, traditional straight. I can also recommend a Parker disposable straight. I have the Shark blades for mine. I love it.
U
A traditional straight has a big learning curve. It is far, far, far, more comfortable than your Feather. Seriously, you need to give some clear thought to ending this nightmare.

Okay, that is my opinion. I have shaved with a straight razor for, let's see, seven years. With my experience I would not ever consider going back to a Feather disposable, even if you paid me to.

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I appreciate the advice. Like I said, I wasn't shaving completely with the feather until a short time ago. I got concerned and was hoping the transition to a real straight would help (along with added experience). I'm glad to know greener pastures are ahead.

I use the Feather DX (non-folding) and for me shaving with a straight non-folding handle is much easier to manage than a folding handle. I only use my right hand and manipulating this style razor is much easier for me.