Thread: First shave - Feather AC

Just finished my first straight razor shave and it was with a Feather AC. It took me 35 minutes but no cuts, nicks or weepers! Had a few spots where the Feather wanted to skip on my neck, but I believe it was definitely operator error. I did 2 XTG passes and a few touchups and am pleased with the shave. I do not do a WTG pass with any type of razor. The WTG pass does not seem to reduce my stubble so a few months ago I stopped the WTG pass completely.

I have some "real" str8 razors on their way to me and looking forward to how they compare to the Feather. However, right now I am pleased with The Feather and myself!!

I've been learning on the Feather myself and I'm finding I can't get a regular straight to shave anywhere near as well. I hope I haven't ruined the whole straight experiance for myself. The stropping and honing and whatnot are all part of the whole thing and I'm not getting it.

I believe that I will continue with the Feather for a couple of weeks and see how it goes. I have read that if you can shave with Feather the transition to a regular straight will be easier. I am expecting my regular straights to start coming in today. It will be tempting to use them because I am also looking forward to the stropping and honing to get the full experience.

Hope it works out.

Before I got a real straight, I practiced with a Parker shavette, while it's cheap and far from the Feather AC quality, those who have used both says they gives similar results.
Personally I found using the real straight quite a bit easier, less chance of cutting yourself, smoother(when I figured out the angle), I tried using a Feather in the Parker, disaster, too sharp and it punished me badly with cuts and bad burn, but with the Shark SS that came with it, the shaves have been allright.
So if you manage with the Feather, you'll probably handle a real straight with little trouble.

So if you manage with the Feather, you'll probably handle a real straight with little trouble.[/QUOTE]


That is what I am hoping !!

I'm sure you will!

I love the whole ritual of using a real straight, stropping and the zen-like experience of using a piece of vintage steel to shave. Can't wait to start honing them myself as well

The Feather AC feels sharper (and harsher) than any well-honed straight. However, with a light touch (and a shallow angle), it will shave brilliantly.

I now use 'regular' straight only, but that's because I like the whole experience of straight shaving. Just based on performance, there's no need to switch away from the Feather AC system, if it works for you.

If nothing else, it will teach you to use a light touch.

It just feels as though the real Str8 isn't doing anything. The Feather is so effortless that a Str8 is like trying to push a car up hill.

Just finished my second shave. Better than the first ! I did learn that I have to increase the angle in some spots because the Feather seems to suck at my skin if I lay it flat. Also, went with a little wetter lather.