Feather AC + C&E almond cream=surgery!

Just like with a traditional straight (I suppose, as I've never used one), there is a real learning curve with the Feather. I got good shave right away, being very careful about pressure, but now I get good shaves all the time, and I use pressure in some places and none in others, and I've learned that I can increase blade angle in some places, too. For me, the biggest part of the learning curve was over in about a month, and the blade angle thing took a bit longer.

Now, I routinely do a full three-pass shave, and don't feel like I need a post-shave treatment beyond witch hazel (but I still use one, mostly out of habit).

Maybe some day I'll venture to the traditional blades, but I'm real satisfied right now. When and if I do pick it up, maybe I'll be better able to recognize an insufficiently sharp blade.

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Originally Posted by mparker762

If you've been using a straight for a long time, you're used to using pressure when you need it, but with the feather this will nick you; the problem is that the feather feels enough like a straight that your muscle memory keeps kicking in. I'm less likely to nick myself with a shavette+feather than I am with a Feather AC, just because the shavette feels so differently that the ingrained habits don't kick in.

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I have an AC, and now a Japanese version, in my rotation. When I use conventional str8s for a while and go back to any kind of Feather (AC or DE), the first stroke is always a surprize. Often, I'll nick myself.

I have to say, though, that being able to cut through a scar with no sensation is shocking. I find that it usually helps to slow down after not using the AC (especially the Japanese style) for a while. THe reality check avoids these kinds of mishaps.

I think it was a combination of the skin on my chin and the hastiness that you described Joe. I thought that I had gotten quite proficient with the Feather, and was moving along quite quickly due to my amazement with this new cream. Also, my chin is a mess from years of ice hockey and rugby. When you run your finger nail across the bottom of my chin, it literally gets caught on the large chunks of scar tissue:cry:

To add a bit to the current discussion, I find I like my feather blades the best after I have used them 3-4 times. Once they get dulled a bit, I find them a lot more forgiving and my skin doesnt feel as raw afterwards.

In any event, thanks for all the info contributed guys! Us feather users are a bit rare on the boards, and I love reading about fellow users' encounters!

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Originally Posted by svnoto

To add a bit to the current discussion, I find I like my feather blades the best after I have used them 3-4 times. Once they get dulled a bit, I find them a lot more forgiving and my skin doesnt feel as raw afterwards.

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I find that the only time I get irritatio from a Feather blade is when I'm not careful and overshave a little bit (shaving off a little skin, along with the whiskers). This usually happens when I haven't used the AC in a while and start off just a little too aggressively.

The Feather blades demand respect, and if you don't give it to them they bite you.

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Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

The Feather blades demand respect, and if you don't give it to them they bite you.

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I wish it were only respect. My straights demand respect. My Feather demands sacrificial virgins.