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Feather Popular underated and underappreciated
Feather Popular underated and underappreciated
Great Razor
Published by jimk2000
09-18-2007
Author review
PriceN/A
Quality
40%40%40%
4.0
User Friendly
70%70%70%
7.0
Grip
60%60%60%
6.0
Ease of Blade Replacement
60%60%60%
6.0
Aggressiveness
50%50%50%
5.0
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
70%70%70%
7.0
Average 58%
Default Feather Popular underated and underappreciated

I have both all metal D/E razors and the Feather Popular which is composed of both metal and plastic. I kept going back to the Feather and now use it exclusively.

The general consensus is that the quality is poor. I feel that "quality" is a relative term. You can not really compare this particular razor to all metal razors because it is not all metal. For what it is, being both plastic and metal, it feels like and looks like it is well manufactured. The base of the head is plastic and this includes the safety bar. The silo doors and hinges are all metal. The doors open and close smoothly and tightens the blade down frimly. The blade is properly set and aligned.

The weight, though it is light, makes the razor feel well balanced between the head and the handle. The handle is also plastic and long and has a good grip. The handle feels like maybe there is a metal rod inserted inside the handle but can not comfrim this.

My only question would be the "durability" of the razor. These sell on the internet anywhere from $10-$20 with an average price around $15. For $30 one can buy a decent all metal razor that could last several years. It is hard to say how long a Feather Popular razor will last.

So I would not recommend this razor so much as an economical choice as I would because of the smooth and close shave I get and no razor burn. Keep in mind that I have a medium to light beard. This may not work as well on heavy beards.
Member rating
Price
90%90%90%
9.00
Quality
78.4%78.4%78.4%
7.84
User Friendly
86.4%86.4%86.4%
8.64
Grip
83.2%83.2%83.2%
8.32
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9.00
Aggressiveness
60.8%60.8%60.8%
6.08
Adjustability
32.5%32.5%32.5%
3.25
Balance
79.2%79.2%79.2%
7.92
25 users rated 75% average
  #1  
By Areler67 on 10-19-2007, 07:13 AM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 83%
Default

I bought this Feather razor last May in Antwerp but yesterday I decided to give it a try.
Mine was 20 Eur which I think was a bit expensive but It was so difficult to find that I decide to pay the price
Even It's a plastic razor, the quality is there : mecanism, quality of the plastic, elegant razor....Anyway you are often happy with Japanese quality.
This razor is not so heavy but perfect for have a quick shave or a slower shave, It's as you want
It's all black and the long handle is perfect for my face + It's not aggresive at all ( I used a Derby blade with it and It's a perfect conbo)
If you want to try something else, try this Feather and you won't be disappointed !
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  #2  
By lamina on 06-03-2008, 03:33 AM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 93%
Default A nice Razor!!

What we have here?? A nice razor, of course!! Just as all plastic objects (handle and guards) some guys have the tendency to judge it before using it...there is lack here, yes, but not of quality but of public image and advertising. This product have twice the work to do:first to fight general prejudice then to impose on the markets of DE shaves because not widespread on the shelves.

Anyway that said, the razor delivers a nice BBS shave with a Feather DE or even a Derby. No pressure on it and it will do an wonderful job.

Quality: very good on his league of course. First, i do not compare it with a metal razor. On plastic razors is superior to any Mach, Sensor and so on.

Non agressive on me.Light as a Feather.

Grip: nice too. Non slippery even with soap on my hands. But who cares, i wash the soap and dry my hands as all other razors when i shave myself.

Blade replacement: nothing to say, as any TTO.

Aggressiveness: none, daily shave on the morning.

Balance:perfect for a razor of its weight. Smooth, well balanced on head, it glides naturally.

I will recommend it to a newbie or expert wetshaver!!
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  #3  
By BoldSpice on 06-05-2008, 04:52 AM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
70%70%70%
7
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 90%
Default

Can't fault the build quality. The blade alignment is spot on, unlike what I've seen with Parker and Merkur razors.

I like the long handle; it has a good grip. It's even longer than my Merkur open comb long-handle. Recommended for other people with big, clumsy hands!

I tend to nick myself with razors from time to time, but never have with this. It gives a close shave, yet always feels quite mild. I tend to use Chinese Dinosaur blades and Flying Eagles (both are smooth blades = very like Derbys).

I bought it for my girlfriend to use, but she prefers the Merkur open comb that I mentioned. Even so, I think the Feather has all the properties you'd look for in a lady's razor.
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  #4  
By groomingguru on 06-14-2008, 03:08 PM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
70%70%70%
7
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8
Aggressiveness
70%70%70%
7
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
70%70%70%
7
Average 78%
Smile Newbie Using Feather Double-Edge "Popular" Razor

Now I know what everyone means by short strokes, NO-PRESSURE and go slow.

Today was the first time using a double-edge razor (Feather Double-Edge "Popular"), coming off of a Gillette Fusion. I did manage a couple of nicks, nothing bad though.

I must say, after finishing the shave I noticed that I actually did get a closer shave than with the Fusion without irritation or bumps. I used less pressure and let the weight of the razor work for me; I must say though, even though I am new at the DE razor, this one could use a little more heft to it. It was good and I was impressed but more weight would be nice. I also used Edge ActiveCare Deep Hydrating Shave Cream and liked it very much (lubricating and moisturizing).

For a beginner razor it worked just fine!

This razor will probably be my go-to razor and the one I use most often (until I try out both of my Merkurs - HD and Futur).
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  #5  
By Obsessed on 06-25-2008, 11:54 AM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
50%50%50%
5
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 90%
Default Don't sell it short

This is my first posting, but I've vacillated in and out of DE shaving over the last couple of years. It seems that a lot of people don't take the Feather all that seriously, maybe because it's partially made of plastic and sells so cheaply, but I have to say that I am very happy with it. I tried a couple of Merker's a while ago, with Merkur blades, and was just not pleased with the results. I decided to try DE shaving again recently and bought the Feather precisely because it's cheap and I didn't want to spend a lot of money in my first foray back. I have very sensitive skin, and I've now tried the Feather with Dorco, Swedish G, Red Pack Israeli, and Derby blades and its done well with each. It gives a pretty good shave without too much irritation. (I wasn't that crazy about Derby, personally, and will probably buy some more of the Dorco or Red pack, for whatever it's worth.) I also tried one shave with a Feather blade that went pretty well, but as a relative newbie I didn't want to press my luck. I'll probably try them again at some point if I continue to experience good results with this razor.

I think this razor works for me either because it's relatively light weight, and thus useful for developing the "don't apply too much pressure" technique, or because the plastic safety bar is gentler on my face than the metal ones on the Merkurs. I also strongly prefer the butterfly head to unscrewing the top.

So, it's definitely worth a try. It would certainly be a good travel razor because it comes in a hard plastic clamshell case with a place to keep some blades.

BTW, I've been using Proraso shaving cream and liquid cream after shave with the Feather, in case that helps put my comments in context.

(To be clear, my score of "5" for aggressiveness is intended to be a good score. As someone with sensitive skin, I want something that's not too aggressive. And multiple passes? Forget it!)
Last edited by Obsessed; 06-25-2008 at 03:02 PM..
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  #6  
By pedroso268 on 08-14-2008, 02:28 AM
Thumbs up just perfect

this is a perfect razor, not heavy at all, so no need to put pressure on it. it can be driven easily (remember, it is not heavy and akward), is not aggresive, however, can cut your whiskers fast and well. at the end of the shave you will have to do some touch ups, but nothing time consuming. if you loss it, it is cheap enough to get replaced easily. you must use a really sharp razor blade( i use feather razor blades). no razor burns with this razor, unless you put pressure on it. as anything japanese, not expensive looking and luxurious, but well built and functional ( think about toyota ). amazing grip, yes, it is not aggresive, so, at the end of the shave you will have a "sexy" ( a la george clooney type ) dark shade on your face, don't expect a hair free face, but a manly face .
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  #7  
By tim613 on 09-10-2008, 09:01 PM
Member reviews
PriceN/A
Quality
70%70%70%
7
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
70%70%70%
7
Aggressiveness
30%30%30%
3
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
50%50%50%
5
Average 65%
Default Too light and not aggressive enough

I expected more from Feather. My first pass was cautious, but after many passes, I could not get close enough. It seems that the design does not expose much blade, and the outer edges of the blade are blocked by plastic tabs apparently to help center the blade.

I would rate this as a very mild razor.
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  #8  
By Dave12345 on 12-08-2008, 03:10 AM
Default Hi

Hi
Took delivery yesterday. I currently have a merkur 38, a 39c and a cheap Wilkinson black plastic razor.
I did a good prep, oiled my face and brushed on some Bodyshop cream (a great cream if you havnt yet tried it). I loaded the feather blade and off I went.
The razor does rattle a bit without the blade, and doesnt feel as substantial as my cheaper Wilkinson and absolutely nothing at all like the merkurs (all metal of course).
It is a light razor but I like the long handle and the grip is ok. The blade sits tight and even and is easy to replace.

The shave................... superb with no irritation. I went WTG,XTG and ATG (ATG only on the neck and cheeks).

I was looking for a light razor that was mild and something that I could shave with every morning and possibly in the evening if I was going out, but didnt want to irritate the skin too much. I did shave again in the evening but just went once lightly WTG.

This is a smooth,light medium razor thats gives a fine shave. I like it and will use it regulary.

All the best.
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  #9  
By Boyextraordinare on 01-20-2009, 06:12 AM
Default

I picked one of these up in Dubai for about 4 USD and I think it's spectacular.

This is the only TTO razor I own and the mechanism is a bit flimsy and finicky - is this how all TTOs are?

Otherwise I see no fault in the razor. It looks nice, performs admirably, has a long handle and is well-balanced.
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  #10  
By JdB on 03-07-2009, 03:21 PM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
70%70%70%
7
User Friendly
70%70%70%
7
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
70%70%70%
7
Aggressiveness
50%50%50%
5
Adjustability
70%70%70%
7
Balance
70%70%70%
7
Average 71%
Default First DE safety razor

I chose the Feather Popular as first DE safety razor.

I like the low profile of it as well as the reasonable price of € 17 (US$ 21). The Feather weighs 6 grams (0,4 oz) less then my Gillette Fusion but it's more compact so it dampens my newbie-uncontrolled movements a bit
The black, hard-plastic checkered grip feels/grips good, a bit vintage 70's old-school but I like. This kind of plastic will last for a long time.

The steel head is mounted on a plastic base and holds the (Derby) blade firmly in place imho.

Her black+steel somewhat industrial looks appeal to me. She's here to stay!

JdB
Attached Images
 
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  #11  
By Gilgamesh2003 on 03-11-2009, 06:27 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
70%70%70%
7
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
60%60%60%
6
Average 87%
Default

Price: Just about the cheapest razor around. Comes with a very nice travel case, too.

Quality: This razor is inexpensive and plastic, but it's of very high quality. Everything works smoothly and precisely. The metal parts are thick and well finished, and the plastic is substantial and not in the least chintzy feeling. This doesn't feel like a disposable razor or a lightweight toy.

User Friendly: It's not rocket science to shave or load a blade with this razor - no surprises here.

Grip: A little slicker than I would like - a Merkur is much grippier. It's not going to fly out of your hand, but a little more texture would be appreciated.

Blade Replacement: Simple, fast, perfect.

Aggressiveness: With non-Feather blades (Israeli Personnas for instance) this seemed a tad more agressive than my Merkur long-handle. A nice close shave without the feeling that you've cheated death.

Balance: Quite head-heavy - not great.

I haven't tried all that many safety razors, but this Feather seems every bit as good as my more durable and more expensive Merkur. Nothing to dismiss just because it's plastic.
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  #12  
By The Nid Hog on 07-25-2009, 01:21 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
50%50%50%
5
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 81%
Default

I picked this razor up on a whim when I was shopping at a big department store in Tokyo. I paid about ¥800 for it--around $8 (USA) these days. It comes in a nice hinged plastic case that would probably work well for travel.

My first thought was, with all the plastic, it was going to be like a kid's version of a long-handled Gillette. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've looked it over and it feels pretty rugged. The TTO mechanism works smoothly and the blade locked down tight and secure. It's exceptionally light and requires only the softest touch. So far, I've used it with a Feather blade and MWF soap and it gives an excellent shave. It isn't terribly aggressive, but it gets the job done.

I wish that I had bought a handful of them--it would be a great razor to get somebody interested in wetshaving. If you are thinking about trying out a DE razor or you want a reliable travel razor, the Feather Popular is just what you've been looking for.
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  #13  
By paton on 07-28-2009, 01:37 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
70%70%70%
7
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
60%60%60%
6
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 86%
Default

Always looking for a smooth razor, I thought why not try the Feather Popular. It's a very smooth razor, in comparison to the Merkur 23c.
With the Feather blade it's nearly my every day setup.
Last edited by paton; 07-28-2009 at 01:40 PM..
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  #14  
By damooshki on 10-09-2009, 02:29 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
20%20%20%
2
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 84%
Thumbs up first DE shave = Great Experience;)

I just shaved with this feather razor (first DE) and it was the best, most comfortable shave I've ever had. I had used a Mach3, Schick Tracer, and various disposable two blade razors in the past and hated shaving due to the discomfort. NEVER AGAIN WILL I GO BACK. I purchased this razor based on other posts I had read on B&B. Got it on ebay for $23 with a 10 pack of Lord Super Stainless, 5 pack of Lord Platinum, 5 pack of Derby, and the two feather blades that came with the razor and free shipping to boot. I used the Lord Super Stainless blade based on other post stating that they are good for first timers, others had said the feathers (though a great blade) are very sharp and were not recommended for first timers. Started with King of Shaves oil and used Van Der Hagen Deluxe soap. I did two passes WTG and one ATG, got one very minor nick on my adams apple but couldn't even feel it. My scoring may be biased because I am a newbee but look at what i have to compare to. I would recommend this razor to anyone interested in DE shaving.
Last edited by damooshki; 10-09-2009 at 02:32 PM..
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  #15  
By ZethLent on 10-29-2009, 07:13 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
70%70%70%
7
Adjustability
10%10%10%
1
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 84%
Thumbs up Cheap ... Light ... Yet Out of Sight!

This was my first DE when I entered the world of DE. At that time, I never really got the hang of it and it ended up not getting used for several years. BUT it has withstood the DE cull that I went through after coming to like straight razors shaving.


At present I use straight razors 99% of the time but when I am in a rush or too tired this is what I pull out.


Like I said in the first paragraph I never really got the hang of it when I strted out. It was quite aggresive and I would amost surely get razor burn. But the price was why I got it.

Price: Cheap. I got mine locally and it came with a few blades in the plastic case.

Quality: It is a combination of plastic and metal parts. This makes it head heavy. But it is still much lighter than most full metal DEs. I found that I liked the long handle. Even though it was plastic, the feel was very nice. I attribute that to the quality of this razor holder.

User Freindly: The twist collar to deploy the silo doors is at the neck of the handle, just below the head. It works very smoothly and is pretty much idiot proof, as you can only open it so far and it will only close so far. I also feel that because its not being adjustable makes it very user friendly.

Grip: I touched on this in quality, and I feel that the length and width of the handle make it easy to grip and control. The handle is plastic and may get slippery if covered with lather, but once any lather is washed off I feel that it is not slippery. It is not a 'tacky' feel like the Wilkinson sticky is but just a feel of plastic.

Ease of Blade Replacement: I feel that it is as easy to use as any twist to open model of DE can be. I am sure some are not as smooth in the opening mechanism but the ease of blade replacement is far beyond that of a two or three piece DE. I am not saying that I personally prefer this type over the take apart ones, I am just saying that it is less hassle to switch a blade due to the quick and easy twist open feature.

Aggressiveness: Here is probably why I never really liked it when I was starting out. I felt that it was a super aggressive razor. I had to be oh so careful or I would take off a lip. Now that I am using straights, I feel that the aggressiveness of this model is not what I initially thought it was. It is still more aggressive than say a slim boy or a fat boy set on 1, but it is not as aggressive as some others I have tried. A light touch and a proper angle and the aggressiveness is no longer an issue.

Adjustability: It is not adjustable, but I guess if someone were to tighten it more or less than another person, a slight amount of adjutability could be read into it.

Balance: Due to its handle and head base being made of plastic the weight is quite light. Yet the long handle balances the slightly heavier head (and its metal parts). Although my most used DE was the Merkur 34G (read short handle) I still like the feel of this light weight razor because of the balance I can get with the long handle. Very appropeiate in my mind.

Overall I think that it was hard to learn on but after becoming a straight razor shaver and learning to control the angle of the edge and the weight with which to shave, I feel that when I pick up this razor loaded with a fresh feather blade, I can get a fantastic shave with no irriatation.

I think I will always have this razor as it is also a very convenient package for a travel razor.
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  #16  
By ShaveAddict on 11-11-2009, 05:25 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
60%60%60%
6
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 94%
Thumbs up That's what i call a "safety" razor.

I wish that this one was the first that i tried when i started DE shaving.
It's a very mild shaver but it get the job done pretty well in fact.
When you load it whit a Feather blade it gives you a very good irritation free shave.
It's very hard to cut yourself whit it.
Since it's not an aggressive razor maybe you will need an extra pass or some touch ups but nothing major.
If your goal is BBS i doubt the Feather Popular is for you,
but if you search for a razor that for sure you won't rip your face apart whit well it is for you.
Some people complain on the fact that it is part plastic part metal, but me i really don't care to be honest.
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  #17  
By Walter Plinge on 11-11-2009, 07:04 PM
Default

This was my first modern DE razor. I love it. It's light, not aggressive, and gives a close shave. Mine cost $17 from Turnely's hairdressers' supplies in Fitzroy, Melbourne. If you visit don't be deterred by the STRICTLY TRADE ONLY signs on the way up. They were happy to serve me -- I said my local barber recommended them (which was true).

Compared with my two other DE razors the Feather is the easiest and most pleasant to use. The long handle and lightness make it easy to grip and manipulate. Don't be deterred because it's partly plastic -- this is a quality Japan-made product.
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  #18  
By Chisholm on 12-07-2009, 10:50 AM
Default

Mine arrived today and I gave it a try. An excellent shave. I particularly like the long handle, the longest of all my razors. It is a typical Japanese product. Not highly finished and not made of expensive materials: but, the quality control in manufacture is faultless and everything is accurately machined, molded, and put together. Some of the stuff from Parker, Indian I believe, may be metal, but the fit and finish is often appalling!
An excellent addition to my collection.
Cheers,
Martin.
Gillette Superspeed, Gillette white plastic handledscrew open shut silo model, Merkur HD, Merkur slant bar, Merkur open comb long handle, Merkur Futur, Polish Lux. They all have something unique to offer. If I had to have only one, it would be the Futur.
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  #19  
By Lord Byron on 01-12-2010, 03:42 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 96%
Default My Favorite So Far!

Thanks to this website I have been DE shaving for over 3 years now
and loving it!
So far I have used the Merkur HD,Slant,HD Open Comb,Progress,and from
Gillette the Fatboy and the Black handled Super Speed.
The thing I have discovered is that eveything in shaving is absolutely YMMV.
While most of those razors are wonderful in their own way,they are all too agressive for my ultra sensitive skin.
Which brings me to the Feather DE razor.It is the best shaver I have used so far,by a country mile.It is extremely mild,yet gave me a perfect close shave
with absolutely no irritation.I used a brand new Feather blade,a blade I could never use before as it always led to some minor irritation and redness.This time though it was like a hot knife throught butter.Simply wonderful.

All in all,I would say that if your skin is really,really sensitive this razor is a wonderful truly mild shaver.The quality of the razor is fine,nothing special as it is mostly plastic,but the metal head is nice,the length of the razor is great,
the TTO(Twist To open) butterfly system makes blade changing very easy.
The blade gap is even on both sides on mine,unlike on some of the Merkur models I have owned in the past.

So if you need a truly mild razor,that is inexpensive yet doesent feel cheap in its construction,I highly recommend the Feather Portable DE razor.
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