Item Description
Just got this thing. I have been a straight shaver for a while, but I just didn't have enough time to keep up the maintenance. So I figured I'd try the Feather. I wasn't sure what to expect, and from reading previous reviews I knew I'd have to change my technique a bit. But I really didn't want to give up the closeness, ability to adjust blade angle, and the overall shaving aesthetic of a straight shave. Wasn't quite ready to give up and switch to DE just yet. 
I originally ordered the RG, but once I got it in the mail, I immediately sent it back and upgraded to the DX. I could tell I was going to like the Feathers from the start, so I figured I'd just get the best now instead of ordering it later. I am really anal about aesthetics and I wanted the stainless steel. Plus I wanted the case, and I had heard that the DX's are balanced better than the RG (and I will confirm that they are).
OK, price. This is the only thing I marked down. As much as I'm loving this product, it is a little expensive for essentially being a nice blade holder. That being said, it is a very quality product, and time was put into the R&D. I also like the handle. Some would not like the look and feel of the polymer, but I like its durability and I think it fits the modern appeal of this razor. Even though the price is high, compared to a quality straight, a good hone, strop, strop paste, etc...it is about equal.
Craftsmanship. As I said above, this thing is built very well. The razor injection system is easy and quick. It is weighted very well, and allows you to use very little pressure while still having full control of the blade. The polymer handle is nice for easy cleaning as well. If the polymer is not your thing you can upgrade to a nice Teakwood or Ebony handle. I also really like how long the tang is. I can actually get my index and middle in front of the handle and both my ring and pinky on the tang. Allows for a really controlled grip.
Easy to sharpen. Well, it is simple. Once it gets dull, just pop a new blade in.
Lasting Edge. I honestly have not done enough shaves with this thing to tell, but from what I've read, should last about as long as a quality DE blade. Between 5-10 shaves.
Shaving Smoothness. Man oh man does this thing shave well. I have never had a closer shave. I switched to this thing because I couldn't keep my straight sharp enough. This thing cuts through everything without any hesitation. I was slightly worried about the first shave because of all the people's warnings about how sharp they are. I think everyone was over-exaggerating. My first shave was silky smooth and no nicks. You just have to remember to keep the blade angle really low and not use ANY pressure. I will say there is less feedback than a straight shave. This is because of the weight of the blade and how sharp the razors are. I actually wasn't even sure at first if I was shaving anything. I thought I might have had the blade angle so thin that it wasn't even hitting my skin, but then I looked and after the first pass it was practically as smooth as 2 passes with my straight was. I think next blade order I make, I will upgrade to the Pro Supers (I'm using the Pro's currently). Would like to have a bit more blade showing.
Maintenance is easy. Just replace the blades when needed. The whole thing can come apart for easy cleaning. And the handle is fine to put in the dishwasher if you really want to sterilize it.
So overall, I'm very happy with my Feather DX. It is definitely not for everyone. It is very sharp and needs slightly different technique than a traditional straight. So for that reason, some straight users may not like it, and I also don't know if it is great way to "introduce" yourself to straight shaves. Won't be for everyone, but if you want a similar feel and appeal to a straight shave without some of the hassle try out a Feather. I know that I gave this thing a really high review, but I really do feel that way about it. I love it. I sure won't be switching to DE's anytime soon.
I originally ordered the RG, but once I got it in the mail, I immediately sent it back and upgraded to the DX. I could tell I was going to like the Feathers from the start, so I figured I'd just get the best now instead of ordering it later. I am really anal about aesthetics and I wanted the stainless steel. Plus I wanted the case, and I had heard that the DX's are balanced better than the RG (and I will confirm that they are).
OK, price. This is the only thing I marked down. As much as I'm loving this product, it is a little expensive for essentially being a nice blade holder. That being said, it is a very quality product, and time was put into the R&D. I also like the handle. Some would not like the look and feel of the polymer, but I like its durability and I think it fits the modern appeal of this razor. Even though the price is high, compared to a quality straight, a good hone, strop, strop paste, etc...it is about equal.
Craftsmanship. As I said above, this thing is built very well. The razor injection system is easy and quick. It is weighted very well, and allows you to use very little pressure while still having full control of the blade. The polymer handle is nice for easy cleaning as well. If the polymer is not your thing you can upgrade to a nice Teakwood or Ebony handle. I also really like how long the tang is. I can actually get my index and middle in front of the handle and both my ring and pinky on the tang. Allows for a really controlled grip.
Easy to sharpen. Well, it is simple. Once it gets dull, just pop a new blade in.
Lasting Edge. I honestly have not done enough shaves with this thing to tell, but from what I've read, should last about as long as a quality DE blade. Between 5-10 shaves.
Shaving Smoothness. Man oh man does this thing shave well. I have never had a closer shave. I switched to this thing because I couldn't keep my straight sharp enough. This thing cuts through everything without any hesitation. I was slightly worried about the first shave because of all the people's warnings about how sharp they are. I think everyone was over-exaggerating. My first shave was silky smooth and no nicks. You just have to remember to keep the blade angle really low and not use ANY pressure. I will say there is less feedback than a straight shave. This is because of the weight of the blade and how sharp the razors are. I actually wasn't even sure at first if I was shaving anything. I thought I might have had the blade angle so thin that it wasn't even hitting my skin, but then I looked and after the first pass it was practically as smooth as 2 passes with my straight was. I think next blade order I make, I will upgrade to the Pro Supers (I'm using the Pro's currently). Would like to have a bit more blade showing.
Maintenance is easy. Just replace the blades when needed. The whole thing can come apart for easy cleaning. And the handle is fine to put in the dishwasher if you really want to sterilize it.
So overall, I'm very happy with my Feather DX. It is definitely not for everyone. It is very sharp and needs slightly different technique than a traditional straight. So for that reason, some straight users may not like it, and I also don't know if it is great way to "introduce" yourself to straight shaves. Won't be for everyone, but if you want a similar feel and appeal to a straight shave without some of the hassle try out a Feather. I know that I gave this thing a really high review, but I really do feel that way about it. I love it. I sure won't be switching to DE's anytime soon.
Just got to work out how to move around my glasses now....., other than that I got the razor and 15 guarded blades, 3 "Light" blades and 20 Professional 
