About to use a Feather AC for the first time. Suggestions?

[Cheech]

I picked up a feather AC and am preparing to try it for the first time. After all the talk of bloodletting, I just had to give it a try.

So, any suggestions? I'm pretty much been an exclusive straight user for some time. I've read to leave it flat against the skin as it has a built-in angle. Anything else I should know or try? I'm guessing the chin will be challenging.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[mparker762]

Keep the angle low and the pressure light. IMO the first shave with the Feather AC is actually pretty easy and awesome. It's only after a few days of consecutive use that it starts getting dicey.

 

[SiBurning]

I've only used the nosferatu feather twice, but both times it managed to drink its fill. I've been using a DE for a dozen years, and haven't had a cut in the last 10 at least. I also just started with a straight last week, and have only managed weepers with it.

On the positive side, the first pass or two gives at least as close a shave as I can get with a DE. It actually does BBS with fewer passes. Some areas still need buffing, but I'm loathe to buff with Barney the Vampire.

I think the feather's poorly designed for general face shaving. The blade corners are very sharp, the blade's too short, and the blades are very thin and sharp, just like DE feathers. That's a nasty combination that's just lusting for blood.

If I could redesign it, I'd make the blade longer and round the edges. I wouldn't change the thin sharp blade, because that's the main attraction and what makes it easy to get such close shave. It also happens to be its most dangerous feature.

Like with any blade, angle is important. If you want to always have the perfect angle, just use a DE that restricts you to using the one true angle. If you think a one true angle is bogus, then you know you won't always shave with the holder flat against your face. This is where it gets tricky. That blade is mighty thin and sharp, and will dig its teeth into your neck at the slightest provocation.

I find the chin to be easier than many other parts. Maybe it's because I have tougher skin there, but I think the real key is that the blade is wider than the small areas of chin it's required to touch at one time. The heavy blade holder makes it fairly easy to drag the blade across my chin and other areas, at least compared to a--for me, too light--full hollow straight.

If you want advice, leave the vampire hunting to more capable and faithful souls. Run, don't walk, and leave the vampire alone in its lair. A cut throat straight might take you out, but the nosferatu feather will take your immortal soul.

 

[Cheech]

I've only used the nosferatu feather twice, but both times it managed to drink its fill.

I like that. Nosferatu. Don't worry. I always keep a good supply of garlic and holy water (Speick) nearby.

A cut throat straight might take you out, but the nosferatu feather will take your immortal soul.

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I already gave my soul for a dodgeball game in grammar school. We won, and a deal's a deal. Although Daniel Webster says we have a case...

 

[TonyH]

I like that. Nosferatu. Don't worry. I always keep a good supply of garlic and holy water (Speick) nearby.

Perhaps someone should suggest this to Mama Bear as a new scent!

 

[Doc4]

Go very light with the feather. It's not the same as a conventional straight, so using the same strokes you are used to may be problematic.

 

[PedroNavaja]

The good shaves come with experience. After the initial "training" period, it'll become your favorite razor. This is my advice (repeating some of the above recommendations)

1. Go very slow, if you think you're going too slow, then slow a little bit more.
2. No pressure, otherwise you'll scrape the skin off you face.
3. Keep a very low angle, let the razor seat flat on your face and let it slide.
4. Alway keep a styptic shaving stick handy.

The shaves get better as the blade get older. i just finished my 13th. shave with a Pro blade. (Yes I keep records)

Good luck, and stick to it.

 

[Portra160]

My first two shaves with Feather AC was realy good but 3 & 4 was worse with some nicks and I was going to sell it...twice.
But I regret that and kept it. I was using to much pressure and angle.
I now let it lay flat and use no pressure and realize that this baby needs time.
Now I feel that the Feather is going to be my daily (almost) shaver

 

[dpmtherrien]

My first two shaves with Feather AC was realy good but 3 & 4 was worse with some nicks and I was going to sell it...twice.
But I regret that and kept it. I was using to much pressure and angle.
I now let it lay flat and use no pressure and realize that this baby needs time.
Now I feel that the Feather is goning to be my daily (almost) shaver

Same here, except I was not going to sell it. The pressure and the angle are the big thing. I like the razor, but just have to go really slow and get the angle's down. All I'm using for blades right now are the pro-guard, but I think these may be causing nicks. I'll give them some more time but will switch to the regular pro blades soon.

 

[O.G.]

My experience with the Feather is to go slow. Im still having problems with under the chin but Im determined to solve it. The advice given to me is the same Im giving you. Don't over stretch the skin which I think is my problem. All is needed is a slight tugg on your face, a flat angle because the angle is built in, and patience because one swipe with the Feather AC is like two swipes with other tools. Oh yeah the blade is more forgiving as it ages so don't get stuck on the 7-10 shaves. Another thing get a blade disenfactant like Clippercide that barbers use in the orange can. When you bleed on it, which you will, it will have a slight tint on the holder that appears to be rust from oxidation from interacting with hemoglobin. Use it to protect the blade and the holder because it contains an oil safe for the blade. What else can I suggest? Don't be afraid of it, it just works and works and works. Good luck.

 

[shyrlock]

I have been using one for a couple months now.
I am now getting very close nick and cut-free shaves, although it took some studied practice. I find that do better by lifting the spine up off the skin, perhaps about half as much as a regular straight. This added angle lets me go really light on the pressure.
Pay close attention to where the corner edges of the blade are at on your face.
Personally, I seem to get my most comfortable shaves from the "Professional Super" blades. Perhaps it is because they cut more like a traditional straight.
At any rate, the AC is now my favorite shaver.

 

[Portra160]

One problem I have is that the wedge seems to stuck to my face when it lay flat on my face no matter what lather I use. I´ve tried Taylors, Zihrh, Palmolive cremes and Tabac hard soap. But when I lift the spine a little like shyrlock does it seems to slide very well.
I don´t dare to do that with a new blade yet but with a blade used for 3 or 4 times.
No pressure is used here. The blades I use is the Professional.

 

[SiBurning]

It's weird looking back and seeing old posts. I don't understand half of what I posted up there. Makes me wonder if anyone ever understands me.

Back then I'd been using a straight for a week or two. Six months later I tried the feather again. Piece of cake. It's a lot like using a wedge. I have a little trouble getting nicks doing my chin with a wedge, and managed to have the same trouble with the feather this time around. I still don't like the corners of the blade, but I don't like a very pointy cornered square point straight either. Couldn't shave with Barney flat against my face. It just felt wrong. Was much better using the blade angle that felt right, which is mostly not flat. It's a fun toy to have. So far I just haven't been drawn to it.

 

[thermographer]

You don't really shave with a feather blade....the hair is so scarred and intimidated it just jumps off your face.

 

[Portra160]

You don't really shave with a feather blade....the hair is so scarred and intimidated it just jumps off your face.

Hahaha that´s quite right.

 

[netsurfr]

The good shaves come with experience. After the initial "training" period, it'll become your favorite razor. This is my advice (repeating some of the above recommendations)

1. Go very slow, if you think you're going too slow, then slow a little bit more.
2. No pressure, otherwise you'll scrape the skin off you face.
3. Keep a very low angle, let the razor seat flat on your face and let it slide.
4. Alway keep a styptic shaving stick handy.

The shaves get better as the blade get older. i just finished my 13th. shave with a Pro blade. (Yes I keep records)

Good luck, and stick to it.

+1 well said. you are my hero; I have never gotten 13 comfortable shaves out of a feather