An alternative to the Feather 800-1B

[Penalapa]

Hello everyone,

I've been shaving with DE razors for 2 years but I've had many bad experiences due to the sensitivity of my skin.
I started with a The Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar and a sample pack of blades but it felt incredibly agressive.

I did like the way shaving with a DE worked so I got a nice golden colored Merkur Futur to try it at a level 1 to see if that was any better. It was not. It still felt too agressive and I also didn't like the weight of the razor.

I then got a Feather 800-1B because I heard it was very mild. This is still the razor I use today and I love it. I love the lenght of the handle, the light weight and the plastic protective bar against my face rather than metal. I also enjoy the butterfly mechanism.

I also tried the Gilette King C. DE out of curiosity and even though it felt mild enough, I didn't like the heavy weight and shorter handle.

Even though the 800-1B gives me a great shave it is a very cheap razor. Because I enjoy the hobby of shaving I wish to replace this razor for something more premium. Because holding the 800-1B and looking at it definitely does not give me that experience.

I have looked at the Feather AS-D2 but I'm scared I wont enjoy the weight. I was wondering if there were any alternatives based on my preferences that I might have overlooked or simply don't know about.

Looking forward to any replies, thanks in advance!

 

[Mitzie]

You could try the Wilkinson Sword (black plastic) Classic Razor?

 

[bartje-p]

If you want to stick with butterfly razors, you do limit yourself. Good mild options I have experience with are the vintage Gillette Superspeed or Rocket HD. No experience with Gillette Rocket or Parat (bit lighter than HD version). I know there is a Weishi Gillette copy with butterfly system, but never shaved with it. Heard good things. Parker also has butterfly razors, but they are usually a bit more agressive? Pearle also, but unfamiliar with.

 

[Penalapa]

If you want to stick with butterfly razors, you do limit yourself. Good mild options I have experience with are the vintage Gillette Superspeed or Rocket HD. No experience with Gillette Rocket or Parat (bit lighter than HD version). I know there is a Weishi Gillette copy with butterfly system, but never shaved with it. Heard good things. Parker also has butterfly razors, but they are usually a bit more agressive? Pearle also, but unfamiliar with.

You're right, sticking with butterfly razors limits my options tremendously. I love the ease of use but it's not a necessity for me.

 

[Penalapa]

You could try the Wilkinson Sword (black plastic) Classic Razor?

Thanks for the tip. It's not the premium razor I'm looking for but fun to try out.
I just ordered it together with a Gilette Blue DE.

 

[BigJ]

You could look at some of the vintage Techs: great shavers, generally in the mild range!!

 

[lasta]

+1 on vintage Techs. Look for one with an aluminum handle.

Although, current trend for "premium" razors is steel heads on solid steel handles ~100g.

You can try a modern head with a light aluminum handle.

Cal has a beautiful one if he every comes around to share his source.

 

[bartje-p]

+1 on Vintage Techs, though I would advise the non-alu versions (personally like the ball-end handles)