CJB on the way, a few questions

[JDTTO]

My straight razor lurking days are over soon.

I pulled the trigger on a CJB (non folding) and a pack of Dorco's. For the price I just could not resist.

In terms of exposure, how do the Dorco's compare to the different Feather and Kai blades? Would a Feather Light or Kai mild be a wiser start?

Any suggestios for storing such a razor (loaded)? I am thinking about a Pen box which I have laying around.

 

[alpster]

Just so you know, a CJB only looks like a Feather AC, it doesn't act like one. I bought a CJB, like you, because the price was so low. The mechanism is sub par, very hard to get a blade into it and even harder (had to take it apart) to get the blade out. You can shave with it, and it works OK, but don't judge "Feather Artist Club" razors by your experience with a CJB. There is a reason why the "Feathers" are more expensive. BTW I have both a Feather AC "FG" folder and a DX non-folder and I highly recomend them both. CJB, not so much. If you want to try any of the "Feather blades Pro-guard, light, professional or super blades, if you send me a PM with your address, I will PIF you one of each. Try the CJB, but don't be afraid to upgrade to a real "Feather". JMHE

Ronnie

Ronnie

 

[blzrfn]

I have no problem loading and removing the blade from my CJB, but at the price I'm sure there are manufacturing tolerances that make each razor unique in its attitude. I have both a CJB and Sam Seong (another clone) and have no intentions of upgrading unless both absolutely fail. On the blades question, I have tried Feather Pro, Dorco and Kai Mild and would rank them in that order in terms of forgiveness going from most aggressive to least. The Feather lasts me the longest, followed by Kai and then Dorco, but all will perform very well for at least a week's worth of shaves. There are all sorts of storage options from razor stands to plastic head covers, the main thing is to not allow the blade to get dinged up while in storage to avoid prematurely dulling the edge.

 

[JDTTO]

Just so you know, a CJB only looks like a Feather AC, it doesn't act like one. I bought a CJB, like you, because the price was so low. The mechanism is sub par, very hard to get a blade into it and even harder (had to take it apart) to get the blade out. You can shave with it, and it works OK, but don't judge "Feather Artist Club" razors by your experience with a CJB. There is a reason why the "Feathers" are more expensive. BTW I have both a Feather AC "FG" folder and a DX non-folder and I highly recomend them both. CJB, not so much. If you want to try any of the "Feather blades Pro-guard, light, professional or super blades, if you send me a PM with your address, I will PIF you one of each. Try the CJB, but don't be afraid to upgrade to a real "Feather". JMHE

Ronnie

I am under no illusion that I am getting a Feather for a fraction of the price but from what I could gather, the CJB has been received quite possitively so for the price it seems like a good way to try.

Thanks for your generous offer, I will send you a PM.

 

[jpakstis]

I started with a CJB non-folding with Kai Milds with guards and very quickly was able to go to a Feather DX non-folding with Feather Supers. The CJB's blade-changing system isn't great, but for the difference in price, I was willing to live with it. The only reason I upgraded to the DX was because of RAD and I was able to get a good deal on one.

 

[JDTTO]

The CJB's blade-changing system isn't great

Is it more fiddly than a Schick Injector?

 

[Mick]

I would recommend that you start with one of the "Guard" blades that are out there until you get used to the feel for a shavette.

the guard will keep the blade directly off of your face but still give you that same straight shave you are looking for

 

[wquiles]

The CJB is not a higher quality razor (compared to the Feather), but it is not that bad. And it is not only finish, the blade exposure is also a tad longer on the CJB.

I found the blade exposure a tad more on the CJB (bottom):

Here is the CJB again, but with a Pro Guard blade:

And here with a KAI Mild Guard:

and note how again, with the SS there is less blade exposure:

Here, side-by-side pictures with the SS:

 

[Member357]

I had no issues changing blades in my CJB, and while the quality and finish is clearly lacking compared to the Feather and Kai razors, it does a great job as it's supposed to.

 

[Kentos]

The only part that matters is the part that touches your skin

 

[JDTTO]

I have a Pro Guard on the way from alpster (thanks again Ronnie!) so I will start with that one to grow a little confidence with the ergonomics of a straight. I it goes well with that one, I will order a pack of those and leave the Dorco's unopened for a while.

 

[jpakstis]

Is it more fiddly than a Schick Injector?

No, but it doesn't work as well as the Feather system. I ended up actually pushing out the blade about half-way and then sliding it sort of by hand, if that makes sense.

 

[blzrfn]

I'm trying to work up the nerve to polish my CJB and make a new handle as has been done by some of B&B's more courageous tinkerers. A nice bamboo handle and chrom(ish) head would be pretty amazing and still less than a Feather. I wonder if all Feathers have the same blade exposure as the SS or if that model has a shorter exposure to properly utilize the bulbous cutting edge.

 

[wquiles]

I wonder if all Feathers have the same blade exposure as the SS or if that model has a shorter exposure to properly utilize the bulbous cutting edge.

So far the Feathers razors I have tried have the same blade exposure. BUT, the RG/DX allow a lower shaving angle than the SS due to the "lip" in the SS. Here you can see how the edge on the RD/DX (middle) and CJB (right) differs from the SS (left):

The real test of how the edge of the SS "gets in the way" for "me" is when trying the Feather Light blades, which are physically shorter. Due to the SS lip, you would need an ever higher angle for shaving, which actually makes the SS very uncomfortable to shave with (for me - this is what I have found after trying these razors myself). I feel the DX/RG/CJB are the razors that better resemble/feel like a traditional str8 razor, and I feel they are a more versatile razor than the SS. Again, my opinion.

 

[wherndon]

I'm trying to work up the nerve to polish my CJB and make a new handle as has been done by some of B&B's more courageous tinkerers. A nice bamboo handle and chrom(ish) head would be pretty amazing and still less than a Feather. I wonder if all Feathers have the same blade exposure as the SS or if that model has a shorter exposure to properly utilize the bulbous cutting edge.

If you hurry you can get in on the "Pimp A Shavette" contest...

 

[lindyhop66]

I've tried Feather Professional, Feather Pro Super, Kai Sharp and Dorco. I got a rough shave from the Dorco. The Kai Sharp is good, but the Feather Pro Super is outstanding. The blade sticks out further from the straight handle.

 

[FaPat5]

For the price, I think the CJB is hard to beat. The blade changing is a bit hard but mainly because the spring in the head is a little tough. I've not really got much problems with mine, though one day I will get a DX just because the head has a different shape and may be more comfortable. For the price - just try it!

 

[blzrfn]

If you hurry you can get in on the "Pimp A Shavette" contest...

I am far to untalented to compete or even accomplish such a task in a timely fashion. That thread is very inspiring though.

 

[JDTTO]

I received my CJB today.

It seems to be built well enough. I loaded the Pro-Guard blade Alpster sent me by just removing the cover, inserting the blade and closing it again. Easier for me than a (non opening) Schick Injector.

I tried it on my forarm (dry). For some reason, I can not resist doing this with any new razor I receive. I have never seen hairs flying away so effortlessly at such a gentle touch.

I am a morning shaver but I think I will skip tomorrow morning's shave and have a go in the evening (face is too smooth now).

Whish me luck! (to be continued in the straight newbie section)

 

[Galhatz]

So how did it go?
I recently got a folding CJB but have not got around to using it...