Feather All-Stainless and Muehle comparison

[MaxJ]

Last week I got all teary-eyed about how fantastic the Muehle R106 was. I have indeed been getting the best shaves of my life over the past week with the R106, but today I finally (and very gingerly) pulled out the Feather for its own week-long test run.

First impression, as always, is that this is a gorgeous razor. Incredibly precisely built, great heft, excellent grip. It's a joy to hold. I used a fresh Feather blade (of course) this morning and the shave... Well. I actually had about a day and a half of growth, which I think probably affected things, but this was not by any means an incredible experience. The razor took down my beard efficiently, no doubt. I got the same closeness I've been getting with the R106, but the razor burn today was markedly worse. People have been selling the glide of the razor head and there certainly times that I felt that (usually using a more acute angle than I'm used to, has anyone else experienced that?). But for the most part I didn't think the head performed any better than the EJ/Muehle head. The jury will be out on that as I get used to the razor.

Two minor points kind of irked me. One, the razor had a habit of not clearing the mix/cream off of the areas I'd shaved. Two, the shaved hairs seem to love infesting the knurling on the handle, which makes cleaning the thing a much longer process than you'd like.

On the whole it was a good shave, but somewhat harsher than I've been used to and certainly no better than the results the R106 provided. These are very similar performers in my book, but after day one I would certainly swap back to the Muehle without hesitation. We'll see how the week progresses.

 

[solar]

I've tried the Muhle R106 against my Feather a number of times now. The Feather just shaves me better in every way using the same blades, and the knurled handle is nothing but better grip and clean. The sheer black acrylic handle of the Muhle is slippery for me, so in this shootout, my personal feel is the Feather comes in first palce.

YMMV sort of thing,

Best,

C

 

[MaxJ]

I've tried the Muhle R106 against my Feather a number of times now. The Feather just shaves me better in every way using the same blades,

Care to elaborate? I'm really curious.

 

[solar]

Well, as I say, I prefer the tactile feel of the Feather handle by far over the Muhle. The knurled handle is very good in water and soap, giving excellent grip. When I find the proper angle for optimal shaving with the Feather, I move right along and very rarely have weepers or nicks. The results tends to be smoother more quickly, and when I scruff the jawline at the shave's end to get the BBS or close to it feel, the Feather does so with less damage for me, when both razors are wearing the same blade. This side by side (shave left side with Muhle and right with Feather, then reverse it the next day) led me to decide to sell the Muhle. Since I seem to have overpaid for my Muhle, I have therefore decided to keep it, as it is a fine razor by all accounts. I just like the Feather more. Much more.

Chris

 

[MaxJ]

Phew.

OK, finally got a great result from the Feather, which was starting to worry me. Sorry, boys, not going on the BST just yet. I have to stay I still prefer the balance of the Muehle a bit more, I think the Feather is a little too bottom-heavy. But a great shave this morning that I think reduced the beard faster than usual with the R106. The bottom line is that these are both great shavers, I think if you used the Feather on a daily basis but then had an R106/R89/EJ for travel or whatnot, the feel and results would be nearly identical. That's kind of my plan for the moment, since I wouldn't be OK with taking the Feather on a long trip.

 

[Kevan]

I was in the same boat as you. I don't use Feather blades because they're just too harsh on my skin, but the head on the Feather AS has just spoiled me. It glides over my skin. It probably has something to do with the matte finish. My R106 has gone into the razor box for good, probably.

 

[papi]

Last week I got all teary-eyed about how fantastic the Muehle R106 was. I have indeed been getting the best shaves of my life over the past week with the R106, but today I finally (and very gingerly) pulled out the Feather for its own week-long test run.

First impression, as always, is that this is a gorgeous razor. Incredibly precisely built, great heft, excellent grip. It's a joy to hold. I used a fresh Feather blade (of course) this morning and the shave... Well. I actually had about a day and a half of growth, which I think probably affected things, but this was not by any means an incredible experience. The razor took down my beard efficiently, no doubt. I got the same closeness I've been getting with the R106, but the razor burn today was markedly worse. People have been selling the glide of the razor head and there certainly times that I felt that (usually using a more acute angle than I'm used to, has anyone else experienced that?). But for the most part I didn't think the head performed any better than the EJ/Muehle head. The jury will be out on that as I get used to the razor.

Two minor points kind of irked me. One, the razor had a habit of not clearing the mix/cream off of the areas I'd shaved. Two, the shaved hairs seem to love infesting the knurling on the handle, which makes cleaning the thing a much longer process than you'd like.

On the whole it was a good shave, but somewhat harsher than I've been used to and certainly no better than the results the R106 provided. These are very similar performers in my book, but after day one I would certainly swap back to the Muehle without hesitation. We'll see how the week progresses.

Its interesting to hear all aspects of this feaather razor. I would wonder how it would stand up against the Muhle R89, because I thought the feather was considered a mild shave. therefore the the R89 would be a good comparison. I have an R89 and its a good shave, but I always think, if it just was a little more aggressive!
I just had a similar experience today, with my new Red tip. I have been hearing a lot about how great they are. I think it was a good shave, but I didnt think it was very aggressive. I am use to the open comb, and the red tip if more aggessive than a super speed, but it still was not that much. A good shave though, I cant say different. I am glad I bought a cheep red tip, instead of getting an expensive one. Another point though for me is, I learned to shave with a comb micromatic, as a teenager. they are about as aggressive as you can get, so Im a bit bias.