Feather AS-D2, first shave opinion

[gclyn]

This is my first post, so bear with me. Last night I had my first shave with my brand new Feather AS-D2. I have been using an EJ DE89L and like the feel of that shave.

With the Feather, I find it just as mild a shave as others have reported. It felt as if it was not even cutting my whiskers. I am using a 45 deg angle ax suggested by other forum members. I had Ti use three passes, WTG, XTG, and ATG. I felt no razor burn at all with the Feather. It was almost as if no blade wad in the razor. BRE, using Feather blades.

In the end, the shave did not feel as close as my DE89L. But, the shave was very close. I believe the mildness of the razor comes from the blade being so close to the base plate.

I love the look and finish from the Feather and will try a couple more times and see if my technique can improve to effectively use the razor. If not I may look at an Ikon and sell the Feather.

 

[ojinsa]

Yours seems to be a pretty common Feather shave experience. I don't see what blade you are using with your AS-D2, and I know in my own experience that this has some effect on the shave itself. Also, even though others have reported success using a 45 degree angle, the contours of your own face may respond better from a different angle, so it may be worthwhile to experiment with different angles.

 

[gclyn]

Thanks ojinsa. I am using Feather Hi Stainless blades. Will try experimenting with angles.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations on the new razor and good luck with it!

 

[CanuckShaver]

I too have been using the AS-D2 for over a week now, using Astra SS blade I'm able to get as close shave as the Aristocrat Junior and Slim but with more effort, 3 pass plus touch-ups rather than 2 passes. Yesterday and today I used Feather blades for the first time and got a close shave with less effort and the blade felt smoother on my face.

 

[drlvegas]

Flatter blade angle seems to work better with the AS-D2. That being said, some guys still don't get a great shave.

 

[gclyn]

Well, my second shave with the AS-D2 and I was able to get BBS WITH 3 passes. It took some effort to maintain the optimal blade angle, but I was able to manage. I am using the same Feather blade from the first shave. I used my EJ between shave with the Feather, just so I could have a good comparison between the two razors. It took a little more effort with the Feather to get the same "closeness" ax the EJ.

Overall, I was ready to sell the AS-D2 after the first shave. But after the second, I may keep it in my rotation. I guess the learning curve, got me with the Feather is not as steep ax when I used my EJ for the first time ( got a great shave and felt good).

I think I'll know whether to keep the Feather, after a few more shaves. Right know, I'm leaning more towards keeping it.

i am also considering the Tradare, but contemplating on the OC or SB. Anyone know if the OC is similar to the Joris?

 

[Eeyore]

If it wasn't so expensive, I would definitely buy a Feather AS-D2.

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

The AS-D2 requires a bit of a different angle to shave optimal. I found that if you use the razor exclusively for about 2 weeks the results will improve greatly.

The Tradere razors are also great shavers but a lot more aggressive then the Feather. Both models are IMHO milder then the Joris.

 

[gclyn]

The AS-D2 requires a bit of a different angle to shave optimal. I found that if you use the razor exclusively for about 2 weeks the results will improve greatly.

The Tradere razors are also great shavers but a lot more aggressive then the Feather. Both models are IMHO milder then the Joris.

Snuff-Belgium, do you have or have tried the Tradere OC? is it much milder than the Joris?

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

I tried it on loan and for me it's milder then the Joris. YMMV

 

[gclyn]

Alright...tonight I had my third shave with the Feather AS-D2. This shave is following a shave with a Joris razor a few days ago.

I am still using the Feather blade that was put into the AS-D2 from my first shave with it. Tonight I used the Taylor of Bond Street Grapefruit shaving cream.

Well...I was able to get a BBS shave with 3 passes (WTG, XTG, ATG), and some blade buffing for trouble areas. I think my technique is getting better as I had to use less effort to get the BBS result. I am keeping the angle approximately 45 degrees, maybe 40. I felt I got similar shave, in regards to closeness, compared with the Joris. However, the Joris required less effort and seemed more efficient per pass at shaving closely.

I know I still have to improve my technique as I have some mild burning around my jaw and neck area where I had to do the blade buffing. I can tell you that I do use a little more pressure with the Feather than my EJ DE89L...I am cognizant about trying to use little to no pressure and let the head of the work.

In conclusion...I think the Feather will stay in the rotation. Sorry to the other members here that I will not be selling the Feathef razor. Who knows, maybe when I get my Tradere, my decision may change. But don't bet on it ;-)

After using the Joris though, I am really liking OC razors.

 

[gclyn]

Ok, everyone this will be my last post for this thread. After my sixth shave with this razor, I love it more than my first impression. I use this razor in a weekly rotation, but tried using it every other day. Maybe my technique is just getting better, but my shaves with the AS-D2 has become much more satisfying.

Maybe my pre-shave routine is better, maybe my lathering is better who knows. However, for those out there who have the Feather AS-D2 and have had the experience I did, maybe hang onto it longer and see if the experience of using it will grow into a pleasant BBS shave like it did for me.

Many people recommend this razor for beginners because its very mild and low chance to cut one self. However, I would suggest that this razor is more for the intermediate who has good technique, prep, lather, etc to really get an excellent shave out of this razor.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks everyone for reading.

 

[Wayne1963]

I got ripped off with the first Feather Stainless model. I have many razors, and this is the only one I feel this way about. This piece of junk (albeit beautiful) would not take the fuzz off a peach. Never again will I contribute one penny to the coffers of the Feather company.

 

[gclyn]

Wayne1963, sorry to hear that. Was it the AS-D1 or the D2 that you were using? The D2 apparently is more relatively aggressive vs the D1.

However, I have your sentiments for the Gillette Flair Tip....did not like it.

The only truth is that there is no universal best razor...what is good for one, sucks for another.

 

[Copierguy]

I got ripped off with the first Feather Stainless model. I have many razors, and this is the only one I feel this way about. This piece of junk (albeit beautiful) would not take the fuzz off a peach. Never again will I contribute one penny to the coffers of the Feather company.

And when you contacted Feather they offered what?

 

[Wayne1963]

And when you contacted Feather they offered what?

The vendor I bought it from does not take returns on safety razors...I no longer give them my business.

 

[Bostrin]

Regarding Copierguy's post; you can always resell it if you don't like it. A stainless steel razor fetches a hefty price and people will line up to take one off your hands (especially if you have kept the box). I was very glad the other day to pick one up from boardmember Vijay (thanks Vijay). I state the obvious that every razor is not made for every shaver.

 

[mastershake]

sold mine. it would not make a dent in my beard like a fatip or anything that actually takes it off easily lol. my wire for hair was just to much for it. it was smooth though for my wife and she liked it but not for what it cost. she said she will stick to her de89.

 

[KCee]

I've been using the AS-D2 a lot lately. It doesn't shave as closely as most of my other razors, but that's exactly why I've been using it. It provides a less close (but incredibly even) shave that means no ingrowns for me. Plus I like that you can whip this thing around your face without worry of hurting yourself (it makes that trouble spot on my neck no trouble at all), blade alignment is also a no brainer and it's a high quality piece. If I have 2 days of growth then I'll use something more aggressive, but otherwise I'm liking this razor.