Am thinking about getting an AS D2. Has anyone used one and are they worth the money?
Feather As D2
- Thread starter Elgordo
- Start date
Its a fantastic razor that is impeccable in craftsmanship and beauty but it is a mild shaver. I have one but I do not use it very often as I prefer something more aggressive. There are lots of threads on B&B about the ASD2. Best of luck in your pursuit.
Use it with a Feather blade. BBS results for me but I have a light beard growth.
I have one. It is, as noted, extremely mild. I like its heft and get great shaves with it, but I recently got an Above the Tie Windsor SSR1 and prefer it in some ways. It gives me BBS with less work than the AS-D2 while still being exceedingly gentle.
Lefonque
Even more clueless than you
I use the Feather ASD2 regularly. It is a fine shaver. I agree with the previous poster that is impeccably crafted. It is a smooth shave. I use feather blades which in my mind enhances the shave that this razor gives. To my mind it has a different shaving angle to my other razors to get the best shave. I like it very much. If asked I would recommend this razor. Is it worth the money? It is an expensive razor but in the case of the Feather ASD2 you pay for what you get. It will give a great BBS shave however you have to work your technique.
Messygoon
Abandoned By Gypsies.
With many thanks to the fine gentleman @Domster67, I am about to be blessed an AS-D2. My Rockwell 6S blew me away, making me realize a mild razor provides my personal shaving nirvana. Can’t wait for the Feather to arrive.
It's one of my favorites. It always gives me a near perfect 2 pass shave. It is mild but I like mild razors. In addition it's about the best looking DE razor I've ever seen.
Great razor, and as noted, in the "mild" category as far as any tendency to nick you. In fact, many experience the opposite problem of getting it to cut hair, primarily due to this razors very narrow range of blade angle to efficiency. Many, myself included, find it an excellent daily shaver, but it requires precise control and practice to use it most effectively. Though often classed as a "beginner's" razor because of its mildness, it really needs an experienced technique to get the best out of it.
I love my ASD2. I like it so much that I actually bought a second one to have as a spare. I'm always a bit hesitant to recommend it since so many people don't like it, but those that do like it, seem to like it a lot.
It's a very mild and forgiving razor. It's worked well for me with whatever blade I put in it (I usually use Lord Platinum), but I know a lot of people prefer using Feather blades.
It's a very mild and forgiving razor. It's worked well for me with whatever blade I put in it (I usually use Lord Platinum), but I know a lot of people prefer using Feather blades.
Incredible and dense database of the members' experience with the AS-D2 recorded in the history of this website.
A search is highly recommended.
A search is highly recommended.
You’re better off with a Timeless razor in my opinion.
Excellent razor. Well crafted, and more than capable of managing an average beard that is toughening as I age.
Dialing in the proper angle is no problem, as I stroke my razor in an arc-like motion that yields plenty of aural feedback at the optimal angle. Also, the razor lends itself to the application of a bit of pressure--a no-no with most razors, but perfectly safe here (at least for this shaver).
True to it's Gillette Tech design roots, the AS-D2 also excels at blade buffing, J-hooking and performing the "Gillette slide."
One other consideration: I always shave against the grain. Now, were I to do this with, say, an R41, it would feel like chopping wood. But the AS-D2's design and geometry permit me to do so without irritation or burn.
As for blades, I use Astra greens, Silver Stars, Nacets, Derby Premiums and Dorco Primes--all to good effect. I never have used a Feather blade, though. Cannot see any reason to do so, but I probably will someday.
Buy the razor and try it for yourself. If you don't like it, AS-D2s sell quickly on BST.
Dialing in the proper angle is no problem, as I stroke my razor in an arc-like motion that yields plenty of aural feedback at the optimal angle. Also, the razor lends itself to the application of a bit of pressure--a no-no with most razors, but perfectly safe here (at least for this shaver).
True to it's Gillette Tech design roots, the AS-D2 also excels at blade buffing, J-hooking and performing the "Gillette slide."
One other consideration: I always shave against the grain. Now, were I to do this with, say, an R41, it would feel like chopping wood. But the AS-D2's design and geometry permit me to do so without irritation or burn.
As for blades, I use Astra greens, Silver Stars, Nacets, Derby Premiums and Dorco Primes--all to good effect. I never have used a Feather blade, though. Cannot see any reason to do so, but I probably will someday.
Buy the razor and try it for yourself. If you don't like it, AS-D2s sell quickly on BST.
Sounds exactly like my Mamba's (53 especially and to a certain extent 70) - a very low tolerance for imperfect angle, encouraging a perfect cutting (shallow) angle, meaning that when it's right it's really efficient but it's not something I'd recommend to a beginner!!!
If you don't buying you'll regret it. I fancied ATT and never regretted the money . They sound similar quality.
As for considered mild, ignore the critics! The very mild m1 att plate, gives me close shaves with minimal effort and maximum comfort, shaving every day. One reason I think, is it's very easy and safe to go ATG.
As for considered mild, ignore the critics! The very mild m1 att plate, gives me close shaves with minimal effort and maximum comfort, shaving every day. One reason I think, is it's very easy and safe to go ATG.
I am with the consensus! The AS/D2 is a very fine razor, especially when paired with a Feather blade. 
Go ahead with your eyes closed, this razor is the best I have.
On the other hand, it requires a certain period of adaptation which in my case was quite long before mastering my shaves and the gestures specific to the AS-D2.
It's been a year since I shave exclusively with the Feather and certainly the only razor for a long time. I have tried the Feather and Shark blades with mixed results because my skin is too sensitive. Since 2 blades I have been using the Merkur blade which has become my favorite blade leaving my skin smooth without redness.
The AS-D2 is like a Japanese sword, a work of art, a jewel.
I hope I have comforted you with the purchase of the razor.
On the other hand, it requires a certain period of adaptation which in my case was quite long before mastering my shaves and the gestures specific to the AS-D2.
It's been a year since I shave exclusively with the Feather and certainly the only razor for a long time. I have tried the Feather and Shark blades with mixed results because my skin is too sensitive. Since 2 blades I have been using the Merkur blade which has become my favorite blade leaving my skin smooth without redness.
The AS-D2 is like a Japanese sword, a work of art, a jewel.
I hope I have comforted you with the purchase of the razor.
On the subject of blades I like Crystals and PIRs in an AS-D2. They aren't as sharp as a Feather on shave 1 but are sharper on day 2 et seq., plus they last longer.
It is a beautiful razor.
A post-war tech on a Feather AS-D2 handle provides, for me, an identical shave. I bought mine for ten bucks. So I sold my AS-D2.
A post-war tech on a Feather AS-D2 handle provides, for me, an identical shave. I bought mine for ten bucks. So I sold my AS-D2.
I have owned mine for 6 months now. I started just wanting to save money and bought it cause looked pretty on Amazon.
I only regret not getting it with the stand. Truly worth the money and absolutely use feather blades. Best razor in existence.
One of my favorite modern razors. Worth the price to me.
