Feather Blade in a Rockwell R-1 Setting?

[BradtheImpaler]

I know it would defeat the purpose for most to try something like this, but my blade preference is closer to the duller end of the spectrum than sharper. (in example, view my pic to see the result when I once tried a Feather blade in a normally aggressive razor) With my Rockwell, I use level 2 or 3 for most blades I sample, so of course I have found ones that work, but I am curious to see if anyone else has tried an extremely sharp blade in a super-mild razor setting like the R1.

Would the result of pairing the 2 extremes cause a time-travel mishap or a breach in the "Multi-Verse" (attempt at humor) or might it simply end with a mild enough blade that lasts a REAL LONG time? Has anyone ever experimented along this line?

 

[Alex Jr]

1 is too mild for me but plate 2 and BIC is a recent combo I’ve been using.

I’ve always used plate 4 with whatever blade.

The other curious thing is, the 6C is not the same as the 6S. I have both. Their difference was quite shocking to me as I’ve always thought that other than the weight they were exactly the same.

Plate 2 on the 6S is COMPLETELY different than 6C.

My 6C on 2 seems like my 6S on 0,5 without a blade.

It barely shaves, sometimes it doesn’t even catch the hairs. It’s not the same exact razor, that’s for sure.

As for longevity, yes, a sharp blade in a mild plate usually goes a long way, for me at least.

I think the 6S is that type of razor that doubles blade life, don’t ask me how or why.

I love that thing.

 

[Lockback]

You can try the R1 plate but I suspect you'll end up bumping it up to the R2. It's a concept I've wondered about too. I almost always use the R4 plate, occasionally the R3. I did use the R2 once and it did an okay job (I forget which blade I was using). But I say go for it! What have you got to lose?

 

[Dezryder]

Yes, I'ved used feathers on a R2 for some great headshaves.

 

[DesertIguana]

Problem with your question is no one replying knows your skin & beard.

Each persons skin & beard is different.

It’s like say I need a Running Shot that fits my foot best.

I only like three brands out of 20 plus brands available.

Those 3 fit my feet well, the other 17 plus are uncomfortable.

Find right Razor n Blade is trail, and error.

 

[Albert V]

Personally, I only use plates 2, 3 and 4, mostly 3 or 4' With my 6S. My tests with plate 1 always required much more work/passes than using a more aggressive plate. I don’t even bother using it as a cleanup pass. I do not recall if I tried a feather at that setting. I have tried plate 6 with a feather blade with heavy growth.

My blade of choice is Perma-Sharp. More to the point, I have found in my trsts that Kai blade can add almost a half step more aggressive/efficient experience than other blades - I tend to attribute this not simply to the sharpness, but the Kai blade is speced just a hair (pun intended) wider than other blades. i think it is 1/1000” wider or something like that. So it has the edge (another intended pun) on other blades. But although the Kai seemed to have tangible results, I decided that plate 1 will be the one setting I will likely never bother with again.

 

[WhiskerLess]

1 is too mild for me but plate 2 and BIC is a recent combo I’ve been using.

I’ve always used plate 4 with whatever blade.

The other curious thing is, the 6C is not the same as the 6S. I have both. Their difference was quite shocking to me as I’ve always thought that other than the weight they were exactly the same.

Plate 2 on the 6S is COMPLETELY different than 6C.

My 6C on 2 seems like my 6S on 0,5 without a blade.

It barely shaves, sometimes it doesn’t even catch the hairs. It’s not the same exact razor, that’s for sure.

As for longevity, yes, a sharp blade in a mild plate usually goes a long way, for me at least.

I think the 6S is that type of razor that doubles blade life, don’t ask me how or why.

I love that thing.

Interesting, I never thought that 6C & 6S are completely different beast.

Good thing I chose 6S as my 1st safety razor.

 

[Alex Jr]

Interesting, I never thought that 6C & 6S are completely different beast.

Good thing I chose 6S as my 1st safety razor.

Me neither. Believe me. I’ve done side by side, plate by plate, several times.

When I bought the 6S I thought “well, just for durability”. Nope.

I’m glad I did. My impression is that the 6C is a close copy, a representation of the real one.

Razor design is affected by even the slightest thousand of an inch and this is noticeable between the two.

Specially with the lower plates, 3 and below, where tolerances matter even more.

 

[musicman1951]

Problem with your question is no one replying knows your skin & beard.

Each persons skin & beard is different.

It’s like say I need a Running Shot that fits my foot best.

I only like three brands out of 20 plus brands available.

Those 3 fit my feet well, the other 17 plus are uncomfortable.

Find right Razor n Blade is trail, and error.

Exactly this! And yes, plenty of shavers use a sharp blade in a mild razor. Let us know how it works for you.

 

[Hornace]

an extremely sharp blade in a super-mild razor

I'm a one-pass guy, so this is precisely the combination that works best for me. If, for whatever reason, I ever felt the need to go against the grain (unthinkable!), I'd probably swap over to the exact opposite - an aggressive razor with a mild blade.

 

[razorfool]

Personally, I only use plates 2, 3 and 4, mostly 3 or 4' With my 6S. My tests with plate 1 always required much more work/passes than using a more aggressive plate. I don’t even bother using it as a cleanup pass. I do not recall if I tried a feather at that setting. I have tried plate 6 with a feather blade with heavy growth.

My blade of choice is Perma-Sharp. More to the point, I have found in my trsts that Kai blade can add almost a half step more aggressive/efficient experience than other blades - I tend to attribute this not simply to the sharpness, but the Kai blade is speced just a hair (pun intended) wider than other blades. i think it is 1/1000” wider or something like that. So it has the edge (another intended pun) on other blades. But although the Kai seemed to have tangible results, I decided that plate 1 will be the one setting I will likely never bother with again.

Haven't used my Rockwell 6C for awhile, but now I have to try a Kai blade out. As for Feather blades, I think but not sure, that they would dull out much more quickly as too sharp a cutting edge means less structural integrity, and quicker loss of material. I might try a Feather in my Rockwell but I'm already convinced that it would not become my usual suspect. I've even used Derby's my more aggressive razors with pretty good results.

 

[Albert V]

As for Feather blades, I think but not sure, that they would dull out much more quickly as too sharp a cutting edge means less structural integrity, and quicker loss of material.

The feather blade may dull out a pinch faster than others but not because of structural integrity. Feather, considered the sharpest blades, are not coated. So with coated blades the coating needs to wear off to dull so the first and second shaves can be similar. With feathers, the lack of coating allows the blade to dull faster after first use so shavers may feel a difference between first and second use. Feather and Kai, are definitely worth a try and even though they are considered the sharpest, they can behave slightly differently. Of course all this depends on the razor, and the type of fwcial hair one has.

 

[razorfool]

The feather blade may dull out a pinch faster than others but not because of structural integrity. Feather, considered the sharpest blades, are not coated. So with coated blades the coating needs to wear off to dull so the first and second shaves can be similar. With feathers, the lack of coating allows the blade to dull faster after first use so shavers may feel a difference between first and second use. Feather and Kai, are definitely worth a try and even though they are considered the sharpest, they can behave slightly differently. Of course all this depends on the razor, and the type of fwcial hair one has.

Appreciate that info! I know either one can keep you on your toes when using. I found the Feather to be a bit harsh when I tried it in my R41 (2011), and never used it again with that razor. I think Kai are more forgiving, and real efficient as well. I'll try any blade once in whatever razor I happen to pick for the day!

 

[Albert V]

Appreciate that info! I know either one can keep you on your toes when using. I found the Feather to be a bit harsh when I tried it in my R41 (2011), and never used it again with that razor. I think Kai are more forgiving, and real efficient as well. I'll try any blade once in whatever razor I happen to pick for the day!

Although I use my Rockwell 6 mostly with plates 3 or 4. I have used both the Kai and Feather blades with plate 5 and 6 when I had 3+ days of growth. I did this mostly to test the limits of what my razor can do when pushed to the most efficient/aggressive limit. There was no bloodshed and little need for multiple passes. Of course the razor and the blade are just part of the mix. Using a slick tallow soap and Proraso pre-shave allows the razor to glide nicely and do its job well. After I did tests like that, I realized I would never need another razor, just dial in the ideal optimal combo. I think that was when I decided to sell my Rockwell 6C and get the 6S with stand (during a big black friday sale last fall). My main blade is Perma-Sharp since I stocked up big, but will always keep a pack of Kai and Feathers just for fun

 

[razorfool]

Although I use my Rockwell 6 mostly with plates 3 or 4. I have used both the Kai and Feather blades with plate 5 and 6 when I had 3+ days of growth. I did this mostly to test the limits of what my razor can do when pushed to the most efficient/aggressive limit. There was no bloodshed and little need for multiple passes. Of course the razor and the blade are just part of the mix. Using a slick tallow soap and Proraso pre-shave allows the razor to glide nicely and do its job well. After I did tests like that, I realized I would never need another razor, just dial in the ideal optimal combo. I think that was when I decided to sell my Rockwell 6C and get the 6S with stand (during a big black friday sale last fall). My main blade is Perma-Sharp since I stocked up big, but will always keep a pack of Kai and Feathers just for fun

Getting back to using my 6C tomorrow, I'm going to try an Astra SP with plate 4. Sounds like you have your system nailed down pretty well. No 6S for me, at least for now, since I'm trying to get some good shaves with the C. I guess the fun of the hobby is the infinite combinations of all the separate factors leading to a great shave, hopefully. It is mind boggling to me, so I tend to take a serendipitous approach to my selections. Over all I seem to make pretty good choices. Enjoy that 6S, I understand the plates may be slightly different in configuration vs the 6C, but I am sure they still cover the complete spectrum of efficiency.