I have read so many posts on here about how unforgiving the feathers are. I just had my first shave with one in a Red Tip SS, and they were great. SUPER SHARP, SUPER SMOOTH. Did a 4 pass got BBS, even used blade buffing with no irritation.
Feathers - What's the big deal
- Thread starter Blondie
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I have done some shaving research through interviews and documents through Charles Roberts of Enchante. He has really done a lot of research into shaving, and every serious shaver should read the materials. I have posted many times about Feathers and razor combinations are a factor in shaving. Most shavers use a Merkur razor with a Feather and end up cutting their face. Merkurs and Feathers are bad combination, Charles Roberts mentioned this in shaveden site interview. In fact Feathers work best with vintage Gillette razors pretty well. I believe Merkurs depend on its heavier weight to help cut while Gillette's are lighter. Which the Feathers can cut hairs without the need of pressure/weight of razors, which seems lighter razors as Gillette's work better. Where the weight of the Merkur maybe a little too much, also many shavers I believe progress to a certain point with their technique. Lately I have had different assumption of Feathers and Merkur razors. Here is what happened:
The first time I used a feather, I used a Merkur Progress. Irriation, too much skin gone, bled a little.
When I used Gillette Slim and Tech, amazing results, lighter razors.
When I got into Method shaving: worked great with Merkur 34c HD.
Recently, I accidently put a feather into my Progress and shaved away. It was almost perfect.
This is where I believe I had worked on my technique for so long, that I am able to use any razor and blade combination to get great results. My recommendation for a feather blade and Merkur Razor combo, shave lightly, and be more agile. It will be fine.
The only thing I have not tested and believe to be a waste of money and your face is using any long handled Merkur Razors. Its more money, more weight, and most people I have seen hold their razor like a pencil or dart, not like a bat.
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Like any blade, if they work for you great, if not find something else. I do believe though (and its pretty much the general consensus), Feathers are the sharpest DE blade around.
To the OP, I agree, Feathers aren't a big deal as long as your technique is there. They just require a bit of respect and a light touch. If there's something that hasn't been dialed in yet, like your lather or your shaving technique, they'll letcha know. 
They are by far my favorite blade.
No doubt Charles has a lot to say about shaving, and you'll find some discussion about his shaving 'philosophy' around the boards. He's a stand up guy, and I enjoy chatting with him at Enchante, but it's hard to hear him make bold-faced claims and state them like they are absolute truth. Merkurs and Feathers are NOT a bad combination. In my opinion, they are a fantastic combination. Everyone's mileage varies. I think it's humorous that if something doesn't work for Charles it becomes terrible for everyone and justified through a healthy dose of jargon.
Weight is just one factor...edge geometry and blade exposure have a lot to do with how a razor shaves as well. Also, there are many different styles of vintage Gillettes, some of which are much more aggressive and heavier than your average Merkur. There are several different models of Merkurs as well, which have various weights. The Merkur Classic (33C) is actually fairly lightweight.
I agree that once you have developed your technique, most razors can offer superb shaves. However, I find your blanket statement about long-handled Merkurs to be distasteful. Simply put, if you have not tried something, especially something that many people have great success with, please think twice about calling it a waste of money. I'm sure many folks around here would disagree with you. And who knows? Maybe you'll try a long-handled Merkur someday and realize that you prefer it.
They are by far my favorite blade.
No doubt Charles has a lot to say about shaving, and you'll find some discussion about his shaving 'philosophy' around the boards. He's a stand up guy, and I enjoy chatting with him at Enchante, but it's hard to hear him make bold-faced claims and state them like they are absolute truth. Merkurs and Feathers are NOT a bad combination. In my opinion, they are a fantastic combination. Everyone's mileage varies. I think it's humorous that if something doesn't work for Charles it becomes terrible for everyone and justified through a healthy dose of jargon.
Weight is just one factor...edge geometry and blade exposure have a lot to do with how a razor shaves as well. Also, there are many different styles of vintage Gillettes, some of which are much more aggressive and heavier than your average Merkur. There are several different models of Merkurs as well, which have various weights. The Merkur Classic (33C) is actually fairly lightweight.
I agree that once you have developed your technique, most razors can offer superb shaves. However, I find your blanket statement about long-handled Merkurs to be distasteful. Simply put, if you have not tried something, especially something that many people have great success with, please think twice about calling it a waste of money. I'm sure many folks around here would disagree with you. And who knows? Maybe you'll try a long-handled Merkur someday and realize that you prefer it.
- Thread starter
- #5
I think a BIG part of my success with my first Feather blade is the fact that I have about a years worth of DE shaves under my belt and my technique is fairly well honed.
Yeah, that'll do it. A fair share of folks (myself included) try them when they first start DE shaving and have issues, then pick them back up a few months later and discover they're the bee's knees.
i only use long handled's, 12c, 38c , 39c and the futur, I have tried standard length ones, and they feel like crayons, and also the longer handle allows my hand to be further away from my face, allowing me to see the stroke and head much more clearly in the mirror than my hand obscuring that view with a shorter handle.
exactly what i was planning on saying as well. You can't assume all Gillettes are lightweight and all Merkurs are heavy. I use the Merkur Classic (33c) which is highly comparable to the Gillette Tech. Small handled and lightweight and the Feather blade works great! I also use a Red Tip SS, which is the heavier of the SS family. The Feather still works well with this razor, but is not my first choice.
Feathers are great blades, but with everything regarding your skin YMMV.
Try everything, for there are few absolute truths in shaving which is why so many people like so many things.
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I don't specifically recall anyone saying that the blades were somehow inherently unforgiving, though almost everyone agrees that they are certainly sharp.
I think your post attests to that fact, as does my own personal experience as I am using feathers in my Red Tip as well. I think that this is a GREAT combination and provides a really fine shave.
I think that new shavers have been warned off of feathers due to the sharpness, and the fear that in inexperienced hands, that the sharpness could cause issues when blade angle and pressure is not correct.
That tends to put the Feather in the realm of the mysterious "uber blade", as has been done with the Red Tip, though when used properly, they are both excellent examples of their kind.
Three Cheers for the delightful Red Tip
What he said.
To the OP, I agree, Feathers aren't a big deal as long as your technique is there. They just require a bit of respect and a light touch. If there's something that hasn't been dialed in yet, like your lather or your shaving technique, they'll letcha know.
They are by far my favorite blade.
No doubt Charles has a lot to say about shaving, and you'll find some discussion about his shaving 'philosophy' around the boards. He's a stand up guy, and I enjoy chatting with him at Enchante, but it's hard to hear him make bold-faced claims and state them like they are absolute truth. Merkurs and Feathers are NOT a bad combination. In my opinion, they are a fantastic combination. Everyone's mileage varies. I think it's humorous that if something doesn't work for Charles it becomes terrible for everyone and justified through a healthy dose of jargon.
Weight is just one factor...edge geometry and blade exposure have a lot to do with how a razor shaves as well. Also, there are many different styles of vintage Gillettes, some of which are much more aggressive and heavier than your average Merkur. There are several different models of Merkurs as well, which have various weights. The Merkur Classic (33C) is actually fairly lightweight.
I agree that once you have developed your technique, most razors can offer superb shaves. However, I find your blanket statement about long-handled Merkurs to be distasteful. Simply put, if you have not tried something, especially something that many people have great success with, please think twice about calling it a waste of money. I'm sure many folks around here would disagree with you. And who knows? Maybe you'll try a long-handled Merkur someday and realize that you prefer it.
Feather + red tip = one of my favorite combinations
Today I used another favorite combo: 12C + Derby
Today I used another favorite combo: 12C + Derby
I don't know if the feather DE blades are unforgiving. It's a thin, sharp blade, that isn't as flexible as it could be. As such, it needs to be handled with more precision than a more flexible or duller blade. I'd say the same about Merkur vs. Gillette. I prefer the Gillettes because I don't have to pay much attention and can pretty much run it over my face with impunity. Yes, with a feather DE blade.
The feather disposable straight razor is the one with the unforgivable reputation. I've used it, and it just takes a certain care and technique in using it. I find a very sharp wedge straight razor is rather similar. The combination of heavy head and thin, inflexible sharp blade requires precision when using either. What makes the feather much harder to handle than a shap wedge is the sudden gap between the fat head and very thin blade edge.
Being unforgiving doesn't make any of these tools bad. They're all fantastic at what they do. But they need to be handled with precision technique. I'd put the Merkur Futur into the same category.
BTW, length and weight of the razor is all about how you hold and control the razor. Some people lock their wrists, others flex them, and some use their fingers and wrists to control the weight and angle of the head. With some of these, you might have a different preference for your razor. I choke up on the handle, not to balance the razor exactly, but to control how much weight or feedback my fingers feel, but it's the fingers that control the weight or pressure of the head against my face. I also move my wrists while moving my fingers, rotating and flexing both in the motions that feel most natural to me. With a longer razor, I just naturally place my fingers in a different spot, and the only difference to me is how far my fingers are from my face. With the short handle razors, I get over an inch, which is quite sufficient, so I really have no preference. The only thing I wouldn't like is something very light weight, such as hollow plastic, which would be harder to balance this way. For someone else who holds it at the end, that might be just the right thing.
The feather disposable straight razor is the one with the unforgivable reputation. I've used it, and it just takes a certain care and technique in using it. I find a very sharp wedge straight razor is rather similar. The combination of heavy head and thin, inflexible sharp blade requires precision when using either. What makes the feather much harder to handle than a shap wedge is the sudden gap between the fat head and very thin blade edge.
Being unforgiving doesn't make any of these tools bad. They're all fantastic at what they do. But they need to be handled with precision technique. I'd put the Merkur Futur into the same category.
BTW, length and weight of the razor is all about how you hold and control the razor. Some people lock their wrists, others flex them, and some use their fingers and wrists to control the weight and angle of the head. With some of these, you might have a different preference for your razor. I choke up on the handle, not to balance the razor exactly, but to control how much weight or feedback my fingers feel, but it's the fingers that control the weight or pressure of the head against my face. I also move my wrists while moving my fingers, rotating and flexing both in the motions that feel most natural to me. With a longer razor, I just naturally place my fingers in a different spot, and the only difference to me is how far my fingers are from my face. With the short handle razors, I get over an inch, which is quite sufficient, so I really have no preference. The only thing I wouldn't like is something very light weight, such as hollow plastic, which would be harder to balance this way. For someone else who holds it at the end, that might be just the right thing.
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Yeah, that'll do it. A fair share of folks (myself included) try them when they first start DE shaving and have issues, then pick them back up a few months later and discover they're the bee's knees.
I am one of those who is using Feathers for my first DE shaves. So far I've used both of the sample Hi-Stainless (black wrapped) blades that came with the Feather Popular razor with no real issues other than longevity. I'm disappointed that I only get three good shaves from each blade (the fourth attempt at shaving with the first blade was not pretty). I guess I still need to work on technique because I can't get desired results with 4 passes. I do a lot of touch up under the chin, jawline and Adam's apple. Got a few nicks, too.
I think I'm doing OK with these blades because I'm also using the Feather razor?
I have a sample pack of the Feather Hi-Stainless PlatinumCoated (yellow wrapped) blades which I assume are different because the wrappers are different from the sample blades. I'll start using those tomorrow. Maybe I'll change my story?
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Here is link for info and the interview with Charles Roberts by Mike Sandoval in 2007. This is a thread I started few months back.
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12502&highlight=interview+charles+roberts
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12502&highlight=interview+charles+roberts
Reporting back on my Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Coated Blade (yellow wrapped) experience:
Definitely a sharp blade, much sharper than its fellow Feather Hi-Stainless (black wrapped). I could tell the instant I laid the razor on my face. Respect and diligence were the order of the day. I was able to get DFS with 3 passes, WTG-ATG-XTG and some touch-up work. I was not going to press for a BBS.
I worked slowly with hardly any pressure (need it under the chin). No nicks, cuts, weepers or irritation. I loved it. I can see why one must be attentive when using this blade but the "shock and awe" fear factor is a bit overdone IMO. Again, maybe I'm having a pleasant experience because I'm using this blade in a Feather razor. Symbiosis is a good thing.
I'm not going to shave this weekend just to see how it performs on 2 days rest. Maybe I can also get more than three shaves from a single blade.
Definitely a sharp blade, much sharper than its fellow Feather Hi-Stainless (black wrapped). I could tell the instant I laid the razor on my face. Respect and diligence were the order of the day. I was able to get DFS with 3 passes, WTG-ATG-XTG and some touch-up work. I was not going to press for a BBS.
I worked slowly with hardly any pressure (need it under the chin). No nicks, cuts, weepers or irritation. I loved it. I can see why one must be attentive when using this blade but the "shock and awe" fear factor is a bit overdone IMO. Again, maybe I'm having a pleasant experience because I'm using this blade in a Feather razor. Symbiosis is a good thing.
I'm not going to shave this weekend just to see how it performs on 2 days rest. Maybe I can also get more than three shaves from a single blade.
I agree with Mr Scruffy.
I like the way Feathers shave. My only issue is how soon they lose their edge.
I feel that for the price, they should give more than three shaves. That's as much life as I get out of them no matter what razor I use them in.
I do especially like them in my old ball end Tech.
I like the way Feathers shave. My only issue is how soon they lose their edge.
I feel that for the price, they should give more than three shaves. That's as much life as I get out of them no matter what razor I use them in.
I do especially like them in my old ball end Tech.
I started out DE shaving using Feathers in a Merkur 38. I knew about their reputation as "the sharpest blade around" so I was of course careful. I think I would have been with any blade for that matter, some ppl have a tendency to go a bit over the top on the damage potensial of DE razors IMO.
Anyway, I am still a rookie, but I have used Feathers for over a month, getting shaves close to BBS and BBS when I choose to go the extra mile, without ever getting a cut.
I have noticed on forums at home (Norway) that some ppl seem to get scared away from trying out DE-shaving due to all the warnings.
I know I am a rookie, and I bend down in the dust for all you very experienced DE-shavers, but in my humble opinion it mostly comes down to this:
1. Soak the face in hot water before you start for at least a couple of minutes.
2. Make sure the lather you are using is wet enough.
3. Do not use any pressure when you shave. The weight of the razor does the job.
If you keep these rather simple rules in mind you are not goind to kill yourself by accident while using a DE razor. Not even with a Feather.
Anyway, I am still a rookie, but I have used Feathers for over a month, getting shaves close to BBS and BBS when I choose to go the extra mile, without ever getting a cut.
I have noticed on forums at home (Norway) that some ppl seem to get scared away from trying out DE-shaving due to all the warnings.
I know I am a rookie, and I bend down in the dust for all you very experienced DE-shavers, but in my humble opinion it mostly comes down to this:
1. Soak the face in hot water before you start for at least a couple of minutes.
2. Make sure the lather you are using is wet enough.
3. Do not use any pressure when you shave. The weight of the razor does the job.
If you keep these rather simple rules in mind you are not goind to kill yourself by accident while using a DE razor. Not even with a Feather.
