I kon Standard v ATT v Feather AS-D2

[Sceptic Pencil]

I have been DE shaving since February of this year & I have used a variety of current & vintage razors, both safety bar & open comb. I came to the conclusion that open comb razors suited me best, as all the safety bars I had used, required more passes / touching up than with my open combs.

I recently bought an Ikon Deluxe OC & an Ikon Slant, both of which I had been considering for a while. The Deluxe OC gave a close & very relaxed shave, but left my lower neck (one of my problem areas) feeling a bit uncomfortable. The Slant gave a closer & much smoother shave than the open comb, but was a bit less relaxing to use, as I felt like it could bite me at any time. The Slant was also a bit tricky to use for shaving under my nose, though it did a good job.

After acquiring my Ikon OC, I did think about buying a Standard plate for it at some time in the future. However, whilst ordering some shaving supplies this week, I noticed that the Ikon end caps were out of stock & with all the latest Ikon razors having a polished stainless steel finish, I wondered if the matte finished Ikons were soon to be discontinued. So, with this in mind, I added the Standard base plate to my order.

My Standard base plate duly arrived , but with its somewhat aggressive reputation, I held off shaving with it until today, as I don't want to be trying to staunch the blood flow from a facial wound on a workday morning! All I can say was that I needn't have worried at all. It shaved like a Gillette Tech, but cut as close as my 2013 R41 (without trying to pull my bristles out like the R41 does!). The shave was also very quick, as the Standard tackled all my problem areas with ease & no touch ups were required. I think I may have found my "Goldilocks" razor.

I am now intrigued as to how the Ikon Standard matches up to other high end safety bar razors. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has used the Ikon Standard & the Feather AS-D2, the Tradere SB (I have the OC), or one or more of the ATT heads.

 

[fl_guy]

Sold the AD D2 way to mild for me, the Ikon is a smooth razor but cant touch the ATT for build quality and shave. Understand that the ATT is a "system" razor in that you cab get 3 different plates soon to be 6. I prefer the R or regular plate and now use it exclusively.

 

[dfoulk]

I haven't tried the AS-D2, the Ikon or the Tradere, but I do have the ATT Kronos setup with all three base plates. I skipped considering the AS-D2 when making my choice because of it's mild reputation. I wanted something a bit more aggressive. After doing some research I determined that the ATT would be a better choice for me. In addition to the different characteristics I found the build quality to be much much better on the ATT than the IKON. They are also a bit more expensive as the plate cost is roughly double that of the IKON plates. The Tradere is a nice option that I might like to try in the SB version at some time in the future. The ATT just seemed like a better choice to me with the ability to switch plates.

I have now used all three of the ATT base plates, and find I'm using the R (mid aggressive) and H (high aggressive) plates the most. the M (mildly aggressive) is great as well, I will use it if I want a mid day touch up before going out for the evening. To give you a comparison the M is a little more aggressive than a Weber and the H is like a more refined and easier to use R41. The R plate is somewhere in the middle. All three places are very easy and quite effortless to use without worry of getting bit. I can get a great shave with any of them.

The shave I can get from the ATT far exceeds the closeness I can get from any other razor I've tried. To test this I used a Merkur Slant the other day, which I've used many times and really like. I did multiple passes and touch up until I got the best shave I could from it. I got a very nice shave from a great razor that most people would be very satisfied with. Once done, I did an assessment. After the assessment I did an additional pass with my ATT R1 and it definitely took the shave to another level. These razors do an amazing job and just sing as they cut. I never knew I could get a shave so close.

The build quality on the ATT is excellent and the Kronos handle is amazing. Balance is absolutely perfect.

In addition to the SB base plates, ATT will be releasing three OC plates in about a week. They will be called M2, R2, and H2 and have differing levels of aggressiveness like their SB counterparts.

You also have a 30 day full refund option when buying any of the ATT razors directly from Stan at the Above the Tie website. So you can try it and if you don't like it as much as I do, then just return it in the original box for a full refund. Or if you don't want to buy the 5 or 7 piece systems you can buy one razor and return a base plate and try another until you find the one that's right for you. I don't know of any other razor company that is confident enough in their product to do this.

 

[shawnsel]

I have the ATT Atlas 5 (all three baseplates). I do not own any other stainless steel razors, but I am very happy with my ATT. It's head design is very efficient and yet also very comfortable. I significantly prefer it to my EJ89, Merkur Slant, Sodial, and RazorRock Slab razors. YMMV, but as you can see from this and your prior responses, Above The Tie seems to be developing quite the fan base.

 

[MaxP]

Thanks to all.

I have a SB Ilon and have been thinking I "need" an ATT M1.

I had an ATT R1 and found it a bit too harsh to use as a daily shaver, so I swapped. Probably a mistake, but...

 

[shawnsel]

Just a thought, Stan from Above the Tie recommended the Atlas handle to me since I prefer mild. Others prefer the Kronos, but the balance and weight of the Atlas seem great by me, and although it looks less deeply knurled, it holds fast even with very slippery cream/oil on my hands. Stan's advice worked for me, so I thought I'd pass it on.

Cheers!

 

[Chadao]

I am very happy with the iKon OC, but I obviously can't handle aggressive razors. The iKon SB is very aggressive to me, and I sold my iKon Slant Head. I couldn't handle it either. I like the new Shavecraft, but the OSS seems aggressive to me, but Arnav considers it normal.

I will probably give the ATT OC a try, but I am happy with the iKon OC, and my Gillette New LC.

 

[Sceptic Pencil]

I found the build quality to be much much better on the ATT than the IKON. They are also a bit more expensive as the plate cost is roughly double that of the IKON plates. The Tradere is a nice option that I might like to try in the SB version at some time in the future. The ATT just seemed like a better choice to me with the ability to switch plates.

I have read of some build quality issues with the original Ikons, but not the later matte stainless steel versions, like mine. My Ikon is certainly flawless & is on a par with my Tradere OC in terms of fit & finish, though the Tradere looks more like a bespoke piece, whereas the Ikon looks like something that is mass produced.

For me, one of the selling points of the Ikon was that I can switch plates on my Ikon in the same way that it is possible on the ATT. However, I don't think I will be buying the the OSS plate, as the open comb/safety bar combo is not for me. The Ikon plates are apparently compatible with the Feather end cap, so anyone who finds their Feather too mild, can up the aggression with an Ikon base plate.

I had another great shave with my Ikon Standard bar today, so yesterday's shave wasn't a fluke. I feel that I may have reached the end of my journey with regards DE shaving, both in terms of finding my perfect razor & this week, finally finding a soap (Mitchell's Wool Fat) that creates a good lather & doesn't irritate my face.

 

[fl_guy]

I have read of some build quality issues with the original Ikons, but not the later matte stainless steel versions, like mine. My Ikon is certainly flawless & is on a par with my Tradere OC in terms of fit & finish, though the Tradere looks more like a bespoke piece, whereas the Ikon looks like something that is mass produced.

For me, one of the selling points of the Ikon was that I can switch plates on my Ikon in the same way that it is possible on the ATT. However, I don't think I will be buying the the OSS plate, as the open comb/safety bar combo is not for me. The Ikon plates are apparently compatible with the Feather end cap, so anyone who finds their Feather too mild, can up the aggression with an Ikon base plate.

I had another great shave with my Ikon Standard bar today, so yesterday's shave wasn't a fluke. I feel that I may have reached the end of my journey with regards DE shaving, both in terms of finding my perfect razor & this week, finally finding a soap (Mitchell's Wool Fat) that creates a good lather & doesn't irritate my face.

Only the Feather AS D1 plate fits the Ikon not the AS D2

 

[tomharr51]

+1. About to sell my Feather AS-D2 and use my ATT R almost exclusively.

 

[Sceptic Pencil]

Only the Feather AS D1 plate fits the Ikon not the AS D2

Apologies, if you know from personal experience that they don't fit the AS D2. I based my comment on the information from the Connaught web site (http://connaughtshaving.com/ikobp.html), which states that "The Deluxe & Standard Base Plates are also suitable for the Feather AS-D2". It was my understanding from this that just the Ikon OSS base plate would not fit the AS D2.

 

[Stampede]

I'll bet there is someone here that has both the AS-D2 and the Ikon Standard and/or Deluxe Base Plates that could confirm the fit.

 

[Doc Bugg]

I have read of some build quality issues with the original Ikons, but not the later matte stainless steel versions, like mine. My Ikon is certainly flawless & is on a par with my Tradere OC in terms of fit & finish, though the Tradere looks more like a bespoke piece, whereas the Ikon looks like something that is mass produced.

For me, one of the selling points of the Ikon was that I can switch plates on my Ikon in the same way that it is possible on the ATT. However, I don't think I will be buying the the OSS plate, as the open comb/safety bar combo is not for me. The Ikon plates are apparently compatible with the Feather end cap, so anyone who finds their Feather too mild, can up the aggression with an Ikon base plate.

I had another great shave with my Ikon Standard bar today, so yesterday's shave wasn't a fluke. I feel that I may have reached the end of my journey with regards DE shaving, both in terms of finding my perfect razor & this week, finally finding a soap (Mitchell's Wool Fat) that creates a good lather & doesn't irritate my face.

How aggressive is the IKon SB? Is it better than the IKON OC Deluxe?

 

[Sceptic Pencil]

How aggressive is the IKon SB? Is it better than the IKON OC Deluxe?

In terms of aggression, I would class the Ikon SB as being similar to a FaTip, so fairly aggressive. It is an easily manageable aggression though, as it is like a Tech to use & also a lot smoother than the FaTip.

With regards the Ikon SB v the OC, "better" is very subjective. If "better" for you is a closer shave, then yes, the SB is definitely better. If "better" is a razor that has lessened potential to bite, then the OC is better. I prefer the SB, as it shaves me closer & quicker, as no touching up is required.

 

[funtom]

I'll bet there is someone here that has both the AS-D2 and the Ikon Standard and/or Deluxe Base Plates that could confirm the fit.

Only the OSS baseplate (left) does no fit the AS-D2 (right) the grooves are to short

 

[Wyokid]

Sold the AD D2 way to mild for me, the Ikon is a smooth razor but cant touch the ATT for build quality and shave. Understand that the ATT is a "system" razor in that you cab get 3 different plates soon to be 6. I prefer the R or regular plate and now use it exclusively.

I have the Tradere OC and Standard, ATT Titan M1 and R1 plates and AS D2 and my favorite right now is the ATT with M1 plate - great shaves and very few nicks or weepers for me! Love the weight, shape and look of the Stainless!

 

[Mr Happy]

People keep saying that the Feather AS-D1 / 2 is better build quality that the Ikon OC / CC. Can someone elaborate why please. I currently use a Feather with an Ikon OC head, but have been considering selling the Feather and getting an Ikon CC, the only thing that's stopping me is that the handle is so well machined. Or I'll just try and get an Ikon CC head and maybe a top plate too, instead.

 

[Sceptic Pencil]

People keep saying that the Feather AS-D1 / 2 is better build quality that the Ikon OC / CC. Can someone elaborate why please.

Based on funtom's excellent photos earlier in this thread, if anything, the Feather build quality looks slightly worse than the Ikon. The Feather end cap & guard definitely look a bit rougher round the edges.