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Non folding Feather SS info pls.

As the title suggests, I am looking for info on member's experiences with the 2012 model of the feather SS, non folding version.
I realized that the maintenance involved with straights is not for me at this time in my life....but was wondering what some of you thought about this item. I have seriously been considering buying one. Any info or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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Brad
 
I have several Feather straights and the ones I use the most often are the AC SS Nonfolding (the model you have pictured) and the Teakwood DX.

As a first straight I think that the Feather SS is that way to go if you want to go the disposable blade route. If you learn on the nonfolding I think its easier than shaving with a Western straight and gives you more maneuverability (easier to round chin etc) and no scales in your face.

The SS is slightly more forgiving than than the DX and you feel the blade on your face a little less.

The Nonfolding is lighter than the DX, but slightly heavier than the folding. I weighed them at some point, but dont remember the exact weights now. I had a folding SS and sold it, as I never used it as if I was grabbing for an SS I always prefered the nonfolding.

The build quality is very good and the rubber handle is quite grippy -- very nice. Better than many other straights, as most scales can be slightly slick (as is case with the folding plastic scales).

Of course, my DX Teakwood is prettier and looks "better", but its also like 2 1/2 times the cost so it better look good. The DX also feels more like a traditional straight -- solid in the hand and even heavier than my recently purchased Wade and Butcher 7/8.

If you have more specific questions ask away. But bottom line is in my opinion is a very good buy. I purchased mine for way more than they are selling for now from WCS since I bought mine before US vendors had them, and I still thought it was a good deal then.
 
Thanks for your feedback ilpadrino.

Kentos, I guess I was aiming for the quality of the shave, ease of use, quality of the build, etc.
 
quality was top notch... fit and finish was impeccable... with the proper blade the shave is spectacular....

*(that being said i sold mine because i never used it...)
 

Kentos

B&B's Dr. Doolittle.
Staff member
Thanks for your feedback ilpadrino.

Kentos, I guess I was aiming for the quality of the shave, ease of use, quality of the build, etc.

I would say the Feather is the Cadillac of disposable blade shavers. By design the SS feels more forgiving than the AC, likely due to there being less blade exposure.

The shave is great, but there is a learning curve as with any straight. I have a black SS non folding and a teak DX folding AC. Between the 2 I prefer the AC as it mimics a regular straight best. The SS is good too, especially for a beginner. However for me the SS sits gathering dust.
 
Not much I can add to the good info others already give you. Maybe try to find someone in your region who would be willing to loan you one to try? There are those who love this shaving system from the start and there are those who don't seem to get the hang of it with many cuts and blood as a result. That's why they often appear on BST. Personally I find they give the best shaves out of all the DE's, straights and other systems I have used. They only require a very very light touch (don't use any pressure or you'll be sorry) and for me a 2 pass on the face and one pass on the head gives me a exceptional shave. I get about 15 shaves out of a blade now but in the beginning somehow that was a lot less.
 
Not much to ad, but Ive been shaving with a dx now for a month and starting to get realy nice shaves. Be carefull, its scarry sharp and very easy to get cuts
 
Not much to ad, but Ive been shaving with a dx now for a month and starting to get realy nice shaves. Be carefull, its scarry sharp and very easy to get cuts


I've found that the more you use a Feather straight continuously, the better the resulting shaves get. Using it once in a while as part of a rotation may lead to mixed results.
 
For me blade selection was also critical. The Supers are too much for me but others love them. Amazing shaves once you get it down.
 
For me blade selection was also critical. The Supers are too much for me but others love them. Amazing shaves once you get it down.

The Supers are great ... but they always leave me with weepers. Next time around, I'm going to dial it back a notch with the Professional Light blades.
 
I prefer the KAI mild blades. The feather blades I found too keen for my liking.
they did settle down after the first few shaves.
 
Any of the Feathers are top of the line straights. As for blades the regular pro blades are my choice in the Feathers, and the Kai milds are also very nice.
 
I'm afraid to try one of these and enjoy it so much that I ditch my other straights. I'm happy with my honing setup and enjoy doing it, but going back to just switching blades when they dull like with a DE must have its' temptations.
 
I get the same thing. Professionals and pink Kai Captains are a little calmer.

Cool. I'll be hitting Classic today to pick some up.

I'm afraid to try one of these and enjoy it so much that I ditch my other straights. I'm happy with my honing setup and enjoy doing it, but going back to just switching blades when they dull like with a DE must have its' temptations.

Don't be afraid. The Feathers shave well but lack the character and soul an old straight has. And there is a lot to be said for shaving with an edge you made just exactly perfect.
 
Cool. I'll be hitting Classic today to pick some up.

Don't be afraid. The Feathers shave well but lack the character and soul an old straight has. And there is a lot to be said for shaving with an edge you made just exactly perfect.

You've sold me.. I'm going to unload some straights in a few days and probably pick one of these up. I'm moving next month and will be staying at my parents' place for a bit so I figure having one of these and not needing to strop and have as much maintenance will help with that.

I broke down and purchased one. Here's hoping.

Be sure to follow up, I'd love to hear your opinion.
 
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