I started using a straight razor about two years ago. I have reached a point where my shaves are good, but I have not been able to get BBS. I started honing my razors about 5 months after I started using a straight. My edges seem keen and easily pass the FOTFT. However, I was curious to how my razor would compare with an AC type blade.
I purchased a Feather DX clone on-line for about $20. It came with 10 AC type blades with no branding. Yesterday, I loaded one of the blades and went through my normal pre-shave routine, whipped up some A&E Vetiver Magnifique, and began shaving. I was somewhat apprehensive at first, but the clone turned out to be easy and comfortable to use. I did two North to South passes, which with my beard growth includes WTG, XTG, and ATG. Today, I followed the same routine using one of my razors. This razor had been honed on a 5K, a 10K, a translucent Ark and stropped on .5 micron cbn, .25 micron cbn and .10 micron cbn balsa strops. It will cut my arm hair .5 inch or more above the skin with little or no sound.
So was my edge as good as the AC blade? No, my edge was very good but it was not as good. The clone edge seemed slightly more keen and slightly smoother. The shave was just a little closer. Although I did not match the AC blade, I will keep trying and use it as a goal.
On a final note, I enjoyed the DX clone shave. I think I will purchase some genuine feather blades and try again. The clone would certainly make a good back-up or travel razor.
I purchased a Feather DX clone on-line for about $20. It came with 10 AC type blades with no branding. Yesterday, I loaded one of the blades and went through my normal pre-shave routine, whipped up some A&E Vetiver Magnifique, and began shaving. I was somewhat apprehensive at first, but the clone turned out to be easy and comfortable to use. I did two North to South passes, which with my beard growth includes WTG, XTG, and ATG. Today, I followed the same routine using one of my razors. This razor had been honed on a 5K, a 10K, a translucent Ark and stropped on .5 micron cbn, .25 micron cbn and .10 micron cbn balsa strops. It will cut my arm hair .5 inch or more above the skin with little or no sound.
So was my edge as good as the AC blade? No, my edge was very good but it was not as good. The clone edge seemed slightly more keen and slightly smoother. The shave was just a little closer. Although I did not match the AC blade, I will keep trying and use it as a goal.
On a final note, I enjoyed the DX clone shave. I think I will purchase some genuine feather blades and try again. The clone would certainly make a good back-up or travel razor.