Thoughts On The Feather!

[goodashavin]

Well, I finally got around to using the box of Feathers from the sample pack purchased a few months ago. I sort of put this off until I felt my technique was pretty good with lots of practice to boot (I shave everyday)!

OK, I started with a really hot water prep and got the brush and bowl ready in the hot water of the sink. I used a newer formula for me which consists of two-thirds Proraso green and the rest with some Cremo thrown in the mix. I spent some time getting a nice rich thick lather for the respect I felt was needed toward Feathers after having read much on the related subject.

Now on to the actual shave, first pass wtg on two days growth (tuff stuff) sliced nicely with no tugging or pulling but with nice audible feedback of the whiskers being removed. My thoughts on the first wtg pass were more whiskers were removed with less repeat needed over other blades I've tried. OK, 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] pass xtg, very clean (surprised) with less follow up needed with an excellent amount of stubble removed. New lather again on a very wet face and on to the last atg pass, quite nice and smooth, no weepers, no irritation, no blood (WOW) and still wondering when the blood might start coming???

Again more fresh lather, brush heavy on the touch-up under nose section and difficult chin areas...ahhh, pure shaving bliss!!! No pressure, light touch, let the blade do its job, yep really nice (smile). Alum stick on, little to no sting, 5 drops of Shave Secret to a complete DFS/BBS no issue shave!!! Now, I could have made it a BBS with a little more work but I didn’t really want to push it for now as I’m new to the Feathers. I'll be adding these to the top of my list as the next 100-blades to purchase when needed! Note: I used my favorite EJ DE89 razor and found it to work really well for me (YMMV)!

Happy Shaving To All

 

[Mick]

Yep, Feather blades are top shelf for me too

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

Favorite of me, I get easily 6 shaves out of a blade.

 

[Professor Jones]

Favorite of me, I get easily 6 shaves out of a blade.

I'm jealous, they start to tug too much after 3 shaves for me.

 

[gus1942]

I'm jealous, they start to tug too much after 3 shaves for me.

And they work just as well with cold water.

 

[Galengwath]

I think the blood-letting for Feather blades has been greatly exagerated. Improper techique can result in nicks regardless of the blade, and while Feathers are sharper, I find that just allows the blade to slice through my beard even easier. Anyway, Feathers are my top pick as well, though I have yet to find a blade that gives me more than three comforable shaves. Enjoy!

 

[chilliman64]

the most aggressive thing about wetshaving is the person holding the blade, if prep, angle and pressure are correct then the drama goes out of the shave.

personally I'm not a fan of Feathers, I get better shaves from Astras and Derbys.

 

[Emanon]

Like you, I saved my feathers for last with my sample pack hoping to gain some experience first, having heard how sharp they were. With a few years between then and now I can't remember how many shaves I got out of each blade but I do remember that these were fantastic shaves. If I remember correctly they were very smooth. I do remember that due to their sharpness they were excellent rather than dangerous as touted. With a little care they whisked through hair like nobody's business. Sharp is your friend. ​ A little expensive for me so I never bought anymore, but great blades. Very comfortable imo.

 

[Pistol]

I've never used any DE blade aside from the Feather because I love them so much. I think the learning curve issue might be blown just a little bit out of proportion with these fine blades. That being said, the DE razor that I use is the Merkur 33C which is not an aggressive razor. All I can say is that for me, the Feather in a 33C gives me a great shave every single time, and that's why I refuse to try another blade or razor combination. I guess you could say it was love at first shave!

 

[sharpen]

I find Feather, although very sharp, only stay sharp for one to two shaves. After that they degrade very quickly. I need to change them after the third shave.

I prefer Astras. They are a tiny bit less sharp (but mysteriously as smooth), and last six to seven shaves for me.

Another "YMMV case", I guess.

 

[Cagliostro]

Feather is my go to blade, I have a sensitive face that is picky and is prone to dryness specially in winter weather it doesn't like a lot of things oddly. Unsure of a Feather and a sensitive face makes sense but it just works for me,I too also think that all the sayings of Feather carving up and all the blood and carnage is a bit exaggerated as well. Any blade can cut you thats obvious lol, I think Feathers are sharp in the extreme and to me is what I am looking for to make quick and easy work of the bulk of my shave. Also I find that I can get around 5 shaves out of them...possibly more but I don't want to push it so I usually change the blade after #4 or 5 shave.

To me Feathers are perfect in most razors as long as you know each ones optimal angle...I have learned there IS a difference in the angle between a Merkur 34C and a EJ89 and a Parker 99r, so yeah I do tend to think Feather is a blade for those who have it down to a science. I'm not perfect and well now and then goof, any one dose I think. But yes once you get used to Feathers extreme edge it'll be great imho, call me dedicated lol but I just plain like them...I also use Astra SP and a few others that I took a fondness of but Feathers are my #1 lol.