....I still don't like them. Yes, they are clearly sharper than my go to Personna Reds, but I get little nicks and irritation every time I use them. I thought since I've been shaving with a DE for quite a while now I might have the technique down well enough to master using a Feather. Only thing I can figure is the Feathers require a completely different technique altogether.
Tried a Feather blade again the other night and....
- Thread starter grampi
- Start date
Feathers are definately a unique blade.
Because they are so unforgiving they require you to be more alert and in tune. I don't think the technique differes but do believe that you need to bring your 'A' game each and every time. Plus, you want to be making your best lather and make sure your prep properly. I find the less experimentation while using a Feather is best.
I recently decided to take the feather plunge myself, and have since moved back to my IPs.
I generally save the Feathers for use in my 1959 Blue Tip. The combination of a relatively mild razor and sharp blade makes for a very nice shave, at least for me. Once again, YMMV...
They're harsh with an aggressive razor, or at least can be, but I find them perfect for use in the vintage razors.
They were the only blade that worked for me. I had tried most of the standards and recently got a small order of Kai blades. They are as sharp as feathers, but smoother. Maybe you can try those?
I don't believe it requires any different technique to use a feather, it just depends on a load of variables like skin sensitivity, bristle thickness, etc, whether they suit you or not. Horses for courses.
As some others stated, they are a bit mean when coupled with a more aggressive razor. I simply hated them in a red tip SS. They have a completely different personality in a milder razor. My Tech likes them. With all that said, my stockpiles are all red pack personnas.
Feathers are the devil.
I'm fine with Feathers. The first time I used them I had several cuts (from being too heavy handed I believe), but they give me the best shaving experience. I just need to be careful and stick to my routine. But I am expecting some Red Isrealis anyday now and can't wait to try them!
They're very good for surgical applications, just not on me.
+1 on what he said! MoJoe's right; you need to respect these little beasts, period.
Or at least, this is what I do...
C_J
I use them in my Progress with a setting between 2 and 3. I get an absolutely smooth shave, with no more nicks or irritation then I get with other blades. However, attention to detail must be paid at all times.
- Thread starter
- #15
I use feathers exclusively because they give me the best results but you do have to pay extra attention because the slightest pressure can be a blood bath so to speak.. Yesterday when I was shaving with my HD Slant, I cut my chin when I was going atg and put a bit more pressure then I normally do *that is what I get for rushing my shower and shave*, I did manage to get 3 passes done in 5 minuets but it still was not good cutting myself.. This mornings shave was 10 minuets with the Sledgehammer slant = Bloodless shave with a feather because I took my time.. Try a Feather in a Slim Adjustable set to 9 = Bloodless bbs shave!
Cheers,
Cheers,
I've had bad experiences with feather blades in every razor I've tried them in: various merkurs, multiple vintage gillettes (including an adjustable set both very mild and more aggressive), and even in the ultra gentle weishi. No amount of prep or change in technique has prevented significant razor burn and weepers.
- Thread starter
- #18
Why? I can achieve the same thing with a Personna Red in a Gillette Speed blindfolded.......and they're only 10 cents a blade......
Man, I have some Personna Reds on the way and I have heard so many good things about how smooth they are I can't wait to try them.
I don't like Feathers at all. They're the only blade I've ever tried that consistently cuts my face and gives irritation even with careful technique. I say who cares if they're so sharp if you can't get a comfortable shave out of them.
Unlike many here, I've never had an issue using Feathers. Yep... they are sharp. Yep.... you can cut yourself with one. But, sheez... that's true of any blade. My biggest issue with Feathers is the cost. I find I get acceptable shaves with IPs, Derbys and the like. So... I see no need to pay the premium required to use a Feather.
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