Both of these manufacturers have a good reputation to uphold and are rightly respected here and the World over.
So I compared the two and found that Feathers are brilliant for 2-3 shaves max then they tug uncomfortably and have to go offski to the binski.
I have to use a consistent angle, smooth sweep and stable pressure otherwise they bite and can catch you out.
On some razors that clamp the blade well I can hear them start to bite and I reverse and go back with short strokes so I don`t get any nicks and weepers.
My very first shave with a Feather in my twenties - mid eighties time, I remember I got no nicks or redness just a little irritation that passed in a couple of hours - after that, I respected them more and approached them a different way to my run of the mill blades, being slightly slower and more cautious.
All my normal ones were just scrape and forget to me - I literally shave with my eyes shut in the bath listening to American Talk Radio podcasts - so no need for a mirror and I don`t need a brush - the dragon uses one on her legs etc. - Like the posh Yaqi tuxedo I surprised her with the other day.
I`ve learnt to use any soap over the years and being skint, I`ve had to improvise so I can use washing up liquid, shampoo, conditioner, washing liquid and powder, fabric conditioner (I wish I was kidding) and in the desert veg oil and booze - with an ancient cut-throat - so I`m not too fussy about soaps if good ones aren`t to hand; I can still manage a passable scrape.
In the heat, like in Cairo or Sharm in July where it`s 111 degrees at midnight my skin and nails grow faster and I need 2 shaves a day and 3 or 4 showers to assuage the dragon.
Alexandria is even worse for shaving and showering because of the humidity near the delta ; I prefer dry heat.
The Wilkinson Swords - especially my old ones are universally great with all my budget wonderful Chinese efforts and the pile of vintage cheapies I own.
Very smooth no rash or nicks and one blade does me for weeks - I`ve never counted accurately but defo more than ten.
I`ve got very resilient skin - never had spots as a kid and can survive hot sun abroad with no moisturiser and using just salad dressing - olive oil and vinegar as suncream - a la locals - I don`t burn I just go straight to brown thankfully.
So, to sum up I can use both brands but prefer the Wilki`s for shave and forget at any speed - with the Feathers I have to slow right down and be much more deliberate and accurate - like with an antique cut-throat - can`t remember the brands - it didn`t matter to me then - before I landed here.
Erm got 100 Wilkinsons coming early next week for £14 with 24hr courier dispatch - job`s a good `un.
I don`t care if they`re Chinese or Indian but prefer German going on past recollection of longevity and smoothness.
Oh brilliant, just read on the site that they`re German - yippee !
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