I traded my Merkur 34C HD recently because it was way too mild a razor for me. Once I learned good technique, I was looking for a razor that was really aggressive so that I didn't spend much time doing a lot of passes. Now my go to razor is an R41, it took me a couple shaves to get comfortable with it. I got 125 Feather blades from @Gwunter for the 34C which I thought was a fair. So I have to give him a shout out for the good trade. I got the blades on Thursday and as soon as I brought them in the house, I couldn't wait to shave with them. The Astra SS are my blade of choice, a really efficient and sharp, "economy" blade. I have read a lot about Feathers and how people swear that they are the sharpest and best, but when it comes to blades, YMMV. So I didn't have any big expectations going into the shave. I loaded one into my R41 and quickly became a believer in them. Very sharp, but also very smooth. Now I can see why some people think they're the best. Really opened my eyes on the importance of trying new things. I will probably still use Astras but Feathers will always be a part of my den.
So, glad to hear you've found a new favorite. Feather is very sharp, and will really punish those with bad technique! Congrats on mastering your razor!
I tend to prefer sharper blades in mild razors (I use feathers in a Gillette tech) and milder blades in aggressive razors
Feather is my favorite blade. I like others like Vokshod, Astra SP, and GSB, but Feather still works the best for me.
"I don't often shave with a safety razor, but when I do, I only use Feathers. Stay thirsty, my friends..."
I don't think many folks around here think they are the best. But most people will agree that they are the sharpest DE blades out there. I often recommend them to newbies because they are so unforgiving of poor technique. If you tend to use too much pressure, Feathers will cure that bad habit faster than anything else.
They never really worked for me. Russkie blades(GSB, Voskhod, 7 o'clock Green) always delievered better shaves....but they look good on you though
Been a long time since I had one and I recall it did not go very well. But I'm sure I'd enjoy the blade more these days since I've got my technique down.
I found Feathers to be a bit harsh, so I stick with the Russians...Voskhod, Sputnick, any of the Teflon-coated or Platinum blades.
A couple of years ago, I bought a couple of tucks of Feathers. I still have some. They are too expensive for my taste. I get great shaves from Astra SPs for far less money$. They are very nice blades though. I will give them that.
Matt, congrats on your progress with the R41! I like Feathers, but I also use and like Astra SPs, Perma-Sharp Supers, and Polsilver Super Iridiums.
Feathers indeed are great blades but they are NOT for a beginning DE shaver unless he has a very steady and light hand.
Feather was my top rated blade for the longest time. They cut through my hair like a hot knife through butter, which is pretty rare among many blades that I have tried. I almost bought a 100 pack but I don't like platinum coatings and I also felt that there are blades that offer a similar or better price/performance ratio. I think that only blade that has possibly usurped Feather in performance for me is Kai. They are almost as sharp as Feathers but they also somewhat smooth like Voskhods.
One of my favorite blades and the blade I started with when I got my first DE razor. Some have already mentioned that they may not be the best choice for a beginner but I have to agree with @PLANofMAN when he says that they'll cure a bad habit in a hurry. Of course I also took my motorcycle endorsement test on a GoldWing when I probably should have used something much smaller and easier to do a figure 8 with. I'm not exactly the sharpest tack on the bulletin board.
Are Russian blades considered a notch below Feathers in sharpness, but yet very sharp? Do the majority of DE shavers from Japan use Feathers? It is great to have such a wide choice between Derby and Feathers.
For me, the Russian blades tend to be the smoothest, not the sharpest. I'd say that most of them are moderately sharp. A lot of blades are manufactured in Russia though, like Polsilvers and the yellow 7 O'Clocks, which are quite sharp. Between Feather and Kai, Japanese shavers definitely have some amazing blades at their disposal.
I think most DE and shavette use in Japan is by barbers, and most, if not all, use Feather or KAI blades. I consider Russian blades to be a step down from Feathers, as far as sharpness. I can still give myself razor burn with a Feather, even on the fifth or so shave. It's not something I worry about with most Russian blades. Ladas are probably the closest to Feathers, or Polsilver Iridiums. Edit: I should mention that I started my fiancee off with Feather blades in her Lady Gillette when I converted her to wet shaving. I've gotten her to try other blades from time to time, but she goes back to Feathers blades, often before she's done shaving.