Interestingly, and you are probably one of the few on the forum who know, the old 'Feather Professional' was very similar to the Schick Proline razor. The Feather DX and SS replaced it more than 20 years ago. Edit: Both the Professional and the Proline razors were as close as a razor could be to a straight before the Essence. The Weck I still consider to be more like a frame back straight razor than anything else.
I don't believe anyone makes a clone of the DX. The closest options would be: Greager/CJB (Feather RG clone) - non-folding, but you can slide the rubber grip off and pin scales onto it (no jimps though). https://www.ebay.com/itm/255044361118 Kai Captain clones Folding: https://shearsdirect.com/Folding-Razor-w-Pack-of-10-Blades-RF29_p_2899.html Non-folding: https://shearsdirect.com/Black-Straight-Razor-w-Pack-of-10-Blades-R29BK_p_2908.html **Both Kai clones are about $5-10 less from Aliexpress I have all of the above, as well as a genuine Feather DX and Kai Captain. They all shave just as well as the genuine article, although the Kai clones have a bit more blade exposure.
Another quick shave in the books. ProGuard blade on board Essence razor Dab of Derby Brushed up by Tuxedo Stirling Glacial Citron The more I use this stuff the more I like it. Loading and unloading the blade is especially nice with the magnetic mechanism.
Comparison shots between an Essence and an IBC. The Essence is what the IBC could have been, but they chose to go with zinc casting instead of machined stainless steel.
Having been part of the testing pass-around, here is my take. It is well-made and I especially like the magnetic connection between the 2 parts that hold the blade. It is secure, but still easy to use. For me, gripping a hinged razor just doesn’t work- too awkward when switching hands (a necessity for leg & underarm shaving) and reaching the back of my calves. But of course, that’s just me. Plenty of folks are comfortable with that grip. If Tedalus makes a Kamisori style (straight handle) I would want to try it.
Plenty of Kamisori style shavettes out there. Feather, as well as some Feather knockoffs on Amazon and Ebay.
@Sara-s , have you been watching the Archery in Tokyo? Remember we talked about broadcasting Archery? The current broadcasters don't do it, but they were forced to when someone scored a "6" yesterday. You can't ignore THAT.
Artist Club Saturday Essence by Tedalus, Feather Pro Super (5) Razorock Hawk, Schick Proline (3) Stirling suds-n-stank, Dunshire flavored Omega boar brush Feather Pro Supers are wicked sharp on the first use and seldom need an encore. At 5 uses, I start thinking about fresh steel, I’ll push this one another day though. Took the lazy man clean up side to center on theneck with the Hawk for the perfect finish.
I finally put my money where my mouth is, and purchased an Essence. I've made it no secret that I received one in thanks for my contributions to the razor's design in it's infancy. I like it enough that I saved up and actually purchased a second one as a back up, and as a collectible.
Maybe I should buy another just to keep up wither Jones’. Nah, I’ll wait for the next run. Maybe it’ll get a cosmetic tweak. I could not ask for improvements. I don’t have any Japanese kamisori style tools. That would get me for sure.
Congratulations, Ryan! I’m taking mine on vacation with me this Sunday! It truly is an awesome replaceable blade razor that shaves just like a wellxhoned straight!
I just got mine. After careful review and playing with opening and closing while inserting a blade I have come up with the following conclusions: First, worth every penny. The craftsmanship is second to none. Second, ingenious magnet system really holds the blade. It is everything all the other shavettes are not. Third, it feels like its part of your hand when you hold it. The longer tail adds a lot of stability of the razor in your hand. It addresses everything I don't like with my Feathers. I cannot say this is a shavette. I would call it a "Straitette". As close to a straight as you can get without being a straight. Comparing this to other shavettes is like comparing a VW to a Ferrari. I shave every day with my straights but I can see using this as a daily razor and forego the stropping and honing. Besides, it's magnificent to look at. A beautiful girl who can cook!
