So...I've been reading all the hype about Feather Blades.. About a month ago I got my sample pack with the Feathers. I've been working on perfecting my technique and have sampled all the blade except for the Feathers. A lot of nice shaves along the way, and so far I hadn't used a blade that really caused me problems or discomfort. So today it was time to change blades. I have 2 razors in my rotation, and EJ 89L, and a 40's Super Speed. I don't know why, but my EJ gets used during the week, and my Super Speed is for Friday through Sunday. So this morning I load the Super Speed with the Feather, for whatever reason , I didn't even use my regular soap(Tabac). I grabed the Conk/Amber and started lathering up. So, paying careful attention to proper angle, and pressure, I started. I usually do 2 passes..So I did the same today. The Alum after the shave, less sting than expected based on what I've read. Then, a splash of Clubman Bay Rum...Nice, but no tell tale burn...WOW...talk about smooth and irritation free. I love Feathers. Given that the amount of effort is the same the # of passes the same, the time involved the same, why would anyone settle for less? That is the closest and smoothest shave I've ever had. The bar has been raised for me.
Good for you, its very satisfying finding a blade that gives great results. I've been at DE shaving 2 months, so far I've used a feather blade once and found it the same as you. However, I also rate the yellow Gillette 7 o'clock and the Treet Carbon Black Beauty blades, but so many more to try.
There is no doubt about it. Feather blades are excellent. However, every time I used them, I got cut very severely. For this reason, they are "hands-off" or a "no-no" for me.
I kinda agree with Jeff. When I use Feathers I get some of the best shaves of my life but ALWAYS get cut and don't even know it until it has happened. I will continue to use them however just because the shaves are great, I figure one day I'll just cut that mole off and won't have to worry about it anyway. :happy102
Feathers are my favorites too (in most razors). For no expressable reason, I've even been getting more shaves from them lately.
Bob, I once got cut by a Feather so badly on the chin and the neck, I was in terrible pain, and I was bleeding like crazy for an hour, and I was nauseous. Not only that, I was in a terrible cold sweat. I never will use that brand again. :sick007
I find Feathers a bit too much "crash & burn" - the first shave is a nightmare, then I get a couple of stunning shaves then back to the nightmare. No idea why that is but it's my experience - so a selection of other blades fills the void (which may not work for anyone else, hence I'll stick to saying everyone needs to do their own analysis in person).
Feathers always seem too harsh and uncomfortable to me, but we always have a supply in the house due to being my sons favorite blade, so as hunnymonster says YMMV.
Hi there, When using my favorite razor, I switch off between a Feather and Iridium blade. In almost all the other razors I use I'll shave with the Iridium, but never the Feather. For whatever the reason, that one particular razor I use the most is the only one a Feather works for me with. It's a question of that blade being unforgiving and a bit uncomfortable in all those other razors. I'll still get excellent shaves using the Iridium, with just the slightest more resistance as the whiskers are being whacked. If I'd never run across my perfect razor, I'd be saying the Feathers were bad blades for me. Luckily, through trial and error, I know that blade can be magical in the right razor. Heh, glad to help with any confusion, Martin Oh.......heh, excuse me for doing this to you, but here's a little more to think about. At some point you might try an open comb type/Feather combo. You might find the shave to be even closer, although it may not be quite as comfortable........who knows. Yeah, it's a bottomless badger burrow if there ever was one........
slow n steady..feathers can be great..but either way..isnt any cheaper on the wallet...though I wouldn't be surprised if there are blades that are actually just as good of a blade or blades..but much easier on the wallet
Bill, if you would have seen what I looked like after my last shave with a Feather.........My face was a mess, and my color (I am normally quite dark) went to almost green, and I swear, I was shaking. Yes, my whole body was shaking. :sick007 :sick007 Oh, mon Dieu.........
I've never used Feathers, but I figure I will be in a few months as I work through my normal blades and a sample pack I have. Honestly, when I read the thread title I immediately thought, "OK, I'll read this and probably have to just cut to the chase and use the Feathers and make them my blade of choice." But reading through the thread I see that YMMV is still king and Feathers might be magical or they might be scary. So I'll just keep at my plan and imporving my technique and try them in their due. Then I'll have a story to tell.
I have a pack of Feathers, but I didn't use them yet. I went with other blades that don't have such a reputation like the Feathers, when it comes to forgiveness. I will give them a try. I wonder how it will be. I use Super Iridium blades in the Muhle razor. That is the winning combination for me. Will the Feathers be great? Or will they hurt me like they did other members of TSD... Hmmm... I will give them a try soon...
Seems to me that people just get themselves too worried about Feathers. I never had a problem with them. That said, it's been a while now since I've used a DE, as I've been using SE and Injectors. I plan to get back to DE soon, though.
I read all the hype about Feathers as well, but to be honest while a good blade not a great blade for me. They only give me two shaves before the experience becomes unbearable. For my money, I will take Crystal anyday, they shave better and last longer.
Feathers are known to be very sharp..but for my sensitive skin and coarse beard..they aernt very smooth..guess they dont like my Gillette 3 piece gold tech ball end handle...yes palm stroping them does help..but out of the package use isnt an option for me..IMOO ek.310
Feathers are great , but each time i get to use them for more than a month they start to irritate my skin and i need to get back on a more gentle blade like Derby. Btw my end result whit a Derby is the same without the irritation.
I never cared much for Feathers in my EJ DE87 or my old HD. They seemed a little harsh to me. But I just started using some I had laying around in my 40's SS and they're very nice. Excellent combination. Just as an aside, my SS seems more tolerant to a wider range of blades than any other razor I've used.
I cut myself badly first time using Feathers. But recently I decided to give them a second chance. And yes, shaving became more pleasant in terms of cutting whiskers. Now I do not even have to do three passes every time. But anyway, they seem to bee a little black horsey because of unexpected surprises like sudden cuts. But this is probably just because of my wet-shaving youth. Great blades! But you gotta know how to handle them.
I must have great beginner's luck, I've been DE shaving for about a month now and am on my fourth shave with the same Feather blade.. by far the smoothest and least irritating result of any blades I've tested (in a 40's style SS). Guessing I just got lucky and picked a good and forgiving razor in which to try a Feather but compared to Derby and Persona it's a much better experience. I also liked the Iridiums and Gillette Yellows so far but the Feather is producing the best overall results at the best price.
