As promised, I thought I'd do a comparison and review of the CJB and the Feather SS since I ended up using both this month. My plan, of course, was to use the CJB all month but a broken spring ended that . So, thanks to an unused Amazon gift card I got the Feather SS as a replacement and to try it out. My CJB came from @
Keithmax as part of the March PIF madness and I'm sure some of you remember me using it in April as my focus. It was my introduction to straight razor shaving and helped get me fascinated with Japanese style razors and shaving.
I won't bore you to death with tons of specific details since there are other great reviews of both razors. My intent is more of a comparison. Both are really handles for a specific type of blade, but then DE razors are actually the same thing. Variations on handles, though DE's do have other variables too such as adjustable razors, different gaps for mild or aggressive shaves, open comb, closed comb, bar designs and so on. With the CJB and Feather we're talking how it feels and handles due to the handle design and how it functions given its blade holder construction and how well it will last.
One consistent complaint I have found online with the CJB is the spring that creates the tension that keeps the blade in place. There seems to be a consistent issue with springs breaking, sometimes after only one or two shaves. Since there is no way to replace these springs, once the break the razor becomes a nice paperweight. I'm sure the same thing happens if and when the spring breaks in the Feather SS, but the quality of the razor is considerably better so that seems to be a rare problem. In fact, I dont' remember reading a review where it broke in the Feather.
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You can see the spring in the Feather and the clear lack of the spring in the CJB after it broke. You can also tell from the inside view of the razor another major difference which is the build of the head. The Feather is a stainless steel razor while the CJB is something else. Notice the color difference and the spots on the inside of the CJB on top versus the stainless steel of the Feather below. I haven't found an answer to the question of what kind of metal is used in the CJB though some have suggested it's plated brass. I can't confirm that but it is a possibility given the coloration around the blemishes. Whatever it is it doesn't wear like stainless, and the finish on it is not as smooth or nice as the Feather.
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The opening for the blade is also slightly different as the CJB tapers down in a wedge holding the blade while the Feather adds a slight ridge where the blade is held. This provides a bit of cushion to help avoid instant cuts and slices these razors can produce. It doesn't stop them from happening, but does provide just a bit of help.
The handles are both rubber, the CJB's is harder than the Feather's so not quite as grippy. It also features a thumb notch to help stabilize the blade along with ridges to add grip. My only problem with the CJB handle is the tendency to grip it too tightly which creates pressure which creates cuts with these razors. Not having the thumb notch keeps me from holding the Feather more loosely because I don't keep my thumb underneath the handle as I do on the CJB. I also find that changing grips for ATG passes or in switching the right hand to hold the razor in a cross face pass is a bit more intuitive with the Feather. Again, the lack of a notch and the roundness versus the shape of the CJB helps the grip adjust more naturally.
Both razors feel solid and provide nearly identical performance from the blade because, well, it's the same blade. It's the difference in grip, and the difference in the lip of the Feather and smoothness of the stainless head that creates the slight difference in feel. Since angle is all in how you hold the razor you can't blame either handle for affecting that.
The results from the razor are really identical if you achieve the same angle, pressure, direction of pass etc. Again, it's the same blade so that is expected.
Which do I prefer? Overall probably the Feather for one reason. Durability of the spring. If the spring hadn't broken I would have kept right on with the CJB. The appearance of the Feather is a bit more pleasant due to higher standards of manufacturing but I wouldn't spend the extra money for the Feather just for a bit of aesthetics. You can buy two CJB's for the price of the Feather SS and the CJB provides a great shave. Which would I recommend? Well, would you rather spend 30 bucks or 70? That's really the major question to ask. Yes, given the spring issue it's possible you might have to buy two or three CJB's before getting one that will really go the distance, but maybe not. With the Feather you're more assured of buying it once and using it for years. However, if you are going to use it as an occasional treat or break in your routine or as a travel razor to compliment your straights or even your Feather, it could be the perfect solution.
As for me? I'll be keeping my CJB without the spring as part of my collection. It was a gift, after all, and one that got me started on a whole new way of shaving and into a whole new set of tools and skills. Because of it I have my Henkotsu kamisori that I will be moving to as well. I'll also continue using the Feather as part of my rotation. Knowing me I'll most likely buy another CJB with spring intact to use as well, or perhaps as a travel alternative. Besides, it's a razor....I can acquire it....and there is a disorder associated with that.
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