Which I think I know the answer! I'm waiting on delivery of a Edwin Jagger 8911 and some Feather blades. I've been using carts all my life, tried every brand out there, along with a cheap brush and different soaps & cremes for a long time, believe I have the lather whipping & face prep down. But the more I read, seems everyone recommends that Feathers shouldn't be used by newbies. I'm now second guessing, really don't want to slice my lips off, and now thinking I should just go pick up some wilkinsons or drug store blades until I adjust to the angle/no pressure/stroke learning curve. Stash the Feathers for later. Told ya I think I know the answer..... But what say you? Looking forward to an enjoyable morning routine!
There is nothing wrong with using Feathers right off the bat. Feathers are no more dangerous than any other DE blade, they're sharp, but they're not unusable. As long as you respect the blade and use a light touch, you'll be fine. It is a good idea to have a few different blades so that you can find the ones that work best for you, but at the start you'll want to focus more on your technique than on the gear you're using. By the way, welcome to The Shave Den.
Hi! Welcome to the Den. Be sure to sign up for the July Newbie Give-Away. What jabberwock said about the Feathers. Personally, I don't care for 'em. But that's me. A sample pack is the way to go. Please, please, please DO NOT buy any blade in bulk before trying it. I've heard too many stories about someone who bought blades in bulk based solely on a recommendation that "they are the best blade out there", only to find out said bulk blade did not work for that person. Now they're out $18 plus shipping, and stuck with 99 blades they can't use.
Good advice, thanks! The sample pack I wanted was out of stock, so threw the small quantity of feathers into the cart. Will be shopping around at other vendors for a sample pack, some different soaps and cremes .
. Every blade out there has at least one die-hard advocate who wants to shave with no other, and at least one die-hard naysayer who swears up and down that said blade is either destined to hack off hunks of flesh, or unable to slice through any hairs tougher than warm butter. Regardless of reviews, there's no substitute for experimenting to find what works best for you.
Welcome to the Den! What all of them said. Everything is different for everyone. I tried a razor that was considered very mild and a good razor for newbies (Gillette Super Speed). The razor with the blades I normally used left my face feeling so beat up I put it aside. I then tried a razor many swear is way too harsh for newbies (Merkur Futur) and now I don't want to use any other DE. I get great shaves from it every time. It also allows me to see which blades really work for me and which ones don't. Meaning: the Feathers may very well be your cup of tea. Whatever blade you try you have to be mindful and respect it. Do try others when you get the chance, just so you can compare. You may very well end up back at the Feathers, you may find something else that for your face is even better.
Welcome, nice to have you. It sounds like you have been given some good advice, so I'll just leave it at that. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
My first DE shave was with a Feather blade. I didn't even nick myself. I don't think you have anything to worry about. And welcome to TSD!
Welcome from another fellow newbie. I'm currently using Lord Platinum blades (only because thats what came in my order). After another few shaves, I plan to change my blades, because although serving its purpose, I have a gut feeling that a "better shave" would be more attainable with a different (notice I didn't say better) blade. Please post a review or at least a first impression of your Feather blades, I'm interested to know what all the hype is about. Feather blades: Made in Japan = "Superior" cut...Hatori Hanzo steel: also made in Japan = also a superior cut ...see the pattern? LOL
Welcome from another newbie...I've been using Feathers since I switched to DE recently, with no problems. I've always been told that a sharp knife is safer than a dull(er) one, because if you cut yourself, the wound will be smaller, less jagged, easier to clean, etc. Same thing applies to razor blades...just respect 'em and you'll be fine.
to TSD OldMan........I hope you enjoy it here... Feathers are nothing to be scared of as long as you go easy, as you should with any blade..I found them harsh and uncomfortable to use myself, rather that "SUPER" sharp "YMMV". As has been said however you really should get a large blade sampler and ultimately try as many different blades as you can..In the mean time getting some Wilkinsons, Personna's or even Dorco's(store branded made in Korea) from a local store is a really good way I.M.O. to start your blade search.... Unfortunately or Fortunately depending on how you look at it, it's only by trail and error that you can find the "BEST" blade/blades for your face and the blades that work "BEST" with "YOUR" face are the ones you will keep and use, no matter what brand they are or how others feel about them.......
