Nice idea. I have seen a few people do that, just forgot about it until that reminder. Get a set of scales you like, get that blade holder out of the CJB handle and you should have an easy path to a folding CJB.
For a cheap folding clone, try these: https://shearsdirect.com/rf-29-with-a-pack-of-blades.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Str...row-Beard-Shave-Shaving-Tool/32977369952.html For a cheap fixed: (as noted above by @RyX) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32992917438.html https://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-CJB-G...-Shaving-Straight-Styling-Beauty/392255296273 If you don't necessarily want a clone but would like a cheap razor that gives a good shave and takes AC blades, try this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vincent-VT1321-Two-In-One-Feather-Hair-Shaper-Razor/231924282602 For the best deals on a genuine Kai Captain or Feather SS (and blades): https://www.ebay.com/str/takeyjp2014
Here is what I suggest. It's a Kamisori style, but I think for the price, build quality is excellent...plus if you hve Prime it ships free. i use it all the time. I travel with this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078BDCZQ9/?tag=thshde-20
That one looks great. I have a feather ss but those angelina jolie -esk type lips get in the way. Might give one a try. Thanks!
lol! That's funny! I have the SS as well and it's also a fantastic shaver but I do not like to travel with that one. It was gifted to me by a fellow WetTuber so it's special. The link I posted does come woth some blades, but I think they're made by Dorco (just a guess but they look like some dorco blades I got once in S. Korea...they were not the best blades lol). Good luck!
I would take a look at the Irving Co. shavette. https://irvingbarberco.com/collections/all They take AC style blades, injector blades and half DE blades. They may not be the cheapest shavette but you have a lot of options with the razor unlike other shavettes. I plan on getting one of these at some point as progress away from safety razors.
I have tried all of them except the Feather SS (and associated clones). They are all superb shavers, so it basically comes down to preference. There are actually a few other options that have become available since I posted those links back in June. I'll post a revised list later. The nice thing about some of the clones is that you can purchase a couple options and see what works for you, with minimal investment. I'd say the best value of the ones I listed are: Vincent VT-1321 for folding version - not the best looking, but it's $11 and comes with two Kai Captain standard blades Univinlions for fixed handle - direct clone of the Kai Captain J-type for $8. I do not recommend getting the Chinese blades included. They only add about another $1.30 to the cost, but they are not worth even that. I'll probably PIF away the ones I have.
That same razor and blades are also sold on Amazon for a few bucks less under the Facon brand. It is also available on Aliexpress , under the Univinlions brand with a few other color/finish choices for about $8 w/o blades and about $9.50 with blades (which I do not recommend). The Amazon options are nice if you want to avoid the shipping time and hassle of Aliexpress, but you're getting the same razor with a slight markup. These razors are an identical copies of the Kai Captain standard J-type.
Updated links below for the bargain-minded shavers looking to get into AC blades. For a cheap folding clone, try these: Same geometry as Kai Captain (different material & finish) https://www.barberplugz.biz/product-page/kabod-feather-style-razor https://shearsdirect.com/rf-29-with-a-pack-of-blades.html Feather SS clone: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Str...row-Beard-Shave-Shaving-Tool/32977369952.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32994056666.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33028747345.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33016506361.html Kai Captain Zebrano clone (has lipped profile similar to Feather SS) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000332489816.html If you don't necessarily want a clone but would like an inexpensive razor that gives a great shave and takes AC blades, try this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vincent-VT1321-Two-In-One-Feather-Hair-Shaper-Razor/231924282602 For a cheap fixed handle: Kai Captain Standard clone: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33029903794.html Kai Captain Zebrano clone (has lipped profile similar to Feather SS) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000194006053.html Feather DX inspired (not quite a clone) https://www.ebay.com/itm/CJB-GR-100...-Uses-Feather-Artist-Club-Blades/352724339970 Not a clone but more similar to a fixed-handle Japanese straight razor (takes AC blades) https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Samson...-Feather-artist-club-single-edge/273585395821 For the great pricing on genuine Kai Captain or Feather (and blades): https://www.ebay.com/str/takeyjp2014 Amazon search for "Feather DX" (starting around $130) Amazon search for "Feather SS" (starting around $60) I'll throw in another interesting find that does NOT take AC blades, but is based on the Kai Captain geometry. It takes half-DE blades. When paired with the right blade, they will shave darn near as well as an AC shavette IME. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000097219551.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000193452826.html **edited 11/13/19 to include Kai Zebrano folding clone**
Given the $60 cost of a branded Feather SS and what people are known to pay for shaving soaps and brushes, I am a bit taken aback by the decisions to purchase clones.
Me too. I mean, the Wolfman razors are just slightly modified copies of a British Flat Bottomed Tech. But it seems every time I mention that, people seem to get their feels hurt. 1. Perception is everything. Just because I can shave with $1,000 worth of shaving kit, doesn't mean that was my first setup. I started off with a $15 gillette flare tip, $3 soap and $12 brush. 2. Start off small, and work your way up. Shavettes are no different. If you decide straights/shavettes are not for you, you haven't pissed away that month's water bill on a razor you won't use. Edit: If anyone happens to be in the Portland, OR area Dec. 6-8, Kershaw has their annual warehouse sale in Tualatin, OR. The Kershaw company also includes the brands Shun and Kai. They were selling the Kai Captain there last year for $40-50 if I remember correctly. I was there for specific items, and it wasn't on my list.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/400...4536.smartLeaderboard_141758935.4000193452826 $15.99 W/free shipping
Yep. I included that in my links above in post #32 (bottom). I also included a link to the folding version that comes with a pack of Dorco blades. It is a great shaver, and it's made me rethink my distaste for half-de shavettes. Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk
I could not agree more, and I believe that was the OP's intention. My journey into wet shaving started with a transition from disposables to straight razors. I picked up a shave-ready Gold Dollar kit with a strop, brush, and puck of soap for about $40. If the only options available to me would have cost me upwards of $150 just to get started, I might not have bothered. Same goes with AC shavettes IMO. I know some are offended at the mere existence of cheap knockoffs and clones, but they could serve as a low-cost entry into a great way to shave. I see no harm in informing people of their options. Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk
There is no such thing as a shave ready Gold Dollar...LOL!! Well, I just spent $20 on a Parker 51 Chinese clone, so I get your point.
Sounds like a starter kit that was pre-set up by a honemeister, who sorted through a bundle of gold dollars, tossed the bad ones, fixed and sharpened the ones that could be salvaged, and sold them. Edit: I've heard those 51 clones are pretty decent pens.