Looking for ac style razor

Discussion in 'Straight Razors' started by jaro, Jun 15, 2019.

  1. Edison Carter

    Edison Carter Well-Known Member

    For the handy.....

    cjbautopsy2_zpsea07c8bf.jpg

    Borrowed image, no personal experience here.
     
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  2. NCoxSTL

    NCoxSTL AAACK!

    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. :happy088:
     
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  3. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

    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
     
  4. lloydrm

    lloydrm Well-Known Member

    Very nice repository.
    What’s your pick for the best shaver?
     
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  5. Gnomeo0228

    Gnomeo0228 Well-Known Member

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  6. lloydrm

    lloydrm Well-Known Member

    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! :happy088:
     
  7. Gnomeo0228

    Gnomeo0228 Well-Known Member

    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!
     
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  8. BBS

    BBS Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  9. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  10. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

    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.

    upload_2019-11-11_23-57-50.png
     
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  11. lloydrm

    lloydrm Well-Known Member

    Very good discussion guys. Thanks.
     
  12. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

    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**
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
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  13. Chuck Naill

    Chuck Naill Well-Known Member

    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. :signs081:
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
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  14. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    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.
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
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  15. Hembree

    Hembree Not as pretty smelling

  16. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

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  17. Hembree

    Hembree Not as pretty smelling

    I am sorry...I over looked those in your post.
     
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  18. rs_776

    rs_776 Well-Known Member

    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
     
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  19. Chuck Naill

    Chuck Naill Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  20. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    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.
     
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