I'm interested in straight razor shaving but don't want to do all the maintenance. Feather SS Folding Handle Razor, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CF6KMC/?tag=thshde-20
I have three shaves on the non-folding version. Steep learning curve, but I like it and am going to continue learning to use it. There are others on here with more experience. Maybe they will chime in.
I never could get any love from a straight. Be warned however that a shavette(the Feather) and a straight are two different animals. While the shavette is less maintenance, from what I understand they are also more aggressive and vicious. Good luck
The Feather isn't a typical Shavette. A Shavette typically uses a broken double edge blade or an injector blade. The Feather uses a different blade and the design of the razor helps with the angle. I recently started using a Feather AC SS and am not finding it vicious. In fact, I have only wounded myself once and it was operator error on my first pass. Don't be scared of the Feather.
Honestly I have been using a traditional SR since 1981, I would never change BUT If I had seen one of these back then and known I didn't have to do all the honing and stropping I probably would have been all over it The feather system is by far IMO / IME the best of these If you are about the efficiency of the shave, then yes this is for you, but if you are about comfort and the relaxation of the shave, then no, this is not the right course.. Obviously this is only my opinion, but you did ask for them
I have used the SS Kamasori style, (non-folding.) I don't think it is vicious, but it does require a steady hand. I have cut myself with it, but no worse than what I have done with a DE. This razor was actually easy enough to use that I jumped from it to true straights.
I have used the Feather SS and a Feather Professional (a discontinued model, the profile matches the Feather DX) The SS is milder and has less blade exposure than the DX. IMO it makes a great starter SE razor. An alternative would be the Kai Captain which is just as mild. Or go mad like I did and get the Kai Excelia. Start off with a Feather Proguard and you will have it tamed on no time.
Part of fun with this hobby is trying different things, I don't have a steady hand for a straight of any kind. If it doesn't work you could always sell/trade it. You might want to check out Injector razors or even a Mongoose.
Though I'm a 99.99% conventional straight razor guy, I still use a Feather SS folder as a travel razor purely for convenience. The SS has a bit different bevel at the blade holding portion of the razor that in effect softens the angle between blade and skin and is a bit more forgiving than the DX models. At less than $50 on d'Bay, give it a shot! Beware however, many find it it the gateway drug to conventional straight shaving.
I, and several others on this thread, have used the kamisori style Feather SS. Either this one or the folder would be a great razor. There's s a learning curve associated with using it, but it is not bad. You just have to be focused and careful. It is well made, and it provides a close shave once you get the hang of it. Some folks will perform one pass with the Feather SS and finish up with a DE until they become comfortable using it for the entire shave. Once you master this razor, DE shaving becomes incredibly easy by comparison. Good luck, and keep us posted! http://www.amazon.com/Feather-Japanese-Straight-Razor-Black/dp/B0060QYUP4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
For blades, try Feather ProGuards or Kai Pink Milds to begin with, Then consider moving on to Feather Pros
