Feather Artist Club SS, the redheaded stepchild of razors

Have been using the Feather Artist Club SS Japanese (non-folding) razor for a couple of weeks now. I started with the Pro blades, but had better results with the Pro Super ones. Maybe my technique is getting better, but I find the Pro Supers to be more forgiving. After two weeks of learning (and 1.5 years of devette shaving), I can easily get DFS in two passes and BBS in three. Nice shaving experience -- and I love the simplicity of the system.

I prefer the ProSuper to the regular blades as well. They are thicker and more forgiving, as you noted. My faves are still the ProGuard with the Supers right behind them.

I prefer the ProSuper to the regular blades as well. They are thicker and more forgiving, as you noted. My faves are still the ProGuard with the Supers right behind them.

Interesting. Can you get as close with the ProGuards? I assume they're even more forgiving than the Supers.

PS: What's the blade life like on the ProGuards? I've got about 10 shaves on my ProSuper and it's still going.

I've never used a Feather AC, but the kamisori design in general intrigues me. I'm waiting to come across the right one at the right time...

Having used the folding Artist Club equipped with the pro guard and Kai mild, the razor is amazing but as unforgiving as a scorned lover. My technique has improve, but I will venture into the world of true straights soon

Yes, I get just as close with the Guards. I get about 15 to 20 shaves per blade with the Guards, about half that with the Supers or the regulars.

Yes, I get just as close with the Guards. I get about 15 to 20 shaves per blade with the Guards, about half that with the Supers or the regulars.

Good to know. I will probably try the Guards one of these days. I find the Supers more forgiving than the regular Pros in the Feather AC razors, but I've started using the regulars in my AlumiGoose V2.

Having used the folding Artist Club equipped with the pro guard and Kai mild, the razor is amazing but as unforgiving as a scorned lover.  My technique has improve, but I will venture into the world of true straights soon

Me too. I have a Gold Dollar 208 and a paddle strop on the way, out of curiosity. I never pictured myself stropping and honing, but you never know.  

Yes, I get just as close with the Guards. I get about 15 to 20 shaves per blade with the Guards, about half that with the Supers or the regulars.

Good to know. I will probably try the Guards one of these days. I find the Supers more forgiving than the regular Pros in the Feather AC razors, but I've started using the regulars in my AlumiGoose V2.

Having used the folding Artist Club equipped with the pro guard and Kai mild, the razor is amazing but as unforgiving as a scorned lover.  My technique has improve, but I will venture into the world of true straights soon

Me too. I have a Gold Dollar 208 and a paddle strop on the way, out of curiosity. I never pictured myself stropping and honing, but you never know.  

You know, I honestly could never picture myself going through the maintenance requirements of using a traditional straight before I actualy started using traditional straights.

Just as rinsing and cleaning your DE and brush become a normal part of your shaving routine, so does stropping the blade before and after a shave. I do about 60 laps before a shave and about 20-30 after, just to ensure that the blade is bone dry.

As for honing...it is something I have come to really enjoy. I like the process, I like the satisfaction of seeing the results almost immediately, when you bring home a beat up vintage from the antique shop, clean it up, and get it "shave ready". There is a real, honest sense of accomplishment that comes along with returning a long-neglected, but once useful tool back to it's original state of utility and giving it new life.

When I shave with an old, vintage razor, I can't help but wonder what stories the blade could tell, if blades were given such abilities. When I hone an old, beat up razor, and give it a fine, keen edge that cuts clean and smooth as it was intended, I can almost hear the razor breath a sigh of relief and swell with pride at being useful again. It's a bonding moment for me.

I know that sounds all New Age-y and nonsensical, but I can't help but feel a connection to a razor that I put a lot of effort into. I can't help but feel bonded to that razor, and whether it is one that I keep and use regularly, or pass on to someone else, I feel like that razor and I have shared an experience that was equally important to both of us.

Whatever...Im a dork. So what...

Chris, you're no dork! I have exactly the same feelings about my vintage DE razors, especially ones I've cleaned up myself. What with filling fountain pens, brushing fedoras and bowlers, and cleaning up my razors, I'm definitely into calming, retro rituals. So, who knows, maybe stropping and honing will be added to the list.  

I have knocked an edge against the faucet. That is such a heart wrenching feeling. I havent dropped one yet, but I'm sure I will...

I, personally, don't enjoy shavettes. I can't put my finger on why, exactly that is. I enjoyed them up until I got a traditional straight. I havent used one since, and I havent really had the desire.

I really wanted to get a Feather AC, at one time as well. Before I used a traditional straight, I was always on the lookout for a decently priced Feather AC, but since I got my first straight, I have not really looked for them.

I HAVE looked at traditional and modern kamisori razors, however. Those are incredibly intriguing to me...

And I will be perfectly honest, it is not because I consider traditional straights "real" straights. Shavettes are far more difficult to master and much more unforgiving. If the name "cut throat" is to be applied, in my opinion shavettes are much more befitting than straights. They are definitely no joke...