What is the best Feather razor? Personally, after trying a lot of their razors, I think the Feather AS-D2 safety razor is their best-built, best effort Feather razor but there are some variables that may make other razors from the brand a better choice for some. Let me explain.
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While Feather also makes cartridge razors (like their F3 razor for example), double edge and “barber straight” models are the most known and most relevant to Sharpologist readers. Here is a closer look.
Feather Double Edge Razors
Feather double edge razors have a general reputation as being quite mild, often requiring the use of a high-performance blade like the Feather Hi-Stainless blade.
Feather AS-D2
Not long ago the Feather AS-D2 All Stainless Steel razor was considered the high-end double edge razor. Now it’s practically “bargain basement” in its class: the past few years have seen an explosion of artisan-made, luxury-priced razors with premium materials.
This razor is well-designed and well-built. Like other Feather double edge razors, the AS-D2 has a reputation of being very mild. Most users pair it with a high-performance blade for best results.
Click/tap here for my full review.
Feather Adjustable
The Feather Adjustable is a relatively inexpensive adjustable razor, probably because unlike other adjustable razors it only has two settings: “1” and “2.” Setting “1” is very mild while setting “2” is more middle-of-the-road. Like the other Feather double edge razors, the Feather Adjustable pairs very well with a high-performance blade.
Feather Popular
The Feather Popular DE razor is a lightweight, plastic (handle) and metal (head) twist-to-open (TTO) razor goes for about $20 (U.S.). There is not much to distinguish this razor other than it’s low cost–it is pretty representative of inexpensive double edge razors in most respects. It has a more typical blade gap and is usable with a wider variety of blade brands but it may not be as comfortable to shave with compared to other razors in the price range.
Artist Club Razors (AKA Barber or “Shavette” Razors)
The Feather Artist Club line are disposable-blade straight razors. These razors resemble classic style straight razors with their ‘fold close’ design and lack of any kind of significant safety features. You may see these referred to generically as “Shavette” or “barber straight” razors. Instead of using a permanent blade that must be maintained periodically, these use replaceable blades.
Artist Club SS Razor
The Feather Artist Club SS razor has the most rounded, even bulbous nose profile, granting the most forgiving shave for a beginner. When held at the proper angle, the rounded tip of the Feather Artist Club SS gently pushes the skin down, raises the hair follicles, and takes the pressure off the blade. In short, this profile serves as an approximation of the safety bar of traditional safety razor.
Feather Artist Club DX Razor
The Feather Artist Club DX razor has a more traditional feel. It features a slim “nose” profile and a has slightly more blade exposure with the greater blade feel you might find with a traditional straight razor, and it also allows for a more precision cut. The DX is heavier than other Artist Club shavers, and is suggested for more experienced users and/or those with very durable, tough skin.
Feather Artist Club SR Razor
The Feather Artist Club SR razor features a more gently rounded profile which is more forgiving for users with somewhat sensitive skin, thus offering a more “middle-of-the-road approach” in shave comfort and performance. Of the three product releases the Feather Artist Club SR is moderate in weight, has a slightly bulbous profile, and tries to offer a more balanced approach between the beginner’s comfort of the SS and the more authentic straight razor feel of the DX.
The Feather (Shaving) Razor Product Line
The Seki Safety Razor Company was born in Japan circa 1932 (the company changed its name to the Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd. in 1953). Seki was the natural location for Japan to begin a safety razor company since the region has been the home of swordsmiths for roughly 800 years. Today Seki is known for world-famous knife factories and cutlery houses, catering to restaurants and chefs throughout the world. Seki, Sheffield, and Solingen are famous worldwide for knives and blades of various assortments.
The Feather product line includes shaving blades and razors, nail clippers, surgical instruments, barber shears, hair styling blades, scissors, knives, and more.
(Note: While the manufacturing of Feather products takes place in Japan, Feather does not directly sell product to consumers. Jatai is the official master distributor of Feather products in the United States and Canada, having a direct relationship with Feather. So if you want direct from the source authentic Feather product, visit Jatai.net.)
Summing Up
Feather razors are quite well-known in the traditional wet shaving community, with a reputation for quality workmanship and performance, particularly at the higher end of their price range. Paired with the right blade they can provide excellent shaves.
In my mind, the Feather AS-D2 is the best Feather razor for most wet shavers. If you look at the Artist Club-style razors I think the Feather SS is best for the beginner and the Feather DX is best for the shaver looking for an experience closest to a traditional straight razor.
Good article, I’ve used the Feather DX for about a year now and love shaving with it. It’s a well designed quality barbers razor with a nice, balanced weight to it. The extra length and rounded corners on Feather AC blades makes them a little more forgiving than DE bladed shavettes although they are still extremely sharp and care is needed,The Feather AC pro guard blades are a better option for beginners.
The AS D2 has been my daily shaver for the past 5 years at least. I find it pairs well with Astra SP or Gillette silver blue. It’s a great razor and shaves as efficient as any other razor in my den but with less irritation. I find it’s not as perfect as some suggest with some intolerance as I have to manually adjust the blade slightly to ensure even gap. Would love to try the adjustable some day.
Interesting comment about the build quality, that’s the first time I’ve read that there was an issue with an uneven blade alignment.
So, what is the best Feather razor? I was expecting, “I like the popular, not the adjustable.” “The DX tore me up, the SR is great!” This was just a catalog article.
Yes, you’re right, I need to edit the conclusion paragraph to be more clear on my recommendations. Thanks.