Feather and Kai shaves

Mark12

Forum GOD!
Haven’t tried them yet, but have a dispenser inbound from Maggard. It’ll be interesting to compare them to the Kai guarded blades.
Thanks. Will look forward to hearing your thoughts on them. If there's one thing I find with the AC blades - which isn't really a complaint - is that they're unforgivingly sharp. Anything uneven on the face they'll whip straight off 👍
 

Twelvefret

Forum GOD!
Has anyone used the pink Feather Softguard blades. These are apparently the mildest of the bunch according to AI.

Thoughts?

Thanks
M

I have not, @Mark12. I've read the metal guards on the Pro Guard blade can cause skin irritation. If it were me, and since you have experience with a RBSR, I'd consider the unguarded "Lights" which provides less blade exposure. That said, over time you might be able to modify how you shave those more sensitive areas.
 

Mark12

Forum GOD!
I have not, @Mark12. I've read the metal guards on the Pro Guard blade can cause skin irritation. If it were me, and since you have experience with a RBSR, I'd consider the unguarded "Lights" which provides less blade exposure. That said, over time you might be able to modify how you shave those more sensitive areas.
I was very lucky that Mike sent me a single blade of every Feather/Kai type with the Shield Razor - bar the Pink Softguard - and I was thinking of trying the green one next which has less exposure and no guards rather than switch to the Kai Pro Touch MG guarded. I think what you're saying has a lot of sense to it. It's just that area of skin under my lower lip on the chin which gets very upset easily 👍
 

Twelvefret

Forum GOD!
I don’t have any advice for that area @Mark12 except slow and a light touch which I have to practice using any holder or honed straight. I’ve experienced cuts or weepers using Schick injectors and various DE’s. Less so with straights probably because I am more cautious.
 

Twelvefret

Forum GOD!
I retired the Super Pro after this use and not because I didn't achieve and excellent result. What I learned is not that the blade didn't cut, but wasn't as efficient as before. I felt the tug on the first pass which diminished on the second. Maybe this has ramifications for those with more sensitive skin where repeated passes could irritate the skin.

If I can achieve a DFS for 15 uses, that says something about the quality of the edge on these blades. I am sure handling can harm the edge as I am now removing and cleaning the Feather holders after each use.
 

chazt

shave
Despite a completely frustrating day with medicine, pharmacy and manufacturer, my new Woody was delivered hours ahead of UPS’ scheduled window. That doesn’t happen often, and the Woody razor looks so good, so I’m going to say it outweighed the stupid medicine debacle.

But let’s focus on the razor instead, eh?

For one thing, the Kai feels lighter to me than either of the Feathers I’m rotating. Perhaps it’s the difference between the wood versus “plastic” scales, idk. I have an old triple beam balance in the closet and will weigh them all tomorrow afternoon.

In use, this was the first time I ventured into three pass territory with an RBSR. Woody was nimble and gentle. So gentle! Plus, I also did some touchups on my neck in one spot. I bring this up because for two points. 1, the glaring similarity in face feel between the AC blades in the RBSRs and GEM and injector blades in their respective holders. I think this is a fair comparison, relative to how these blades work for me compared to DE blades. Which brings me to 2, all three of the more rigid blade formats leave my post shave lower neck area in better shape compared to thinner DE blades. By that, I mean “cooler” (as it were). When shaving with DE blades for the first few minutes after finishing up, the skin on my lower neck appears to be an ever so slightly different shade of skin tone compared to the rest of my shaved face - even when there’s zero sting or feedback from alum of aftershave splash. It took me over a decade to come to this realization.

To make a comparison to the Feathers, I loaded Woody with a fresh Kai Pink guarded blade which is what I’m using in the SR and DX. Now, is it odd that I needed three passes and touchups with Woody to achieve the same results I get with the Feathers after two passes? Perhaps. Idk right now. I will faceturbate during the day tomorrow and make an evaluation at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon which will be 24 hours later.

There seem to be fewer and less pronounced ridged areas on the blade (jimps?). And, day yum! It’s a real looker, if you ask me! I’ll photograph the holders together for comparison shots tomorrow afternoon.

Can’t think of too much more to add right now.
IMG_2221.jpeg
 

Twelvefret

Forum GOD!
To make a comparison to the Feathers, I loaded Woody with a fresh Kai Pink guarded blade which is what I’m using in the SR and DX. Now, is it odd that I needed three passes and touchups with Woody to achieve the same results I get with the Feathers after two passes? Perhaps. Idk right now. I will faceturbate during the day tomorrow and make an evaluation at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon which will be 24 hours later.
Two thoughts, you are not comfortable with the new one and weight is a factor. I suspect that over time you will come to achieve the result you want from whatever you use. I didn't get the shave I expected the first time out with the DX, but the next time I did.

Thanks, for the Proline 30 blades. I cut myself getting them out of the wrappings and had to be rushed to the ER for stitches. Just kidding. :D Ironically, I bought these Super Professionals in February of 2020, just when Covid was starting. I bet I haven't use half of them.
 

chazt

shave
Two thoughts, you are not comfortable with the new one and weight is a factor. I suspect that over time you will come to achieve the result you want from whatever you use. I didn't get the shave I expected the first time out with the DX, but the next time I did.
Yes, this occurred to me. Sort of like switching from a dreadnaught size guitar to an OM.
Thanks, for the Proline 30 blades. I cut myself getting them out of the wrappings and had to be rushed to the ER for stitches. Just kidding. :D Ironically, I bought these Super Professionals in February of 2020, just when Covid was starting. I bet I haven't use half of them.
Hey, I told you to be careful opening the pkg :wink: Tbh, I thought that was the best way to pack them.

Based on what you’re saying and how long these puppies maintain their edge (you can read that two ways), it seems I have enough for many years to come.
 

chazt

shave
@chazt
Just a little additional info: the Kai model you bought is the equivalent to the Feather SS, so milder in shave than the SR you already have. :cheers:
Thanks, @Estariol, this confirms my suspicion. I was thinking during the shave that it felt milder than the SR but felt it was too soon to make such a determination. It certainly explains why I needed three passes plus touchups. I may just swap out the blade for an unguarded variety sooner rather than later.

I really appreciate your wisdom and willingness to share your thought with these shavers. Your experience seems quite extensive. Thanks for that and for participating in this thread :)
 
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Estariol

Forum GOD!
I conducted a thorough exploration at the time when i figured out DE blades don't work for me and decided to take the straight razor path. Some of the info stayed with me and i gladly share it so other fellow shavers don't make the mistakes i did. 🍻
 

Twelvefret

Forum GOD!
When I was shaving yesterday, I paid attention, so I could share, how I allowed the blade to be used and for me, I hover. This is probably why I can achieve the same result using the SS as I do with the DX since only the blade it is doing the work. It is probably why I can use the Super Professional and never consider it more than the Pro Guard. This is probably due to my use of honed straight razors as well as my proprioception.

Whether one holder is more or less mild is not a factor for me. What is a factor is the appearance of the holder. I have honed straight that have beautiful scales that add to my enjoyment. The Kai Woody is outstanding in appearance and that would give me enjoyment. Learning to make it effective and experimenting with various blades would just be icing on the cake.

I do think the things we can change up are the blades themselves and not so much what is holding them.
 
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