I recently received a Feather AS-D2 for Christmas from a relative that knew I enjoyed traditional wet-shaving. It was an unsolicited gift and was not a razor I had considered buying for myself. The price, and the reputation the AS-D2 has as a very mild razor, had kept me from considering it as a potential shaver. I'm not certain why the relative chose this razor, though I believe it may be due to the fact that is was the most expensive razor she could find on Amazon. Regardless, it was a kind gift that I greatly appreciate it.
Fit and finish: The AS-D2 is a beautiful instrument. Mine had no blemishes in the finish, firm without being sharp knurling, and a balance point about one inch below the head. The specifications can easily be found online, but the weight is around 3 and a quarter ounces and feels substantial without being heavy in my hand. Perhaps most importantly, for me, the blade easily seats itself for equal exposure on either side of the head without any adjustments needed by the user.
Ease of use: I can easily say, that out of the 15 razors I have used (DE and SE) this razor has the least blade exposure and blade gap. The resulting effect is that the AS-D2 is nearly impossible to use and cause injury with when shaving. I certainly didn't attempt to cut myself, but I am able to take longer, less precise strokes with this razor without any fear of causing harm to myself. I've had ten shaves with the Feather thus far, and I've never worried about causing nicks or weepers. I did have some mild irritation on the fourth and fifth shave that was due to trying an old habit (pressure) to get a closer shave, but I knew better and was experimenting to see how much pressure I could use without creating irritation.
The shave:
For reference, I consider my beard of above average thickness and coarseness. Not Grizzly Adams, but full and with thick bristles.
My preparation for all ten shaves was identical:
1. Warm shower while soaking my Semogue 1438 in my scuttle
2. Scuttle lather with TOBS sandalwood
3. Feather blade for the first week (7 shaves), then 3 shaves with the next Feather blade
4. Three passes: WTG, XTG, then ATG in that order
5. Splash with generic witch hazel
6. AS balm with 9% alcohol (Handsome Traveler)
Shave results: The first three shaves were a DFS to DFS+ as I was getting used to the recommended 45 degree angle and the weight of the razor. The fourth and fifth shaves created a DFS+ shave and some irritation as I used pressure experimentally to determine if the closeness of the shave could be improved through pressure. Shaves six through ten were very close to BBS as I found the angle that worked for me, which was very close to the recommended angle.
Thoughts: This is a beautifully machined, expertly crafted razor without aesthetic flaws. It can provide a close shave given time and experience with the razor. It's reputation as a mild shaver is deserved. I cannot envision how one could cause a nick or weeper if you have ever used a DE razor in the past. The head easily glides across the skin and the gap and exposure are well matched to a Feather blade. It's true flaw, if you want to think of it as such, is that the razor requires a very precise cutting angle to be efficient. When I strayed outside the 45 degree angle more than a few degrees either direction, I couldn't cut closely. This meant it took me twenty minutes to complete a three pass shave (usually 10-15) that was close. I wouldn't recommend this razor to newcomers to traditional wet shaving as it requires close attention to the angle used which could easily frustrate someone who has not mapped their beard or has the experience to alter their movements with the razor effectively over the contours of the face. Overall, an attractive razor with the ability to cut effectively with experience.
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Feather AS-D2 review
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