I spoke with a Fendrihan representative before purchase to discuss a few DE safety razor options for the beginner and he pointed out that this Feather model is obviously not the equal of an all-metal razor for durability and perhaps for certain elements of design. There are certainly reasonably-priced all-metal options here that you could probably use for a lifetime and leave to descendants in your estate! However, I've had a good experience relying on this model for my first safety razor and not simply for its low cost. With only a little practice, I found it easy to get a close, comfortable shave; I particularly like using the Feather brand blades (2 are included) though you'll almost certainly want to buy a sample pack of other brands to see what works best for ... MoreI spoke with a Fendrihan representative before purchase to discuss a few DE safety razor options for the beginner and he pointed out that this Feather model is obviously not the equal of an all-metal razor for durability and perhaps for certain elements of design. There are certainly reasonably-priced all-metal options here that you could probably use for a lifetime and leave to descendants in your estate! However, I've had a good experience relying on this model for my first safety razor and not simply for its low cost. With only a little practice, I found it easy to get a close, comfortable shave; I particularly like using the Feather brand blades (2 are included) though you'll almost certainly want to buy a sample pack of other brands to see what works best for you. Because much of it is plastic, it's very lightweight and ready to throw into your luggage for travel, letting you leave your gorgeous all-metal dream machine at home, safe from loss while on the road. If, like me at first, you really just want to dip your toe into the safety-razor-shaving waters, this is an economically-painless way to do it. And if your experience is anything like mine has been, you won't go back to multi-blade cartridges from the Big Names ever again. Especially if you already wet-shave, you owe it to yourself to give DE safety razors a try and this is a great starter's option.

Affordable Feather Razor

For an inexpensive TTO razor, the Feather ticks the boxes. It features a robust plastic & metal construction, a smooth open and closing mechanism, good blade alignment and even a plastic carry case. I bought it for travelling rather than taking one of my vintage or more valuable razors. The Feather provides a mild but reasonably efficient shave and would work well with the Feather blades (although I have yet try that combination). If I have one criticism, it concerns the case. With all the types of plastics available, razor manufacturers insist on using the nasty brittle kind that CD cases are made of, and are so prone to cracking and breaking. How about more flexible cases that would stand up to the rigours of travel?

An affordable legend

The other famous Feather Razor is the 200 quid ASD2S and as I haven't won the lottery I thought I'd give this Popular a go. It can be got for 15 quid and comes in a handy case with 5 feather blades ( worth about 2 or 3 quid themselves), so it's amazing value. It's made mostly of plastic so is incredibly light which means you may have to apply a bit of pressure to get a smooth shave but as this is very mild razor, even with the super sharp feather blades, the risk of slicing your face off is slim. The butterfly action is nice and smooth and locks blades in securely with the very grippy handle. Worth buying even just to say you own a genuine Feather razor. You may even end up using it as a daily razor and if it breaks after a year or so , you're still able to get ... MoreThe other famous Feather Razor is the 200 quid ASD2S and as I haven't won the lottery I thought I'd give this Popular a go. It can be got for 15 quid and comes in a handy case with 5 feather blades ( worth about 2 or 3 quid themselves), so it's amazing value. It's made mostly of plastic so is incredibly light which means you may have to apply a bit of pressure to get a smooth shave but as this is very mild razor, even with the super sharp feather blades, the risk of slicing your face off is slim. The butterfly action is nice and smooth and locks blades in securely with the very grippy handle. Worth buying even just to say you own a genuine Feather razor. You may even end up using it as a daily razor and if it breaks after a year or so , you're still able to get another 12 year's worth for the price of the stainless steel jobby. Go on treat yourself to an affordable legend.

Fantastic razor for not a lot of money

This is a very light razor made almost entirely of plastic. However it is manufactured to a level of precision far beyond any other plastic razor you will find. It is a mild razor so may not work well for those with thicker, tougher beard hair or those who do not shave very often. The only metal components are the doors and the end cap. The handle is quite long and the razor comes in its own plastic travel case with storage for a pack of blades. If you want to try Feather quality without paying the "breathtaking" price of an AS-D2, this is a good way to experiment. It shaves incredibly well using Feather blades, I haven't tried it with others as yet - it comes with a 10 pack of Feathers.

Feather tto very pleasantly surprised

Pleasantly surprised. The head is the perfect size for under the nose. I have seen other reviews call it too light in weight for a starter razor it is just right. I must experiment but the shave is amazing. I need to put the feather blade in another razor to see what happens. It shaves many times above the cost

Low cost shaving with a accurat and well designed safety razor.

I ordered this safety razor because I am tired of paying for expensive multi blade razor heads that are dull after only a few shaves. The multi blade razor heads also plug with hair and soap making it hard to rinse out after every stroke. This razor allows you to use a great variety of common and inexpensive razor blades. It holds the blade accurately. It is light and ease to handle. It has a large uninterrupted space to allow hair and soap to pass without plugging. It is made of stamped metal and plastic but is well designed. Shaving with a safety razor does take more skill and a little more time, this razor does not change that. The blades that come with it are very sharp and hard. (not forgiving for a first time user) (excellent for someone with experience)

Stick with Feather

Replaced my Feather razor with a new one of a different brand. Looks like someone tried to slit my throat. That was yesterday, today I looked up your website. My new razor is going to be put away for a long time or until it's thrown away..My old one is 12 years old.

Top value

Performs as well as razors costing many more times this made in Japan unit. It depends what you’re looking for. It is utilitarian, not a “luxury “ cool looking razor. It does have some plastic for those looking to avoid plastic. It secures the blade perfectly and tolerances are better than that of my 1980’s vintage Gillette

Two months in I ask: why didn't I buy this earlier?

I would have spent $30 on a year's worth of cartridges. I spent $28 on this feather razor and 50 Feather Hi-Stainless blades. I made the right decision, despite several cuts early on. Two months later I can report that it's worked perfectly. The blade doesn't move after the butterfly is closed tightly, and it stays closed tightly. As I continued I learned that the Feather Popular is more forgiving than most DE safety razors--you have to try to cut yourself using this razor. I'm not planning to replace it anytime soon. If it lasts any longer than three years it's a flat-out steal for the price.

Upmarket Wet Shaving Makes Difference

Does upping your wet shave game make a difference? I wanted to find out.I stumbled into brush-lathering a few months ago when a relative mistakenly bought me a tube of shave cream she thought was brushless. I was astounded at how brush-lathering alone made for a closer, more comfortable shave, even with the low-end multiblade disposables I sometimes buy.I’d read a few shaving fan sites talking up double-edge razors. I wanted to know what the fuss was about.I picked the Feather Popular. A value-conscious guy, I thought the Popular seemed to me a good compromise between quality and price. Two Feather blades are included in the handsome, hinged plastic case the Popular is packaged in. Ordering and delivery from Smallflower were excellent.I took to double-edge ... MoreDoes upping your wet shave game make a difference? I wanted to find out.I stumbled into brush-lathering a few months ago when a relative mistakenly bought me a tube of shave cream she thought was brushless. I was astounded at how brush-lathering alone made for a closer, more comfortable shave, even with the low-end multiblade disposables I sometimes buy.I’d read a few shaving fan sites talking up double-edge razors. I wanted to know what the fuss was about.I picked the Feather Popular. A value-conscious guy, I thought the Popular seemed to me a good compromise between quality and price. Two Feather blades are included in the handsome, hinged plastic case the Popular is packaged in. Ordering and delivery from Smallflower were excellent.I took to double-edge shaving immediately without any issues. Short strokes, very light touch on the razor. If you’re a newbie, as I am, take a little time to look up instructional videos from the Q brothers, nick shaves, and other You Tubers. This ain’t rocket science, but you still want to get it right.After seven days’ use, I discarded the Feather blade. There may have been a few shaves left on it, too.Conclusions? I liked shaving with the Popular. The razor looks good. I enjoyed using it. I like the selection of blades available. I like that it gives me a new groove. The quality of shave was as good as what I get from high-end multiblade disposables.But getting back to my question. Does upping your wet shave game make a difference? Yes, I think so. Semi-retired now, I’d grown accustomed to letting myself go, shaving maybe only three or four times a week.The last few months I’ve put together a shave rig with a bit of pre-shave treatment (Nivea, baby oil), a selection of shave creams from Smallflower, the Feather Popular now, also from Smallflower, a few value-priced shave brushes, plus aftershave treatments, Sea Breeze and alcohol, and a few inexpensive scents I transfer to pump dispensers. Toss in a few small bowls I relocated from my kitchen. Total cost, maybe $100 at most, and most of the product will last a very long time.What I get is a barbershop-quality shave every single day for maybe 25¢ a shave, or less. Who doesn’t like affordable luxury? Upping your shave game is a good personal morale booster. Plus, unless I’m imagining things, people take better notice of you, even if they can’t pinpoint the reason to a better shave. So, yes, my impression is that upmarket wet shaving is a real deal and worth your attention.