A Mild Shave - The Feather AS-D2 Razor - Hit or Miss?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ย. 2024
- Today, I'm shaving with the Feather AS -D2 from Japan. It is a mild razor, designed for optimum use with the Feather blade. It's a beautifully designed razor that has a big following.
The soap today is from Don Jose. Banana and coconut! Smashing
With thanks:
Kevy Parr 👍 You have been watching 👍
Find Kevy here:
/ @kevyshaves4109
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I've had my ASD2 for over a year and have 50 shaves with it. For the first say ten of those, I thought I'd wasted my money. I had used the wrong angle, over shaved and experienced poor shaves. Of all my razors it took the longest to tune in but it does come, and when it clicks it's a great shaver. I've used it to clean up four days growth, no problem. I only use Feather blades in it and on ATG passes go over the 45 degree angle, but carefully as it can still bite. It would be perfect as a daily razor and I love it in my rotation. Not for everyone, certainly, but it's too quality and I appreciate it's effortlessness, once you've got it working for you as 2nd nature.
Hi David. I wondered if that was indeed the case and I bet there are more than a few people with the same experience you had. Of course, my comments both on video, and here, are based on four consequetive shaves. I feel that there is just something missing with this razor but I wonder if I would feel the same were I able to have, and use it for longer. It's one of the drawbacks of having a reasonably popular channel and having to always move on to the next video. You have really given me something to think about. Thanks
yes, The 45 degrees angle. Once you are used to it, it's fantastic.
I have this razor for close to 3 years now and out of my 27 razor's, this has become my to go to razor. It's just so comfortable to shave with. And gives me a smooth result every time.
Out of twenty seven razors - that is a great endorsement. There was a lot I liked about this razor but it didn't quite do it for me. Gladly there must be plenty of fellows all around the world like yourself. All the best. 👍
My daily razor. I love it.Thank you
Your welcome, John. Thank you. 👍
I just purchased this razor, I have been a wet double edge razor for 3 years now. Anyway, let's get to the story. I used the razor that came with it. Feather first time I have bleed in so many years. So today I tried my trusty Parker blade and amazing. Cheers. Hey I love your accent. It's got that real gangster feel to it
Hello, my friend! Yes those Feather blades can take a little getting used to, I had the same issues as yourself when I first used one. Thanks for the mention of my gangster accent; that made me smile. All the best.
@ Hey, is there a big difference between an expensive brush and a average brush? Thank you. I have two synthetic brushes, I see so many people using boar horse goat etc. do I need these? Thank you
@@tugboat8475 There are differences, but if you like what you are using then stick with it. Synthetics are great and a good choice. I'm really tired so my apologies for a bit of a rubbish answer.
Never tried that razor probably never will to mild for me but the soap is one of my favourites.
Stay healthy 👍👍😉
You too, my friend. All the very best.
Great shave Mark! I've been gravitating towards my milder razors of late, techs, Fatboy on 3, and Helix mild. I've been getting excellent shaves, that Feather looks like a great shaver. Have a good weekend, Cheers
Cheers buddy. Take care.
Hi Mark- Great shave and razor review; thank you! I am enjoying this series of razor testing from the Kevy cache! Looking forward to seeing the Muhle Rocca in action. I have not tried the Feather razor, as it’s reputation as a very mild razor prevented me from moving forward. I generally prefer razors that are fairly efficient. I hope your weekend has gotten off to a nice start. Feet-up, my friend! Be safe and be well. Best regards, as always, Mark!
Hello Mike. I hope you are well. I think you have made the right decision regarding the AS-D2, but I have just shaved with the 3One6, from Kevy's cache - you've coined a phrase there, I was very impressed. What a beautiful day we are having. I hope yours is just as good. Take care buddy.
Top man that Kevy 👍🏼👍🏼
He certainly is a top man indeed, Nick. 😊
Hello Mark. I have some mixed feelings regarding the Feather AS-D2. I bought it when I was quite new into wetshaving. Then sold it because I couldn’t get along with it. Half year ago I bought one again since I thought it’s a must have for my collection. Still it’s not my favorite razor but I can handle it better now. Since I never case BBS because I simply didn’t get it with any of my razors I‘m not bothered about this.
Have a nice weekend Mark
Hi Sven. I feel the same, in that I have mixed feelings about this razor. It is not the razor for me even though I really want to like it more. I had a mild, nice shave but I think this razor is so mild that I try to change the way I normally shave, to get a better shave. There is just something lacking. I hope the family are well. All the very best, mate.
Hello Mark a very nice shaving video. Have a nice week 😊
Thanks Robert 👍 Enjoy your weekend.
From the first shave my as-d2 do, what he should. And he do it very well.
He is better then edwin jagger 3one6 and milder then mühle Rocca for me with the Feather blade.
I love it.
Fantastic. This is the wonderful thing going about our interest in shaving everyone has their own favourite razors that really suit them. Happy shaving 👍😀
Nice Mark I really like Don Jose soap it’s my Fav and as well Garibaldi 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Hope is all well and stay safe
Alan H
Garibaldi - I love those biscuits! 😀 I have yet to try the Garibaldi, I really am uncertain about food scents mostly because I can't imagine how they smell; bananas and coconut being an exception. Take good care of yourself, Alan. 👍
@@FriendshipShaving Thanks Marc you’ll like Garibaldi it’s very nice 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Alan H
Nice shave and nice looking razor Mark. Too mild and expensive for me. Hope you feel better.
Thank you, Chris. I'm starting to pick up now, thank you. There is a brilliant comment here, from a gentleman who gets a better shave with the £20 Gillette KCG - this is true of me, too.
Nice shave Mark! I haven't used either razor but I probably wouldn't like them because I prefer more aggressive razors. They do look nice though 😎👍
Have a good weekend!
Steve
Hi Steve, by the time I've caught up with all my comments, it is practically next weekend. The weather is hot and it is very nice. I hope are having a good week.
Great shave!
I like my AS-D2 which was the first SS razor I purchased.
As my preferences and skills have improved I use a shim or a double shim to give a notch up in the effecientcy.
Have a great week and Stay Safe!
🤙
@/wad
Hey buddy. A double shim - you are hard-core! 😀 I find a little to inefficient for the money. I have just had a very good shave with an Edwin Jagger 316. I'm quite impressed but I suspect you might find it a little small. All the best.
The cost of it has always stopped me from pulling the trigger . There are plenty of mild shaving Razors out there at a fraction of the price ... having said that it does have a mystique . Thanks for another enjoyable video .
I think when it first came out, it was the go to stainless razor, now we are spoiled for choice and the prices seem to be coming down slightly. There are lots of razors that match or outperform this one, for a much smaller price.
Hi Mark, the razor is stylish indeed, but for me in the end it is more of a collectors item than a razor to have in my usual rotation. Funny enough though I just used the AS-D2 for my last shave and while there is nothing wrong with a razor being mild I still expect a high level of efficiency on that price level. Unfortunately it does not have the kind of efficiency I expect from an expensive razor like that, in fact many razors way below the price of the AS-D2 are more efficient while also providing a mild shave. As usual of course YMMV applies. Take care and enjoy the weekend.
Hi Tommy, that is very nicely stated. For me, it just misses - especially at the selling price. I have mixed feelings about the razor; although I do want to really like it, there are other razors I much prefer. I don't strive for a BBS shave and I had a nice enough shave but there is just something lacking.
I had a ASD2 but could not get consistent shaves, even after years of using it, could be related to the 45 degree angle and/or over shaving, so I moved it on with no regrets. Much happier shaving the more natural angle like Rockwell 6c and Karve Overlander. I think these days I prefer mild razors with a bit of efficiency. When I use Feather blades I cork them on the 1st shave.👍😎🤟
Hi mate. One thing that I am taking from the comments on the AS-D2, is that there are far less expensive razors, that perform better: the 6C and Gillette's KCG razor being just two. I have to agree with this and wonder if the AS-D2 sells as well as it first did; one would think not with the amount of razors that are available today. It's an interesting thought. Cheers 👍
We want to love the ASD2 because it's expensive and luxurious. Fact of the matter is that it's not that great of a razor. If it sold for $40, it wouldn't be talked about much at all. But once we spend this much on it, we have to find a way to justify the purchase.
If you're on the fence about it.. do yourself a favor and find something else.
You are absolutely right! It's exactly for the reasons you mentioned that we feel we should really love it. I have plenty of other razors that I much prefer - my vintage fat handled Tech or my DE89, just to name two much cheaper razors. Great advice for anyone reading - thanks!👍
Gilchrist here. I use my AS-D2 constantly. It’s a favorite and if I pay attention I can get bbs with 2 passes plus pickups. But I rarely use it that way. I alternate between a Karve stainless, a Lupo stainless, a Game Changer, a Rockwell 6s, a Baby Smooth and a KCG with a short stainless handle swapped in.
But when it comes to the pickup phase, unlike you I find the Feather/Feather combo to be the best I’ve got for my neck, jawline, and around my lips and nose.
I’ll do 2 passes with the Lupo and clean everything up with the Feather Stainless.
Just my habit.
Hi Steve. I find it interesting that there are those that think it too mild and those, like yourself that count it as a favourite; there doesn't seem to be much middle ground, with this razor. BBS with two passes is something else - it must be a good razor, after all 😁 Be well, mate.
@@FriendshipShaving I must say, Mark, that my relatively plump face makes finding the correct angle with the Feather much easier. Men with strong jawlines or more angular features and less of a pudgy face may have a tougher time dialing in the perfect shaving angle. The Feather’s combination of extended solid guard, small gap and neutral exposure give it a very narrow effective range of cutting angles. I find when I use it, I turn off any fans or music or water taps or anything else that makes noise, then use a combination of sound feedback with angle, speed and slightly more pressure than with any other razor to get into the Feather’s happy zone. I have dozens of DE razors and this one is the only one I have that actually does a better job with a touch more pressure. If you’re used to a pivoting cartridge, then no-not anywhere near that kind of pressure. Just enough to cause your skin to start to conform to the shape of the razor’s cap, blade and guard as it passes.
My friend Julio Giuliani (RIP) bought his AS-D2 on my recommendation, and was in the process of ditching all his other razors when he unfortunately left us. The day before, we were having a conversation about this pressure technique with the Feather and how it unlocks the razor’s potential.
At least for fatties like us!
This is quite interesting Steve. I can understand how applying a little more pressure would work for the AS-D2 and how having a fuller face would work well - it's not something I have thought about before. I'm sorry to read about Julio, I knew he had passed. He always looked to be a very happy fellow. I can see him quite clearly in my minds eye.
@@FriendshipShaving I think this may be one partial reason this razor is loved and reviled. Unlike a more conventional design like the Merkur or the Edwin Jagger, the Feather may actually favor a certain type of face quite heavily. If you are in that group and have found the way to make the razor work, it’s unique and excellent. If you’re not in that group it may be difficult to ever see what the fuss is about.
As always in this way of shaving, too much pressure or too many passes will lead to unhappy results. I’m glad I can get smooth in 2 passes with the Feather Stainless. 3 often feels like too much.
I suppose the main advantage with a mild razor is you are less likely to cut yourself. Banana and coconut soap sounds a very pleasant smell.
It is a beautiful scent. 😀 Really lovely - now, I just need that tropical beach and a Mojito.
How does this razor compare with the Rockwell 6S please?
I find my 6C, to be a much better razor. The 6S will be a heavier razor, I would think, as there is certainly more substance to the head and guard plate. I find my 6C to be superb; smooth on all levels and a better shave. The 6S will be the same. Cheers
U enjoy this razor alot to the point that i don't think about othe razors I have think coarse persian hair and everyone knows the effectiveness is in the prep and lather and getting your skin/hair prepped. ASD2 is craftmanship- japan for the win!
Very well said, sir. The ASD2 is obviously a brilliant razor for you. It is very well made. No doubt about it. All the best.👍
Nice video and review, but...
The generally accepted defintion of shaving angle is the blade to the face, not the handle to the face. You seem to be using the latter definition, which will confuse most people.
The AS-D2 needs to be used at a shallow angle, aka, riding the cap. When I read 45 degress in the comments I was like "what?" Start with the handle perpedicular to the face -- the shallowest angle possible. Increase the angle of the blade to the face until it starts to cut whiskers, then try to maintain that angle for the whole shave.
The 'handle to the face' just seemed to work well for me. I think this video was quite some time ago and I don't need to think about that now. I have tried two AS-D2 razors, at different times, and at various angles. There are other razors that suit me better.
@@FriendshipShavingyes but you used the wrong definition of angle -- that was my point. Since 45 degrees is the midpoint, it winds up being the same angle regardless of the definition.
I"m not sure what "handle to the face" means in terms of what worked well for you. I'm not arguing what works well for you, I'm simply arguing that the defintion of angle is blade (razor head) to the face, not handle to the face. Easier to say "ride the cap" or "ride the bar" rather than "shallow" or "steep", respectively.
That being said, the AS-D2 is most efficient when "riding the cap", but it is still not a very efficient razor. I've not tried Feather blades, however, but I can't see how it would make much of a difference. I use sharp blades -- just not over-priced Feathers. Now I can see how a Kai blade would make a difference, since the exposure will increase due to the extra width of the blade. I've never tried them, however. I get annoyed when people review any razor using Kai blades since they change the whole geometry and characeristics of a given razor.
Yup, the AS-D2 is over-rated, and I have to align the blade manually on mine, which is a major PIA for a high-end razor. I've read about other people having the same problem, and Feather told them that's it's normal and within spec.
The best part about the AS-D2 is I get no irritation -- but after I go back to it and use it for a few days I start getting frustrated since I keep shaving pass after pass as the clock ticks away to get as close of a shave as I get with other razors.
well mate interesting little razor for sure . think for me it would be a touch to mild and one could very easily over shave trying to just get that bit more 😱 but for a lot of shavers i bet it’s spot on . hope you feel a bit better soon those bloody jabs definitely wipe you out for a day or two 👍
I'm with you there, Paul. All good now, thank you.
Hi, Mark. Hope all's well by you. When you unboxed Kevy's AS-D2, I decided to try mine again for a few shaves so I could compare notes. It was my go-to razor for years, and I wanted to see how it would suit me and whether it deserves a place in my rotation. So here's my feedback.
I found it to be much milder and more foolproof than I had recalled, even with a Feather blade. That told me that I'd chosen well back in the day but that I've since moved on. I have an unwavering preference for mild razors, but this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't mind the need to control the angle precisely. That goes with being a mild razor and is a tradeoff for safety. What got to me was the need to over-shave, without it getting me the kind of results I get from other razors. It may be my only razor that doesn't work with a Derby Extra.
But I figured out how to use it in the future. I turn to my RazoRock Mamba .53 to help me recuperate after a bad shave. Now it has competition. Cheers.
My Mamba 70 irritates me before it shaves anything. Beautiful razor but I’ll have to sell it on.
Interesting. I don't know the .70, and so much of this is personal. But I used my .53 just this morning, having mentioned it, and it gave me a very close shave before I got to the question of extra shaving, and that was with a Derby Extra (3). It went about as well as Mark's shave, maybe a tad better.
The surprise was pleasant enough to get me to use the .53 again tomorrow, this time with a sharper blade to see how it goes. Then I'll return to the AS-D2 to come full circle. This end of the aggression spectrum calls for techniques that don't figure in further up the scale and are easy to forget. Maybe the Feather will work better once I've re-acclimated.
Thank you for your brilliant feedback, Warren. You raise a very good point about the precise control of the angle being a trade off for the mildness and safety of the razor; it was very nicely phrased. I also think you have hit the nail on the head, with your observation of the need to overstate without getting good results. At least, this is how I experience this razor. So, thank you for putting into words the thoughts I perhaps didn't express quite so well.
I'm sorry to hear that your Covid Booster put you a little under the weather. I recently received Booster #2 and the most severe reaction I had was itchiness and pain, if I placed pressure on, at the injection site. As for the shave; I can't comment on the razor model used the video but I don't find "Mild" razors, in general, ineffective regardless how fur I have to shear.. :D
Hi Keith, I'm picking up after my latest booster and I'm glad to read that you have had your second booster, with no real issues. People, seem to be getting on as normal, over here but I am still quite concerned about covid. Still, we are well and shave happy. Cheers.
Well, I hope you get a good night's sleep and feel much improved the following day, Mark.
Thank you to Kevy and his imaginary friend for the loan.
I am just getting back to some sort of normality, thank you Lee. It triggers my existing conditions so I always feel like I've been whacked. I hope you are all well, my friend.
Good review, have a great weekend Mark.
Thanks, Roy. I hope you're enjoying your week.
MH, I bought some Treet "Black Beauty" blades that are purportedly a better match for vintage razors. No real discernable difference but they look good in the razor.
Hi Ray, I'm going to have to try those again. I tried one once and it was awful, so I never went back to them. I know I have a packet somewhere.
@@FriendshipShaving recovered from the shot?
Yes thanks, still tired but getting there. Unfortunately, it triggered my existing illness. All good though. Thanks for asking, buddy 👍
You are right. A $200 to $250 safety razor for the first-time DE shaver is a bit much. That's why I like my Rockwell 6S. It's easy to find a plate that gives the desired efficiency. Six razors in one. And for a new wet shaver, the 6C would be perfect at half the price. Hope you get to feeling better. COVID is the scourge that keeps on giving.
Hello. Yes, we keep coming ingredient back to the 6C, it is one of the best razors out there, at all levels. No 'dialling in' required. Thank you for your well wishes. The nurse said I might have a headache! I was thankful it was the inoculation and not the real deal. Keep well. 👍
@@FriendshipShaving That's good to hear. Headaches are a lot easier to control. BTW, did you find the AS-D2 milder than the 34C?
Difficult question. I think they are perhaps similar in shave but the 34c was easier to shave with and keep that angle through the shave.
@@FriendshipShaving After all the hype about the 34C, I recently bought one off eBay (brand new with a Merkur blade) for $25. I do get smooth, comfortable, and nick-free shaves. But I still get a closer shave with my 6S. Perhaps that's because I'm a bit biased and have been shaving with the 6S for over a year. I do enjoy watching yours and others shaving reviews. But for the most part I have settled on the 6S an my daily driver and can resist buying more DEs. The 34C was an exception since that particular safety razor seems to be one many wet shavers use. I should at least have that one in my occasional rotation. My Top 3 DEs are the 6S. the Henson mild, and now most likely the 34C. Cheers.
You are one of the few, I think, that may actually save money by shaving with a safety razor. I certainly haven't 😂😂 The 6S has done you proud.
I think the mildness may be deliberate to ensure one uses a feather blade.
Possibly - it does kind of makes sense they would make a razor specifically for their blade. They are clever, these Japanese.
Thinking of purchasing an AS-D2. Informative video. As someone who has had Melanoma, you need to get that mole on your neck checked, if you haven't already.
Hi Dave. Thank you for your sound advice. I will start to look into it. I really appreciate the thought and I hope you are doing well. I have MGUS, so I am sort of aware of these things but it's good to have a nudge now and then. Take good care, buddy.
One day I shaved with a 180 Euro Feather and the other day with a 20 Euro King C. Gillette, and guess which one was more efficient. In fact, I get better shave from the 8 EUR Rapira razor.
Yep! This is a brilliant comment and a very timely reminder that inexpensive razors work very well indeed and can be better than a high end razor. Thanks 😁👍
I spent seven bucks shipped on my KCG from Amazon Fresh. It arrived same day. Hated the handle but like many guys in this hobby I have a drawerful of stainless razor handles of varying shapes, weights and lengths rolling around in a drawer. Selected a shorter stainless with good knurling and a nice knob on the end, and now the KCG is not only my cheapest razor, but also my personal favorite. I like pairing it with an Astra SP. Your preferences will differ from mine, but coincidentally I’ve also had quite a good experience with the KCG.
G'day,
Nice review but from some of your comments, I wonder what changed from this review you did earlier; where you seemed quite enamoured with the Feather AS-D2 th-cam.com/video/3KVNNEggOrs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZGl2W8evjHHrhrOQ
Cheers mate
Hi Peter. Honestly, I do not know. As I remember, I was initially quite enamoured with it, but didn't get the same results this time around. My bristles are getting tougher as I get older and I wondered if this affected my shave; or whether it was me, just missing the angle, or whether the razor itself had some minute difference. I don't know mate.
@@FriendshipShaving all good. I think it just goes to show that things change with us and equipment; therefore there isn't really the "one" razor.
On the bright side, great excuse to have multiple razors in the den.... just in case things change..🤔😉
@@petercollins1921 This is so true! 😂 I have razor blades that I used to dislike and I now like them, and vice versa. It's a strange old hobby.