Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor – Is it Worth the Investment?

The Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor is a mild razor made by the Japanese, renowned for its fine craftsmanship and engineering. It’s a high-quality, higher-priced razor that commands attention in the wet shaving community.

About the Brand: Feather

The Japanese company Feather was initially named Japan Safety Razor Co., Ltd when their first safety razor was introduced to the market in 1932.

They officially changed their company name to Feather in 1953. Feather is widely recognized for selling some of the world’s best double-edged safety razor blades since 1964. Their safety razors, blades, and straight razors are well-known and sold globally in shaving stores.

Key Features of the Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor

The AS-D2 comes in a sleek presentation box and includes five Feather blades to get you started.

Materials and Finish

It is constructed entirely from 316L “marine grade” stainless steel, a strong metal designed to last a lifetime without deterioration or damage. The finish is satin.

Handle

The handle features a deeply knurled texture for superior hand grip. It is a long-handle razor, measuring 90mm/3.54″, with the total length being 98mm/3.9″. This length is perfect for those who prefer longer handles, though it might be too long for some users.

Design Type

It is a double-edged safety razor, allowing users to switch between either side of the head when shaving and rinsing. It’s also a closed comb razor, which is the most common type of safety razor, featuring a closed bottom safety bar that does not expose the blade.

Construction

The razor is a three-part unit, meaning it disassembles into the handle, top cap, and bottom bar by unscrewing the handle. These types are easy to clean and maintain their new appearance when taken apart.

Blade Replacement

While easy to clean, three-part razors are not the most straightforward for blade changing, requiring more fiddling and caution to avoid injury. However, the design includes gaps on the bottom plate that slot perfectly into slats on the top plate, ensuring the blade aligns without adjustments.

Blade Gap

The blade gap is 0.29 inches (0.73 mm). This places the Feather AS-D2 within the mild-medium range of aggressiveness compared to other razors. It’s important to note that aggressiveness is influenced by other factors like blade angle and head design, not just the blade gap.

Weight

The razor weighs 3.17 oz (90 g). This provides a “little heft” to the razor, contributing to its excellent weight and balance between the handle and head, which assists with the shave.

Blade Overhang

There is no blade overhang at the sides, which is considered a perfect design feature.

Drainage

The bottom cap gaps provide good drainage, and the top cap prevents debris from getting inside.

Performance and Shaving Experience

The Feather AS-D2 often comes with high expectations due to its price and positive reviews. The reviewer initially experienced disappointment, expecting an immediate “wow moment” that didn’t occur.

It’s noted that new razors often require users to adjust their technique and allow their skin to adapt, especially when switching from more aggressive razors to a mild one like the AS-D2.

• Shaving with 3+ days of growth: The reviewer gave it a “nay” for efficiency with heavy growth. While it cuts through growth and feels good, it left too many patches, suggesting it’s designed for daily or every-other-day shaving.
• Shaving with 2 days of growth: This was better and suited the AS-D2 more than heavy growth. Despite its mild nature, the reviewer found the Feather AS-D2 to be efficient.
• Blade Angle Precision: A crucial aspect of using this razor is the precision required for the blade angle. While many razors work well at a 30-degree angle, the Feather AS-D2 often needs to be used above 30 degrees for efficient cutting, especially in tricky areas like under the nose. The reviewer found that shaving with the correct angle “seemed to require way too much attention”.
• Daily Shaving: The mildness of the AS-D2 is highly effective for daily shaving and stubble. It is considered “very efficient” and can even be seen as more aggressive than a standard mild razor, with its design contributing to its efficient mildness. It hits the “top of the charts” for daily shaving among mild razors.
• Blades Used: The razor includes 5 Feather blades. The reviewer primarily stuck with Feather blades but also tried Personna blades, finding no significant difference that solved their specific issues (like under-nose shaving).
• Overall Shave Experience: The reviewer describes it as a “great and efficient mild razor” that surpasses many others in efficiency. However, for the reviewer, who prefers more aggressive razors, the AS-D2 was not aggressive enough. The reviewer also noted a personal preference against long handles, finding the 90mm handle too long, though this is subjective.

Design, Handling, and Value

• Quality/Design: Rated 9 out of 10 for craftsmanship and design.
• Handle Grip: Received 10 out of 10. The knurled grip is described as perfect, and the handle’s thickness is excellent.
• Weight and Balance: Scored 10 out of 10. The 90g (3.17 oz) weight provides excellent balance.
• Appearance: Rated 9 out of 10. It offers an appealing satin stainless steel look.
• Ease of Use: Rated 8 out of 10. While three-part razors are slightly more complex for blade changes than two-part or butterfly types, nothing else makes the AS-D2 challenging to use. Its mild nature means it can be used by almost anyone, including beginners.
• Value for Money: Rated 9 out of 10. Although its price tag (around $175) is significant for many, those who invest will get a “very well-engineered shaving tool that should last a lifetime”.

Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, and Positive Reports

The Feather AS-D2 receives a large number of positive reports and reviews.

• Positive Feedback: Customers frequently praise its efficiency, quality, mildness, and its ability to keep the blade securely in place. Many have happily switched from cheaper Merkur razors and others to the AS-D2.
• Common Complaints: Consistent mentions include the razor being too mild for some users and its high price.
• Sensitive Skin: Gents with over-sensitive skin have found the AS-D2 to be a great tool, helping them avoid irritation problems experienced with other razors. The reviewer agrees it’s definitely a razor for those with sensitive skin to consider.

Who is the Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor Best Suited For?

The Feather AS-D2 is an excellent choice for:

• Safety razor users looking for an upgrade from a cheaper or older mild razor, especially if they are willing to make the investment.
• Beginners to wet shaving with safety razors, due to its mild nature, though the initial cost might be a barrier.
• Individuals with sensitive skin, as it has proven effective in preventing irritation.
• Users who prefer a mild yet efficient shave for daily or every-other-day stubble removal.
• Those who appreciate top craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a long-lasting shaving tool.
• Gents who prefer longer handles on their razors.

It may not be the best fit for those who prefer more aggressive razors or have very heavy, multi-day growth that they wish to clear in fewer passes.

Alternative Razors to Consider

If the Feather AS-D2 doesn’t perfectly align with your preferences or budget, the sources suggest considering these alternatives:

Merkur 34C

This is a best-selling mild razor and a popular starting point for beginners in traditional wet shaving. While it offers a great mild shave like the AS-D2, it is much cheaper, has a shorter handle, and is made from brass and chrome rather than stainless steel.

Rockwell 6S Adjustable

This is a higher-priced stainless steel razor with six changeable aggressiveness levels, including mild.

It’s an interchangeable razor where users can swap bottom caps to alter blade gap and aggressiveness. It’s a high-quality, strong, and dependable razor like the AS-D2, but offers more versatility in aggression.

Mühle R89

Another very good mild safety razor option, often competing with the Merkur 34C. This German-made razor from a well-established company has a longer handle than the Merkur 34C and is made from brass with a chrome finish. It’s also a good mild option for beginners.