Feather AS-D2 Razor Review – Is It Worth The Praise it Gets and Price?
Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor
Made by the Japanese with fine craftsmanship and engineering the Feather AS-D2 is certainly a mild razor worth considering if the price tag sits well with your wallet allowance.
Pros
Top marks for craftsmanship and design
Although it's mild it is efficient
Knurled handle for good grip
No blade overhang
Long handle for those that prefer a longer handle
Good for sensitive skin types
Cons
Could be too mild for some users
Found blade angle needs to be very precise
Pricey
When gents first get into the wet shaving in the traditional manner game it’s not likely and probably best that they don’t spend too much of their hard-earned cash on a top-quality and higher-priced razor. The reason is that the user needs to know what type of razor and aggressiveness suits them best before they commit.
The Feather AS-D2 is one of those pricey razors that I would suggest is bought when the buyer knows something about their shaving preferences with a safety razor already. Interestingly though, a new user of safety razors could easily take to the AS-D2 because of its mild nature.
If you are on the lookout for a mild-medium (ish) razor, the Feather AS-D2 could join your list of possible razors. It will tick more boxes than many within the design and quality department.
I have wanted to test, use and review the AS-D2 for some time now. So when it arrived via the post, I couldn’t wait to get it out, check it all over, and get shaving with it.
Brand/Company: The Japanese company Feather was named Japan Safety Razor Co., Ltd when they had their first safety razor on the market in 1932. They changed to the company name Feather in 1953. They are famous for selling one of the world’s best double-edged safety razor blades since 1964. Their safety razors, blades, and straight razors are well-known and sold worldwide in shaving stores.
Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor Features
The AS-D2 comes in a slick-looking presentation box that gives the feeling of quality to come. It also comes with five feather blades to get you started.
- Materials and finish: An all-stainless steel (316L “marine grade”) razor that is a strong metal that can last a lifetime without deterioration or damage. The finish is satin.
- Handle: The handle texture is deeply knurled to promote hand grip. This is a long-handle razor.
- Double-edged – Like most safety razors each side of the head exposes the blade allowing a user to switch between either side when shaving and then rinsing.
- Closed comb – A closed comb razor like the AS-D2 is the most common type of safety razor used. It has a closed bottom safety bar which does not expose any blade.
- Three parts – This razor is a three-part unit that comes apart after unscrewing the handle, which removes the head, the top cap, and the bottom bar. These types are easy to get clean and look new when taken apart and cleaned.
- Blade replacement – Three-part razors are not the most straightforward razor for blade changing. It’s more fiddly than other types, and users have to be cautious with the blade and their hands when replacing blades.
- Blade gap: The blade gap is 0.29 inches (0.73 mm). The Feather AS-D2 is within the mild-medium range of possible aggressiveness compared with other razor blade gaps. Remember that aggressiveness is not only about the blade gap; other factors, including the blade angle and head design, play a huge role.
- Dimensions & weight: Length: 98mm/3.9″ – Handle Length: 90mm/3.54″ – Weight: 3.17 oz (90 g).
Feather AS-D2S: A quick mention about the AS-D2S. The only difference with this model is it comes with a stainless steel stand that helps keep the razor compact, standing upright wherever it sits when not in use. Including the stand adds an extra $80 to the price tag.
How does the Feather AS-D2 perform and Shave?
The Feather AS-D2 has been one of those unexpected safety razor relationships with high expectations. This was primarily due to the price and the outstanding reports and reviews from other users.
I was initially disappointed and expected one of those experiences where I shave the first time and have a wow moment; this is great, but that did not happen. Instead, this was a very similar experience I had with the Executive Shaving Company’s Outlaw Mild Razor, where the cost pushed up my expectations.
Suffice to say that I had to do a few good shaves before writing up this review.
And, it’s worth noting that most new razors or shavers may require a user to take their time to adjust from the last razor they were using and give the skin some time to adapt as well. On this occasion, I had gone from more aggressive and open comb razors to the Feather AS-D2, which is mild.
I used and tested the Feather AS-D2 with three, two, and one day’s worth of growth.
Did it shave efficiently when you had 3 + days of growth?
I am going to give it a nay here. Yes, it will cut through the growth, and the whole razor unit feels excellent; however, there were just way too many patches left over after to clear up. And, at a guess, I assume it was designed for daily or every other day shaving as it’s sold as a mild safety razor.
Was it my expectations and recent use of more aggressive razors that made me give it a nay? Not sure; possibly part of the story!
How does it shave with 2 days of growth?
Okay. Shaving 2 days of growth was better than three or more days and really suited the AS-D2 more than heavy or dense growth. It has a mild nature, so I guess it was to be expected and is what should suit it best.
Despite being a mild razor, I could see how efficient the Feather AS-D2 was.
I must mention the blade angle…..
On the third occasion using the Feather, I realized how important it was for this razor to be used at the correct angle. Many razors fit the recommended 30 degrees angle when shaving; however, below the 30 degrees angle recommendation or above may be required, which was the case (big time) with the Feather for me. It has to go above 30 degrees for me to cut efficiently, especially under the nose area, and clearing up patches at the end of the passes.
Shaving with the correct angle just seemed to require way too much attention. It seems like it needs to be quite precise.
How was daily shaving?
I am not a daily shaving type of person; however, I always test out each razor and use it for several consecutive days.
I could see clearly how the mildness of this razor was effective when shaving daily and with just stubble. I have shaved with numerous mild razors, but the Feather AS-D2 hits the top of the charts in this area.
It’s very efficient and could be seen as more aggressive than a standard mild razor; however, the design makes it efficient while being mild.
Which blades did you try?
The razor comes with a pack of 5 Feather blades, and it makes no sense to use another when it’s a feather razor. While I was having an issue using this razor, I tried out my trusted Personna blades. There was not much difference, and it did not solve my problem (shaving under the nose).
I stuck with the Feather blades.
Overall shave experience?
What a great and efficient mild razor that beats many other razors, hands down with efficiency. Unfortunately, I have obviously become a person who needs to shave with more aggressive razors. The AS-D2 is not aggressive enough for me.
If I wanted to continue using the Feather AS-D2 I would overcome the blade angle issue I had going on. However, that’s mostly about getting familiar with a razor. Still, it needed to nail it for me within a couple of shaving rounds at that price, and it did not.
I am no longer a fan of long handles. The handle is too long for me, but this is about personal preference, as some guys prefer a longer-type handle on a razor.
Handle and Grip 8/10
The knurled grip on the AS-D2 is perfect. The handle’s thickness is also excellent, but the handle length will depend on personal preference.
If you like long-handle razors, then the 90mm/3.54″ handle should be perfect. This could be too long for some gents, though.
Weight and Balance – 10/10
If you like a little heft to a razor, then the 90g – 3.17 oz has excellent weight, balancing the handle and head perfectly. The weight certainly assists with the shave.
Look & Design – 9/10
If you like that satin stainless steel look about any safety razors, then the Feather AS-D2 will score points here.
There is no blade overhang at the sides at all. Perfect!
There is good drainage provided through the bottom cap gaps, and the top cap does not allow any debris inside at all. Excellent!
Ease of Use – 8/10
Nothing that stands out makes the AS-D2 challenging to use. However, any three-part razor is slightly more complicated to change blades than 2 part and butterfly safety razors.
The gaps on the bottom plate that slot inside the slats on the top plate help make the blade align perfectly without any adjustments. That’s a great design feature.
Because this razor is mild, almost anyone could use it, even those new to using safety razors.
Value for Money – 9/10
This is difficult because many guys wouldn’t dream of paying $175 for a razor. However, for the guys that would, they will get a very well-engineered shaving tool that should last a lifetime.
Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, or Positive Reports?
The Feather AS-D2 razor gets a heck of a lot of positive reports and reviews from happy customers. They find it efficient, great at keeping the blade in place, mild, and high quality, and many have happily replaced the cheaper Merkur razors and others.
Some mentions are consistent that the razor is too mild and too expensive. This I expected.
Gents with over-sensitive skin have found the AS-D2 a great tool compared to other razors they previously had irritation problems with. I have to agree that this is definitely a razor for those with sensitive skin to consider.
Final Thoughts – Who is the Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor Best Suited For?
I really wanted to like the AS-D2 more than I did. However, if my face and I prefer a more aggressive razor with a slightly shorter handle, so be it.
If any safety razor users are looking for an upgrade from a cheaper or older mild razor and don’t mind the investment, then consider this one.
Beginners and people with sensitive skin could also find the Feather AS-D2 a great razor. The cost may be too much, though, initially, for someone just starting out wet shaving with safety razors.
See you at the next lather up and shave down!
About the Author
Jason
I’m the chief shaverer over here at ShavingAdvisor and when I am not shaving off any hair I have left, or writing about what I have shaved off – I do a load of other life stuff and enjoy a good cup of tea between doing stuff!
Alternative Razors You Might Like
You may not need to look any further than the Feather AS-D2 for your next shaving product treat, and it is a treat and half. It is really in a league of its own when comparing other mild razors with the Feather. However, we have alternative razor recommendations that are worth taking a look at.
Merkur 34C
Many gents are likely to be moving up the ladder of quality razors from something like the Merkur 34C. It’s one of the best-selling mild razors and a good starting point for beginners getting started on their traditional wet shaving journey.
While there are similarities here with the 34C and Feather AS-D2 they end there. The handle is much shorter on the 34C and it is made from brass and chrome rather than stainless steel. It’s a much cheaper razor than the AS-D2 and gives a great mild shave.
See Review: Merkur 34C
Rockwell 6S Adjustable
The Rockwell 6S safety razor is part of a range of three adjustable razors, with this model being the higher-priced stainless steel razor. It has six changeable aggression levels, which include mild.
The 6S is also stainless steel like the AS-D2 and a high-quality, strong, dependable razor. While the 6S is called an adjustable, it is an interchangeable razor where a user can change over the bottom caps to alter the blade gap and aggressiveness. There are a lot of significant differences here between these two razors; however, the Rockwell 6S might open up options in your search for the right razor.
See Review: Rockwell 6S
Mühle R89
The Mühle R89 is another very good mild safety razor option that competes for attention with Merkur 34C. This is a German-made razor from a well-established company in the shaving product industry.
The R89 has a longer handle than the Merkur 34C, which some gents might prefer. It’s made from brass with a chrome finish and looks attractive. A very good mild option to take a look at and another one for beginners.
See Review: Mühle R89
