Feather AS D2 Review – High-End Stainless Steel DE Masterpiece
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Today’s article is a Feather AS-D2 review and buying guide, but before we dive into the review details: This stainless steel Feather safety razor is also called Seki Edge, they are the same razor produced at the same factory. More on this later.
With that settled, let’s get to it, shall we?!
Feather AS-D2 Review (Summary)
Recommended Use: From beginner to experienced
Editor’s Rating:
Value for Money:
Quality:
Rating & Feedback: Check out more reviews and feedback’s here
Summary: As our Feather AS-D2 review will show; This safety razor is a slightly expensive option among DE safety razors, but if you truly believe in quality, class, and performance for your beard grooming and the pocket pinch is not an issue, the AS-D2 razor is a purchase you won’t want to pass up for the best wet shaving experience available.
One feature in common with almost all the safety DE razors is their shiny chrome satin finish.
The chrome on many of these cheaper reusable razors looks immaculate, especially when you first take your nice, new safety razor out of the box.
But this nice and beautiful finish does have an inherent weakness that often takes its toll over time. The chrome finish is a fragile layer coating the underlying metal that the razor is made from. In a warm and wet bathroom setting the finish may, after extended use, begin to chip off and possibly lose its glossy shine.
The main cause that chrome-plated safety razors dominate this niche comes down to $$ as chrome plating is an inexpensive manufacturing process. This transforms safety razors made from common metals that are easy to work with into objects of beauty. Many reasonable-priced DE razors fall into the $20 to $40 range and if you search hard enough, sub $20 is out there.
Now it is time to explain what makes this double edge safety razor from Feather so special and the best choice.
The safety razor is fabricated from 316L “marine grade” or “surgical” grade (same as the Rockwell 6S), a much harder and thus more durable metal than on run-of-the-mill safety razor. It is resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion. No issues with chrome chipping off here.
The Feather AS-D2 doesn’t try to imitate shiny chrome razors but rather sports a very classy timeless matte finish to match the high quality of it. Being a very hard form of steel makes it not easy to manufacture small and precise items such as the best safety razors.
Feather pioneered the use of cutting-edge technology to produce double edge safety razors of a high standard. From head to bottom, from elegant, functional design through to exquisite finishing detail, nothing has been spared in creating a premium safety razor. This comes with a tag that for some may be seen to be quite expensive. Sort of like comparing a Ferrari to a Ford. I know, I own a Ford!
Feather AS D2 Double Edge Razor Features
- The original safety razor exclusively use 316 surgical grade steel in the manufacture
- A very practical well made 3-piece solution featuring a close comb head
- Well balanced medium weight of 3.17 ounces (or around 90 grams)
- The total length is 98 mm (3.9”)
- Packaged with 5 Feather super sharp safety razor blades
- Standard handle suitable for all but the largest hands
Overall: 3.9 inches/ 98 mm
Handle: 3.5”/ 91 mm
Handle Diameter: 0.43 inches/ 11mm
Weight: 3.17 ounces/ 90 grams
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Matte
Type: 3 Piece Closed Comb
Adjustable: No
Knurled handle: Yes
Blade included: 5
Please note that the star ratings below are our ratings – it has nothing to do with how the product is rated on retailer sites.
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness:
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
- An extremely well-manufactured safety razor, it scores top marks for beauty and function
- The material used in construction provides the most durable finish
- The proprietary design of the head makes alignment of the blade a breeze
- High-end manufacturing of the handle gives you perfect balance, feel & grip, all important factors for your enjoyment of wet shaving
- Compared to most other razors it is quite expensive
- Since this is a mild safety razor, it is not the best choice for those that have a tough beard
What Can Be Expected from This All-Stainless Steel Masterpiece?
The manufacturer of the Feather AS-D2 is a Japanese firm that started in this business in 1932. The company has a classic history of starting in the domestic market, producing excellent craftmanship products, and becoming the dominant company in Japan.
Based on this success the company moved on to become a major player on the international scene. Their most recognized product is the HI-stainless steel safety razor blade, recognized as the sharpest available.
They also produce shavette straight razors, some are included in high-end straight razor kits, medical products, and industrial appliances.
The reason that this safety razor is also referred to as ‘Seki’ is that Seki is a city in the Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region in central Japan. Seki is famed for the manufacture of superior Samurai swords and knives. The razor is made in the company’s factory in Seki. Hence the name.
The company is renowned for innovation and was the first manufacturer to fabricate safety razors from stainless steel.
Recently other safety razor brands including Rockwell 6s, Ikon OSS, and Atlas Above The Tie have followed the company’s lead by using stainless steel.
They are also making some of the best classic razors available such as the Feather SS, which is on our top pick for open razors list. The current top model, that we are testing now is a new and enhanced version of the original D1.
A quick search on the web, be it on blogs or forums or major web stores, will find hundreds of positive reviews.
The Perfect Gift for Christmas, Birthdays, and Fathers Day
Various suppliers have different packaging, depending on the construction of the box. In some stores, it comes in an exclusive burgundy gift box. The fit and finish of the package are outstanding.
There is a version called Feather AS-D2s that comes with a matching exquisite all-stainless steel stand (including the before-mentioned burgundy gift box). There is no option to purchase the stand separately.
There is also a luxury version called Feather WS-D2S that has a resin wood handle and a matching stand.
In all cases, you will also receive a 5 pack of Feather razor blades, considered by experienced wet shavers to be of the sharpest and in my opinion the best blades for this razor.
The razor’s low blade exposure combined with the super sharp blades gives a close shave so smooth you hardly even feel it on your skin. This combination, considering the high standard and durability of the product, will provide you with shaves so enjoyable you will never need to buy another safety razor.
How Easy Is It to Load the Blade on the Feather Razor?
This is a three-piece razor requiring a bit of work when loading. There is a little more time involved than with a twist to open type razor; understanding this the Japanese firm has come up with some innovative features to ensure ease of blade alignment. The main feature is to have four aligning posts to hold the blade in the perfect shaving position as you close the top cap. Simple!
Aggressiveness
The Feather AS-D2 will never be mistaken for being a very aggressive safety razor. The blade gap is .029 inches (0.73 mm), which is less than on Muhle R89, so this is not an aggressive razor.
Because of the distance between the blade and the closed comb (blade gap), you can shave at a sharper angle without getting cuts or razor burns. Furthermore, the design of the head is better adapted to the jawbone, so that the transition from the chin to the neck is facilitated.
Seki Edge is, in other words, a mild razor that forgives people with an absent mind in the morning, ensures you a close shave, – and especially for those with fragile skin. That is why it is also our top pick in the best razors for the sensitive skin category.
Loading your razor with the ultra-sharp Feather Hi stainless steel blades (also a good choice for a slant razor) with providing a comfortable, close smooth silk shave for all except men with tough beards.
Reports & reviews are suggesting using a different angle than some other razors to get the best shave, but this is something that comes naturally for most of us. I like to think of my shaving experience as more of an art than a science! But if you would like to have a more ‘tight’ shave with this razor while still having the benefit of its grip and exquisite design, we have a solution to make the shaving experience so.
The Aggressive Double-Edge Solution
If you have in your possession an iKon B1 Open Comb Deluxe that comes from the stables of iKon Shave Craft, you can have the perfect solution for your shaving requirements.
The iKon B1 has a Blem DLC Open Comb Base (think of it as the opposite of a razor with guard) that is created to give the user a very close shave and switching the base plate of the B1 with the AS-D2 can immediately transform your shaving experience.
The resulting device will be a double-edged safety razor of legends. But even without this modification, this is a cutting-edge razor that gives you the best shave possible.
Grip
Consistent with the superb design and manufacturing of the Seki Edge DE razor the knurling handle combines beauty and function.
- The handle on the razor has a very finely made knurling pattern providing maximum grip as well as being pleasing to the eye
- Head and bottom sections of the gripping sport three deeper grooves
- These horizontally aligned grooves give your hand all the information needed to be able to naturally hold the razor in the perfect shaving position without giving it a thought
- Balance and angle take care of themselves
- Handle dimensions are standardly suitable for all but the largest hands
What Other Consumers & Reviews Say about Seki Edge
There are thousands of feedback and reviews on the web showing the huge interest and desirability of this razor. The overwhelming majority of the Feather AS-D2 reviews are positive and recommend it, with a few reviewers having difficulties in adjusting their shaving to this razor using sharp blades. These are usually users that are just transitioning from cartridge razors. Then, of course, there is the reviewer moaning about the cost.
Merkur 34c vs Feather AS D2 – A Quick Comparison
Many shavers consider this double edge to be quite mild when it comes to aggressiveness in the shave. We have found it is pretty much in the same category as Merkur 34c. Both razors are considered to be mild razors and therefore great for beginners, as a step in your transition from a cartridge razor, persons with sensitive skin, dealing with razor bumps, and/ or users that do not want an aggressive razor.
That said, there is also some feedback from people who consider their beards or hair to be coarse and who are very satisfied with the result it gives. And some complaints about not having a long handle.
- Merkur 34C HD is a 2-piece safety razor
- The Feather AS-D2 is a 3-piece
Changing the razor blades is generally speaking easier on a two-piece design.
- The Feather is more expensive since it is made from Stainless Steel, but will last you a lifetime if you handle it properly.
- Merkur 34C razor is made from Zamak with a chrome-plated coating. This is more susceptible to rust and corrosion, but there is no arguing that there is a big price difference.
None of the razors have a particularly long handle, but the 34c has received negative feedback on the length of its handle – there is no doubt about it – it is short.
Feather AS-D2 is also a bit heavier, 3.17 oz (90 grams) vs 2.83 oz (80 grams).
Here is a brief overview of the technical differences between D2 and Merkur 34C HD.
Model | Overall Length | Handle Length | Handle Diameter | Weight | Material | Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feather AS-D2 | 3.9 inches/ 98 mm | 3.5 inches/ 91 mm | 0.43 inches/ 11mm | 3.17 ounces/ 90 grams | Stainless Steel | Matte Stainless Steel |
Merkur 34C | 3.3 inches/ 84 mm | 3 inches/ 76 mm | 0.4 inches/ 12 mm | 2.83 ounces/ 80.5 grams | Zamak | Chrome Plated |
To quickly sum it up, if you are on a budget, consider Merkur 34C. If you want the best and pocket pinch is not an issue – Feather AS-D2 is for sure a better razor and will last you a lifetime. Check out my Merkur 34C HD review.
It seems a combination of using sharp blades and proper technique can please a very wide range of shavers. With so many comments about the high cost of this connoisseur item, this is not a razor for everyone. When we stop and think a bit, what razor is?
A shaver considering giving wet shaving a try may wish to keep their initial investment low when learning if wet shaving is for them. There are many razors very suitable for this.
People looking for a beautiful, elegantly crafted, durable, and functional DE razor are satisfied with this razor. They understand that a top craftmanship product will have a higher fare than a lower grade item and are happy to pay to get the desired results.
Why not “Go for it, I am worth it” and have the great vibe feeling every time you shave?
Purchasing
Last update on 2024-08-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This razor may be a little difficult to find at your corner pharmacy store, but a cinch online. If you are ready to go for what could very likely be the best DE razor available – major retail stores are a good place to start, with hundreds of customer reviews to check out. Should you have a favorite online specialty shaving retail store like West Coast Shaving or Classic Shaving the charge might be a bit higher, but these shops often offer various incentives to entice buyers. The razor is also sometimes available on eBay.
FAQ Feather AS-D2
Feather AS-D2 vs Rockwell 6S - Which one is Best?
I often get this question, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. We have reviewed, - and liked both. The only thing they have in common is that they both are made from stainless steel. ASD2 is a classic 3-piece razor, while Rockwell 6S (and 6C as well) is an adjustable razor. The Feather razor has a mild to medium aggressiveness, while the Rockwell is adjustable.
What is The Difference Between Feather AS-D2 and Feather WS-D2S?
The difference between these 2 models is (apart from the price), - the stand (also available in the AS-D2S model),- and a waterproof, resin-coated hardwood handle (also used on the stand).
Does Feather Make Other Safety Razors?
Yes they do. They have a model called Feather Popular Double Edge Shaving Razor, which is a cheap, entry-level razor. They also have several Straight Razor models (reviewed on our site).
What About Feather Blades – Are They Any Good?
The company is maybe best known for their double-edged blades (reviewed on our site). These are the perfect companion to Feather razors.
Feather AS-D2 Shaving Angle
Feather AS-D2 performs best at a different angle compared to most other safety razors. The Feather razor is designed to be used with an around 45 degrees cutting angle, whereas most other razors' standard is around 30 degrees. Here is what works for me: Place the top cap of the razor on your chin and slowly lower the handle. When it starts to cut your beard or stubble, that's the correct shaving angle for me. Let the weight of the razor do the work; don’t put any pressure on it.
What is The Difference Between Feather AS-D2 and Seki Edge?
They are the same razors, coming from the same factory. Seki is the name of the town where they are produced, hence the name.
Conclusion & Recommended Use
Last update on 2024-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This safety razor could be the last one you will need to buy. It is the best stainless steel safety razor available today, it is a “cut” in quality and craftmanship above the rest for sure. That is also why it has scored rather well in our reviews for the top pick for the best men’s razor.
The Feather AS-D2 is just as comfortable as the previous generation named AS-D1, but it provides a closer and ever-so-slightly more aggressive shave. It is a 3-piece razor made out of stainless steel with a satin finish. Though it will hold any safety razor DE blade, it has been specifically designed & engineered for use with the extremely sharp Feather blades.
With using Feather blades and owing to the low blade exposure, paired with top-notch brushes and good classic shaving cream or a traditional good shave soap you can be confident of getting a nice BBS grade beard shave in the comfort of your home with minimum skin irritation.
Don’t you hate nagging doubts about should I? Or I should have? I do and what a useless energy drain! Like they say “Just Do It!” and take your shaving experience to a higher level! It is not the best men’s safety razor, but it is in my mind one of the Top 10.
This concludes our Feather AS-D2 review and buying guide – I hope you have found it useful.