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)

One feature in common with almost all the safety DE razors is their shiny chrome satin finish.

The chrome on many of these cheaper safety 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 very thin 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 AS-D2  safety razor doesn’t try to imitate shiny chrome razors but rather sports a very classy timeless matte finish to match the high quality of this razor. Being a very hard form of steel makes it not easy to manufacture small and precision items such as razors.

Feather  pioneered the use of cutting-edge technology to produce razors of a high standard. From head to bottom, elegant, functional design through to exquisite finishing detail, nothing has been spared in creating a premium safety razor. Obviously, 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 ASD2 Safety Razor Features

 

What Can Be Expected From This All Stainless Steel Masterpiece?

The manufacturer of the 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, 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 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.

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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 even Amazon, will find hundreds of positive reviews .

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Various suppliers have different packaging, depending on the construction of the box. Ordering it on Amazon, it comes in an exclusive burgundy gift box. The fit and finish of the package are outstanding.

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There is also 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.

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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 sensitive skin category.

Loading your razor with the ultra-sharp Hi stainless steel blades  with providing a comfortable, close smooth as silk shave for all except men with tough beards.

There are reports & reviews 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 the 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 have a Blem DLC Open Comb Base 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 grip 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 is standardly suitable for all but the largest hands

What Other Consumers & Reviews Say About Seki Edge

There are thousands of feedbacks and reviews on the web showing the huge interest and desirability for 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. Then, of course, there are 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 vs Merkur 34c. Both razors are considered to be mild razors and therefore great for beginners, persons with sensitive skin and/ or users that do not want an aggressive razor.

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That said, there are also some feedbacks 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 D2 is a 3-piece

Changing the razor blades is generally speaking easier on a two-piece design.

• The D2 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 difference in price.

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.

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

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 – Amazon is 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 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, vs 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