Feather "Artist Club SS" Japanese Shavette (Black)

There has been a lot of hype about Feather's AS-D2 razor lately. However, Feather is typically better known for its excellent Artist Club shaves, which have now unfortunately fallen into the spotlight. Part of the reason is probably our article in which we titled the planer the best in the world . Rarely does a group come to Sotkamo's store that day to ask if we have the "world's best planer" on display and want to have a look at it. Glad you're using it, all jumpers are welcome!

There are two types of driving heads in the current collection of Artist Clubs; SS and DX. Both are available in a western folding version as well as a straight Japanese kamisori model. There are different material and color options for the handles, so there is plenty to choose from.

Artist Club shaves are primarily made for professional use, so the quality (and price) is accordingly. Common to both models (SS / DX) is that the metal is stainless steel and the other side of the shaving head is removable for complete cleaning. Both also use the same blades. The plastic and rubber handles can withstand a temperature of 135 degrees Celsius, which means that they can be sterilized by boiling if desired. Pro level mood, then.

The SS model is much more beginner-friendly than its big brother DX. First of all, it's almost half the price, and secondly, if you don't have experience with shaves or razors, it's much easier to ride than the DX. The shaving head is rounded so that the skin in front of the hair falls down and the hair rises at an optimal angle for cutting. This makes riding easier and more skin-friendly.

There are actually two types of handles, folding and straight Japanese-style. The folding handles are made of durable, shiny plastic, and the color options are black, lime green and burgundy. In addition to that, there is also a wooden model with a surface treatment to withstand moisture.

All folding models have small teeth before the driving head, for a better thumb grip.

Straight, Japanese-style SSs also come in black, lime green and burgundy. There is no wooden version of these. The material is rubber instead of plastic, which gives the necessary grip for handling this type of knife. The blade is the same in all SS models, whether the knife is straight or folding.

Whether a folding or a straight knife is better is entirely a matter of opinion. A slightly different technique is required depending on which one you ride, but you can expect similar driving results from both, once you learn the technique. The heads themselves are the same.

If we once crowned AS-D2 the king of razors, now we crown DX the king of shavettes. This nomination is fully deserved. Due to its weight, the DX is much closer to a "real", sharpenable razor than the lighter SS. There is also no rounding on the shaving head, so the feel is also more like a razor. The biggest advantage here is head-to-head driving. You can make the driving angle so small that the blade goes nicely even under the hairs that are pressed into the skin. With SS, this is a bit more difficult.

There are almost no color options in DX. The Kamisori model has a light gray rubber handle and a folding wooden and light plastic handle.

It's hard to say which is the better option. The SS's price and easier handling make it a more desirable option for many, especially slightly more inexperienced knife riders. DX, on the other hand, has the potential to be an almost perfect racing game, as long as the technology can be fixed.

If you already have experience with razors and want to shave for faster, strop-free rides, then the DX is definitely a better option. When it comes to DX, you'll never ever start craving a better version either.

Both SS and DX eat the same blades, Feather's own shavette blades. These are not cut inside the paper, but the blades are designed specifically for these knives. There are four different types of blades that you can choose from. They come in packs of either 15 or 20 blades, and each one has its own handy pack, from which you can insert the blade directly into the shavette. The bottom of these packs has a small slot for used blades.

The quality control is on point with Feather and you hardly hear about the Monday songs. Each blade is also extremely sharp compared to…well..anything really.

Exposure
DX 1.2mm
SS 1.0mm

Blade thickness 0.35mm, blade itself 0.15mm.

Proguards are the ones we definitely recommend as the first blades with Feather's shavettes. Especially if you have never used a razor or other type of shave before, the Proguard blades give you just the right soft start to training.

The blade is protected by round semicircles, which give a smoother ride and prevent the blade from poking the skin caused by a trembling hand. Pressing too hard, which is easy to do at first, also does not cause skin irritation as bad as Proguards.

Proguards are slightly longer lasting than other blades.

Exposure
DX 0.6mm
SS 0.4mm

Blade thickness 0.254mm

Lightes have the smallest blade exposure, which means they come out of the knife the least. This means a milder and gentler ride. Especially suitable for more delicate beard hair. Can cause problems with coarser beards.

Exposure
DX 1.2mm
SS 1.0mm

Blade thickness 0.254mm

Professional is the most popular blade and is suitable for most beards. If there are no special needs, this is the way to go. Perfectly suited as the next blade after Proguard. For many, this will also be the last straw.

Exposure
DX 1.45mm
SS 1.25mm

Blade thickness 0.31mm

If Feather DX Professional Super blades do not make your cheeks smooth, you should see a doctor. Growing such a strong iron wire in the face is not quite normal. Supers are the best choice for the roughest beard of all and cut even the longest and densest hair without pre-trimming or problems. We do not recommend it at least as a first blade. Try at least basic professionals first. You can go a long way with them.

SS and DX are of equal quality, but DX is more like a sharpening razor due to its control and weight. Designed for professional use, easy to clean and lasts a lifetime in your own use.

Four different blades. Choose Proguard as the first blade. However, you will probably eventually end up at Professional, but it's good to learn with Proguard.