The Feather AS-D2 may cause sticker shock for some buyers, but this expertly-crafted Japanese razor is worth every penny.
Japan's blade-making history should need little explanation. High-quality swords treasured by collectors and warriors alike have been forged in the Land of the Rising Sun for centuries, and while the age of the samurai may have passed, the country remains one of the biggest exporters of high-quality kitchen and utility knives today. This pedigree is the rock that the Feather company was built upon when it was founded in 1932.
In the wet shaving world, Feather is most well-known for its stainless steel double-edged blades which many people (myself included) use in their safety razors. Feather blades are renowned for their sharpness, excellent edge-retention, and ability to deliver a smooth shave with minimal irritation – a testament to their finely-machined edges. Feather also carries a number of different razors such as the all-stainless AS-D2, which is arguably the finest safety razor on the market today.
The AS-D2, despite bearing the Feather brand name, is actually manufactured by Seki Edge in Seki, Japan. Think of Seki as the Japanese sister city to Sheffield and Solingen: A town known for its long tradition of cutlery craftsmanship (and yet another one, curiously, that starts with the letter "S"). Authentic katanas are still forged in Seki using centuries-old techniques, but the city mostly now produces world-famous knives and, of course, Feather razors.
The Feather AS-D2 is notable not only for its extremely high level of craftsmanship but for its all-stainless steel construction. This stands distinctly apart from the chrome-plated alloys from which most razors (including the others on this list) are built.
This stainless steel precludes the need for chrome plating and imparts a noticeably heavier weight to the razor, making your work easier as you allow the heft of the handle and gravity to do most of the work when shaving. The beefy handle features very aggressive knurling for a great grip as well.
The Seki Edge AS-D2 is also notable for delivering a very mild shave – great for those with sensitive skin – although admittedly, men who need a more aggressive razor might be underwhelmed with its performance.
For best results, pair this razor with the excellent stainless steel Feather blades for a baby-smooth, near-effortless shave. This is the most expensive safety razor on our guide by a wide margin, but the first time you use it, you'll know why. Buy once, cry once, and enjoy shaving with the last razor you'll ever need.
Pros: Superb Japanese craftsmanship, excellent hand-feel thanks to its hefty weight and aggressive grip knurling, tough and attractive all-steel construction, and it delivers a smooth and mild shave with very little effort
Cons: It's considerably more expensive than other razors, and it may be too mild for some users