Feather AS-D2 Review

Looking to enhance your shaving experience and can’t seem to narrow down the safety razor that works for you?

For those who prefer all aspects of their daily routine to be luxurious, the Feather AS-D2 could easily become your latest grooming obsession.

This razor sports a stainless steel finish and is an excellent option for men looking for a mild shave in an aesthetically refined razor. With its easy-grip checkered knurling and sturdy handling, you’ll find the Feather AS-D2 complements your oil-based shaving products well.

Let’s take a closer look at this razor and see what other benefits the AS-D2 offers.

Product Specifications

Feature	Feather AS-D2
Comb	Closed
Composition	Stainless Steel
Country of Origin	Japan
Number of Pieces	3
Price	$160.00
Shave Performance	Mild
Grip	Knurled
Blade Compatibility	All double-edge safety razor blades
Weight (oz)	3.40
Weight (g)	96
Length (in)	3.54
Length (cm)	9.0

Weight

The Feather AS-D2 is a little on the heavier side at 3.4 ounces, but this does not negatively impact its handling. The extra weight doesn’t feel awkward in your hand, lending a sense of balance and stability to slick or soapy hands, which lack in lighter razors such as the Merkur 34C.

Those who are partial to the trusty handling of the Parker 55SL but would like to upgrade to something more durable would enjoy the AS-D2, as it is the same weight and similar in length.

See how The Feather AS-D2 compares in weight to other popular safety razors.

Length

This razor has a handle that is on the shorter side, which makes it an appropriate choice for pretty much any individual. At 3.54 inches long, The Feather AS-D2 handles smoothly for average-sized hands, allowing you to tend to the trickier areas of your beard.

Those with bigger hands may find quick coverage to be a hassle, as a shorter handle can mean a longer shaving experience. Longer handles allow you to cover more surface area and sometimes feel more comfortable in larger hands. However, most will find this razor comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Below you’ll find how The Feather AS-D2 compares to other popular safety razors.

Composition

With its stainless steel body and checkered knurling, The Feather AS-D2 is durable, balanced, and easy to grip.

This razor can easily stand the passage of time, so no worries if you tend to knock your razors around (a common concern for chrome plated razors). Additionally, stainless steel is naturally corrosion and rust-resistant – so even if left wet, it won’t show signs of wear. The industrial exterior of the razor and knurling emphasizes that professional aesthetic, so even if you’re not exactly a shaving connoisseur, you can look the part.

Country of Origin

The Feather AS-D2 hails from Japan, a country that is one of the largest manufacturers of steel in the world The steel industry in Japan is valued at $182.3 million as of 2021.

Feather is celebrating 90 years in the razor game this year, and is widely known for being the first company in Japan to manufacture replaceable blade razors.

Number of Pieces

The Feather AS-D2 is a three-piece safety razor consisting of a baseplate, cap, and handle. The razor can be easily disassembled for a quick cleaning, which is necessary for a razor of this price point.

The entirety of the razor is stainless steel, and the blade gap measures 0.029 inches, providing a mild shave.

Cleaning your razor and replacing the blade can be finicky at times, but you can make the process easy by soaking each part of the razor for a few minutes in water with dish soap. This is safer than manually scrubbing your razor, and the dish soap lends its antibacterial properties as well.

Shave Performance

The Feather AS-D2 is much less aggressive than other razors in its class, but it may just be mild to a fault. It performs well for daily shavers – it doesn’t pull at this skin and glides effortlessly, removing hair quickly.

But, those who space out their grooming sessions and carry a thick stubble will find their usual shaving timeline ineffective with this razor. It does not provide a close shave, but it is a fantastic luxury option for frequent shavers or those with fine hair.

Additionally, the ample weight ensures no extra pressure is necessary when shaving.

Blade Compatibility

The good thing about safety razors is that most are compatible with any double-edge safety razor blade. For example, the Feather AS-D2 comes with a five-pack of stainless steel blades, but you don’t have to stay true to the brand when looking for replacement blades. Rapira, Astra, and Derby are examples of a few brands that work well with this razor.

Feather AS-D2 is compatible with all double-edge safety razor blades. Astra, Derby, and other similar brands will work just fine. But regardless of what razor blade works best for your skin and beard, you must change out the blade about once every five to seven shaves.

Peer Reviews

So, here is the thing about the Feather AS-D2 razor: the reviews can be pretty polarizing. People either absolutely love this razor or are totally disappointed with it. Sensitive skin folks love this razor for its mild shaving experience and deep, checkered knurling along the handle. Those with coarser, more abundant beards will find this razor to fall short of their expectations. It doesn’t offer the closest of shaves, as the blade gap is on the smaller side.

Fans of this razor are adamant that the cost of this razor is worth the experience and the durability. New wet shavers will love this razor. This razor’s stainless steel composition and mild nature allow for some experimentation and mistakes. Unconfident shavers can relax knowing a harsh bout of razor burn is a lot less likely with the Feather AS-D2.

The consensus?

Prepare for an easy shaving experience with the Feather AS-D2. It has phenomenal handling to say the least, and it can offer you a quick morning touch-up like no other. But, this experience may not translate well for those with longer hair growth, and those with larger hands may feel the handle is a little too small for their liking.

This is a great beginning-to-intermediate safety razor for folks craving a luxury experience. You’ll feel like an expert even if you’re the exact opposite of one, and the small blade gap ensures you won’t shave off more than you need to.

Price

The Feather AS-D2 is not a cheap purchase. At $160, this razor is an investment and an experience. It offers a mild yet precise shave for shaving beginners, and it is a great option for those who are looking for their first luxury razor. It will pose as the perfect gift for a friend, or a thoughtful graduation gift for a newly independent groomer.

Though the quality is fantastic, and the stainless steel, weighted body is sure to make you feel like a wiz with a double-edged blade, this is probably not the right option for those with thick beards. In addition, this razor is not very aggressive, so it will take time to get a baby-smooth shave if your facial hair is on the coarse side.

Since the AS-D2 is more expensive than most razors, it is better left to the folks who would be able to get the full benefits of the razor, rather than those with thicker beards who would primarily use it for touch-ups.

Here’s how the price compares to other safety razors:

Colors

The AS-D2 has an all-stainless steel design, which makes it great for any aesthetic. Those who love that traditional safety razor look will cherish the AS-D2 forever, as it is versatile and timeless.

Conclusion

If you are looking to treat yourself with a luxury safety razor and have the funds to do so, we think you’ll love what Feather has in store for you. However, despite its high price, it is not without a few faults. So be sure to consider whether these drawbacks will hinder your shaving experience.

Overall Rating: 9/10