Those Feather Blades are sharp enough to split an atom!
Tell me about the Van Der Hagen. What do you like about it?
The Feathers fit the EJ Chatsworth perfectly - no pressure required as the head is perfectly balanced.
Re: soaps, I’ve tried many of the Italian brands via “ItalianBarber.com”.
A few weeks ago I was running low and just picked up the 3.5oz VdH at Krogers for $4.50. With the Feathers, I get both a SUPER close shave with absolute no irritation.
I do like to soak it in hot water while I shower and, before shaving slap some of the soapy liquid on my face to pre-condition before applying the foam with my brush.
“Nick Shaves” has videos on his YouTube channel and gave a very positive review of the “basic” version of VdH using Feathers. I haven’t tried that version, though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHg9MryNdT0
If you can get past the learning curve, there's nothing even close to a Feather Artists Club straight razor with disposable blades. No pull, no burn, no ingrown hairs. Smooth as a baby's bottom: literally.
I use the preshave oil and cream from Art of Shaving. It's more expensive, but worth every penny. Besides, it's never a good idea to cheap out on something you use every day.