Does Weight Matter?

[mojocracker]

Having been in full in DE addiction for 19 months now, I have kept a record of all the different DE razors that I have tried.

My preferences have emerged based on shaving results in a quasi-controlled setting, doing my best to manage variables of cream/soap, blade, age and shaving pass-method.

The two favorites that have emerged for me, '30s Gillette New Long Comb and '75 Gillette black handle SS, would seem, at first brush, to be wildly different razors.

Curiously, what the two instruments have in common is a weight around 50 grams. (50 for the New 49 for the Blackie) and a fairly aggressive blade presence.

The other SS's that I tried (all colors from the '50s) gave relatively mediocre shaves and weighed in between 56 and 59 grams, except the aluminum handled blue which weighed 47g but exposed way too little blade for a pleasingly close shave.

My theory is that 50 grams and high blade exposure gives me the best shave. The Blackies, and others have confimed this are more aggressive than the early SS's, even the Red Tip. My guess is this is because cartridges had been introduced by then or it is just happenstance.

Anyone have any other theories?

The Toggle, the Slim, the Jagger DL89 and others in my rothation all deliver excellent shaves. But the finest, easiest and most complete shaving experience for me is with one of those 50g puppies, tilting toward the humble plate-worn long-comb New that is my absolute favorite. It is my "desert island" razor, so to speak.

Of course, YMMV

[KM-instructor]

Not sure it matters like a scientifically proven thing, but personally I prefer the additional weight to a handle, as i feel for my shaving style it works best for me.

[jpakstis]

Anyone have any other theories?

I think weight is a factor, especially for making the passes (I find that a weightier razor helps the pass go smoother). I also think balance is a big factor. My experience is primarily with Merkurs. I have used both the barberpole versions of the 34c and 37c (i.e. 38c and 39c respectively) and find that they are balanced more toward the handle, so, with the style I use, I use more pressure at the head to make the passes. Whereas with the 34c and 37c, it feels like its balanced closer to the head, so I use less pressure. Of course, YMMV all over the place.

[Cary Grant]

I would say it is all down to personal preference. I myself don't like a razor to be too hefty but not to light neither. A Gillette slim is only a little lighter than a Merkur HD but I prefer its lighter weight. I would say though its more to do with how the razor handles.

[StuMcB]

My parker 94R is a short handled razor but feels the same weight as my Merkur long hanlde adjustable. It gives very close shaves but I give NO pressure when shaving. The 34C HD is a great razor but in comparission feels light weight. So I think for me if the razor it self is heavey then I'll be careful when using.

[santamariasteve]

It's an intertesting question, but I think there are way too many variables to find a conclusion that is consistent with everyone. All things considered, it comes down to thorough beard preparation, a sharp fresh blade, a quality shaving soap, and a razor whose weight and style feels best to your particular hand and face.

So much of shaving success is subjective!

[Walter Sobchak]

I think it probably boils down to beard type + facial tone/structure when considering weight. Collagen, creases, and whiskers aside, I guess it would also depend on a person's shaving style.

[Go West Young Man]

I used to hate heavy razors, but at one point I pulled the Fatboy out of the box in the back of the drawer and got a fantastic shave- now it's a regular in the rotation.
I think I probably still had bad habits to unlearn and once those were overcome my problems with heavy razors went away.

[DaveNJ74]

I think weight is a factor, especially for making the passes (I find that a weightier razor helps the pass go smoother). I also think balance is a big factor. My experience is primarily with Merkurs. I have used both the barberpole versions of the 34c and 37c (i.e. 38c and 39c respectively) and find that they are balanced more toward the handle, so, with the style I use, I use more pressure at the head to make the passes. Whereas with the 34c and 37c, it feels like its balanced closer to the head, so I use less pressure. Of course, YMMV all over the place.

Clear out your inbox, cant send you a PM

[alex2363]

It matters to some extent, if you don't pay attention to a heavy razor you will get nicked.