Long handled vs. non-long handled razors

[jkh]

Does anyone know is there are any reasons to purchase a long handled razor over a short handled razor? Does one provide better maneuverability over the other? It it easier to achieve proper blade angle with one or the other? Etc, so on, so forth ...

I happen to be rather tall and therefor have rather large paws, so I purchased a Merkur long handled classic figuring it would be easier to handle (or should I say wield?). I would also like to try out a Merkur "Hefty" model, so I am trying to figure out whether to purchase a long handled or regular (non-long handled) version.

I am guessing the answer is a matter of opinion, but I figured why not ask? *shrug*

Thanks!

[TimmyBoston]

I personally dislike long handled, they don't shave as well for me.

[Daves]

Does anyone know is there are any reasons to purchase a long handled razor over a short handled razor? Does one provide better maneuverability over the other? It it easier to achieve proper blade angle with one or the other? Etc, so on, so forth ...

I happen to be rather tall and therefor have rather large paws, so I purchased a Merkur long handled classic figuring it would be easier to handle (or should I say wield?). I would also like to try out a Merkur "Hefty" model, so I am trying to figure out whether to purchase a long handled or regular (non-long handled) version.

I am guessing the answer is a matter of opinion, but I figured why not ask? *shrug*

Thanks!

I am like you. I am a big guy and I don't like little razors. Mostly I use a Vision. I can hang onto it. I also have a slant. This gives a great shave but it is too teeny tiny. The handle is way too short. Someone on this blog who is mechanically talented combined a Merkur 38c and a Merkur Slant. That is more like it should be.

Also, something should be said about the weight of a larger razor. The extra weight is great because all you do is let the weight do the work. There is no need to apply any pressure. The razor does it all for you.

DaveS

[scoopster]

How a razor is going to feel and perform is very much an individual matter so I don't think one can make any definitive statements about better control, better blade angle, etc.

I would recommend trying all kinds of razors, one at a time, making sure you really get to know each one and then you can decide for yourself what the right razor for you is. Given that you'll be using this razor for a long, long time its not really that expensive a proposition. And, you can always easily re-sell the ones you know aren't for you.

Bigger gents may tend to prefer a longer handled razor (i am, i do) but I don't think that is a universal truth. Given that you are taller its probably the first place to start. Razor weight & balance, regardless of handle length is also a big factor. You can get a heavy short handle razor or a light long handled razor.

Lastly head geometry is a big factor as well (flat safety bar, open comb, slant).

Enjoy the hunt!

[Holton181]

I think the discomfort comes from the fact that you've probably been using "long handled" disposables/cartidges in the past, and it feels funny to change to such a smaller handle. Truth is, you probably won't need the extra length on the long handled classic.

I'm a pretty big guy (6' 3"; 270) and I used the long handled classic first. I found the shaves to not be close enough. I relate it to the fact that I was pressing down too much, and basically shaving like a mach3. I switched to a smaller handle, and never turned back. My technique is much better, and my blades are superb. Insert the extra YMMV and there you go

[Hoos]

Like almost everything with shaving, including shaving, there's some personal preference and some physical abilities.

I found both the Merkur HD and a Gillette SuperSpeed annoying, when I started shaving. They find their way into the rotation from time to time because I enjoy using them. But not as much as I enjoy the Gillette Knack, Schick Krona, and the Lady Gillette DE razors.

The longer handled razors seems to allow for more "body English" when shaving. The short-handled razors just didn't allow for much maneuverability for my hands and in relation to my face/shaving.

[cvixx]

The handle on the HD is perfect for me and I am 6-7 with big hands. I tend to grip close to the razor head and prefer a larger grip to a longer one. Same for Schicks for me, the older bakelite grips are better than the later long, slim ones. However, there is a limit and a travel razor gets lost in my mitt (Americanese for hand ).

[pjggy]

I think you're right in that personal preference is everything with handle length and size. I've got a couple of short handled razors but generally choose the long handled ones, although I'm not too bothered about weight and can happily use the Merkur Futur which is heavy or the 25c which is light.

[Lionhearted]

I think it's all personal preference. My favorite razor is the Tech but it's followed closely by the Schick Krona. For 35 years I used a SuperSpeed then for 15 years I used a long handle Slim Twist so both feel equally comfortable to me. I'm 6'1" with long hands. Longer doesn't necessarily mean heavier — the Tech weighs 2.1 oz, the Krona 1.8 oz and the Slim Twist only 1.1 oz (just now on my postal scale, not official). I like the feel of a light razor but I find it's easier for me to get a close shave with a Tech.

Richard

[JulesE34]

It's purely personal preference.

I chose the Merkur 38C because I had a long-handled cartridge and thought the transition to DE would be easier. I was only half right as I am fine with the 38C, but If I want to try a superspeed, rocket, aristocrat, slim adustable or fatboy, I have to adjust my grip quite substancially.

If you are just starting out, avoid the 38C and try a smaller handled razor. the 38C is something to aspire to, not start with IMHO.

[smithno]

I'm squarely in the short handled camp! Trying the 38C taught me that. Now, I use a Tech, an HD, and a Schick Type-I. All are short handled. The short handle allows me to hold the razor near the head. That's just where I'm comfortable.

[rickw]

Doesn't matter to me. My grip, for most strokes is at the balance point of the razor; up near the head. The handle length is used for ATG under the chin and W-E near the ears.

[Slant-Fan]

I use both long and short handled razors and I get good results with either one. Since you already have a long handled Merkur you know how you feel about that. If you buy a short handled model and it doesn't suit you selling it on the forum is usually no problem once you have 50 posts..

[castlecraver]

Honestly, I find that the length of the handle effects the balance more than the grip for me, and lately as I've been preferring holding the razor a bit closer to the head, I've been going for the shorter handles. This is kind of a departure from when I first started out when I preferred something a little longer.

[cooncatbob]

When I first switch back to DE razors I preferred longer handles, I even made longer handle for my 3 piece razors.
Now over a year later I'm finding myself preferring my Milord and Aristocrat over longer handle razors. The compactness of these shorter handled razor feel more like an extension of my hand.
Bob.

[Raso]

I own both classics from Merkur: the long handled and the short. The short is in the closet as it was actually cramping my hand to use it. I have also found through the months that I can shave at a great many more angles with the long handle over the short (leverage and all that). Also, don't forget to use that long handle for what it's for: hold it at its end instead of up near the head and you'll feel the nice weight of it. Use it like this S-N on the neck and you'll love it!

[johnniegold]

The 23c all the way for me.

[morajam]

i feel i have more control with a longer handle.

[Robxcarlson]

I have the long handled Merkur and I also have several Superspeeds. I'm only 5'8" and I'd say my hands are small to medium. I like the long handle better because I feel I have better control and the short handle cramps my hand a little.