different handles for 39c and 12c

**gbernard** · 07-09-2009, 08:01 PM

Hi guys, sorry if this has been asked, as a recent convert to DE shaving, and more recently diagnosed with acute RAD, I ordered a 39c and 12c from WCS yesterday (to go alongside my satin futur), I have also looked at Bob's, Mer's, Pureslabs' and Elite razors offerings, but I am unable to confirm if I can buy different handles that will suit my 39c and 12c, are they interchangeable from a thread/fitment perspective ? and if so who has something suitable ?

thank you, 17 nickless &weeperless shave days and counting (feathers and Iridium supers for me !)

**dpm802** · 07-09-2009, 08:43 PM

I don't think there are custom handles available for either razor you mentioned ... but it wouldn't be too difficult to have one made. For a price, of course.

But why bother? I don't know about the 12C, since I don't have one, but the 39C handles great the way it is.

Check out the Balance Point Method in the ShaveWiki for a better way to hold any razor.

**mbrossar** · 07-09-2009, 11:47 PM

I haven't used either of those, are they two or three piece razors? Three piece razors are pretty universal and you can pretty much use any handle. Only problem I am aware of is some companies (I know Mühle tends to do it, not sure about Merkur) tend to let plating get on the threads. Then they compensate on their handles by tapping them a little big. If you find you try a head on a handle and it doesn't fit, chances are, hitting it with a 10-32 dye will knock off the extra plating and fix you right up.

Two piece razors, you're pretty much stuck with the original handle.

**Luc** · 07-10-2009, 04:56 AM

I think you would need to talk with those vendors. Last time I checked, those razors were 2 pieces? As David pointed out, you can always get some custom razor one... for a price...

I would recommend a vintage Gillete if you want to get into custom razors.

**Colphax** · 07-10-2009, 05:33 PM

The 39C and 12C have their handles fixed to the baseplate. You would not be able to use a custom handle on them. I've seen that Elite sells 2 piece Merkur razors with custom handles, but I'm betting that they are still a 2-piece design, with the original handles being replaced by the custom fixed handles.

If you are looking to get a razor with one of the interchangeable custom handles, you need to look at 3-piece razors such as Merkur's 1904 classic, the Goodfella, or vintage Gillettes such as the Old Style, the New Improved, the NEW, or the Tech.

**Eskimo** · 07-12-2009, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by Colphax

The 39C and 12C have their handles fixed to the baseplate. You would not be able to use a custom handle on them. I've seen that Elite sells 2 piece Merkur razors with custom handles, but I'm betting that they are still a 2-piece design, with the original handles being replaced by the custom fixed handles.

If you are looking to get a razor with one of the interchangeable custom handles, you need to look at 3-piece razors such as Merkur's 1904 classic, the Goodfella, or vintage Gillettes such as the Old Style, the New Improved, the NEW, or the Tech.

The two piece razors, such as the 12C and 39C do have the head permanently attached to the handle, so a custom handle is available, however it would not be interchangeable.

Bob