Straight Razor Balance

[BillEllis]

Ok, boys... this is not intended to embarrass anyone. That being said, some things are presented inaccurately and some things are just flat out stupid. This would qualify as both.

I'm sure you have seen references to a razor's balance being represented as seen in this photo. This is NOT, let me repeat that... this is NOT how to judge ANY razor's balance.

It doesn't work for knives either. Folks who insist that this is the way it is done are just wrong. It's like saying chocolate milk comes from cows that eat Hershey's candy bars.


A razor's balance can best be determined by how easily the razor is maneuvered around your face without lopping off body parts in the process. A razor's "good" balance can change simply by how you hold it.

The trick is to find the best possible way to hold the razor as you shave. I use probably 6/7 holding positions to shave. When I trim my mustache, I practically hold the darn thing like I would a butter knife as I'm ready to scoop peanut butter out of a jar. So, basically, balance is best defined as how it feels in your hand as you use it.

With that said, some razors have no balance no matter where you hold the darn thing, yet they may very well pass the test represented by the photo.

I will post 4 more photos showing just a couple possible holding positions. And remember...

Razor balance is not a teter-totter

[jrcrow79]

purty..I would put jack n jill figures on eachside!..

[BillEllis]

Here are some holding positions for a straight razor. Each of these positions can change the balance of any razor. Don't think you have to hold a razor in a specific position to get a good shave. The point is to be able to scurry around your face like a Ninja without shredding meat or dropping your razor.

[paul.c]

So a knife's balance is also determined by its maneuverability and ease of use/feel in the hand? I am not very knowledgable about knives, and have always wondered what it meant when said that one was well ballanced.

[Sullybob]

Thanks Bill. I also use many different grips while shaving.

Nice razor also. USMC gotta love it.

[Seraphim]

Good point!



Two of the little mentioned, and often overlooked grips are as follows for the WTG and ATG......

Balance maybe aint so great, but it makes you feel like a man!

I mean, they put them handles on there for a resun' don't they???

[Fnord5]

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Good point!



Two of the little mentioned, and often overlooked grips are as follows for the WTG and ATG......

Balance maybe aint so great, but it makes you feel like a man!

I mean, they put them handles on there for a resun' don't they???

I use that grip for shaving my back!

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by Fnord5

I use that grip for shaving my back!

Jeesh! You better have tight pins for that little trick!

[weevil]

Seraphim,

Er, your second photo--what's that red stuff? Or don't we want to know?

It looks like something they'd find on CSI.

[Sullybob]

Originally Posted by weevil

Seraphim,

Er, your second photo--what's that red stuff? Or don't we want to know?

It looks like something they'd find on CSI.

Markings for a thumb notch?

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by Sullybob

Markings for a thumb notch?

I would never do such a thing!!!

[jkh]

Originally Posted by BillEllis

It's like saying chocolate milk comes from cows that eat Hershey's candy bars.

Ack! Lied to all these years. Bill, next you're going to tell me there isn't an Easter Bunny or Santa Claus?

Thanks for the info!

[Sullybob]

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I would never do such a thing!!!

Two words.

Bucket seat

[mparker762]

I love those old Clauss USMCs.

[SavantStrike]

Originally Posted by paul.c

So a knife's balance is also determined by its maneuverability and ease of use/feel in the hand? I am not very knowledgable about knives, and have always wondered what it meant when said that one was well ballanced.

Depends. I'm pretty sure for certain knives balance refers more to whether or not the pointy end is actually going to hit the target...

[silvanos]

Great post Bill, informative as always. I've always held, as someone who cooks professionally, that the balance trick with a chef's knife is pretty darn accurate as to how balanced a knife is, due to the fact we hold them pinched right there in the center.

[Thebigspendur]

The bottom line with balance is if you hold the razor for shaving whatever way you do it and the weight in the scales is such that the razor just wants to torque away from you as you shave. That's bad balance. I find the closer to being neutral the balance is the more maneuverable the razor is on the face.

[BillEllis]

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Good point!



Two of the little mentioned, and often overlooked grips are as follows for the WTG and ATG......

Balance maybe aint so great, but it makes you feel like a man!

I mean, they put them handles on there for a resun' don't they???

It's good to see a sense of humor. And the way you are demonstrating your grip, you could definitely make a case for actually calling the part you are holding a "handle". However, some folks may not really know the reason razors really do have scales.

They are primarily there for the protection of the blade and also to prevent injuries to the user as he reaches in the drawer to pick it up. Additionally, they create that "balance" I referred to at the beginning of this thread. The correlation between the position of a shaver's preferred grip and the degree that the scales are spread open contribute to that perfect shaving balance we all enjoy. A different holding position would require either closing the scales some or opening them wider to maintain the optimum balance.

Just don't brag to your buddies how well your razor is balanced by holding your finger under the pivot pin as it's all stretched out. It would tell them how little you know about razors. (the word you is made in reference to everyone)

[Seraphim]

I made that comment, as Ebayers often refer to them as "handles", and usually that "they fit great in your hand", or some such...

I have been known to post "balance" pics myself....

You can see how the balance point is moved towards the pivot with the scales open, and then right up to the shoulder when the scales are ina "normal" position.

[Fnord5]

a wapi!

I have to admit, I was un-educated about what Balance actually meant for razors.

But I did know that the scales are there to protect the blade.