The importance of a handle

[wintoid]

I'm interested to hear others views on the importance of a handle.

I've amassed a reasonably sizeable collection of DE razors. Some shave well. Some butcher me. Some don't get all the whiskers. Usually a period of practice with just one razor improves things.

For the last few days, I've been trying the ATT Atlas handle on a variety of razor heads. It seems to me that all my shaves have been good when using the Atlas handle, which is interesting.

I wondered if others have found a favoured handle improves the shave, or whether people find it just cosmetic.

 

[Whosthedaddy]

in short, yes, it does affect the shave either for the good or the worse

 

[Bechet]

Folk spend a lot of money on handles, choosing a design that pleases their eye and improves their shaving experience. There are loads of threads about this.

 

[Jel999]

+1 on the Atlas handle. Admittedly I use it with an ATT head. Just feels right.

 

[moodymick]

Not wholly convinced over handle importance, other than grip-able. I've never chosen a razor / handle based on aesthetics, be that 'look', 'feel' or 'coolness'.

 

[DamianJ]

I got a custom stainless handle for my EJ DE89 just because I wanted one. I soon found that the extra weight and better grip made the shave much better.

 

[Dr Terror]

As a mainly vintage collector/user I am not really into custom handles.This mornings shave was with a modern Fatip Piccolo,which has a small,fairly light,solid brass handle,and got a fantastic 2 pass BBS.
But as with all things,'horses for courses' .

 

[wintoid]

To elaborate more, I have a Gillette RFB New open comb, which never seemed to shave particularly well for me. It was fine, but I was obviously missing bits. I popped the Atlas on it, and got a really thorough shave.

I'm also wrestling with a Wolfman open comb. For several months, I've been doing lots of damage to myself with this razor. Today I put the Atlas on it, and got a fantastic shave with no nicks.

So perhaps something about the length or weight of the Atlas is helping mitigate my dodgy technique. Two shaves is not enough to be sure.

 

[Nishy]

I prefer the Kronos to the Atlas with almost all the ATT plates I own. Although the Atlas is lovely to look at and grip, it is a tad too light, but as a result provides a very mild shave.

 

[Father Ted]

I have a selection of "custom" handles - they do alter the shaving characteristics of a head - sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
Even the "lowly" tech head can be made into a good shaving machine with some weight behind it - here is mine with a UFO Godzilla strapped on to it - its a fab daily go to.

 

[pjgh]

Changing handles changes the dynamics and therefore the shave. Whether that makes it "better" is open to question and I think I'd say not, as once you're reasonably seasoned at this shaving thing you'll adjust anyway to gain the optimal shave for the equipment in your hand.

I switch handles purely for the aesthetics.

 

[moodymick]

I think my original answer maybe somewhat disingenious. 71.45% of the time I use a vintage TTO, so handle choice is not really much of an issue. The rest of the time I use a Sensor Excell and i've never really felt the need to buy another handle, other than the one that comes with it.

 

[riverrun]

Who needs a handle anyway? Overrated. You can have great shaves without.

 

[chris.hale]

The iKon Bulldog II is hands down my favourite, classic looks, ideal size and good grip. It's currently enjoying a long-term relationship with my Wolfman OC head.

 

[Francorelli]

I use a stainless steel handle with my EJ head. The difference to the shave is marginal, but still noticeable. I appreciate the extra weight, grip and aesthetics of it.

 

[dodgy]

I'm interested to hear others views on the importance of a handle.

I wondered if others have found a favoured handle improves the shave, or whether people find it just cosmetic.

Hi there,

Seems to me the ability to custom dial in the razor's feel and performance is a great option. In my case, my favorite Frankenrazor is one using a Stahly head and needs a much different handle than standard.

Also, when I get out old Gillettes the heads won't usually be on the stock handles but instead put on a longer or heavier or grippier or something I like more kinda handle. Most of those vintage original handles are on shorter side and also won't weigh much, like with Old Type Or NEW heads and a nicer handle perks things up during the shave.

Handle selection......what a great invention. Years ago there was very few custom handles being made so this point in time is lots better.

Martin