Thread: Razor "balance"

I came to the conclusion that those old farts that have been doing this for the past 300 years or so might have known a thing or two and noted that most Vintage razors happen to balance to the same spot you hold on to them..

Like most tools do, imagine that

Also JMHO and observation but balance becomes more of an issue when you are Stropping and Honing rather then shaving,, so when the razor is fully open





(note the monkey tail and it still balances)


I stopped using the finger as a balance point long ago as it just too easy to cheat doing that

I have a "special" nail in the shop I use when building them hehehe

If you simply keep balance in mind when you are building scales it really isn't that hard in fact you pretty much have to toss function out the window and build simply for form to get it wrong


ps; This topic can cause much contention out there in razordom

I have one of the very first Boker Elite's that has lined scales. It is definitely NOT balanced. Its a fantastic razor in every other way but the lack of balance makes it a little less comfortable to shave with.

I refuse to check balance on my razors. For the most part they all shave great. I shave with too many blade widths, lengths, and points to worry about balance.

Got to agree with Glen, these are maybe slightly scale heavy as the balance is closer to the pivot than the grip point

To me balance is vital. I've had too many 'high end razors" that had terrible balance to the point while you are shaving the razor wants to torque away from you which means of course you need to apply pressure. I view a straight as an instrument which should fit you hand precisely and should become part of your hand and you should be almost unaware of it's presence while shaving.

It's kind of like comparing driving an 18 wheeler with a good sports car.