Thread: The "Balanced" Razor

Pray, what does the term "balanced" mean to you when applied to straight razors?

If I wanted to buy a razor, new or old, noted for its "balance," in order to establish a reference blade, what would you recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

Originally Posted by Stracks One

Pray, what does the term "balanced" mean to you when applied to straight razors?

If I wanted to buy a razor, new or old, noted for its "balance," in order to establish a reference blade, what would you recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

I have no idea what this means. I've heard it bandied about a lot But to this day I still don't know what anyone is talking about!

It refers to the weight of the scales compared to the weight of the blade. Ideally it should be evenly balanced when suspended at the pivot point or tang (where you hold it while shaving). If the scales are too heavy, it can pull the blade back when you are shaving (not literally pull) so that it feels like the toe always wants to be trailing the heel.

Personally I have never had a problem with weight issues and razors. If it's comfy, then does the balance matter?

Originally Posted by Philadelph

It refers to the weight of the scales compared to the weight of the blade. Ideally it should be evenly balanced when suspended at the pivot point or tang (where you hold it while shaving). If the scales are too heavy, it can pull the blade back when you are shaving (not literally pull) so that it feels like the toe always wants to be trailing the heel.

Personally I have never had a problem with weight issues and razors. If it's comfy, then does the balance matter?

This is what I never understood as I never depend on the weight of the razor or scales but rather the grip I hold the razor with and the control I exert over the razor!
It might be different if I was holding a sword!

IMO it should balance around the point where you actually hold it.
Refering to the pivot pin is pointless, since that has no relation to the feeling while shaving.

Otherwise, try and balance a 7/8 wedge. if it need to be balanced at the pivot pin, they are going to be very heavy scales.
But when balanced at the point where you hold it, the leverage of the blade will be a lot less and the leverage of the scales will be a lot more, due to the difference in length.

OK, simple comparison to illustrate what I understand to be a well-balanced straight.

Livi -- always feels perfectly balanced in the hand when gripping, no tendency to tilt, drop, or tip over during the shave. Easy to maintain angle of blade at all times.

Wapi -- the worst balance I've ever encountered. It feels all wrong as the blade always feels (to me) to want to tilt away from the face when gripped. What do you expect with solid steel scales?

Well that's how I interpret balance, anyway.

the only thing i can imagine that is of any functional significance is the weight of the blade and scales. i believe the desired location for the center of mass when the razor is open (180 degrees, or pi), is at the pivot pin.
in my mind lighter scales are less of a problem than heavy ones as the heavy ones will tend to twist the blade as you shave, so you have to put more effort with your fingers to hold it at the correct angle.

Edit: looks like Alex types faster than me ... and I was thinking in the right direction.