Thread: Possible Heresy...

I'd wager I handle razors a bit more than the average guy both with and without scales. The razors we typically use are of a design that isn't particularly ergonomic or functional without scales. The scales are more than simply a sheath or protective covering for the blade. They form a cross section of leverage that keeps the blade steady and straight with minimal effort. It is easy to torque a blade without scales, but once the scales are on and slid into a using position, it forms a brace that prevents sideways torque. The Japanese took a different direction and simply built a more usable handle into theirs and didn't bother with scales. I think the western design is actually more clever and provides better resistance to torque, which allows you to maintain a steady angle while using it with relative ease.

That said, I know of a great grand uncle in Cuba that my mother tells me shaved with a double edge razor blade pinched between his fingers and sharpened by sliding it inside a drinking glass to hone it. Just because he was able to shave that way doesn't mean it's a method to be recommended. Likewise, you can shave with a razor that is stripped of scales, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I am in the scales and balance are a + camp. Not to mention the beauty of design. Every time I look at a Japanese style razor I feel like the maker forgot something.

Originally Posted by PapaBull

I'd wager I handle razors a bit more than the average guy both with and without scales. The razors we typically use are of a design that isn't particularly ergonomic or functional without scales. The scales are more than simply a sheath or protective covering for the blade. They form a cross section of leverage that keeps the blade steady and straight with minimal effort. It is easy to torque a blade without scales, but once the scales are on and slid into a using position, it forms a brace that prevents sideways torque. The Japanese took a different direction and simply built a more usable handle into theirs and didn't bother with scales. I think the western design is actually more clever and provides better resistance to torque, which allows you to maintain a steady angle while using it with relative ease.

That said, I know of a great grand uncle in Cuba that my mother tells me shaved with a double edge razor blade pinched between his fingers and sharpened by sliding it inside a drinking glass to hone it. Just because he was able to shave that way doesn't mean it's a method to be recommended. Likewise, you can shave with a razor that is stripped of scales, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Thank you, Robert. This is very helpful...I wasn't thinking about torsion, which of course comes into play with the scales balanced at a 90 degree angle.

I wonder, though, about grip. I think that the scales guide the user's hand into a specific grip--is there no better grip?

Hmmm...We will have to see.

The grip and the balance work in harmony. You can hold a well balanced razor on the top and bottom of the handle with the tips/balls of your index finger and thumb on the gimps. A badly balanced razor has to be gripped more on the sides to offset the tendency of the scales to pull the blade out of position. Well thats my experience.