Thread: Jimpwork?

Would you consider jimpwork to be functional or purely cosmetic?

I find I don't have much trouble gripping a razor in general, but was wondering if there was any preference to top, bottom or having both sides of the shank "jimped"

Any thoughts appreciated...

I'm certain its initial purpose was for grip. I have found it does add grip compared to razors without it; having said that, the weight of the blade makes a difference, some lighter, smaller blades having sufficient grip without jimps. Further, grip differs between individuals skin, control of the blade and how much they expose the tang to water/shaving product.

Certain 'no thrills' razors have jimps, so one would imagine in the absence of all other aesthetic enhancements that such jimps are purely functional.

I'm sure they can have cosmetic function also, or certainly cosmetic appeal for I have seen some examples of jimping to the sides of the tang and even extending to a third of the way up the spine and examples of more attractive jimping, such as cross hatched and worked types, however it is primarily functional.

I myself like it. I do not always need it, but I like it. Some of my razors have it to both sides, some only the top, some only the bottom, others none at all.

It's all personal preference. Some like it bottom only, some top and bottom. It sure does bring some added grip compared to none. But it's not a necessity. The only downfall being the crap and oxidation that accumulates during the years if not cleaned on a regular basis.

If I had my way all of my razors would have jimps top and bottom and may as well throw in a thumb notch. One of the things I don't like about the celebrated dubl ducks, among other 'famous' brands, is the smooth tangs. Jimps for me and the deeper and sharper the better.

I find it necessary on some to provide adequate grip I have a heavy bengale wedge that has a heavily tapered tang without jimps that is nearly impossible to grip and I cannot imagine trying to hold my framebacks without it considering their tangs are probably 1mm wide. Other than that I actually prefer smooth tangs.

I consider jimpwork to be functional and I like them. They do require some extra wiping to clean.
While not a necessity, if there, I like them.

If I had a choice of jimps or no jimps, I'd take jimps on the bottom every day of the week. I don't really think they make a huge difference in my shave, but I'd rather have them than not.

I like the look of unjimped razors, plus my grip is the pinched between thumb and forefinger on the left and right sides of the shank style... so I don't use the jimps even if they are there.

I think they are functional and cosmetic. If they were truly functional in an important way all razors would have them but so many don't. Yes they add to the grip but in the end you can shave fine without them. It's kind of like a steering wheel on a car. Some, especially older models had differing grips on the wheel and some were almost smooth.

I love jimps top and bottom. I find more than anything, it helps with stropping. I'm with Jimmy....the bigger and deeper, the better!