Thread: Looking for Grip Assistance

I suffer from a form of psoriasis that causes calluses to develop on my fingers and the palms of my hands. The calluses are very heavy and often cause breaks in the skin. A real pain when applying aftershave.

Often times it is difficult to hold and control the tang of my straight razor. I've thought about wrapping a single layer of friction tape around the tang but I am concerned about potential damage to the finish. I've also thought about a small section of rubber tubing thinking that a larger surface might be easier to control.

Any advice?

My initial thought is to put a small section of shrink tubing on it. Since it would form more closely to the shape of the tang itself, I think you'd be less likely to to get moisture under there.

How about using something on your hands instead of on the razor?

A box of latex surgical gloves will give you grip, and you will not have to worry about rust underneath the tubing or tape on the tang.

I would think it would solve the issue with applying after shave as well.

Just a thought

I agree with Birnando, something on the fingers. Perhaps finger cots ? See them here . If you put surgical tubing on the monkey tail it may interfere with clearing the scales when you open and close the razor as well as attract corrosion.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I agree with Birnando, something on the fingers. Perhaps finger cots ? See them here . If you put surgical tubing on the monkey tail it may interfere with clearing the scales when you open and close the razor as well as attract corrosion.

Thanks, Jimmy. It's your signature line that motivated the question. My hold is just not right.

I remember reading a post some time ago where a poster used small o-rings to give him a better grip when shaving. I've tried that and it does work.

Originally Posted by Birnando

How about using something on your hands instead of on the razor?

A box of latex surgical gloves will give you grip, and you will not have to worry about rust underneath the tubing or tape on the tang.

I would think it would solve the issue with applying after shave as well.

Just a thought

Interesting thought and since I have some on hand, I'll give it a try.

I couldn't help but notice you're in Oslo, Norway. In the 1980's I owned a BB11, a wooden sailing boat that was made in Norway in the 1960's. The original sails which I replaced were made in Oslo. She was a real beauty - a mahogany hull finished bright. How I miss her. Sort of like a first love.

Originally Posted by Qatsats

Interesting thought and since I have some on hand, I'll give it a try.

I couldn't help but notice you're in Oslo, Norway. In the 1980's I owned a BB11, a wooden sailing boat that was made in Norway in the 1960's. The original sails which I replaced were made in Oslo. She was a real beauty - a mahogany hull finished bright. How I miss her. Sort of like a first love.

Oh man, lycky you!
That is a beautiful mahogany boat!
I've seen a few of them out in the fjord here in Oslo.
They say she is a real joy to sail.

Here is a link to a Norwegian club site for the BB11.
It's in Norwegian(duh) but it has lots of pictures and stuff to see

http://web.mac.com/runars/iWeb/bb11/Bilder.html

Originally Posted by Birnando

How about using something on your hands instead of on the razor?

A box of latex surgical gloves will give you grip, and you will not have to worry about rust underneath the tubing or tape on the tang.

I would think it would solve the issue with applying after shave as well.

Just a thought

Good idea.

Also consider a roll of paper tape -- "Micropore Surgical Paper Tape"
prior to the shave put one wrap on the working fingers. It should give
you sufficient grip and be water proof enough to finish the shave.

I do not know what razor you have but you can apply a wrap or two
to the grip of the razor for the duration of the shave. Remove it when done shaving....
Even blue masking tape can be used for the 15-20 min it takes to shave.
Just apply and remove it with care... the blade is sharp and not
designed to make adding and removing tape easy.

Also if rust is a concern -- do not ignore the properties of tuff-glide
as rust preventative.

Mineral oil is very kind to the skin and can help keep
rust from the blade as well as minimize your skin cracking... I
As a good rust preventative to apply to the steel after removing the tape.
Wipe off the excess with a soft cloth.

As always consult a doctor -- I do not even play one on TV.

Aftershave that burns is not high on my list consider skipping
it and apply the thinnest layer of mineral oil.

Originally Posted by Qatsats

I suffer from a form of psoriasis that causes calluses to develop on my fingers and the palms of my hands. The calluses are very heavy and often cause breaks in the skin. A real pain when applying aftershave.

Any advice?

Your tang question seems to have been answered widely so I will addres the first part of your thread, the applying of the after shave.
What I do is get some of those 2oz. spray bottles from Walmat or ??? and spray the aftershave on. Just a thought .