I have some razors that balance nicely on the tang, and others that do not.

The ones that do, tend to be more comfortable and maneuverable on my face.

It's not 1:1, but there seems to be strong correlation.


As claytor said, it's usually done with the razor completely open to 180 degrees, not in a shaving position. The reason is that there is no practical way to test the balance with the razor opened to 270 degrees.

As far as the debate saying it's about coolness factor, that's a bit like saying the debate over health care going on in the US says that government sponsored health insurance would be good for the country. One side says that, the other side says the opposite.

I will say that balancing a razor on the tang with your finger as a fulcrum is a silly parlor trick because you can manage that with virtually any razor. However, balancing it on something hard and round that it can easily roll off of can be enlightening.

Because we spend very little time using the razor with the scales at 180 degrees, and the enormous number of variables in terms of blade geometry, scales geometry, preferred scale position while shaving and all the rest; it's virtually impossible to truly test the balance of a razor any way but to use it and see how it feels. However, if you're making scales (or grinding razors) balancing to the tang will at least give you a starting point, and get you into the ball park of a balanced razor.