Aluminum DE razor weight

[Ramsay]

I am looking to buy my first AL razor, having used alloy or SS razors for years. I realize there will be an adjustment period to the lighter weight of AL razors. I noticed that the weights of 3 razors I am considering are as follows:

(a)Timeless (47.4 g)
(b) Aylesworth Apex (35 g)
(c) Karve Bison (33.5 g)

Putting aside differences in head geometry, blade gap and blade exposure, would there be an advantage in getting the heavier Timeless or are the relative weights close enough so the differences are not really a factor?

 

[spacemonkey42]

The head geometry, blade exposure, gap, etc. are all much more important than weight, at least in my opinion. You can't put those aside. Get the one that you think will work best for you and then adjust to the weight.

My advice about adjusting to the lighter weight - use short, assertive strokes, and make sure not to add pressure to make up for the lighter weight.

 

[gdawg55]

Out of that group the Bison is a great pick. Super smooth and efficient. If you’re looking for a good aluminum razor with a tad more weight look at the Colonial CR-7….great razor.

 

[LeroyR]

Get the most aggressive razor you can handle in aluminum. The light weight and efficient removal go often hand in hand to deliver a top notch shave.

I don’t think ~10g is going to be enough to make much of a difference, but I don’t know anything about those razors.

 

[profusion]

I have the Timeless and find it a nice, mild shave. The weight isn't an issue for me. It's not that much lighter than some of the vintage Gillettes I typically use.

I'll go further to say that I prefer lighter razors. The weight of stainless steel razors is impressive in feel and helps with WTG passes. However, that weight is a hindrance for me on XTG and ATG passes.

My only advice is to watch your pressure, since it is easier to press down unconsciously with a lightweight razor. Learning to control pressure is part of the growth process, even for experienced shavers.

 

[Lockback]

I have the Timeless and find it a nice, mild shave. The weight isn't an issue for me. It's not that much lighter than some of the vintage Gillettes I typically use.

That's a great point. I've avoided aluminum razors because I prefer some heft but love my vintage Gillettes.

 

[ButterfaceX]

Remember, you can usually find a heavier handle to fit on any lighter head (i.e. aluminum). Icon Razors did that, and why not if you have a hard time adapting. It may seem like an oxymoron, but if it works......
I prefer a heavier razor, but can easily adapt to those flyweight/bantamweight/featherweight/lightweight razors in the corner of the ring.
Just glide like a butterfly and don't let it sting you like a bee.....
BFX

 

[cpcohen1945]

I have a RazoRock Lupo Aluminum, 32 grams with blade.

Two adjustments I had to make:

. . . Get used to the feedback from each hair being cut.

. . . A heavy razor can use its own weight against the skin, but you may have to use _very light_ pressure on an aluminum
. . . razor to get the same results.

I tried a heavier handle (from an EJ DE89) -- and preferred the aluminum handle that it came with. A solid, heavy S/S knurled handle might be worth a try.

The Karve Bison looks very nice, but my other razors would complain about a new neighbor.

I use a Pearl Flexi (which is quite heavy) usually, and the Lupo Al occasionally. It's not hard to switch.

. Charles

 

[No1Up]

Don’t rule out Henson, extremely well made with an amazing shave. It really is a wonderful razor. Get the ++ or +++ if you can.

 

[ERS4]

I also think the design of the razor itself has a bigger impact than weight.

especially
1. I shaved my head so there are definitely more stroke directions than just WTG.
2. Shaving your head takes time, and you have to raise your arms. A heavy-weight razor will only increase arm soreness.

So gravity doesn't always help, and sometimes it adds to the confusion.

Of course I like the texture that comes with weight, but even the 6g Gillette Super Click is a joy to use.

 

[Quaznoid]

I prefer light razors. My Yuma is one of the best in my rotation. I rather dread using my Fatip Piccolo for its heft; the Slim is too heavy too, IMHO.

 

[Iridian]

These razors are already so lightweight that other differences are much more important than the weight difference.

 

[tm3]

I am looking to buy my first AL razor, having used alloy or SS razors for years. I realize there will be an adjustment period to the lighter weight of AL razors.

One of the reasons that I avoided the Henson razor was the light weight (37g) -- I was convinced that I only like heavier razors, and that an aluminum razor would feel like waving around a disposable cartridge razor. I sure was wrong, as one of my favorite features of the Henson is the weight and maneuverability.

I can't speak to the razors you are considering, I'm just trying to enable!

 

[lakeman77]

5-10 grams is nothing. Try the one you want.

 

[DesertIguana]

I am looking to buy my first AL razor, having used alloy or SS razors for years. I realize there will be an adjustment period to the lighter weight of AL razors. I noticed that the weights of 3 razors I am considering are as follows:

(a)Timeless (47.4 g)
(b) Aylesworth Apex (35 g)
(c) Karve Bison (33.5 g)

Putting aside differences in head geometry, blade gap and blade exposure, would there be an advantage in getting the heavier Timeless or are the relative weights close enough so the differences are not really a factor?

Think Longer Handle compensates for light weight.

Have one Razor Tech Clone, 4” Handle. Works great, but Weighs in a 0.5 ounce.