Merkur help!! Barber pole?

[dillydally89]

So as a newbie I've been reading posts and getting as much info as I can before I invest in a good Safety Razor. I narrowed It down to two Merkur models, both of which are "HD". Except one is called "barber pole" which means it has a longer handle.
I'm an average sized guy so a bigger razor wouldn't be necessary, but what do you guys think?? For a first razor would you recommend the longer handle??

here are the links to them...
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-HD-34C...ef=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1275509651&sr=1-2
or
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1275509651&sr=1-1

Thanks!

 

[dalecooper51]

Coming from the cartridge world where all my razors had a really long handle, I thought the 34c was a tad short. After using it for a while, I really like the shorter handle. I have a Merkur Progress which has a bit longer handle and find that I prefer the shorter handle 34c. This is definitely a case of YMMV.

 

[dillydally89]

Coming from the cartridge world where all my razors had a really long handle, I thought the 34c was a tad short. After using it for a while, I really like the shorter handle. I have a Merkur Progress which has a bit longer handle and find that I prefer the shorter handle 34c. This is definitely a case of YMMV.

What's YMMV??

 

[dalecooper51]

Your Mileage May Vary. More or less, what works well for one person may or may not work for you.

 

[dillydally89]

I see.. I guess I'll just have o dip my toes in the water with one of them.

 

[Mr. Imperial]

What's YMMV??

Your mileage may vary = you may have a different experience.

Personally, I like the longer-handled razors because it's easier to balance them in my hand to make sure I let the blade do the work.

 

[Den]

I'm 6'2 and weight over 200lbs, and I have hands to match that frame and I had no issues getting used to the short handle razors. I thought I would, but it really hasn't been an issue.

 

[lungho]

I got some gorilla hands myself. For that reason, the 38c Barber Pole was my first razor of choice. It shaves very well. The only thing that's kinda weird about it, and you'll find this out as you shave with other razors, the pole is heavier than the head. For that reason, the razor can feel off balanced to some. But for me personally, I don't mind the extra weight.

In saying all that, I've now moved on to more traditional safety razors, like vintage Gillettes. The shorter handles don't phase me or my gorilla hands one bit. In fact, I find I have more control with a shorter handle than a longer one.

Last thing, all of this is just my opinion. What works for me may or may not necessarily work for you. But that's half the fun of wet shaving. Figuring it all out.

 

[Mr.Gentleman]

I have both, and I cannot decide which I like more...

 

[Agent8426]

Get Both!!! (kidding)

I have pretty good sized hands; I wear large gloves and I can palm a basketball. With that said, the HD works for me. Safety razors are held differently than the cart. razors, and in my opinion, the longer handle is not necessary.

 

[Rocketeer]

Unless you have got really big hands, you don't really need the long handle. The shorter handle may also help you break the cartridge razor habit of pressing down. As you by now know, with a DE you let the tool do all the work without applying any pressure. I found this to be the hardest part of the learning curve.

BTW ... you can bet a better price at http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Safety-Razors_c_8.html

 

[wwp512]

I started with a short handle, then thought I needed a long handle. Sold the short handle, and now realized I hold the long handle in the short position 85% of the time.

I settled for the long, cause you can always choke up!