I have always loved the razor head on the classic Stahly live blade razor. It's precision build, the floating grooved safety bar, the blade angle and blade exposure all seem perfect.
All of my favorite blades perform better or as well with the Stahly as in any other razor I have used. I like the spring motor action too, but the spring motor handle is just too smooth, too fat, and too short for comfortable handling by my large hands....
I ended up liking the Merkur 38C heavy handled razor quite a bit. The weight, diameter, and length of the handle made for a great shaving experience in terms of comfort and control, but the Stahly razor always seemed to do a better job, and felt super comfortable from start to finish. Even without the spring motor wound up...
So... I thought I'd add a heavy handle sized for my hand to the Stahly razor head. It's a two piece assembly with a short 10-32 stud poking out to screw into the spring motor handle.
I decided to use 316 stainless rather than brass, as the final finish is built in, and stainless steel has enough weight to satisfy my needs. Seven sixteenths of an inch was about the perfect diameter for comfortable handling, and also happened to the largest size that would properly fit the Stahly razor head without reduction. I chose a four inch length, as that gave me full five finger control, and the weight I envisioned for smooth shaving.
Earlier today, I visited a plant that I do consulting work for, and asked the tool and die manager if he had a four inch length of seven sixteenths stainless that I can drill and tap for a 10-32 screw. No problem... Then, he realized that his smallest 316 stainless stock was half inch in diameter, and he asked me what I was making. I explained the project, and he said he would have one of his guys turn and thread a piece of stock for me..
This is what he put in my hand an hour and a half later!
Exactly seven sixteenths in diameter. It fit the Stahly head perfectly. It is taper knurled deeper at the bottom end for good grip with a light pinkie finger wrap, and smoother towards the top for easy control, but without slipping or fingertip irritation. He even faded the knurled surface to polished at the top end, and turned the bottom end with a nice radius and polished tip.
I was stunned.. It looks gorgeous assembled, and it shaves beyond my expectations. The control afforded by the large handle, combined with the sheer mass that keeps the blade in contact with my skin, and moving through stubble without changing speed is incredible.
It's my new favorite razor.. Now, if I can only convince them to make a few dozen more for cheap so I can offer them here... Stahly people take note. You can use that awesome razor like a transformer to suit your needs.
All of my favorite blades perform better or as well with the Stahly as in any other razor I have used. I like the spring motor action too, but the spring motor handle is just too smooth, too fat, and too short for comfortable handling by my large hands....
I ended up liking the Merkur 38C heavy handled razor quite a bit. The weight, diameter, and length of the handle made for a great shaving experience in terms of comfort and control, but the Stahly razor always seemed to do a better job, and felt super comfortable from start to finish. Even without the spring motor wound up...
So... I thought I'd add a heavy handle sized for my hand to the Stahly razor head. It's a two piece assembly with a short 10-32 stud poking out to screw into the spring motor handle.
I decided to use 316 stainless rather than brass, as the final finish is built in, and stainless steel has enough weight to satisfy my needs. Seven sixteenths of an inch was about the perfect diameter for comfortable handling, and also happened to the largest size that would properly fit the Stahly razor head without reduction. I chose a four inch length, as that gave me full five finger control, and the weight I envisioned for smooth shaving.
Earlier today, I visited a plant that I do consulting work for, and asked the tool and die manager if he had a four inch length of seven sixteenths stainless that I can drill and tap for a 10-32 screw. No problem... Then, he realized that his smallest 316 stainless stock was half inch in diameter, and he asked me what I was making. I explained the project, and he said he would have one of his guys turn and thread a piece of stock for me..
This is what he put in my hand an hour and a half later!
Exactly seven sixteenths in diameter. It fit the Stahly head perfectly. It is taper knurled deeper at the bottom end for good grip with a light pinkie finger wrap, and smoother towards the top for easy control, but without slipping or fingertip irritation. He even faded the knurled surface to polished at the top end, and turned the bottom end with a nice radius and polished tip.I was stunned.. It looks gorgeous assembled, and it shaves beyond my expectations. The control afforded by the large handle, combined with the sheer mass that keeps the blade in contact with my skin, and moving through stubble without changing speed is incredible.
It's my new favorite razor.. Now, if I can only convince them to make a few dozen more for cheap so I can offer them here... Stahly people take note. You can use that awesome razor like a transformer to suit your needs.
