I really, really really love the look of the 1904 handle, but I have large hands and need a razor with a long, fairly substantial (read "heavy") handle. My two current favorites are the RazoRock Classic TTO and the Merkur 38 HD long handle. Is there anything out there that resembles the 1904 handle in appearance but that is longer and heavier, either as part of a TTO razor or that could screw onto the head of my Merkur?
The Perfect Handle?
- Thread starter 01HDFXD
- Start date
I have three wonderful handles that I can recommend:
IKON Bulldog II
UFO Kaiser Short
Griest GS-1
IKON Bulldog II
UFO Kaiser Short
Griest GS-1
I too like the hexagon shape handle. I've never seen another like it. I'll be watching this thread also. If someone finds one I'll pick one up also.
That 1904 handle is really nice, and is about my favorite on a DE. I also have large hands, but I've found that the longer handle just gets in the way. I tend to hold any DE razor pretty close to the head anyway.
UFO Kaiser Short
Ben
Ben
I don't know if you would call this the perfect handle, but I just ordered one of their razors just for the attached handle, and I am really impressed with the quality and surprised at how darn heavy it is. Cadet Razors at Shave A Buck. Check out this handle, it's even an octagon shape...with a herringbone pattern:
http://shaveabuck.com/cadet-shaving-three-piece-razor-tp44-p-798.html
They also have a ton of TTO razors with different handle designs. The one I got is solid brass with a great design on it....gunmetal grey with a brass star carved it it. Best grip I have ever felt on a razor handle. And I love the weight. It makes all the difference in my shaves. Anyhow, poke through the 4 pages of Cadet razors and see what you like. The are a bargain for $19 and the handle alone is worth it. I bought the deal where you get to pick one razor from an abbreviated list + 100 razor blades for $30. They just happened to offer one of my favorite blades, the Voshkod.
Good luck.
http://shaveabuck.com/cadet-shaving-three-piece-razor-tp44-p-798.html
They also have a ton of TTO razors with different handle designs. The one I got is solid brass with a great design on it....gunmetal grey with a brass star carved it it. Best grip I have ever felt on a razor handle. And I love the weight. It makes all the difference in my shaves. Anyhow, poke through the 4 pages of Cadet razors and see what you like. The are a bargain for $19 and the handle alone is worth it. I bought the deal where you get to pick one razor from an abbreviated list + 100 razor blades for $30. They just happened to offer one of my favorite blades, the Voshkod.
Good luck.
+1 from Paul #2
Weber Bulldog or UFO Kaiser Short are the two handles i use with all my heads, both are excellent.
I think this handle matches the original quite well, but it is nickel, not chrome plated.
http://connaughtshaving.com/lesrh.html
I've got one of then with a Tech head attached.
Just tried a Merkur 1904 OC head on it and for some reason it doesn't fit, or is just very tight. Didn't want to force it.
You may also want to look at Maggard's handles, also nickel plated brass: http://www.maggardrazors.com/index.php/product-category/safety-razors/maggard-razors-safety-razors/
- Thread starter
- #13
Thanks, guys. That Cadet TP-44 looks about as close as I am likely to find. Since I believe that Cadets and RazoRocks are made by the same company, and since I love my RazoRock Classic TTO, I placed an order through shaveabuck.com. I hope it ships quickly.
- Thread starter
- #14
BTW, Jeff, in terms of aggressiveness, what other razor would you compare the TP-44 to?
I recently got a maggard MR4 just to use the handle. The head is decent, but the handle is very classy looking to me. With the lined pattern, it looks nice with a replated new deluxe. The Sabi T1 and the Maggard MR4 both have long and heavy handles. I also have a little bastone, and it is better than the original handles, but nowhere nearly as big and heavy as these 2.
I bought the TP-29, but I believe the only difference is the handle. I believe the open comb head is the same on all their 3 piece razors. I've just shaved with it once, but it falls somewhere between my Gillette New LC and my 2013 R41, just from the feel of the blade on my face more than anything. I really need to shave with it a few more times.
On an aggressiveness scale I put the New LC at about a 5 and the R41 at about an 8.5 roughly. The Cadet feels like a 6 based on these other razors. I really notice the edge of the blade with all 3 of these razors, more than I ever did with my R89 or any of my Gillette safety bar razors. By comparison the Gillette's don't feel like they have a blade in them at all. The key to the Cadet and these other 2 razors is finding the right angle for your face and skin. For me, a very shallow angle allows the blade to glide better and give me a smooth shave. I have that angle down with the Gillette New. My first shave with the Cadet went fairly well, but it needs a slightly different angle than the New, so I will get that down. The R41, I can shave my cheeks and neck with it beautifully. Get it around my mouth or chin and you might as well set up a transfusion for me, because I lose a lot of blood.
Anyhow, the biggest difference you are going to notice is how the weight of the handle really makes your razor glide more effectively...at least I did. For the first time I could really say I put no additional pressure on the razor head and let the weight of the razor and handle keep the blade on my face. It made a huge difference. I think you will like the heft of the handle.
The head of the handle, where it screws into the razor head is a bit wide. If I had a standard American New it wouldn't fit between the raised channel that runs along the baseplate. All of my other 3 piece razors have perfectly flat baseplates, so this handle fits wonderfully.
I'll be anxious to hear how you like the handle and the razor. You will be pleasantly surprised by the shave. Also, the quality on both the handle and the head are top notch. Like a razor that costs twice as much.
I just ordered a Maggard MR3 handle. It's a beauty at a good price too. Thanks for the tip Bobcat.
I like the Tech fat handle, but for heavy you'd probably need to fill the center with solder or something else.
Are the Griest and UFO handles still available?
