Why so much concern with razor weight?

[Ski-Patroller]

I keep reading that heavy razors help by letting the weight of the razor apply the necessary force for shaving. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since only 1/3rd of the strokes are down, if you do WTG, XTG, and ATG. I understand that all WTG strokes aren't down, but with the 3 patterns, approximately 1/3rd are going to be down, 1/3rd up and 1/3rd horizontal.

It seems that a heavy razor would have more inertia, and not follow small bumps and contours as well as a light one would.

I own a Futur, an HD and a Progress, so I'm obviously not in the light razor camp, but I was thinking about the logic behind the heavy camp.

Incidentally the Futur is my favorite, although I wish the head was a little thinner.

 

[c0ry]

I keep reading that heavy razors help by letting the weight of the razor apply the necessary force for shaving. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since only 1/3rd of the strokes are down, if you do WTG, XTG, and ATG. I understand that all WTG strokes aren't down, but with the 3 patterns, approximately 1/3rd are going to be down, 1/3rd up and 1/3rd horizontal.

It seems that a heavy razor would have more inertia, and not follow small bumps and contours as well as a light one would.

I own a Futur, an HD and a Progress, so I'm obviously not in the light razor camp, but I was thinking about the logic behind the heavy camp.

Incidentally the Futur is my favorite, although I wish the head was a little thinner.

I've wondered the same thing. I don't like heavy razors for that reason, though. I use the same amount of (or lack of) pressure no matter the razor I use. I just happen to like heavier razors because of the way they feel in my hand.

 

[Vladbkf]

A golden medium is the way to go for me. Too light razors lack substance. Too heavy ones tire out your hand muscles. Having said that, someone who is a confident DE shaver, can adjust to a razor of any weight. Just my $0.02.

 

[ackvil]

Actually, I don't think the Progress is that heavy. The Fat Boy has more weight than the slim adjustable - and I find the slim easier to use.

 

[Mitts]

I tend to like the feel of heavier razors with large handles best, but I find that I can get used to any of them with a little time. A lighter razor is a bit like a light pool cue, or putter. Low inertia, requiring more control and force making it a little harder to use with consistency. The weight only adds down force on the upper parts of your face, but the extra inertia is there on any stroke direction. There is no right or wrong, just what you prefer in the long run. Lucky for us there is equipment of every variety available.
Russ

 

[Hoos]

Well, I'm not a scientist but have an opinion.

Last weekend, I tried shaving with a 1901 Kampfe Star using a Pella blade.

Now, the shave was OK. But, honestly, the razor was really on the lightweight side (especially compared to a 1912 Ever-Ready, which is the same general design) and it ended up being a mediocre one-pass shave (compared to an excellent one-pass shave from the Ever-Ready).

Those early Kampfe Stars (along with sevral other brands) were meant to be used with wedge blades - which are noticeably heavier than a Pella or Gem blade that we use today.

While I haven't tried shaving with one of the wedge blades, I can see how the additional weight from just that blade would probably improve the shave.

All of which is to say, that weight can be a factor in razor quality. But other things can be, too, including head design, blade used, and technique. For example, I've never been able to get a truly good shave from the Lady Gillettes (which have a Superspeed head) - which is heavier than the 1901 Kampfe Star. So weight isn't everything. But it is a factor.

 

[ouch]

What? You mean you don't use the stand on your head for the ATG pass technique?

 

[siouxsie]

It's a personal preference thing. While I agree that razors like the Mergress can fatigue my thumb, I prefer the heavier weight razors. In part, it's because it reminds me of the pressure rule. Believe it or not, some people have beards that defy prep and need a certain amount of pressure to mow through the hair. With a lightweight razor, that can cause problems with having to apply pressure manually.

 

[wdwrx]

What? You mean you don't use the stand on your head for the ATG pass technique?

In regards to straights, I think it's the inertia. A body in motion and all that. the heavier grinds don't jump and judder so much. Moles, pimples... yah, they get mowed down too, right alng with those whiskers
Heaven forbid getting that monster wedge hooked up in a wrinkle!

 

[talibeard]

It seems that a heavy razor would have more inertia, and not follow small bumps and contours as well as a light one would.

This is why I am in the lighter and head-heavy camp. I want my razor to be agile and responding.

I've been around on B&B for a couple of years now and there seems to be roughly two kinds of DE shavers; those who want the weight (and indeed the inertia) and those who want it light and more controled.

I believe there is no good or bad or even a subtile quality difference; it is just a matter of preference.

 

[Copierguy]

I enjoy a heavier razor and feel they give me the best shave.

With this razor I get the best bar none. My theory is that all the hairs turn to watch the handle / dial go by and this allows the head to sneak up behind them before they have a chance to duck.....

 

[DavyRay]

I enjoy a heavier razor and feel they give me the best shave.

With this razor I get the best bar none. My theory is that all the hairs turn to watch the handle / dial go by and this allows the head to sneak up behind them before they have a chance to duck.....

Yeah. There is plenty in here to duck.

 

[Pioneer]

Heaven forbid getting that monster wedge hooked up in a wrinkle!

Not quite the same but I had a FB get caught up in my neck wrinkle - not fun. Tricky area that neck. That being said, I think this is why quite a lot of people have trouble achieving any consistency on the neck. It's a lot easier to gauge the weight once you get used to it going down, but up's quite another matter - then you must apply some kind of force. Which is a roundabout way of saying, good question, and one that deserves a thoughtful minute of repose. Or two.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I don't have a scientific explanation, but it seems that the weight helps on all passes. Even on ATG, since I tilt my head. XTG isn't exactly E-W for me, either. I go for more of a SE-NE pass which seems to take off more beard.