Does a Safety Razor Handle Make a Difference? (All Options Explained)

Safety razor handles come in all shapes and sizes with differing features. However, as you shop, you need to know, does a safety razor handle make a difference?

The type of handle your safety razor has does make a difference and should impact your decision when purchasing a new razor. The length, width, weight, grip, and material of a safety razor handle will all affect your shaving technique and comfort, as well as the durability of the razor itself.

Now that we know a safety razor’s handle makes a difference, let us find out why the type of safety razor handle matters, what features to look for in a safety razor handle, and what kind of safety razor handle is the right fit for you as a shaver. 

Does the type of safety razor handle you have matter?

The average shaver might wonder, how much does a safety razor handle matter? Does it have an impact on my shaving?

The type of safety razor handle matters because it controls comfort and control, two of the most critical aspects of shaving with a safety razor. By finding the safety razor handle that is best for you, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a controlled and comfortable close shave.  

The longer you use a handle that is wrong for you, the longer you go without feeling comfortable and in control. Understanding the characteristics of a safety razor’s handle helps you make a more informed choice when purchasing a safety razor. In turn, it provides you with the comfort and control you deserve when shaving. 

There are numerous features of a safety razor’s handle to look at, which can be overwhelming. However, when deciding on what safety razor handle fits you, four key features matter most. These four features have the most significant impact on your quest to find a safety razor handle that gives you control, comfort, and the safest shave possible. 

Essential features of a safety razor handle to consider are:

• Length
• Width
• Grip
• Material

Length

Many new safety razor shavers might not realize that razor handles come in different lengths.

The average length of a safety razor handle is 3 to 4 inches. Some travel-size safety razor handles go under 3 inches, but you would be hard-pressed to find a handle that is longer than 4 inches. Most shavers agree that a shorter handle allows for better control. 

The longer the handle, the more you have to adjust your grip depending on what section of facial hair you are shaving or the angle you are shaving. Shorter handles decrease this need for adjustment.

Think of it like a baseball bat–you choke up to shorten your swing and gain more control. The same can be said for a safety razor. The less handle there is, the more control a shaver has. 

Width

When it comes to size, width is equally as important as length. Smaller handles can be challenging to control, depending on your hand size. If you cannot control the safety razor, your shave might not be as close, or you might open yourself up to injury. 

The same goes for if the handle is too large. If you purchase a bulky handle, it might feel clumsy in your hand. Once again, this can make you feel like you are not in control of the safety razor as you shave. 

There is no right or wrong width size as it mostly depends on what is comfortable for the individual shaver. 

Grip

The grip is one of the most important aspects of a safety razor handle.

For the brass or stainless steel safety razor handles, the knurling makes or breaks the grip for a shaver. Knurls are patterned lines on the metal that help increase grip. The better and more comfortable you find the knurls, the more likely you are to have a safety razor handle that is not slippery. 

For plastic safety razor handles, the knurls are molded elastomer, a rubber-like polymer. Depending on the quality and placement, these allow for more control and a better grip.

Again, the shaver’s preference matters most, and the opinion on what makes for the best grip can differ significantly. 

Material

While safety razors can be made from a variety of materials, the most common is metal. This style can be found on nearly any safety razor that you will pick up, new or vintage. Some more contemporary styles are shipping with rubberized or plastic handles and bodies.

The more durable materials to look for are the brass or stainless steel options. These options are the best if you are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting shaving setup. Brass or stainless steel options help with control and comfort, but they also provide an economical solution in the long run. By not having to replace your entire razor continuously, you save more money.   

Now that you know what aspects of a safety razor handle are essential and how they impact your shave, you probably wonder, what kind of safety razor is right for me?

What kind of safety razor handle is right for you?

With so many options to choose from in a safety razor handle, it can be challenging to understand what the best fit is for you, the shaver. 

The most important aspects of a safety razor handle are length, width, grip, and material.

Which aspect is most important to you will depend on your hand size, technique, and other factors. For example, some might find that a short handle provides better control, while others prefer a long handle. No matter what you choose, choose what feels right and what feels comfortable. 

When choosing the best option for you, it comes down to personal preference. However, these four categories are the critical starting points for your journey to finding the perfect safety razor handle.