Blade rigidity and razors

Lately I found that blade rigidity plays an important role in the shaving result. I hadn't thought of that before I looked closely at the differencies of each head. I'd say I get more consistent and clean shaves with a head design that holds the blade stiffer leaving no place to chattering. Do you feel the same way?

Also, I realised that a blade lasts more shaves if you pair it with a head that holds the blade more rigidly. For example, if I use a Personna with my WR1, I usually get about 6 excellent consecutive shaves or more, but if I pair it with many other razors, an EJ for example, I get 3-4 shaves at best following the exact same procedure. I get more consistent shaves with a Wolfman than I get with many other razors, vintage and modern ones. I reach for the WR1 more often since I realised this. Speaking of Wolfman, I also feel that the WR1 head design is superior to the BBS-1 (for me). The slimmer head profile makes the razor more maneuverable and it holds the blade a little bit more rigidly if I understand it correctly.

There are also many vintage options that offer a great blade rigidity. Old Types and pre/post-war Techs are considered amazing razors by many people. I guess the way they hold the blade plays a role in this. My post-war Tech is a great option and one of the very few vintage razors that I still own.

Rockwell 6s, which is a gorgeous razor, has a head design that holds the blade in a similar way to the EJ/Muhle type of head. I really like this razor, but the shaves are not that consistent and the blades don't last many shaves comparing to using them in other razors. The same way I feel about my EJ, even though it was my first razor and I improved my technique with this years ago. I blame the lacking blade rigidity for this.

It also explains why SE razors get a praise and have die-hard fans.

Rigid and secure clamping of the blade is an underrated quality in razors and not be overlooked but it is not as "sexy" as gap or finish

Not confident re WR1 v BBS1 head design blade rigidity perspective but absolutely concurred with all other elements of the post

In general agreement, the firmly clamped designs I find reliably good, whether Fatip, Wolfman or the growing number based on its build, Timeless Bronze, or a New Short Comb, though a bit of feedback is not a bad thing, especially with a very mild rigid design.

Every so often a seemingly non rigid design will have me flummoxed thinking how can this possibly shave as well as it does, the Wardonia being the ultimate example of a razor that should not pass against the grain muster but somehow does.

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Every so often a seemingly non rigid design will have me flummoxed thinking how can this possibly shave as well as it does, the Wardonia being the ultimate example of a razor that should not pass against the grain muster but somehow does.

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This has me puzzled as well. The Blackbird, RS-10, some Paradigm razors, the Yintal bronze I use for travel; all non-rigid but superb shavers.

I consider myself fortunate to never having blade chatter issues. Either I'm immune or have no idea how to use the tool. In either case, I'm good.

Every so often a seemingly non rigid design will have me flummoxed thinking how can this possibly shave as well as it does, the Wardonia being the ultimate example of a razor that should not pass against the grain muster but somehow does.

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This has me puzzled as well. The Blackbird, RS-10, some Paradigm razors, the Yintal bronze I use for travel; all non-rigid but superb shavers.

The Blackbird didn't work for me where the Dart does. The Bird tugged badly going ATG on my crown head stubble where the Dart does just fine. Similarly, the Timeless 95 is not as rigid as the Bronze and while it performed better than the Bird on my head, I sold it and kept the cheaper but better for me sibling Bronze.

I consider myself fortunate to never having blade chatter issues. Either I'm immune or have no idea how to use the tool. In either case, I'm good.

These issues only arise on my head shave. I do fine with less rigid designs on my beard.

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I believe blade rigidity is part of the whole equation of what helps a razor shave well for me, exposure, blade angle, torque on the blade and gap also play a role. When a designer combines these it can be magic. I have razors that may not seem to have a rigid distal clamping but everything else is lined up well and I am rewarded with a great shave

LOOT  Your immune system is just too funny. LMAO

Lately I found that blade rigidity plays an important role in the shaving result. I hadn't thought of that before I looked closely at the differencies of each head. I'd say I get more consistent and clean shaves with a head design that holds the blade stiffer leaving no place to chattering. Do you feel the same way?

Also, I realised that a blade lasts more shaves if you pair it with a head that holds the blade more rigidly. For example, if I use a Personna with my WR1, I usually get about 6 excellent consecutive shaves or more, but if I pair it with many other razors, an EJ for example, I get 3-4 shaves at best following the exact same procedure. I get more consistent shaves with a Wolfman than I get with many other razors, vintage and modern ones. I reach for the WR1 more often since I realised this. Speaking of Wolfman, I also feel that the WR1 head design is superior to the BBS-1 (for me). The slimmer head profile makes the razor more maneuverable and it holds the blade a little bit more rigidly if I understand it correctly.

There are also many vintage options that offer a great blade rigidity. Old Types and pre/post-war Techs are considered amazing razors by many people. I guess the way they hold the blade plays a role in this. My post-war Tech is a great option and one of the very few vintage razors that I still own.

Rockwell 6s, which is a gorgeous razor, has a head design that holds the blade in a similar way to the EJ/Muhle type of head. I really like this razor, but the shaves are not that consistent and the blades don't last many shaves comparing to using them in other razors. The same way I feel about my EJ, even though it was my first razor and I improved my technique with this years ago. I blame the lacking blade rigidity for this.

It also explains why SE razors get a praise and have die-hard fans.

you forgot some of the most rigid razors on the market - GEM style razors and slants.

Every so often a seemingly non rigid design will have me flummoxed thinking how can this possibly shave as well as it does, the Wardonia being the ultimate example of a razor that should not pass against the grain muster but somehow does.

Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk

This has me puzzled as well. The Blackbird, RS-10, some Paradigm razors, the Yintal bronze I use for travel; all non-rigid but superb shavers.

The Blackbird didn't work for me where the Dart does. The Bird tugged badly going ATG on my crown head stubble where the Dart does just fine. Similarly, the Timeless 95 is not as rigid as the Bronze and while it performed better than the Bird on my head, I sold it and kept the cheaper but better for me sibling Bronze.

Which I find interesting because I believe the blackbird clamps the blade down very tightly - in fact, I've had it split a blade in half before...perhaps I tightened down handle too much, I don't know.