# RAZOR HANDLES DO THEY MATTER? _Published: 2026-11-11_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Razor Design · The Handle RAZOR HANDLES DO THEY MATTER? Weight, grip and balance: what a good handle does for your shave, and what to look for. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Razor Design 3 things to check weight, grip and balance 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) Rubber grip every SmartShave handle has a quality rubber grip £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge Most people choose a razor by the blades. But the handle is the part you actually hold, and it affects how much control you have and how hard you press. A good one makes a good shave easier. Here’s what to look for. ## What a Handle Does Control It’s How You Steer The handle is the link between your hand and the blade. A comfortable, secure one makes short, careful strokes easier. Pressure It Helps You Press Less A handle with some weight and a good grip lets the razor do more of the work, so you don’t press down. See [our razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/). Grip It Should Stay Secure When Wet Cream and water make handles slippery. A rubber grip helps the razor stay in your hand. Balance It Should Feel Balanced A handle that feels balanced is less tiring to hold and easier to steer around the jaw and neck. ## Three Things to Check 1 **Weight** Many people like a handle with some heft, because it feels controlled and discourages pressing. Customers often mention the weighty, quality feel of ours. Action: Pick it up. It should feel solid, not flimsy. 2 **Grip** Look for a textured or rubberised grip that stays secure with wet hands. SmartShave handles have a quality rubber grip. Action: Test it with wet hands. 3 **Balance** The razor should sit comfortably in your hand, with the head neither too heavy nor too light. Action: Hold it like a pen, and check it feels natural. ## The SmartShave Range 3-blade 5-blade Models SB3 and CB3 GG5 and BB5 Handle Premium, quality rubber grip Premium, quality rubber grip Head Pivoting action Pivoting action Strip Vitamin E and aloe Vitamin E and aloe Starter kit £9.99 £9.99 All four models share the same handle features. See [what’s in the starter kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/whats-in-the-starter-kit/) for what you get. ## Handle Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Choosing by looks alone - Gripping tightly, which makes you press - Leaving the handle wet and dirty - Ignoring the balance - Assuming a heavier handle fixes bad technique #### ✓ The Better Way - Choosing by feel, in your hand - A relaxed, pen-like grip - Rinsing and drying it after each shave - Checking it sits comfortably - Pairing a good handle with good technique Keep your handle clean and dry between shaves. See [how to clean your razor](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-clean-your-razor/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Feel the Difference: £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=razor-handles-do-they-matter&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=razor-handles-do-they-matter&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions Does razor handle weight matter? Many people like some weight, because it feels controlled and helps you avoid pressing. But technique and a fresh blade matter more. Why is a rubber grip useful? Shaving cream and water make handles slippery. A rubber grip helps the razor stay securely in your hand. How long does a razor handle last? There’s no fixed lifespan. Replace it if it cracks, loosens or corrodes, and rinse and dry it after each shave. Do cartridges fit any handle? Usually not. Cartridges are generally designed for a brand’s own handles, so check compatibility before you buy. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. → The Verdict A good handle gives you control. The handle is the part you hold. Look for some weight, a secure grip and good balance, and you’ll find it easier to use a light touch. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=razor-handles-do-they-matter&utm_content=w9d-sidebar) Handle Checklist - Some weight, solid feel - Grip that stays secure when wet - Balanced in your hand - Easy to rinse and dry - Replace if cracked or loose SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - What’s in the Starter Kit - Pivoting Head Razors Explained - How to Clean Your Razor Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Feel the quality. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit with a premium handle, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=razor-handles-do-they-matter&utm_content=w9d-footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=razor-handles-do-they-matter&utm_content=w9d-footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)