Just curious if anyone prefers original handles or aftermarket handles. I tried an aftermarket handle on my tech and find it upsets the balance. But YMMV.
Depends on the razor. I have some new fatter handles I use on my Gillette Old razors and like the wider and heavier feel. The Techs came with either a very heavy Ball End handle or the fat handle and even an aluminum handle. I like all of those formats.
I change handle if I can achieve better balance. Some razors just have the balancing point at the wrong place. For example, R41 got a too light handle considering the weight of the head. A change to a heavier handle is well worth, in this case. Another example is iKon X3 with the OSS handle. This handle is too heavy for the light X3 head, so there again a lighter handle improves the experience.
I usually prefer to use the original handle on a vintage razor, it's part of using vintage. A modern handle on an OLD is like trying to modernize the Mona Lisa! But,... using a different vintage handle on a vintage razor seems reasonable, I have one pre-war Tech head on a common bar handle, and another on a Durham Duplex handle. I'm sure some original users swapped things around either out of necessity, or personal preference. In general though, as long as you keep the handle length down to three inches or less, the balance will be fine. Folks these days seem to migrate towards broomhandle length handles for some reason, withdrawal issues related to their old cartridge razor perhaps? .
I would change a handle on a modern razor without a thought. But my vintage Gillettes? Can't bring myself to do that. I love knowing I am using a razor (handle included) that is as old or older than I am.
Some work better than others. You have to first ask if you want it for the weight, the grip, or aesthetics. Then ask if the original handle worked well or not...if so, something closer to it would be better. I have several aftermarket handles. Here is one of my favorites (charcoal goods hammered antique copper on a copper and brass pre-war Gillette tech:
I put a much heavier handle on a DE89 head, and for me, it was like night and day. The shaves are much better with the extra weight.
Gillette did a good job with their handles in terms of balance (modern razors are a different story). You've seen this before I think Mark but I use a Star handle on my Tech which I do think Improves over the originals, ball end and fat handle. I also use it with my Ever Ready 1924. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Those are excellent handles, and the Star razor is as good or better than your average Tech. If you're worried about the Zamak cap on the Star, replace it with a Gillette OLD cap, the baseplate is already brass.
I've used the original handle on my Stahly for a number of shaves. While the cap and base plate do shave well on a different handle it's part of the Live Blade Experience using the 3000 VPM mechanism. Down side is they get slippery and hard to wind with soap on your hands.
I prefer the original handle over an aftermarket one, I do use a couple of razors with different handles.
Many of my Techs I keep the original handles, but if the original was a bad design or too small, I swap to another. In this case I received just the head and no handle, so I used a Durham Duplex handle.