I also have both a B3 stainless steel Mongoose and an Alumigoose 2. Despite both being Mongooses (Mongeese?) they are two completely different razors with different shave characteristics.

Blade preference must be determined individually. For me, so far the Feather Pro Guard seems to work well in the SS 'Goose. The Feather Pro will irritate if I'm not really careful, and the Super Pro will irritate and cause weepers despite my best efforts.

However, in the Alumigoose 2 the Feather Super Pro becomes the go-to blade, producing a shave that is super-close and yet smooth and free of irritation.

The huge difference in weight also means that different techniques are required. The weight of the SS 'Goose actually requires negative pressure, "let the weight of the razor do the cutting" can actually be too much. The AG2 is much more injector-like, actually requiring a small amount of pressure at times.

I like them both.

--Bob

Received the handle yesterday and took it for a test shave this morning. Seems like the perfect combination. Very nice balance. Thanks again.

Which handle? could you post a picture of the handle and head together?

That's what I thought also, just the right length and weight. I'm glad you like it!

I don't have my camera with me, but it's Maggard's MR 20. It's slightly shorter than the Mongoose handle that came with the head, otherwise very similar in looks. I will post a picture of the combination when I can.

Does it have deep knurling?

Not deep knurling. Medium with good traction.

I'm really liking my Mongoose with this Maggard MR5 handle. It weighs 1/10 oz less than the stock (Dr. Bomber) handle and is about 1/2" shorter. The knurling is fairly deep.

I had been using an MR3 Bulldog handle, but at 1/2 oz more than the Bomber handle it was a little on the heavy side.

--Bob

It looks very good on that handle. Looks like the Muhle R89 handle but stainless.

Still running with the MR8 handle with great results.

What's the best handle to pair with the Satin mongoose head?

The answer my friend is whatever you choose... The MR20 would make a nice combo IMHO.

I think the MR20 is polished. I was hoping to find a satin handle which would pair well with the satin head. I don't like the original swirl handle it feels like it wants to turn as I'm shaving

Maggard MR5 YOU'RE

If you look closely at the MR20 it is more of a brushed finish.

I think if they made some vertical lines along with the swirl pattern, the handle would be much more secure in the hand. but oh well

Another fine choice!

My R41 head and my Maggard gunmetal V3A look awesome with it but it's also about the control and comfort it offers. My favorite handle for sure!

That's like asking what's the best shaving soap or best razor. Ask 20 different people and get 20 different answers.

That being said, I see that I'm not the only one who likes the MR5 from Maggard Razors:



I also like the MR3, although it is a half oz heavier than the original handle and makes the razor pretty hefty.




Maggard has quite an assortment of SS handles, all well made and very reasonably priced. While most of them are not a true satin finish, they're not polished to a mirror shine either, and I think that they look really good with the satin finish Mongoose, not to mention feeling great in the hand.

--Bob