CN113084878A

CN113084878A - Razor or razor handle

Info

Publication number: CN113084878A
Application number: CN202011621323.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗伯特·布莱特·沃夫森
Original assignee: Evo Razor Co ltd
Current assignee: Evo Razor Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-08
Filing date: 2020-12-30
Publication date: 2021-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-30
Also published as: GB202000244D0; GB2590949A; TW202138144A; GB2590949B; WO2021140313A1; CN113084878B

Abstract

The invention relates to a razor handle (2) having a body with a connector (9) for detachably connecting a blade holder (3) to the razor handle. The body of the razor handle includes a first finger engagement element (4) on which is disposed a cartridge connector (9). The body also has a second finger-engaging element (6) comprising a pair of wings (6a, 6b) extending from a mid-point thereof to respective end points. A web portion (5) extends from a midpoint of the first finger engagement element to the midpoint of the second finger such that a gap is provided between the first and second finger engagement elements on either side of the web portion. The gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements is such that upon insertion of a user's finger, both the first and second finger-engaging elements of the body are in contact with the user's finger during use. The gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements is variable to accommodate insertion of different sized fingers.

Description

Razor or razor handle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to razors and razor handles, and particularly but not exclusively to shaving razors and razor handles.

Background

Most razors on the market today comprise a handle with a razor head. The razor head is either molded with the handle or the handle has an attachment point to which the disposable cartridge may be removably secured. The user grasps the handle to manipulate the cartridge and slides it relative to the skin for shaving. The handle of conventional razors is typically designed with ergonomic considerations, and therefore typically includes a gripping portion corresponding to the position of the user's fingers and a high friction component to facilitate gripping the handle when wet.

Existing razors have been optimized to shave a particular body part. For example, a substantially cylindrical handle is held between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. This type of handle is sometimes considered more suitable for shaving a user's face because it is easily rotated and tilted to obtain an optimal contact angle when shaving a relatively widely varying curve of the user's face. Conversely, more pad-shaped handles may be used, as they provide a larger gripping surface and are therefore considered particularly effective for shaving the legs of a user. The pad configuration may provide better control over the length of the arm when shaving larger areas or sliding the razor along relatively large distances.

One of the main objectives of shaving is to achieve close shave, which is best achieved with a sharp blade and with one or more blades in close proximity to the skin. These general requirements result in a risk of cutting the user's skin, since a very sharp blade is used almost in direct contact with the skin for optimal shaving.

To ensure that the blades remain sharp, many shaving systems use disposable cartridges that are removably secured to the handle and discarded when dulled. Disposable cartridges typically include a plurality of blades that may be positioned such that the distance between the blades and the user's skin is gradually reduced, thereby ensuring a closer shave, but may reduce the risk of plucking hairs that may occur when the length of the stubble is too long. In addition, the multi-blade holder provides, to some extent, distribution of the pressure applied to the blades to a greater contact area, thereby reducing the risk of nicks and scratches. However, disposable cartridges have a number of disadvantages, including being large relative to the size of the blade itself, which makes it difficult to achieve good control.

Furthermore, multi-blade cartridges in particular often require a large contact area with the skin to function optimally. To alleviate these problems, many disposable cartridges are designed to be hooked relative to the razor handle so that the cartridge automatically adopts the ideal contact angle relative to the skin and compensates for the incorrect handle angle.

While such an arrangement alleviates some of the problems highlighted above, it may also result in a general lack of direct control over the razor head or cartridge, and may be awkward or unintuitive to use.

Also, common razors have a bar-type handle remote from the cartridge. In use, the distance between the handle and the cartridge results in a relatively large radius of curvature where the user grips the handle relative to a pivot axis through the cartridge. In normal use, a small rotation relative to the handle translates into a large rotation of the cartridge. Rotation of the cartridge during shaving is undesirable as it can result in lateral movement of the blades, resulting in skin cuts.

In addition, such bar handle razors function by the user pulling a blade on the cartridge across the skin surface using the handle. Thus, the resultant force applied to the skin is directed to the front of the cartridge. This results in limited control of the blade by the user and inefficient use of the cutting efficiency of the blade for shaving as the blade is pulled across the skin surface.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a blade cartridge that provides more control over the movement of the blade cartridge.

Accordingly, it is also desirable to have a cartridge that can more efficiently utilize the force exerted on the razor by the user.

In WO2013/034902a1, the authors of the present invention describe a razor handle that facilitates holding the razor so that a user can comfortably place his or her fingers on the razor head or cartridge and thus more directly control the razor head or cartridge.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to provide further improvements to razor handles in this field of technology. Finally, the present invention provides a razor handle having a body with a connector for removably connecting a cartridge to said razor handle, said body comprising: a first finger engagement member on which said blade holder connector is disposed; a second finger engagement element comprising a pair of wings extending from a midpoint thereof to respective ends; a web portion extending from a midpoint of said first finger engagement element to said midpoint of said second finger engagement element, thereby providing a gap between said first finger engagement element and said second finger engagement element on either side of said web portion; wherein the gap is such that upon insertion of a user's finger, both the first and second finger-engaging elements of the body contact the user's finger during use; and the gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements is variable to accommodate insertion of different sized fingers.

It will be appreciated that by arranging the said first and second finger engaging elements of the razor handle body such that the gap between them can be varied, it is ensured that both finger engaging elements can be brought into greater range of contact with the user's fingers during use.

That is, the variable nature of the relationship between the first and second finger-engaging elements means that users with differently sized fingers can engage the razor handle in the same manner (i.e. their fingers engage both finger-engaging elements). This allows different users to use the same razor handle to achieve the same shaving control.

It will be appreciated that the variation of the gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements may be achieved in a number of ways. Preferably, however, the wing portion is bendable relative to the web portion to increase the gap between the first and second finger engaging elements to accommodate different finger sizes.

It is envisaged that the razor handle, and in particular the wing-shaped portion, may preferably be formed from a resiliently deformable material which allows the wing-shaped portion to flex under pressure (i.e. from the user's finger) and then return to its original position (i.e. the user's finger) after the pressure is removed.

Elastomers are considered to be a preferred example of suitable elastically deformable materials. Examples include rubber-based materials and plastics such as polypropylene. Certain foams may also have suitable structural properties to provide the desired flexibility while also maintaining sufficient structural strength.

Preferably, at least the winged portion comprises an elastomeric material having a shore hardness of 80 to 90, most preferably 85 on the shore hardness "a" scale. More preferably, the elastomeric material may be a rubber-based material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

It has been found that forming the wing-shaped portion of the second finger engaging element from an elastomeric material falling within the shore hardness range ensures that the wing-shaped portion provides sufficient flexibility to accommodate insertion of a finger larger than the rest gap of the razor handle, while maintaining the necessary structural strength to grip both sides of the user's finger.

Preferably, the first and second finger-engaging elements, and more preferably the web portion, may comprise an elastomeric material having a shore hardness of 80 to 90 on the shore hardness "a", most preferably 85. Again, it is further preferred that the elastomeric material may be a rubber based material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Making all the key elements of the razor handle body from the same elastomeric material can help to simplify the manufacturing process.

Preferably, the first finger-engaging element may further comprise a rigid base portion structurally reinforcing the first finger-engaging element. The use of a rigid base is considered particularly suitable when all the key elements of the razor handle body are made of elastomeric material.

It will be appreciated that the reinforcement of the first finger-engaging element by the rigid base ensures that only the second finger-engaging element, and in particular the wing portion thereof, is able to flex.

Further preferably, the cartridge connector may be disposed on the rigid base. This arrangement is believed to be advantageous as it helps to provide a connection mechanism which may not be possible with elastomeric materials.

Additionally or alternatively, the rigid base may also extend at least some way into the web portion so as to structurally reinforce the web portion and increase its rigidity. Again, this arrangement is considered particularly suitable when all the critical elements of the razor handle body are made of elastomeric material.

Although it is envisaged that the wing portion of the second finger engagement element is preferably curved to enable the gap between the first and second finger engagement elements to be varied, it is envisaged that in some alternative arrangements the web portion may be curved/stretched to facilitate the variation in the gap. In such an alternative embodiment, the stiffness of the wing may preferably be increased by structural reinforcement means.

Preferably one, but not all, of the areas of the first finger engaging element are provided with an array of depressions or projections on either side of the web portion which assist in creating an increased frictional relationship between the razor handle and the user's fingers.

Further preferably, the depressions are provided in the form of dimples and/or valleys and the protrusions are provided in the form of piles and/or ribs.

Preferably, the location of the array of depressions/protrusions on the first finger engaging element is used to guide the user where to place a finger during shaving.

In this connection, it is foreseen that said depression/projection is provided in particular on the area of said first finger engagement element, where the user places his finger when correctly engaged with the razor handle. This serves to provide the user with subtle guidance as to the best way to hold the razor handle while shaving.

Preferably, the array of recesses/protrusions may be located adjacent the cartridge connector on either side of the web portion. This positioning may ensure that the user has correctly inserted fingers into the cartridge, which is considered the best way to hold the razor handle.

Preferably, the first finger-engaging element may have a greater finger contact surface area than the second finger-engaging element.

Further preferably, the first finger engagement element may comprise a front edge and a rear edge, the connector being adjacent the front edge; the second finger engagement element may comprise a front edge and a rear edge; wherein said edges of said first and second finger engagement elements are aligned with one another but the leading edge of said second finger engagement element is laterally set back from the leading edge of said first finger engagement element.

This arrangement provides space for the user's fingers to reach beyond the razor handle and remain on the top/back of the cartridge during shaving. This interaction helps the user achieve enhanced control of the razor during shaving.

Further preferably, the first finger engagement element may curve upwardly from the rear edge to the front edge. This contour of the first finger engagement element serves to present a user's fingertip to the cartridge while maximizing the contact area between the finger and the first finger engagement element.

Preferably, the end point of said wing portion of said second finger engagement element does not protrude beyond said first finger engagement element.

Preferably, the wing portion may be inclined upwardly such that the end point of the second finger engagement element is further from the first finger engagement element than the midpoint of the second finger engagement element. This arrangement enables the razor handle to accommodate a greater range of finger sizes.

Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment of a razor handle, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a razor handle of the present invention with a blade cartridge attached;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the razor handle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the razor handle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the razor handle shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a razor handle of the present invention with a cartridge disconnected;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a razor handle of the present invention with a cartridge disconnected; and

fig. 7 shows a comparative front view of a razor handle of the invention wherein the wings of the second finger engaging element are differently arranged.

Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of a razor handle 2 is shown in fig. 1 with a removable cartridge 3 attached. Razor handle 2 and cartridge 3 combine to form a functioning razor 1.

Razor handle 2 includes a first finger-engaging element 4 and a second finger-engaging element 6. The first and second finger engagement elements are connected to each other by a web portion 5 which extends upwardly from element 4 at a mid point of the first finger engagement to a mid point of the second finger engagement element 6.

The web portion 5 extends from the rear of the razor handle 2 to the front of the razor handle where it terminates adjacent a connection device 9, said connection device 9 releasably connecting the cartridge 3 to the razor handle 2.

The second finger engagement element 6 comprises a pair of

wings

6a, 6b extending transversely from the mid-point where the web portion 5 meets the second finger engagement element 6. In the preferred embodiment of the razor handle shown in the drawings, the wing-shaped

parts

6a, 6b are symmetrical in nature. However, it is contemplated that this is not essential to the invention, and in some embodiments, the characteristics (e.g., length, width, angle they extend from a midpoint) of the

airfoils

6a, 6b may differ from one another.

In the case of this preferred embodiment, and as will be best understood from fig. 4 and 6, the wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b of the razor handle extend laterally outwardly from said mid-points on either side of the web portion 5 by the same distance.

These figures show that in the case of the preferred embodiment of the invention the

wings

6a, 6b extend outwardly to a lesser extent than the width of the first finger engagement element 4. It can thus be seen in particular from fig. 4 that the wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b are within the footprint of the razor handle 3 defined by the first finger engaging element 4.

In addition, the two wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b are arranged at an angle such that as they extend laterally outwardly from said midpoint of the second finger-engaging element 6, they also project further away from the first finger-engaging element 4. As a result, the distance between the first and second finger-engaging elements is greater at the end/tip of the wing than at the base near the midpoint of the second finger-engaging element 6.

Although it is believed that the

wing portions

6a, 6b are preferably angled upwardly away from the first finger engagement element 4, it will be appreciated that such an arrangement is not essential in the broadest sense of the invention. That is, the wing portions may be disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane in which a majority of the first finger-engaging element lies.

The razor handle 3 of the present invention has a generally "I" shaped body when viewed from the front. Alternatively, the razor handle may be shaped as two back-to-back brackets (i.e. [). In this way, and as will be appreciated from the above description of the razor handle shown in the drawings, the length of the lower arm (i.e. the first finger-engaging element 4) may preferably be longer than the length of the upper arm (i.e. the second finger-engaging element 6).

In essence, the razor handle provides two finger receiving areas on either side of a centrally located web portion 5, wherein the gap provided by the finger receiving areas is defined at the bottom by the first finger-engaging elements 4, at the sides by the web portion 5 and at the top by the second finger-engaging elements 6.

During use of the razor handle 2, all three elements, i.e. the web portion 5 and the first and second

finger engaging elements

4, 6, are in contact with the user's fingers, thereby maximizing the user's grip on the razor handle 2.

In the preferred embodiment of the razor handle 2 shown in the drawings and particularly in fig. 6, the first and second finger engaging elements are dimensioned to clearly extend far enough from the web portion to provide sufficient contact surface to allow at least one finger of a user to contact both finger engaging elements on either side of the web portion. It will therefore be appreciated that the dimensions of the first and second finger-engaging elements must be at least large enough to accommodate at least one finger width.

Preferably, the first finger engagement element should extend laterally outwardly from the web portion by about 17-21mm, and preferably 19 mm. Each wing of the second finger engagement element extends laterally outwardly from the web portion about 12-16mm, preferably 14 mm.

Since the wing portion of the second finger-engaging element is angled upwardly in the preferred embodiment shown, the distance between the first and second finger-engaging elements increases as the wing portion extends further from the web portion. The distance between the midpoint of the razor handle where the first and second finger-engaging elements meet the web portion is about 10-12mm, more preferably 11mm, and the distance is about 16-18mm, more preferably 17mm, at the end/tip of each wing.

It is contemplated that these preferred dimensions are suitable for closely receiving an average adult sized finger. That said, if the razor handle is designed for use by users with small fingers, it is contemplated that smaller sizes may be used.

In order to ensure a sufficient grip even when the razor handle is wet, the finger contacting surfaces of all three elements are preferably formed of a rubber-type elastomeric material, with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) being considered highly preferred. Making the web portion 5 and the first and second

finger engagement elements

4, 6 from the same material also enables them to be formed as one piece.

It will be appreciated that a razor handle constructed solely of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber-like material, will not necessarily have the rigidity necessary to function effectively. Therefore, in order to provide the razor handle with greater structural rigidity, the razor handle preferably has a rigid base 8.

As can be seen in fig. 2, a rigid base 8 is provided on the underside of the first finger-engaging element 4. In this way, the rigid base 8 increases the overall stiffness of the first finger-engaging element 4.

It is envisaged that the rigid base 8 may preferably be made of a plastics material such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate. However, alternative suitable materials will be apparent to the skilled person after consideration of the described embodiments of the invention.

The rigid base 8 further comprises a rib element 8a, said rib element 8a extending upwardly from a midpoint of the rigid base body such that it is aligned with the web portion 5 and extends into the web portion 5. In this way, the rib elements 8a increase the stiffness of the web portion 5.

In the preferred embodiment, in addition to structurally reinforcing the first finger engagement element 4 and web portion 5, the rigid base 8 also includes a cartridge connecting device 9, the cartridge connecting device 9 facilitating removable connection of the cartridge 3 to the razor handle 2.

It is contemplated that the cartridge may engage the connecting means in a variety of ways, from a push-fit to a mechanical interaction. An advantage of the push-fit connection arrangement is that the manufacturing costs of the razor handle of the present invention are reduced, wherein the protrusion on the cartridge is closely received within a complementary aperture on the razor handle.

In a preferred embodiment of the razor handle 2, only the second finger engagement element 6 is not reinforced by the rigid base 8. This arrangement is believed to be beneficial because it allows the

wing portions

6a, 6b of the second finger engagement element 6 to bend and flex in a manner not possible with the first finger engagement element 4 or web portion 5.

This flexibility of the

wings

6a, 6b allows the gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements to be varied to accommodate insertion of different sized fingers into the finger-receiving area of the razor handle.

The variable nature of the receiving region will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 7, which shows a front view of a preferred razor handle in two different states necessary for insertion of fingers of different sizes.

The razor handle shown on the left side of figure 7 is in a default position with the wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b of the razor handle gently sloping upwards from the first finger engagement element 4 to receive the fingers 14 on either side of the web portion.

The razor handle shown on the right side of fig. 7 is in its bent position with the wing-shaped

parts

6a, 6b of the razor handle bent upwards at a greater angle from the first finger engagement element 4 to receive a larger finger 15 on either side of the web portion.

By allowing the wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b to bend in this manner, the razor handle of the present invention can receive fingers of various sizes in the finger receiving areas and still achieve surface contact between the user's fingers and the first and second

finger engaging elements

4, 6, which provides improved grip.

As mentioned above, the manufacture of the second finger engagement element 6 from an elastomeric material, such as TPE, provides the

wings

6a, 6b with the ability to flex. It will be appreciated that a balance must be struck between the flexibility and rigidity of the aerofoil portion.

If the flexibility of the wings is too high, they will no longer apply a gripping force to the top of the user's fingers, whereas if the stiffness of the wings is too high, they will not bend upwards to accommodate insertion of larger fingers. In view of this problem, it has been found that an elastomeric material having a shore hardness value between 80 and 90 and more preferably 85 on the "a" class shore hardness achieves a desired balance between flexibility and rigidity.

TPEs represent examples of elastomeric materials that can be produced in the preferred shore hardness range. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other elastomeric materials may also be capable of achieving this level of elastic deformability.

Although the above described embodiments represent preferred solutions for achieving a variation in the gap provided between the first and second finger engagement elements, it is envisaged that a variation in the finger receiving area may be achieved in other ways.

For example, in addition to having a reinforced first finger engagement element 4 and a reinforced web portion 5, some embodiments of the present invention may include a reinforced first finger engagement element 4 and a reinforced second finger engagement element 6 connected by a web portion that is less reinforced or not reinforced at all.

In this arrangement, the bending/stretching of the web portion 5 causes a change in the gap between the first and second finger engaging elements.

In a further alternative, the first and second finger engaging elements may be formed as separate units, each unit comprising a web portion element which interacts with a web portion element of the other finger engaging element to connect the first and second finger engaging elements to each other with different gaps.

In this alternative arrangement, one of the web portion elements may be configured to be received within the other web portion element over a range of depths such that the distance between the first and second finger engagement elements may be varied by adjusting the degree to which one of the web portion elements is received within the respective web portion element.

Turning now to the preferred embodiment of the razor handle of the present invention, the first finger engaging element 4 will now be described in detail with particular reference to fig. 3 and 4.

The first finger engagement element 4 extends from a rear edge 10 of the rear portion of the razor handle 2 to a front edge 11 of the razor handle 2, the connector 9 of the cartridge 3 being located at the front edge 11.

As can be seen from the side view of the razor handle shown in fig. 3, the finger contacting upper surface of the first finger-engaging element 4 has a curved profile extending from a rear edge 10 to a front edge 11 of the razor handle, wherein said rear edge lies in a lower plane than said front edge.

The upper surface of the first finger engaging element is contoured so that it follows the natural curvature of the user's finger when properly inserted into the finger receiving area of the razor handle. In this way, the profile helps to maximise the contact between the first finger engagement element 4 and the user's finger, thereby improving grip.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the curved profile of the first finger-engaging element rises from the rear edge 10 and then begins to flatten as it approaches the front edge 11. In general, the profile is a single continuous curve.

On either side of the web portion 5 the first finger engagement element 4 is provided with an array of ribs/ridges 7 extending laterally inwardly from the sides of the first finger engagement element 4. The ribs/ridges 7 further enhance the grip of the user's fingers.

In the preferred embodiment, the rib/ridge 7 is located closer to the front edge 11 than the rear edge 10 of the first finger-engaging element 4. In this way, the ribs/ridges 7 ensure that the maximum gripping force is achieved when the user's fingers are correctly inserted into the finger receiving area of the razor handle 2.

It will be appreciated that by providing ribs/ridges 7 only in these selected regions of the first finger engagement element 4, the ribs/ridges 7 provide visual and tactile cues to the user as to how to hold the razor handle during use.

Although the ribs/ridges 7 are shown in fig. 4 as tapering as they approach the trailing edge 11, this is not required and it will be appreciated that the ribs/ridges may stop more abruptly. The main requirement is to provide ribs/ridges only at the front edge of the first finger-engaging elements 4 so that they provide improved finger grip where it is most needed (i.e. close to the blade holder).

It should be understood that while ribs/ridges are used in the preferred embodiment, alternative mechanisms for achieving higher friction areas (e.g., grooves, hills, dimples, etc.) may also be employed.

The relative positions of the first and second finger engagement elements and the web portion are best understood from the side view shown in fig. 3. A web portion 5 extends upwardly from the first finger engagement element 4 along a majority of the length of the first finger engagement element.

The wing-shaped

portions

6a, 6b of the second finger engagement element 6 extend from the rear edge 12 to the front edge 13. In the example shown, the rear edges of the first and second finger-engaging elements are generally aligned. However, the second finger-engaging element 6 extends only along about one third of the length of the first finger-engaging element 4.

As a result, in the preferred embodiment, the front edge 13 of the second finger-engaging element is disposed further back from the front edge 11 of the first finger-engaging element 4. This creates a space through which a user's fingers may extend during use to rest on the upper portion of the cartridge. In this regard, it should be understood that better control may be achieved if the user places a finger on the cartridge 3 during shaving.

It is contemplated that the extent to which the second finger engagement element 6 extends along the length of the first finger engagement element 4 may vary without departing from the present invention. However, it is generally believed to be preferable for the second finger-engaging portion not to extend the entire length of the first finger-engaging portion in order to make it easier for the user to place their finger on the cartridge.

Claims

1. A razor handle having a body with a connector for removably connecting a cartridge to said razor handle, said body comprising:

a first finger engagement member having said blade holder connector disposed thereon;

a second finger engagement element comprising a pair of wings extending from a midpoint thereof to respective ends; and

a web portion extending from a midpoint of said first finger engagement element to said midpoint of said second finger engagement element such that a gap is provided between said first finger engagement element and said second finger engagement element on either side of said web portion;

wherein the gap is such that upon insertion of a user's finger, both the first and second finger-engaging elements of the body contact the user's finger during use; and is

Wherein the gap between the first and second finger-engaging elements is variable to accommodate insertion of different sized fingers.

2. The razor handle of claim 1, wherein the wing portion is bendable relative to the web portion to increase the gap between the first and second finger engaging elements to accommodate different finger sizes.

3. A razor handle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least the wing-shaped portion, and preferably both the first and second finger engaging elements, are formed from an elastically deformable material.

4. A razor handle according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that at least the wing-shaped portion comprises an elastomeric material having a shore hardness in the range of shore hardness "a" of between 80 and 90, most preferably 85.

5. A razor handle according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterised in that the first and second finger-engaging elements, and preferably also the web portion, comprise an elastomeric material having a Shore hardness on the "A" scale of between 80 and 90, most preferably 85.

6. A razor handle according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the first finger engagement element further comprises a rigid base portion structurally reinforcing the first finger engagement element.

7. The razor handle of claim 6, wherein the cartridge connector is disposed on the rigid base.

8. A razor handle according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the rigid base also extends at least somehow into the web portion so as to structurally reinforce it and increase its rigidity.

9. A razor handle according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterised in that the stiffness of the wing-shaped part is increased by structural reinforcement.

10. A razor handle according to any preceding claim, characterised in that a part, but not all, of the area of the first finger engaging element is provided with an array of depressions or projections on either side of the web portion, which depressions or projections assist in establishing an enhanced frictional relationship between the razor handle and the user's fingers.

11. A razor handle according to claim 10, characterised in that the depressions are provided in the form of dimples and/or valleys and the protrusions are provided in the form of hills and/or ribs.

12. A razor handle according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the location of the array of depressions/projections on the first finger engaging element serves to guide the user where to place a finger during shaving.

13. The razor handle of claim 12, wherein the arrays of depressions/projections are located adjacent the cartridge connector on either side of the web portion.

14. A razor handle according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the first finger-engaging element has a greater finger contact surface area than the second finger-engaging element.

15. A razor handle according to claim 14,

said first finger engagement element including a front edge adjacent said connector and a rear edge;

said second finger engagement element comprising a front edge and a rear edge; and

wherein the rear edges of the first and second finger-engaging elements are aligned with each other, but the front edge of the second finger-engaging element is laterally set back relative to the front edge of the first finger-engaging element.

16. The razor handle according to claim 15, wherein the first finger engagement element curves upwardly from the rear edge to the front edge.

17. A razor handle according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the end point of the wing-shaped portion of the second finger engaging element does not protrude beyond the first finger engaging element.

18. A razor handle according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the wing-shaped portion is angled upwardly such that the end point of the second finger engaging element is further from the first finger engaging element than the midpoint of the second finger engaging element.