RazoRock Bulldog Handle vs Lupo 72 Base Plate: Which Upgrade First?
By Italian Barber Online Shaving Supplies – ItalianBarber | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare the RazoRock Bulldog Handle and Lupo 72 Base Plate to decide which upgrade improves your shave most. We break down the tradeoffs so you can choose the right part for your razor.
Quick answer
If you already own a Lupo top cap, the Lupo 72 base plate changes blade exposure and aggressiveness, while the Bulldog handle improves grip and balance. The best upgrade depends on whether you want a more efficient shave or better handling.
What each part does for your shave
The Lupo 72 base plate is the heart of the razor head — it determines blade angle, exposure, and how aggressive or mild the shave feels. The Bulldog handle, on the other hand, affects weight distribution and grip, influencing control and comfort during the shave.
Upgrading one without the other can still improve your experience, but pairing them gives you a customized tool that matches your preferences.
Trade-offs to consider
The Lupo 72 base plate is only compatible with a Lupo top cap. If you don't already own one, you'll need to buy that separately. The Bulldog handle works with any standard 5/8-24 threaded razor head, making it a more universal upgrade.
The Bulldog handle is made from 316L stainless steel, which offers superior corrosion resistance compared to 303 or 304 grades — important for a tool that's constantly exposed to water. The Lupo 72 base plate is also stainless steel, but the main tradeoff is that the base plate changes the shave character, while the handle changes the feel.
Tradeoffs at a glance
- Lupo 72 Base Plate: Changes blade exposure and aggressiveness. Requires a Lupo top cap. Best for shavers who want to fine-tune the head geometry for a closer or more efficient shave.
- Bulldog Handle: Improves grip and balance. Fits any standard DE head. Best for shavers who want better control, especially with slippery hands, or who prefer a heavier, more balanced feel.
- Combined upgrade: Pairing both gives you a fully customized razor with optimized head geometry and a secure, corrosion-resistant handle. This is the most comprehensive upgrade path. If you own a Lupo top cap, buying both parts creates a complete, upgraded razor. If you don't, start with the handle — it works with any head you already have.
Product facts
- RazoRock Stainless Steel Lupo 72 Base Plate: The RazoRock Stainless Steel Lupo 72 Base Plate is a gen-two version milled from marine-grade stainless steel. You need an existing Lupo top cap to use it. This base plate alters blade exposure and shave efficiency, making it a targeted upgrade for those who want a more aggressive or efficient shave from their Lupo razor.
RazoRock Stainless Steel Lupo 72 Base Plate - (HANDLE ONLY) RazoRock Bulldog Handle - 316L Stainless Steel: The RazoRock Bulldog Handle is machined from 316L stainless steel rod stock, offering better corrosion resistance than 303 or 304 stainless steel. The 316L marine-grade steel means the handle will resist rust and pitting even with daily use around water, making it a durable, long-term upgrade for any DE razor.
(HANDLE ONLY) RazoRock Bulldog Handle - 316L Stainless Steel
Which upgrade fits your shave?
Best for
- Lupo 72 Base Plate: Shavers who already own a Lupo top cap and want a more efficient or aggressive shave without buying a new razor.
- Bulldog Handle: Anyone looking to improve grip, balance, and corrosion resistance on any standard DE razor head.
Not for
- Lupo 72 Base Plate: Shavers who don't own a Lupo top cap — you'll need to buy that separately.
- Bulldog Handle: Shavers who prefer a lightweight, plastic or aluminum handle — the stainless steel adds weight.
