[Closed] few questions about DE razor shaving......

mooman - Member

I dont know too much about the Techs. How much do they normally go for?

The Made in England fat handle flat head Tech (good condition but need a bit of cleaning) with original box fetch around £15 to £40 including postage. Without original box around £10 to £28 if it is in good condition. The box is very nice especially the small one. i.e. the one where you detach the head and the handle to put them in the box.

The new fat head Teach is about the same price but I have never seen a hybrid Tech on ebay so far. I have a hybrid Tech (1939?) (Rhodium plated - like shinny silver) too which I bought several years ago from a local vendor when price was still reasonable.

The US made Tech ("diamond" head base plate) is slightly cheaper as they are plentiful.

However, the Made in England flat head open comb Tech (I think they are also consider as Tech) like 7 O'Clock Tech can go for crazy price from £25 to £50 including postage if they in good to mint condition. I was out bid many times as price just went crazy at the last minute.

This morning I was lucky enough to get a good deal on a Red tip and a fat handle gold Tech.

I have two Red Tip (one restored and like new) while the other one in good condition but not shinny new.

I have seen the fat handle gold Tech but I think they are "diamond" head US made tech so might not be flat head Teach. I want a gold flat head fat handle new Tech but I am not sure there is one Made In England ... I think I saw the gold flat head Tech on ebay UK recently ... is that the one?

Red Tip go for good price at around £35 to £50 if I can recall. I bought both mine at around £35 to £45 from a local vendor. The vendor's price has gone up since.

The Red tip was my main target, but the Tech came as part of the deal ... so I will probably try to sell on the Tech (and another Red tip I got Saturday).

[b]I am interested in the Tech if you wish to sell it but show me the picture first as I prefer Made in England Tech but may also collect one or two US made Tech.[/b]

😀

Edit: I prefer Tech because I do not have trendy hippie bush beard so it shaves better for me. If I shave with Red Tip I have to be extra careful not to shave my lips off ... did that ... blood bath ... 😆

p/s: email you about Tech.

I am not sure what you mean by flat head and diamond head??
As far as I know the only differences that get mentioned between British and American ones are the slightly different pattern on handle. The slightly rounder end to the handle on the British and the base plate grooves being slightly more diamond in shape on the American ones.
The one I got comes with a box. But the box is very rough. I will see what I can do with it, but I not bothered by that so much.
I will post a before and after pic when it arrives.
I am 99% sure it is an American Tech I got.
I read the fat handles are liked because the handles are hollow, so you can fill them with sand/lead to add weight if desired.

The Red tip seems to fetch similar money to adjustables.
The prices are silly in UK ... as you wrote. I have seen them go for the prices you mentioned.

mooman - Member

I am not sure what you mean by flat head and diamond head??

Here you go some of the Tech heads.

[url= http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/130207-Evolution-of-the-Tech-razor ] From Badger and Blade[/url]

As far as I know the only differences that get mentioned between British and American ones are the slightly different pattern on handle. The slightly rounder end to the handle on the British and the base plate grooves being slightly more diamond in shape on the American ones.

Yes, some differences there but not very important for me.

Some nice pics here too ... [url= http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/359924-What-is-your-favorite-Gillette-NEW/page3 ]From Badger and Blade[/url]

The one I got comes with a box. But the box is very rough. I will see what I can do with it, but I not bothered by that so much.

Yes, the bakelite ones are better.

I will post a before and after pic when it arrives.
I am 99% sure it is an American Tech I got.

Yes, I think only the American Tech comes in gold colour.

I read the fat handles are liked because the handles are hollow, so you can fill them with sand/lead to add weight if desired.

No, don't do it because you will only imbalance the safety razor. The razor is already rather balance at 25.8 grams for the head and handle is around 24.8 grams.

The purpose of having hollow handle means you can actually "listen" to your shave with feedback and if the razor is solid you will not know the feedback hence applying unnecessary pressure.

😀

some excellent in-depth info in those last few posts, its all a bit over my head at the mo as i havent really looked into those razors yet.

you lads seem to have plenty of red tips between you, howsabout selling one on to me, save me bidding on fleabay 😀

got my stick of arko and gave it a try, i like it. an acquired smell but i really think i prefer it to others at the moment.

for those of you that also use it, do you keep it in the stick and keep peeling the paper down? just looks a bit scruffy. had a quick google but couldnt see anything about any sort of holder other than homemade 'ghetto holders'.

ta

Arko sticks squash into a bowl very easily

I managed to get a Merkur 15c off eVilBay for a good price. Open comb, short handle version of the 23c, long handle closed comb. It arrived this morning so I've given it a good clean and sterilised it and put it through its paces. For reasons I'll come to in a minute, I haven't shaved since last Friday, 5 days. I looked like the wild man of Borneo / Hipster.

The handle is really short, but I'll be able swap it for the long handle off the 23c. New feather blade and it's done an admirable job in 2 passes. Only slight more aggressive than the closed comb, but it meant less passes to get the same results. I'll leave it until Friday and then try my usual 4 pass shave that I use when I'm feeling "lucky" 😉

The reason I had 5 days growth is:

VERY PROUD DAD MOMENT!!!!

Boy 1 is 16, nearly 17. He's been shaving irregularly for about 2 years. The odd whisker and more and more bum fluff. Recently the top lip fungus is showing after a few days and is starting to thicken up. He's shaving about twice a week. Over the last couple of years I've bought him a few different multi blade razors get him started without being too aggressive and to minimise the risk of cutting himself. (I started with a Bic disposable, I'm not cruel to inflict that on him) The big problem is the bum fluff just blocks them up and they don't shave very well. Since Xmas he's switched to my DE with an Astra blade and King of Shaves oil. He can then see what he's doing and get his technique sorted.

He's gone on a A Level geology field trip this week, Saturday to Thursday. He asked if he could take my DE to shave with. He's reported back that other lads on the trip have shown interest in what he's using, even labelling him as "bad ass" enough to use such a lethal razor. For his birthday he's getting the full kit, his own razor, nice brush, soap or cream, the works.

VERY PROUD DAD MOMENT!!!!

even labelling him as "bad ass" enough to use such a lethal razor

Outstanding!! 😆 8)

VERY PROUD DAD MOMENT!!!!

even labelling him as "bad ass" enough to use such a lethal razor

He is on the cool list now. 😛

Anyway if you fancy Gillette adjustable Slim or Fatboy on evilbay there are about three to five available at them moment, they look good so long as the bids don't go crazy.

Couple of beaut's here http://www.therazorspa.xyz/sales.html

Gillettes don't do a lot for me personally. 😕

Holyzeus - Member

Couple of beaut's here http://www.therazorspa.xyz/sales.html

Very nicely restored ones. Price looks reasonable. i.e. save you time doing all the search, restoration and replating.

I got four with two of each. Two properly restored like new and they all shave brilliantly but I prefer fatboy with a bit more weight.

bigblackshed - Member

Gillettes don't do a lot for me personally.

What do you use or have? Merkur? 🙂

edit: someone just out bid me on Gillette female armpit razor (I wonder where else would they shave ...hhhmmm) with original box. Basically it's an English flat Tech head with short handle in good condition that is made in the early 50s.

I have a birthyear Superspeed (1967) its shaves beautifully

Holyzeus - Member

I have a birthyear Superspeed (1967) its shaves beautifully

I think I got five of them in various form. Red-tip, flare, black handle and rocket (this one is lighter due to aluminum handle). I prefer the flare and black handle. Red-tip cut my lip open once so need to be very careful while using it. 😀 Think Red-tip is best suited to blue beard.

Mines a black handle, i was really surprised at the shave.
Wasn't expecting to actually have it in rotation

Holyzeus - Member

Mines a black handle, i was really surprised at the shave.
Wasn't expecting to actually have it in rotation

My black handle was made in 1974.

Mine actually belonged to my father which I nicked few years ago. As far as I know it shaves very well but I need to restore the plating lost in future. I will never sell this one due to sentimental value.

Recent changes to ebay have meant they are now adding import charges to prices ... it bumps up final price significantly.
Only today I arranged a price of $50 posted for two Fatboys ... by time final costs had been added up, it went over $80 ... they would have needed a replate, so sale was cancelled.

Those ones at Razorspar look superb. Better than new i would say.

Thing to watch when you get replated razors off ebay is that they aren`t hiding anything.
Seen a recent replate on ebay. At first glance it looked mint, but closer look showed they had not sorted finish before replate ... so whilst it was shiny, it was rough.
And not to mention the blade alignment was noticeably off!

Bigblackshed - if you have never tried a gillette superspeed. Just give one a go. I am confident you will find them smoother than what your using now.

I am using a 71 Black handle superspeed this month. They are very good ... not as smooth as my 54 flairtip ... but not too far off.

I should be getting the Red tips soon Chewkw. And your beginning to scare me with the stories so far!
Only time I have ever cut myself with a razor, was when the TTO came loose and I did not notice in time.

From what I read. Superspeeds were at their best around 1955.
So if your going to get one. Aim for around that year.

mooman - Member

Recent changes to ebay have meant they are now adding import charges to prices ... it bumps up final price significantly.
Only today I arranged a price of $50 posted for two Fatboys ... by time final costs had been added up, it went over $80 ... they would have needed a replate, so sale was cancelled.

I would negotiate with the seller(s) to see if they would sell away from evilbay if that is the case. Obviously, there must be trust between both parties ...

I should be getting the Red tips soon Chewkw. And your beginning to scare me with the stories so far!
Only time I have ever cut myself with a razor, was when the TTO came loose and I did not notice in time.

😆 Just start slowly and you should be fine. I was just being a tool trying to shave quickly on that day without giving any respect to the razor.

interesting site that holyzeus, thanks. sort of the uk version of 'the captain' over in the US. once ive decided which of my razors is my favourite i may fork out and get it all done up. im hoping itll be my slim 🙂

ant, you giving up looking on the US ebay then, or just gonna find stuff and ask for private sales?

i had another bash at shavette the other day, still a few nicks and just cant get my hand position right for going ATG adams apple outwards. finished it with the DE and just wondered why i bother 🙂
i decided to forget it again, but may just practice a bit of final buffing with it from time to time.

I am bit nervous of doing a sale away from EBay, more so if seller is in America.
Good deals are few and far between. So you really got to nab them soon after they have been posted.
The seller had 3 Slims and 2 Fatboys. Somebody had the Slims for $55 posted.
One of the Fatboys I was after was an Executive (gold plated Fatboy) so like most gold plated razors, it had heavy plate loss. The other Fatboy was silver, but not too good condition. So replate definitely required.

The Razorspar look to do a really nice job. But £47.50 for a replate ... in nickel, phewwww!
It is easy to get a Fatboy that doesn't need a replate for that money. Silly money.

If I was to spend any sort of money like that, it would get sent to Captain & Chris.
Maybe cost a little more, but Chris does different types of plating. Chrome, silver, black rhodium, white rhodium, gold, rose gold ... and nickel.

Skin-stretching tip.

Stretch the cheek skin and under the nose by puffing it out. Stretch the skin at the corner of the mouth by pushing it out with the tongue.

[img] http://www.whatisall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Gurning1.jp g" target="_blank">http://www.whatisall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Gurning1.jp g"/> &w=630&h=350&zc=1&a=c[/img]

If I was to spend any sort of money like that, it would get sent to Captain & Chris.
Maybe cost a little more, but Chris does different types of plating. Chrome, silver, black rhodium, white rhodium, gold, rose gold ... and nickel.

To answer Chewkw's question, yes Merkurs for me. I did have a shave with an Ikon, not sure which model, but that was nice and heavy, stainless steel.

bigblackshed - Member

To answer Chewkw's question, yes Merkurs for me. I did have a shave with an Ikon, not sure which model, but that was nice and heavy, stainless steel.

I see you are a Merkur person ... I might get one as present for a friend so to convert him back to traditional shaving. 😆

Yes, Ikon is nice. I was thinking of getting one as it is cheaper than Feather AS-D1 and AS-D2 but somehow I have given up the idea of getting both because I find Gillette is giving me good shave. A renewed interesting in Gillette ... started searching again ...

I think the list of stainless steel safety razor has expanded since then to these: Feather, Pils, Weber, LA BBS-1, Rockwell, Above The Tie Atlas and Tradere OC.

I will get one but I am still indecisive at the moment.

😛

I read that to get the Capt treatment and then for Chris to plate in rhodium, is just a little more than what Razorspar cost for nickel finish. Pretty sure nickel finish from Capt/Chris would work out cheaper ... nickel finish usually a quarter of the price of rhodium.
As said though - not likely I would use either.

My 54 flair tip gives me the best shave. Smooth & close. Not the fanciest razor, but you can see why they sold millions of them!

Picked up two Gillette NEW's yesterday. One red & black boxed and minty looking, the other heavy gold plating loss and unboxed.
One will be getting replate asap. So finally have enough razors to take to replate place I found.

mooman - Member

Picked up two Gillette NEW's yesterday. One red & black boxed and minty looking, the other heavy gold plating loss and unboxed.
One will be getting replate asap. So finally have enough razors to take to replate place I found.

One of my Tech is rhodium which after I polishing gives me nice shinny mint look. I would replate in rhodium or perhaps gold. The latter is nice but might get nicked if you travel with it.

I have a gold 1948-1951 aristocrat like the one on the left which I bought for £40 or something like that several years ago. Shave very well but I dare not use it too often in fear of wearing out the gold plating ... arrghhh ... so I just look at it. 😐

[img] [/img] "Diplomat and President have the knurling near the knob" Picture from Badger & Blade member.

The gold plating does look nice. But it does flake off pretty badly (not surprisingly).
Rhodium at the moment is very expensive. Quite a bit more than gold I read. It is by far the superior finish though.

I have very nearly got my collection complete(for what I want).
Only razor I am keeping an eye out for now is a 1934 Aristocrat. Such a specific won`t make finding a good priced one easy though ... I can wait.[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

I will have to console myself that the NEW looks similar.

[img] [/img]

mooman - Member
The gold plating does look nice. But it does flake off pretty badly (not surprisingly).

Mine is alright so far with a little bit of colour wearing off on the top plate but that's exactly how I got it so I have not made it any worst.

Rhodium at the moment is very expensive. Quite a bit more than gold I read. It is by far the superior finish though.

Crikey ... did not realise it is more expensive than gold. Earlier today I was looking for someone who could do replating in GeordieLand and found a few but no Rhodium mentioned except at the jewelry centre.

I have very nearly got my collection complete(for what I want).
Only razor I am keeping an eye out for now is a 1934 Aristocrat. Such a specific won`t make finding a good priced one easy though ... I can wait.

I counted that I have 17 Gillette safety razors in my collection with two perhaps non-Gillette. I am also waiting for a Tech to come in next week. How many do you have in your collection at the moment?

I am trying to see if I can be lucky to get an Eclipse safety razor as I like the look of it very much.

The two gold Gillette you have posted there I think there is on on evilbay at the moment. I was thinking of bidding but decided not to instead I went for Tech. I need more Tech ...

Rhodium is a bye product of platinum, and platinum production is low at moment, so rhodium prices are sky high (or so I read).
I will have 11. But intend selling on 3 of those (tech fat handle, red tip and a NEW).
There are 3 1934 Aristocrats on eBay at moment. One is something like $300 for a rough one from the US. Another from the US that looks not too bad, but has got import charges added. Which will bump final price over what I think it's worth.
And one on UK EBay ... With a couple of bent teeth on comb, fair amount of plate loss, and blade gap damage which indicates it was dropped. They said to be more aggressive than the Red tip, if the blade gap is anything other than perfect ... there will be blood. And buckets of it lol

I switched to a Merker 25C open comb for a more efficient shave and found the Bluebeards Revenge blades just too aggressive, like going back to the Merkur 23C closed comb/Feather blade combination. Looking closely, I notice that the angle of attack of the BRevenge compared to the WSword that I've just put in, is much more pronounced whilst the WSword blade seems to compliment the curve/angle of the razor more.

There's also a noticeable weight difference between the two razors, the 25C being much lighter.

Trying a Wilkinson Sword blade in the 25C tomorrow morning, just as soon as I've worn down the styptich to a nub to stop my face bleeding... 😯

Received the Red tip yesterday - first run out with it tomorrow.
Let's see if the rep is legit ...

Mr Woppit - Member
Trying a Wilkinson Sword blade in the 25C tomorrow morning, just as soon as I've worn down the styptich to a nub to stop my face bleeding...

I tried Wilkinson sword blade but it was poor with my Gillette. My general rule is to avoid German blades but it might work for Merkur coz they are German made so perhaps their machining might the same? Just speculation like.

mooman - Member

Received the Red tip yesterday - first run out with it tomorrow.
Let's see if the rep is legit ...

Take your time and do it slowly ... 😛

Got my Gillette Tech with bakelite box on Tuesday and after cleaning up it looks good. The base plate looks like it was produced yesterday. Shinnnyyyy! I think I shall increase my collection of 3 piece from now on.

I received one of the NEW's yesterday. They probably one of the best looking razors imo.
The gold plating is not in too bad a condition, but will look superb in shiney nickel.

mooman - Member

I received one of the NEW's yesterday. They probably one of the best looking razors imo.
The gold plating is not in too bad a condition, but will look superb in shiney nickel.

Let me know when you are selling Tech. 😀

Yes. No prob. Just waiting for it to be delivered.
Here are some pix of before/after of the red tip and NEW.
The pix do not really show how dirty the Red tip was.
But half hour sterilising and polishing, it came up superb.
Tried it out this morn - and it shaves unbelievably smooth. maybe a little closer than the regular flair tip ... but not slightest bit of razor burn, or blood!
Its my fave so far.
[img][URL= http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image2_zpsdhee5lxd.jp g" target="_blank">http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image2_zpsdhee5lxd.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]
[img][URL= http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image6_zpsqmwm6yen.jp g" target="_blank">http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image6_zpsqmwm6yen.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

And the NEW.

[img][URL= http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image2_zps4snvmcps.jp g" target="_blank">http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/Image2_zps4snvmcps.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

And with gold plating all removed and scratches polished out.

[img][URL= http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/IMG_1136_zpsshsqoozn.jp g" target="_blank">http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/caerant/IMG_1136_zpsshsqoozn.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

great work mate! i need a red tip! have to start looking out for one again. unless any of you boys want to sell me one 😀

that NEW looks great too, want one of those as well! cracking work ant.

The red tip looks good after cleaning up with no brass showing on the handle. The red colour can be a bit flaky so perhaps you can repaint it but I just let mine flake. Not sure how I can keep the red colour permanent. The handle on my red tip is dull now but no brass showing so far. I think the guy I bought it from replated it then simply painted the red colour on. He is now selling all vintage Gillette safety razor at crazy price so I stopped buying from him. I think I might have bought about five safety razors from him and each time the price would increase slightly ...

The New looks good too even without the gold plating. I just wish the gold colour would last forever.

I tend to clean or polish all mine with Silvo after boiling and brushing the dirt off them.

Yes, red tip shave closer than others because of the larger expose gap and the angle of the blade. I like it but I need to be very careful with it especially shaving above the lips in the philtrum. I think I cut myself when I did the second pass across the grain and it cut my upper lip ... arrghhh ... 😀 that was after a week using it and got carried away for not respecting it.

The Red tip plating is 100% ... no brassing at all. The paint on TTO is bit flaked off, but that is not a worry at all for me. Easy touch up with paint if need be.
I used the Red tip as I use my other razors, certainly did not go any gentler. It was really smooth. And that was with a blade thats done about 6-7 shaves. Super impressed with the Red tip.
The gold plating never seems to last long and once it starts flaking off, they look shabby. Some people keep the NEW`s unplated. Just give them a polish once a month or so to keep shine and thats about it. I will probably replate mine though.
Dave - I will be selling a NEW and one of the Red tips, will let you know.

Here is a picture I found of a nickel plated NEW.
What you think??
[img] [/img]

mooman - Member

Here is a picture I found of a nickel plated NEW.
What you think??

That looks much much better than the gold plated one! Very nice and clean. I guess if you must have gold plating then the gold must be shinning all the time otherwise it might as well be brass.

I only have one opened comb travel razor so I wonder how does that shave by comparison to red tip.

I have not used the NEW yet. But from every ... and I mean every review I have read on them, They do a superb shave. Tops most lists.
Not bad for an 80 year old razor

mooman - Member

I have not used the NEW yet. But from every ... and I mean every review I have read on them, They do a superb shave. Tops most lists.
Not bad for an 80 year old razor

In that case I must get one to try it out. I think there might be some on evilbay but bidding tends to get crazy every time something like that comes up.

The NEW's tend to go for fairly reasonable money. Nothing compared to Slim or Fatboy prices.
EBay is hit or miss with prices. Recently saw (and missed) an immaculate boxed Aristocrat adjustable (gold plated Slim) go for less than £40 delivered.
Then another time you will see rough Slims go for £50 plus ... madness!

much as i hate to say this, we've just been away for a couple of days, so i took one of these....
[img] [/img]
a gillette blue 2 disposable and it shaves great. i dont want it to, but it was smooth and gave a decent close shave. also used bog-standard foam as i didnt want to pack soap, brush, 'good' razor, bowl etc. it also sounded great as i was shaving, that sort of 'scratching' sound as it cut the whiskers.
amazon selling 20 of them for £10. its not right is it! 😀

im obviously not turning back to 'the dark side' cos i love the whole process now of mixing the lather in a bowl, using my vintage gillette with different blades blah de blah, its the pamperingness of it all.

whats my point? er.... i dunno, still trying to work that out myself haha 😀

20 of them for £10?
Or 100 Astra blades for £8 ... and you get to use a 'proper' razor too ...

No disposable razor for me regardless of how cheap they are because I don't enjoy shaving with them. Actually, the retail price is not cheap at all but they are cheap to produce.

I am using Astra blue (with blue wrapping) at the moment which I consider very good. I think they were old stock that I stumbled upon while in the far east.

However, do watch out for fake ones ... without either the blue/green wrapping. The video clip below will tell you ...

Holy thread resurrection....

Best (read cheapest) place for a Merkur 34C ?

Any thoughts on a Slant Bar Safety Razor ?

What. In. God's. Name. Is. The. Point. Of. All. This?

On one side of the forum, we have someone probably chiding someone else for daring to feel the need to have matching coloured dust caps on their bike.

On the other side of the forum, we have this. ELEVEN pages of discussion about shaving with the sort of razor my grandfather will have used in the 50s.

Seriously guys. Get real.. 😆

It's just shaving. It's boring. Might as well be talking about different pooing techniques to use on mahogany loo seats.

I received my ebay bid yesterday - a heavy (61g) Gillette Ball End Tech made in England. Shaved very well.

The weight is nice but the handle is a bit short and thin.

I like it. 😆

no_eyed_deer - Member

What. In. God's. Name. Is. The. Point. Of. All. This?

What is your hobby anyway?

I bet you do boring stuff as well.

😆

off on holiday next week, so thought id get some cheap & cheerful disposables and a can of gillette gel (75p from £3.50 i think!) just for less faff. got these from tesco on offer.
[img] [/img]

thought id try one tonight just so theres no nasty horror-movie-slasher-fest surprises once im out there.

hate to say this, but it gave me as good a shave as ive had yet :-/ that really p*sses me off >-(
i want my birth-year slim to be the best. id even take the 40s style or flare tip to be better, but a plastic piece of sh*t shaving as good as it gets? whats going on??

thats both the bic and gillette plaggy disposables both coming up trumps. i think i like the smaller flat head, feels more nimble too.
i still love the 'pamperingness' of the 'proper' shaving and taking my time over it, but you cant knock these cheapo efforts, you really cant!

sadexpunk - Member
off on holiday next week, so thought id get some cheap & cheerful disposables and a can of gillette gel (75p from £3.50 i think!) just for less faff. got these from tesco on offer.

As travel razor that's fine as you don't have to worry about losing them. I just use my aluminum Tech when I travel to the far east as shaving blades are cheap over there and a small can of Gillette gel. 😀

thought id try one tonight just so theres no nasty horror-movie-slasher-fest surprises once im out there.

hate to say this, but it gave me as good a shave as ive had yet :-/ that really p*sses me off

😆 Yes, they do shave well but I still prefer DE razor over the plastic ones.

Interesting - and I agree that I can get as close with a new disposable as I can with my de. However, regularly using a disposable, I used to get razor rash, ingrowing hairs, etc that have gone away since I went to a de. Now maybe if I always used a new disposable, and if I took the same care and prep as I do now then maybe they'd also go away. But it'd cost a chunk more, and as above if I'm going to the trouble of using a proper shaving cream with a bowl and brush, I'm not going to spoil it by dragging a piece of plastic over my face afterwards.

Anyone read the editorial in the latest issue of stw? It's that, isn't it.

Seriously guys. Get real..

It's just shaving. It's boring. Might as well be talking about different pooing techniques to use on mahogany loo seats

Love the forum name.

bit of an update......
dont know whats changing, but im finding it harder to get a good shave these days with my gillettes. i really do prefer my plastic gillette disposable.
just out of curiosity i asked over on b&b if theres any nice versions of a flat-headed razor like these and got a few decent replies. i didnt know these razors existed, trac II's, schick krona's, and the most interesting to me is the schick injectors. like the gillette DE, they do various aggressiveness and also an adjustable.

thought id see if any of you chaps have come across any of these, or indeed use them yourselves?
had a quick look on ebay and they seem to be US based again, and same sort of prices, but id like to try an injector, either an E, a G, or an adjustable M?

interested in thoughts/experiences.......

Ye gods, you know you're getting old when the razor you bought new is now "vintage"

Gillette 1969 O2 Super Adjustable

Don't know what all this faff is with brushes etc. Hot shower or splash face with really hot water, no soap, shave, job done.

Seriously guys. Get real..

haha this. For ****s sake. I just clicked on this thread as I've always seen it pop up but never thought to have a look. Beard trimmer with the guard off, job done.

sadexpunk - Member

bit of an update......
dont know whats changing, but im finding it harder to get a good shave these days with my Gillette.

I don't know about you but three passes from my Gillete Tech give me the smoothest shave every time.

I am just using standard Astra blade by the way.

I think it's got to do with your technique or the blade you are using.

What's your set up? i.e. Razor and blade.

Improve your technique first and perhaps change the blade before you start searching for other razor.

I think it's got to do with your technique or the blade you are using.

What's your set up? i.e. Razor and blade.

Improve your technique first and perhaps change the blade before you start searching for other razor.

dunno, i just think a smaller, flatter head suits me better, so i want to try these injectors.

I find in general that using the same type razor all the time decreases effectiveness. Esp if used every day.

I keep the DE (now with feathers, best by a mile) for a few days worth of growth, but if traveling have both wilkinson sword and Gillette 2 blade fixed head disposablesor for every day shaves. I alternate between them.

Works for me, but after a few days growth, nothing but nothing beats a DE shave with a fresh feather blade, brush, shaving soap, alum block finish and a wee application of nice smelling lotion. Champion.

Switched soaps recently - recommend:

[img] [/img]

Inexpensive, 150g per pot, uses just a dab on the brush for a 3-pass shave with brush-squeezed-out cream finish and smells great.

For **** sake. I just clicked on this thread as I've always seen it pop up but never thought to have a look. Beard trimmer with the guard off, job done.

Don't worry you'll reach puberty one day and then you'll have proper stubble.

Mr Woppit - Member

Switched soaps recently - recommend:

That's what I use. My Wife bought me it as a present. I think you can get it from John Lewis.

I got one of these razors for my birthday, after seeing this thread around Christmas time (I think).
I got a Merkur something and it works pretty well. I also got some Astra Premium blades and they seem pretty good.

Shaving with this is not as close as using the Mach 3 I was using before, but it is a lot more comfortable and I get barely any irritation. I wonder how much of this is because I have to be a lot more careful now than I was with the Mach3, or whether there is a benefit to using the different razor & blades.

Cost is definitely cheaper once you have paid for the handle.

That's what I use. My Wife bought me it as a present. I think you can get it from John Lewis.

[url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/_search.php?q=taylor+sandalwood&sort=1&page=3 ]I get mine here.[/url]

Shaving with this is not as close as using the Mach 3

Crank it open a bit more and it'll far closer. Be careful though.

Drac - Moderator

Crank it open a bit more and it'll far closer. Be careful though.

Erm....what do you mean? The gap between the blade & the handle?
It's just a screw-up handle....there's no adjustment on it as far as I know. Loosening it will just make everything rattle around.
I think it's one of these:

http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/merkur/4132678-Merkur-Classic-33C-Safety-Razor-Chrome.html

you just unscrew the handle and the whole thing comes to bits - stick a blade in and off you go....

To be honest I am perfectly happy with it not being so close. I used to get a really sore neck & quite a few ingrowing hairs which I haven't had any of since using this razor. I think because it's not cutting the hair so short, there is less irritation and the hair isn't getting caught under the skin when it regrows.

What razors are adjustable, then? Can you point one or two out for me to have a look at....

The Futur is adjustable I think.

That's what I use. My Wife bought me it as a present.

Heh, likewise. Nice stuff.

It's just a screw-up handle....there's no adjustment on it as far as I know. Loosening it will just make everything rattle around.

Ah! My Merkur has adjustment levels by unscrewing the bottom it widens the gap on the blade.

no experiences of schicks anyone?

sadexpunk - Member

no experiences of schicks anyone?

Nope. I am sure they can shave but the last time I used something rather similar was Gillette II long time ago.

Not sure why you are having difficulty getting a good shave from your Gillette DE razor. I find those adjustable or butterfly open ones too bulky so my preference is for 3 piece DE razor like Gillette Tech. Some say Tech can be a bit mild but to me they are just perfect, not aggressive and I can shave quickly.

I bet it is your technique especially the angle of shave plus the unnecessary pressure when you are shaving.

😛

ah right, so the tech heads are smaller than butterfly are they? mine are all butterfly.....

sadexpunk - Member

ah right, so the tech heads are smaller than butterfly are they? mine are all butterfly.....

They are not exactly smaller but I would say much flatter (went to bathroom for a quick check - yes, much flatter).

You can try/buy Gillette Tech (3 piece) as they are much cheaper than any of those that you have. Except Gillette Tech Hybrid ... bloody price is getting more expensive now.

😀

edit: you can also try Gillette Tech open comb ...

just a bit of an update for those interested......

ive bought a few bits and bobs from ebay, the first is an ever ready 1912 single edge razor. looks lovely....
[img] [/img]
it just didnt cut close or smooth enough tho, and the large head was cumbersome in all the nooks and crannies. read up on b&b about a SEvette, which is basically one of these modded by taking the safety bar away so its a cross between a razor and a shavette.
decided nothing ventured nothing gained, got the hacksaw and file to mine, and made my own 🙂
[img] [/img]
just had my first (and i think only) shave with it. yes its a bit closer, but my face feels red raw, and its still not as close in the contours of my face as the plastic gillettes and bics.

ive got another one coming in the post, so there seems little point in modding it, ill try it again as intended. the blades are a bit thicker than DE, more like a thinner stanley blade, not flexy at all. will have another try with it, but im resting all hopes on a couple of injectors ive bought from ebay. theyre on the way from US, so ill report back when ive got them. ones a schick type E....
[img] [/img]
and the others an adjustable injector, a PAL.....
[img] [/img]

i hope the PAL is the best one yet, cos i love the look of it, if not itll be back to the blue plastic! :-/

sadexpunk - Member

... 1912 single edge razor."

I got three of them that I bought in bundle with a fatboy.

I would not shave with them coz they are ancient! 😆

and the others an adjustable injector, a PAL.....

PAL looks far more promising but finding blades will be a nightmare.

I rather keep to DE as I can speed shave in 10-15 mins.

I still think your technique needs improvement or get the open comb DE razor. 😀

Surprised you not getting a close shave from the Gillette vintages. Only one I cannot get on with is a New. I think the OC does not suit me.
The disposables are ok. The DE are far superior IMO.

i watched countless vids on youtube when i first started, with the grain, across, against, 30 degree angle blah de blah. i dont think my technique could be any better. my own personal problem really is that the larger size of the (DE and SE) heads go against the contours and curves of my neck. face is ok, but to get a good close shave on my neck i need to shave across the curve of neck and jaw. the razor touches both sides but cant get close in the middle. thats where the small size of the disposables wins (and hopefully the small size of the injectors).

i havent tried a tech yet, so im willing to try one of those, and also can you give me an example of an OC razor that may suit me better chewkw?

thanks

sadexpunk - Member
i havent tried a tech yet, so im willing to try one of those, and also can you give me an example of an OC razor that may suit me better chewkw?

Gillette 3-piece OC can be rather expensive on evilbay UK but then you may find one at a reasonable price too.

Try finding one with the head being flatter in 3 piece as they are less bulky.

Alternative get a new one like Merkur 15c DE OC from [url= http://www.shaving.ie/open-comb-slant-bar/ ]here.[/url] I used them several times. Very good.

This is mint from evilbay UK if you can get it but I bet the price will reach £60 including postage by the time you bid.

Search on evilbay UK for "VINTAGE GILLETTE NEW TECH HANDLE RAZOR 1940s OPEN COMB 363892 IN BAKELITE CASE". You can sell it to me cheaply later if you don't like it. 😀

thanks mate, problem is i'll be on 8 razors when these injectors get here from the states. how many more do i need to buy to find shaving nirvana?? 🙂

sadexpunk - Member

thanks mate, problem is i'll be on 8 razors when these injectors get here from the states. how many more do i need to buy to find shaving nirvana??

One for me. I went back to black handle super speed belonging to my father then it snowball from there.

I like them so much I started collecting them in various form so I have more than 10 now (can't remember how many) 😯

thing is, im not a collector-type person, i dont want a load of different razors. when i find 'the one', ill sell all the others i think.

just need to find it! 😀