The Rohrbaugh Forum
Miscellaneous => The Water Cooler -- General Discussions => Topic started by: DDGator on April 18, 2014, 09:22:50 AM
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Hello all,
Just taking a wild stab at this... I have recently become a convert to the "old ways" of wet shaving with a double-edged safety razor. I have a modern version and would like to obtain a classic adjustable vintage razor -- like a Gillette Slim Adjustable. Condition isn't that important because I may have it restored. Anyone have any such old relics laying around? A lot of these are 40+ years old!
Thanks for any leads. I am watching some on eBay, but the reasonably prices ones are hard to come by.
Thanks!
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Gator:
I have about 10 Gillette Razors from the 1950 era, tell me where to send it and I will get you out a Mint
Gillette Slim.
On the House for the Work you do on this Site and elsewhere.
Sorry to others None for Sell.
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KUDOS Ratso, you are a good man!
Backup
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Wow, seriously? That is awesome. Thank you very much -- very generous of you.
I sent you a PM.
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I also upgraded you to "Forum Contributor" status. I have routinely done this for people who contribute financially to the forum. I haven't had to ask for money in recent years, so the status has become somewhat rare.
I wonder if some people lost their "Contributor" status at the last sever upgrade? If anyone should have contributor status and does not, just let me know.
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And, in the spirt of "paying it forward," I am going to gift my Micro-Touch One modern production razor to a retired LEO friends who is curious about the DE shaving world. 8)
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Rick Harrison would be humbled by your generosity of paying it forward with your Gillette Slim on the way.
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Funny how many people say they were converted to DE shaving by Rick's commercial. Gillette should take a lesson from this and produce a new razor and run a dang commercial!
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In the spirit of wet shaving I trust you have a Ivory Silver Tip Badger Shaving Brush. I bought one in Berlin at the Ka De We Store in 1989 and may just have to resurrect it as a result of this discussion.
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I don't have a silver-tip brush. I started with a boar hair brush I found at the local CVS. It doesn't do a great job of making lather with my soap, so I ordered a pure badger brush and a better soap. ;)
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Here is the Plisson silver-tip that I bought in Berlin---very soft.
http://www.fendrihan.com/plisson-high-mountain-white-badger-shaving-brush-size-p-847.html?cPath=116_3_98
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Wow. That's a serious brush right there!
I'm planning trip to Germany in the summer of 2016, so maybe I can check the clearance racks. ;)
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BMW might just throw one in for lagniappe.
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I have been thinking about trying this out for awhile, I shave only on my work days because they tell me too, lol. I have been using the typical Gillette multi blade thinks it has 4 and it is okay, starting to see the DE razor advertised again so it has spark my curiousity to try, don't even remember when I shaved last with a regular blade. So any recommendations that are worth trying to see if it is worth switching back?
Thanks
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If I were to launch into a full retrograde shaving program I think I would start at the top with an Edwin Jagger razor and never look back. It may sound expensive but the R9 also appealed to many of us on the basis of quality. Reasonable minds may disagree on the R9 analogy but it has more moving parts than a razor.
http://www.fendrihan.com/edwin-jagger-chatsworth-barley-classic-doubleedge-safety-razor-p-253.html?manufacturers_id=27
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This subject is a bit more complex than I thought at first; one size does not fit all:
http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/233-safety-razor-aggressiveness.html
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Garymass --just do it!
I started by ordering the Micro-Touch One of the TV ad. It came with a razor, a stand and 20 blades. Actually not a bad deal. The razor looks like a generic Gillette design with the twist open barn doors for easy blade replacement. It's a functional razor and was enough to sell me on the concept. If you need a "proof of concept" razor, this may be the way to go. You can always keep it as a travel razor or a spare, or pass it along to someone else when you buy something nicer.
If you are pretty sure you wan to go this way, then consider a nicer razor to start. You can buy the above-mentioned Edwin Jagger, of course. ;) You can also pick up an old Gillette razor in great condition off eBay for around $50 -- more for some of the really popular models. The cool things is that DE razors are pretty simple devices and age well.
I am interested in the Gillette adjustable models because I am still figuring out exactly what level of "aggressiveness" fits me best. The adjustables (like the Gillette Fatboy and Gillette Slim) allow for adjustments in the "aggressiveness" or exposure of the razor blade.
Once you buy a razor (and a brush if you are so inclined), the shaving can be quite inexpensive. I just bought 50 "Shark" razor blades for $6. That will last me almost a year. Inexpensive shaving soap cakes are just a couple bucks each and should last months. Compare that to using a "Mach 3" disposable cartridge razor and aerosol shaving cream!
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True to his word, Ratzo sent me a vintage Gillette Fatboy in excellent condition. This is a truly classic Gillette adjustable from (I think) 1958. This is a nickle-plated brass "twist-to-open" razor that retailed for $1.95! Very, very cool. And not a bad investment given the recent prices for these things on eBay!
Can you imagine buying something for even $25 dollars today and still using it with no degredation in performance in the year 2070?
Thanks, Charlie! I will use it tomorrow. :D
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I am happy to report a great shave with the Gillette Fatboy!
Better pics below. Classic adjustable razor. ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/DSC01714.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DDGator/media/DSC01714.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/DSC01711.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DDGator/media/DSC01711.jpg.html)
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In my experience, the people who have success in turning these up find them at resale shops and flea markets.
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In my experience, the people who have success in turning these up find them at resale shops and flea markets.
That certainly is one way, and probably the cheapest. Interestingly, there is a sudden renewal of interest in DE wet shaving, so the razors command a bit more than they used to, price-wise. However, there were so many of them made that they are not all that hard to find.
The Gillette Fatboy is one of the most sought after and can be found on eBay at prices ranging from $30 to $80+. Other very good vintage Gillettes can be had much cheaper -- often around the $20-$30 price range. The price depends if you want one is good shaving condition or good collecting condition.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUG9qYTJMsI
Have you thought about the economic impact of your purchase? Dollar shave club creates jobs!
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I mostly focused on the economic impact to me! :D
Gillette should go back to selling .25 cent blades and $50 razors.
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I look at the razor I use now, a Gillette multi blade (5) that has a battery which vibrates the razor. Does it give me a good shave sure but not for what I pay, blades are expensive and I usually use the blade longer than I should because of cost trying to get the most out of it.
I do remember using the disposable Gillette razors and they were not good and use to cut my face often with them but maybe it was because I was younger.
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For the price of one plastic Gillette "vibrating" handle you could buy a vintage Gillette razor that will last the rest of your life. Then you could buy 100 razor blades for about $9 delivered to your door -- that is about two years of shaving at 5 times a week!
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Well I have watched a bunch of videos on shaving and think I will hunt down a fat boy but you are right about finding one on eBay, price range and condition.
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Ultimately, you will wind up with more than one razor... ;)
The Fatboys seem to get more and more expensive as people find out about them. You could get an adjustable cheaper -- the Gillette Slim or the Super Adjustable. Function is about the same, but cheaper because less in demand.
Another good choice would be a Gillette Super Speed. It is a "twist to open" but not adjustable -- comparable to about a 3 or 4 on the Fatboy adjustable scale. You could get one of those for $20 to $25.
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Yeah I never do anything the easy way,that is what my wife tells me and I guess after 25 years she probably right.
Are you at number 5'on the fat boy, seems that many like that number
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5 was a little too much with a new blade. I'm backing down to 4 on a new blade, and maybe up to 5 toward the end of the week. I usually use a blade 5 times.
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Okay are any blades decent to use or is there one in particular people feel are better, I would figure most of thes types of blades would be similar anyway.
Now I have to get a brush and try some creams to get the right one.
How many passes are you doing at each shave?
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Interestingly, it doesn't seem like all blades are created equal.
The sharpest seem to be "Feather" or "Sharks" from what I can tell. I ordered some of both. The Feathers aren't here yet, but the Sharks are very sharp. Maybe too sharp for me. I'm still trying to figure it out.
I started with Dorco blades, which are less aggressive, and I tend to like them. So much that I bought one hundred (for $6).
You can buy blade sample packs and try different ones. Everyone likes something different, I guess.
I started with two passes, but sometimes do three if everything is working and I don't seem to be getting any irritation.
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Okay so I picked up a real nice condition fat boy a 59 E4, so now I have get some cream and a brush, found shave nation site not sure if there are better ones.
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Okay so I tried it out today with a regular Gillette blade in there on 4, I used pre-oil and then some cream, did three passes because I had not saved in 3 days. Well it did not go as expected as I irritated my face & neck and not to mention a few nicks here and there which it has been a long time since I did that. Guess it will takes some practice
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Maybe there is something to this new technology. I like old guns but old razors maybe not so much.
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Okay so I tried it out today with a regular Gillette blade in there on 4, I used pre-oil and then some cream, did three passes because I had not saved in 3 days. Well it did not go as expected as I irritated my face & neck and not to mention a few nicks here and there which it has been a long time since I did that. Guess it will takes some practice
I use a gillette slim (post Fatboy) and when I started I put the razor on level 1. I just use a quality cream no oil and some rubbing alcohol as my post shave. I now use level 3 and fine that is the right setting for me (I can cut myself with an electric razor), the only place that I nick myself now is between my neck and chin. I learn to just use the weight of the razor. Try reducing the setting on your razor and see if that helps, and get a nick stick. Good luck!
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Technique is important. I would dial it down to 2 and try again. If that doesn't work, I would try a different blade. Most important though is good lubrication with your shaving soap, very light pressure on your face, and finding the proper angle of blade to skin.
When you figure it out though, it is very comfortable and very close.
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By the way, I send the Razor that Ratzo gave me off to Sport Shaving for replating in Rhodium.
It should easily last the rest of my lifetime and then some!
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How much was the replating charge?
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$65 from Nick at Sport Shaving. He plates with nickle first, then rhodium.
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Thanks for the info.
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Wow, maybe I need to send mine in, that looks great!
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Thanks I will try that, I ordered new cream and brush which should be here Monday and hope it works better, tried ordering feather blades on amazon though take like 3weeks to get them from Thailand...
That plating looks awesome, how long was the process?
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5 days from receipt of razor...
Please tell Nick I sent you. He is a fine gentleman.
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I was able to use the replated Fatboy this morning and got a damn fine shave. 8)
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Well I received my brush and cream yesterday. Today I shaved on a number 3 and did 2 passes and really have to concentrate on not pressing since I was so use to that with my old razors. No cuts and pretty close shave except for a few spots that I need to get use too. Want to try some different blades so that will be next.
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No pressure is key. Also, remember the goal is not necessarily to remove all the beard in one pass. The closeness will come -- it took me a while to get it right and still not every time.
I would stick with the same blade for a few days and concentrate on the technique. Don't judge the blade on just one shave. Then you have a better comparison when you do switch and do a few shaves with the new blade.
I am finding a "4" on the Fatboy to be good for me. 3 passes today and while not baby bottom smooth everywhere, it was pretty good and no irritation.
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Are you using a pre-oil before shaving?
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No. I shave immediately after a hot shower. I wet my face again with hot water and apply the shaving cream (Prorasso Red).
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I am a little late to the discussion but I decided to add my experience.
For many years I have used a razor with multi-blades. Most recently 5 blades. Seems sort of advertising hype-ish but it provided a close, mostly cut free shave. It also would hold a sufficiently sharp edge for a month of shaving. I would say that I have a medium rough beard.
When I started shaving (4 decades ago or so) I quickly found that any canned shaving cream would irritate my face. So I quickly started using a brush and cake shaving soap. Always worked well for me.
I inherited some shaving supplies from my father-in-law some years ago. A straight razor, several double edge safety razor handles, some several decade old blades, a brush.
One of the DE handles is a Fatboy. (Didn't know that is what it is called until this thread started.) It is in nearly new condition. A few years ago I decided to give it a try. At first I had a few cuts but quickly developed the technique. Setting 5 seems to work well.
When I was growing up my father always used a DE razor. When he was preparing to shave each time, he would open the razor, then flip over the blade, close it and shave. He said it made the edge wear evenly to alternate this way.
Have any of you folk heard of that blade flipping technique?
Craig T.
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I haven't heard of that. So he would use both sides each time, but also flip it? Interesting. I guess that is a little like rotating a tire, but I'm not sure if the analogy holds with regard to a blade edge.
My preferred blades are less than 10 cents each, and last 5 shaves, so I wouldn't worry about it too much if it was just a way to slightly pro-long the life.
I am curious though...
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I have not seen anything about that in my research, so you mentioned using a new 5 blade style razor and also an old fatboy, which style of shaving are you doing presently and what do you prefer.
Gary
I am a little late to the discussion but I decided to add my experience.
For many years I have used a razor with multi-blades. Most recently 5 blades. Seems sort of advertising hype-ish but it provided a close, mostly cut free shave. It also would hold a sufficiently sharp edge for a month of shaving. I would say that I have a medium rough beard.
When I started shaving (4 decades ago or so) I quickly found that any canned shaving cream would irritate my face. So I quickly started using a brush and cake shaving soap. Always worked well for me.
I inherited some shaving supplies from my father-in-law some years ago. A straight razor, several double edge safety razor handles, some several decade old blades, a brush.
One of the DE handles is a Fatboy. (Didn't know that is what it is called until this thread started.) It is in nearly new condition. A few years ago I decided to give it a try. At first I had a few cuts but quickly developed the technique. Setting 5 seems to work well.
When I was growing up my father always used a DE razor. When he was preparing to shave each time, he would open the razor, then flip over the blade, close it and shave. He said it made the edge wear evenly to alternate this way.
Have any of you folk heard of that blade flipping technique?
Craig T.
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Gary,
I have been using the double edge safety razor for a few years now. Before that many years of the 5 blade. For quick, smooth and minimum nicks I would have to say the 5 blade is better.
I am not need or especially want a super smooth, baby bottom smooth shave. It grows out in a few hours anyway so why put all the effort and nicks into a super smooth shave?
I also use the DE safety razor for nostalgia reasons. Maybe a little anti-technology thrown in as well? (I am an engineer too, working at a large aero-space company so I am not anti-technology per se.) I am hoping that once I choose a brand of blade that I can purchase in a large quantity to reduce the price per blade.
I bought a sample pack of blades that includes Gillette 7 O'Clock, Wilkinson Sword, Feather, Shark, Astra and no-names from Israel.
The Feathers are very sharp and provide an aggressive shave. Too aggressive for me. Frequent nicks.
The Sharks are also very sharp but a bit less aggressive. They work ok for me. Some nicks.
The no-names from Israel work well for me, sharp but not too aggressive. In fact all the others seem to give a fine shave. They all seem to give me 7 shaves, getting noticeably duller by the end but still providing a reasonably close and nick free shave.
As far as the blade-flipping-over-each-shave technique, my dad is an Aeronautical Engineer...might explain it. A funny story he tells about when he was packing to report to the Army near the end of WWII. He went to the local pharmacy and purchased a box of 100 razor blades. He doesn't know what he was thinking. The sales lady jokingly asked if he was going to Antarctica for a few years.
Craig T.
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I am personally still in the learning mode and just started on my second brand of blade the feather to see how that works on my face. It definitely is not a hurry up and get ready type of shaving but the face does feel better as it is getting use to it.
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My first try with a Feather blade wasn't pretty. I tried one again in a very mild Gillette Super Speed and it was much better. You have to use light pressure.