To use or not to use

**BMH** · 03-05-2011, 09:59 PM

I just got an unused Gillette f4 safety razor in a case with the original receipt and all, and I don't know weather to pop a blade in and see how she shaves or to keep her pristine.

Is there any value in not using it?

**jhenry** · 03-05-2011, 10:18 PM

Not that I know of. Just take good care of it (i. soak it in shampoo and scrup with a soft tootbrush once week). That will remove any soap/cream residue and keep it looking like new. Then dtry it carefully with a soft dishtowel.

That will keep it looking like new.

**nun2sharp** · 03-05-2011, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by BMH

I just got an unused Gillette f4

Is there any value in not using it?

Yes, because you will get a better shave with a straight.

**Ryan82** · 03-05-2011, 10:34 PM

There are so many Gillette DE's out there in various conditions, and I literally mean millions of them, that your razor likely isn't worth that much. You may be able to get a bit more for it than a model in "good" condition (especially on e-bay), but probably not much more.

I agree with the others: appreciate what you have and use it. Enjoy!

**BMH** · 03-06-2011, 12:00 AM

Thanks guys I appreciate the insight.

I have been shaving with a straight for about 4 months now (previous to that about 16 years with a DE) and must agree straights give the best shave; new old toys are allays fun to play with though.

**randydance062449** · 03-07-2011, 02:40 AM

Pristine, unused is hard to come by. It will easily appreciate more in value than most investments. My vote is to stash it away, unused.

**DLB** · 03-17-2011, 06:38 AM

At 67+ years, my stashing days are over. I don't buy anything that I don't plan to use RIGHT NOW.

**cudarunner** · 03-17-2011, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by BMH

Thanks guys I appreciate the insight.

I have been shaving with a straight for about 4 months now (previous to that about 16 years with a DE) and must agree straights give the best shave; new old toys are allays fun to play with though.

He who dies with the most toys- -WINS!

**niftyshaving** · 03-17-2011, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by BMH

I just got an unused Gillette f4 safety razor in a case with the original receipt and all, and I don't know weather to pop a blade in and see how she shaves or to keep her pristine.

Is there any value in not using it?

Pop in a couple of blades and give it a whirl.

If it does not shave you equal to or better than your
other DEs clean it up with a soft tooth brush dry it
fully and put it on display or on eBay.

IMO: You are not going to hurt it with a couple shaves.
The case and the original receipt should be kept
dry and clean...

And if it does shave you better then your other DEs
you have a prize.

**1OldGI** · 03-17-2011, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Yes, because you will get a better shave with a straight.

Well, that was direct and to the point. I myself still have about a dozen safety razors (both DE and SE) on hand that I use almost exclusively on Sundays (for Sunday Dome and Face Shave). During the week I rarely use anything but straights. As far as not using a pristine safety razor, I doubt I could do it even if I was so inclined. IMHO, razors are for shaving and that's what should be done with them. Not doing so just doesn't seem right. Besides, you'd probably enjoy shaving with it more than just looking at it anyway. I myself own 2 F-4 Gillettes (a Fat Boy and a Super Speed) not pristine but both damn fine shavers.

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