Thread: Please help me identify, ancient DE razor !!

These are some photos of my grandfathers razor, needs some serious work, major cosmetic flaws, the numbers on the dial dont seem to work, infact i have no idea what they are.

Can anyone please identify this ?? And suggest someway to restore it

It is a Gillette adjustable, a slim I believe. The adjustment ring is seized up from dried gunk. I haven't messed with those in some time but someone will no doubt be along with suggestions to free it up.

Thank you JimmyHAD

Is it any good ?? What does the adjustment ring on this thing do ??

Originally Posted by drnarp

Thank you JimmyHAD

Is it any good ?? What does the adjustment ring on this thing do ??

A lot of guys like them. The ring opens the head to expose more blade and make for a more.... or less if you reduce exposure .... shave. The numbers being a guide to where you are . One is minimal exposure and 9 or whatever it goes up to is maximum. I used to run one at around 7 IIRC. I started shaving with one of those about fifty years ago.

If you haven't shaved with a DE and intend to try it your best bet is a blade sampler pack with various brands. They are not all the same and there is no universal 'best one' for everyone. It varies depending on skin and it is best to try a bunch to find which one fits your face best.

A couple of links that you can browse through when you have time.

Gillette Date Codes for Double Edge Safety Razors and Blades

Razor Archive | A Comprehensive Gillette Collector's Resource

Internet Museum of Safety Razors

Thank you Jim

I am using a DE, the gillette sterling or something, dont really remember what its called. Use it with Gillette 7 o clock/Wilkinson Sword blades and a horse hair brush with some pathetic indian shaving creams. You probably havent even heard of them. Stuff like Godrej, Detol, Axe, Vi-John.

Sad stuff really. Looking to improve the quality of my shave. Want to get this thing refurbished, looking for some tips on this place

It's a gillette super adjustable "Black Beauty" ... Pretty much a plastic handle slim.

Also, if u have one, a quick bath in a ultra sonic cleaner with dish soap, or like someone else mentions scrubbing bubbles works great to soak in also.

Yep, it's a Super Adjustable. It's called that because the range of adjustability is smaller than than of the Slim or Fatboy (other Gillette adjustables). Use it with a nice DE blade (I like Feathers and Astras), and learn proper technique, and it will shave you really well.

I always use scrubbing bubbles and a toothbrush to clean my razors. That usually works wonders.

someone please tell me what are scrubbing bubbles. I havent heard of them in India