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 :) :)
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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 ??
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by drnarp
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 :)
As has been said, it is a Gillette adjustable. To clean it up, use a shower cleanser such as Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush. To free up the dial, I've had luck with a good soak in mineral oil, which can be found at most pharmacies.
BTW, Godrej is one of my favorite creams. Leaves ny face feeling like a million dollars.:)
Theseus,
Thanks for the advice, i will get right to it, although i dont think we have stuff like scrubbing bubbles available in India, same goes for mineral oil, the dial does rotate, i just dont see the blade change in exposure :confused:
Being in the US, i am shocked you even use stuff like Godrej, i thought you must be one of the T&H or Taylor or Proraso guys :confused:
How do you possible manage any lather with the Godrej ???
I've never had a problem getting Godrej to lather. I always get a nice, thick and luxurious lather with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by drnarp
WOW !! i guess you must be using a badger hair brush ?? i have some crappy horse hair brush here, barely holds any water
A badger hair brush certainly helps.Quote:
Originally Posted by drnarp
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
Got to watch them closely, don't let them out when your not at home. :nono:
Attachment 119570Attachment 119571Attachment 119572
You can use any gentle soapy cleanser. If you have a nickel plated razor, you can just use toothpaste. Don't use toothpaste on gold-plated razors - it can damage the lacquer.Quote:
Originally Posted by drnarp
A short soak in vinegar ( ¼hour)will reduce the scum a lot. Then use scrubby or a Mr Clean to neutralize the acid from the vinegar.
~Richard
Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I shall try them all. So far tried using laundry detergent and a toothbrush. Has got most of the scum out.
Does anyone know if bleach would help ??
Do not use bleach. alcohol will do as much as bleach. Personally, if you have WD-40 soak it in that for a while. It will loosen everything up (even the "Scum") then rinse with HOT water. that should make it shave-able very quick. Their great shavers once you learn to use them.
I soak my DE finds in hot water with bathroom cleaner (scrubbing bubbles or something similar that is intended to remove soap scum) along with a little Borax powder. Then I brush them with and old tooth brush. If needed a little mineral oil/sewing machine oil helps lube up the action.
The collar with the numbers on it should click from notch to notch raising (or lowering) the carrier that the blade rests on. It is best to adjust them with the razor open (or at least loose) and then snug the razor closed at the new setting. I use mine at a 3 but everyone's different. Adjusting up with the razor closed will flex the blade and possibly/potentially damage the razor. Adjusting down with the razor closed just makes it loose and sloppy and you'll have to snug it back closed anyway. You won't see a lot of movement, but from 1 to 9 you should be able to tell a noticeable difference from the bar to the edge of the blade.
Peace,
Jim
Thank you Jim,
There's barely a noticeable difference, but there is certainly a difference :). Thank you very much :)
Any suggestions to get the most out of this DE ??
Regards,
Nausheer
I like to get mine clean before I use them. A good cleaning, some MAAS or Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish should get rid of the rust. Then pick up whatever DE blades you can find locally to sort out your DE technique. Once you're getting consistent shaves, pick up a variety pack from any number of online vendors to find the blade you like the best.
(Here in the U.S. Wilkinson Sword and Astra, IIRC are available at Wally worlds and pharmacies--usually one or the other but not both) Don't know where you're at though.
Peace,
Jim
Hello everyone,
I used some laundry detergent, hot water and a toothbrush on my DE and i have got pretty much all of the brown scum out.
Going to try the toothpaste and toothbrush or pumice paste and a toothbrush on it later on. Hope i can manage to restore it to a shine :)
Thanks everyone for all your help. Shall keep you guys posted.
Peace,
Nausheer
Even something as simple as a DE is priceless when it is passed on from family.
After the toothbrush bit try a good metal polish to bring out the shine.
jim
+1 on the polish.
It's looking good! You could certainly use it as it is. But there's something nice about shiny!
I know we have some other SRP members in India. They may be able to help you chase down DE blades and other goodies if you search them out.
Peace,
Jim
