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

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

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
How do you possible manage any lather with the Godrej ???

Originally Posted by drnarp

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

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
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.

WOW !! i guess you must be using a badger hair brush ?? i have some crappy horse hair brush here, barely holds any water