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Ok so I was taking to my mom the other day and she mentioned that her dad's safety razor was still in my grandmother's house untouched since he died in 1970. All she knows is it has a bronze top. She said she was going to get it for me but until then I can't keep from wondering what kind it is. Any guesses guys? It has to be at least from 1970 because that's when he died what were the common brands then?
We'll be waiting on the photos,,,,probably a Gillette.
I would say it was probably from the 60's or older (those thing last generations). Brass head? Maybe from the 40's? Not sure. And I'll put money on a Gillete! Waiting for pictures like Hilaru. Double O
This got to be very exciting for you. Please show us pictures of your Father's razor when you get it. Also would want to read about your initial shave.
I have an heirloom DE of sorts. A woman who I work with lost her mother 3 months after I lost mine last July. She doesn’t have any children and her brother seems to be in jail more often than not.
She knows of my love of straights and that I had a couple of DE’s so she said she wanted me to have her father’s DE (he passed away in 1998). I thanked her for her generosity.
It was still in the display case and the turn knob on the DE matched the color of the bottom of the display case. If I read the code right it was made in 1956.
I cleaned the razor and case up and took it to work so she could see it and she was thrilled!
If I can ever figure out how to use the digital camera I bought for myself as a birthday present I’ll post pictures!
I'm sure you are better at this digital crap than I am and I'm looking forward to seeing your father's DE!
I've got my first straight razor on the way from being honed and now my grandfather's DE soon lol I don't know which to try first. I'll definitely send pictures and a detailed write up of the first shave. Don't know when I'll be getting it but it should be fairly soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by slantman
The mystery of what kind it is and what kind of condition it's in all these variables is overwhelming haha, I wish I could go right now and get it. It's been in a consistently stable climate and untouched since his death in 1970 I'm thinking it should be in fairly good condition.Quote:
Originally Posted by cudarunner
Kind of like when you were a little kid waiting for Christmas Morning!
If it has the chrome finish you will be surprised what a little MASS or Mothers Mag Wheel Polish will do! I just use an old toothbrush. If you see 'rust' where the blade goes, it's from blades being left in there wet! It should come right off!
If it has some plastic in the handle try some 3M Hard lens cleaner. It works miracles!
You will find that the angles and lack of using pressure are 'similar' to using a straight! Note I said 'similar' not exactly the same!
As far as blades go what's everyone's preference?Quote:
Originally Posted by cudarunner
Now your've gone and done it! :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
You will find that 99.9% of using a DE or a Straight is 'Personal Preference'!
While I use Derby blades on the rare occasion my counsel would be to buy a sample pack and find out for yourself! :tu
Is a blade named after a bird part,something on the wings,It will come to me:)
yea Sample pack is a very good idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by cudarunner
Update still don't have the razor in my possession but talked to my mom again and she said that there were actually two DE razors sitting in a cup with a lid on it. I NEED THEM RIGHT NOW!!! I can't get them soon enough.
Patience, my friend, patience!! All good things will come to pass!Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
Savor the moment when your Heirlooms come to you!! :tu
Ok so I finally have the razors, I wish they were in better condition but I was never going to sell them, they are my grandfather's I will use them. I know they are both Gillettes but that's it. If anyone can give me dates of when they were made and how to clean them up I would appreciate it. Here's the first
Here's the second.
Gillette Gold Tech 40's/50's - This might help you out Gillette Date Codes for Double Edge Safety Razors and Blades
The second is a Superspeed Black flare tip, there should be a date code under the head a number and a letter
Both should make great shavers!!
The gold fat handle tech is undated but because if the oblong slots at the base 1948-51 and I'm getting an M on the back of the superspeed so I think it's 1968. Any idea how to clean them up?Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
Go from a mild, to a heavy clean if necessary:
A soft toothbrush with dish soap to begin with, then evaluate;
a soft toothbrush with a "mild" sensitive white toothpaste, evaluate;
then some white Colgate paste, if needed.
I use a tooth brush and toothpaste too, and then Blue magic polish (I don't know if this will remove the gold) it'll work fine on the other one. Then go over it again with just water and a toothbrush. I think the Superspeed has an aluminium handle (black part)?
I'm unsure about the black handle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
My standard cleaning regimen in Scrubbing Bubbles and a medium bristle tooth brush followed by metal polish of choice (mine is Never Dull but there are others). I own a fat handle tech similar to the one you have (but mine is the chrome/silver variety) a nice consistent comfortable shave. Be sure and post pics when you get them both cleaned up and let us know how they shave.
Where is the best blade I can get at a store like Wal-Mart out Walgreens just something to try until I can order a variety pack.
here is the fat handle gold tech after toothbrush and hand soap then peroxide toothpaste. Still something red in the handle that won't come off
She's looking good. Stay away from peroxide toothpaste, the simple plain Colgate is best.
That color coming through in the handle , is probably the layer of metal coming through, I could be wrong, but look at where it is, it is at the exact location where you would hold the razor, years of holding. JMO
I think she's ready for use, just get a pack of DE blades at the drug store & order a sample pack.
Wilkinson Sword
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
I couldn't find those at my Walgreens. I found a five pack of personna blades in a blue package in a white dispenser.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
I think Wal-mart carries them. Well, how did the personna blades work, I never used them?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
Being my first DE shave, I have no frame of reference. But I actually had to double check to make sure I had the razor in right, there was no resistance whatsoever, easily the smoothest shave I've ever had. Still new to straight razor shaving be a while before I get smooth with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
I found the personnas at Sallys btw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
Personna's are good blades, one of my favorite. However, over priced at Walgreens. Order them on the Internet stores, much cheaper. I like the selection they have on the Italian barber and SRD.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
Congratulations! I can only imagine what it will be like, to shave with a razor that belong to your grandfather! DE was a good complement for me, learning with straight razor. Enjoy! Double OQuote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
That's what you want, a smooth shave! Sounds like it went well.