Latest Vintage Purchase

I've been in the market for a DE for a while now; cruising the Antique stores when I came across this nearly mint Gillette with the original case and instructions for about $31.

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From what research I did I think that this is a 1963 Gillette Slimline Adjustable DE. :hmmm:Can anyone confirm this?

Also, any comments on my new purchase and suggestions on how to use this DE effectively? Should I start out at a 1 or try a 9? I usually have a pretty tough stubble. Best way to clean?

I got a Studio DE that I got from Walgreens in it right now, but will be ordering more blades online in a bit. I'm really excited to start my first DE shave (probably tomorrow); I only wish my whiskers would grow quicker :p

Looking forward to hearing what you guys think. I'll probably keep my Parker Shavette in the mix for when I want to take my time/for touchups, but I'd like this to be my primary razor.

Natz

She's in great condition. I got one about 6 months ago, use it 4 times a week,,,straights the other days.
You can initially put her in Barbicide for 5 minutes ,,,rinse good,,wipe dry,,a drop or 2 or mineral oil on the rotating parts.
I use a soft toothbrush with a drop of lemon dish soap to clean the heaafterer a blade has finished.

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Originally Posted by Natz

Also, any comments on my new purchase and suggestions on how to use this DE effectively? Should I start out at a 1 or try a 9?

Natz

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Good question Natz, I also just bought a Slim and wanted to now where I should start on the adjustment scale.

I started mine on # 4,,,now use it on # 5 now, mostly with Feathers & Sharks.

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

I started mine on # 4,,,now use it on # 5 now, mostly with Feathers & Sharks.

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Well, I did my first DE shave just a while ago;*I varied the levels, but it felt most comfortable at around a 3-4. 9 was waaay too harsh for my neck and I got a few nicks. It could have been that I wasn't used to the angles since I've been using a shavette. The shave was great though. Very happy with my purchase.

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Originally Posted by One2mny

Good question Natz, I also just bought a Slim and wanted to now where I should start on the adjustment scale.

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I'm no expert, but I'd think start low and see how it goes and ramp up a bit til you find your sweet spot :)

You did good with that one, it should still shave like the day it was made! :chapeau

That's a nice find at a great price. I gave a young man one of those this summer who was having a lot of shaving problems with the typical department store fare and it was love at first shave for him. He kept the setting at 1. To find out what's best for you, I'd start at a low setting and find out what gets the whiskers in close and comfortable fashion without pressing the razor hard against your face.

I don't know how to clean a Gillette adjustable. I'd just open the flaps on top, dry it the best I can with a towel, and with the blade out of the razor, stand it upside down on a towel during the day. I also wash and dry the blade, and lean it against the counter to air out and keep soap and water residue off the edge.

My favorite blades are Medical Personna (Personna Prep Blades) and Astra SP (Superior Platinum). I'd get a sampler pack from a vendor so you can try different blades and determine what is your favorite. Once you find out, order 100 of them and you will be set up for a long time. I wouldn't get DE blades from a department store or drug store, but that is just my opinion.

You didn't mention soap, but quality soap (not the canned foam or gels) makes a big difference.

I've been rinsing my razor out and shaking it dry, then opening it up, taking the blade out and wiping the leftover hair off of it. Haven't had any issues with cleaning thusfar, but I'm kinda against using harsh chemicals to remove scum. That can't be good for the nickel plating.

I may go with Sharks as my blade of choice. I liked the Half Blades they made, and the price is right.

As far as the type of soap, I'm using VDH and it works a hell of a lot better than any of that goop in a can. I'll never go back to that stuff.

A fine purchase !

:rock:

I remember my father shaving with a vey old 3 piece Gillette. Found one that comes close to the one he used. As far as I knew that was the only razor he had. Mine is about 80 yrs old. When it came I sat down and did a good polishing with Maas, washed it and finished with an old soft toothbrush and rubbing alcohol to disinfect it. Blade of choice is Astra Premium. Not adjustable but the closest, smoothest shave a DE can give next to a str8. That old toothbrush is handy for cleaning tight places on the DE. Its in my rotation with my str8's. Never one to do things half way I also added an old injector razor and a Valet auto strop for occasional use )like bored with str8 or DE).

I like Astra & Feather DE blades. As far as cleaning, some metal polish a toothbrush with tooth paste, and some elbow grease. Looks like a great find!