Thread: Aristocrat, Indeed

Gentlemen,

Some double edge safety razors, no matter their age, or formidable competition, deserve the esteem in which they are held. The Gillette Aristocrat is a perfect example, for it is truly an Aristocrat.

Through the years, I have shaved with a long parade of double edge razors, old and new, closed or open comb, mild or aggressive, and none has sweetened my shave as much as the Gillette Aristocrat. I have two 1948 models — both saved for my grandsons — and shave with them from time to time. I am a predominantly straight razor shaver.

No, the Aristocrat is no match for the Muhle R41 in the closeness of shave, or the Above the Tie , or the Wolfman , or the scores of other impressive shavers. The Aristocrat is a mild razor that can give a comfortable shave. For me, a sweet shave.

The 1948 Aristocrat is my favorite of all the double edge razors I have used. Matched with the Feather, Super Iridium, Gillette yellows or Personna red packs, the razor gives me a fairly close shave, but more importantly, a comfortable shave. Not only that, but the razor's overall design, looks, weight, grip and quality make me feel as if I'm holding a jewel in my hand.

I just like this razor. Love it is more correct. If I were to have one double edge safety razor, the 1948 Gillette Aristocrat would be it, because for me, it is the sweetest.

Gentlemen, do you have a double edge razor that you can call your sweetest?

Yep,Open comb new deluxe.with a custom handle.

That's one nice looking DE! and the Ali. And the copper bowl is awsome, where did u find it

Originally Posted by MrMagnus

That's one nice looking DE! and the Ali. And the copper bowl is awsome, where did u find it

Thank you for the kind words, Mr.Magnus. The copper bowl is from the Turkish site Bestshaves.net:

Copper shaving cup [coppercup] - $5.60 : Bestshave.net, International supplier of shaving equipment

I love my Aristocrat as well, a very good shaver.
My favorite is a very similar one, the Gillette President.
Paired with my Gillette yellow-packs or Minora blades it is the most comfy shaver I have.

Out of my decent selection of DE's I would have to pick the 58 red tip with feather blade. Just an awesome combo.

Obie the razor an bowl look great. But the brush is what caught my eye. Its a beauty.

I have one of these, picked it up from a flea market...case and everything...was the first DE I had used in 30 years...it's in great shape.

Two friends, who knew I was into straight shaving, then each gave me a Gillette adjustable Fatboy (they still even had the plastic cases), in great condition (why DE's I don't know, guess they thought it was the same), those were fun to use. For the number of times I've used a DE, I really couldn't tell the difference between any of them.

I did want to try the Merkur Slant, that is supposed to be the closest to a straight shave, and didn't really notice any difference either.

Everytime I think I'll use a DE, the thought of passing up a straight shave just takes it out of the picture, and I grab a straight. But the vintage DE's hold a lot of memories, no doubt about it....

edit to add: and seem to have found that the Lord blades are very nice....

Here is my Aristocrat. Dad bought it at a yard sale in NH many years ago.