Thread: New VS Vintage DE razors

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Is that why there are notches on the bar? I bought some blades at the dollar store, Dorco I think, that came in a dispenser like that. It does make inserting a new blade a breeze.

Yes, matter of fact, the two Aristocrats and the earliest Super Speed can be differentiated by not having the notch. IIRC it was 1948 that both models began having the notch. The earlier post war versions did not have it. On the bottom of the dispenser is a slot to store the used blades. A very nifty way to handle the whole thing.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Is that why there are notches on the bar? I bought some blades at the dollar store, Dorco I think, that came in a dispenser like that. It does make inserting a new blade a breeze.

Originally on the TTO Gillette razors the center bar was not notched. According to this site Razor Archive | Gillette Date Codes the notches started about July 1947 around the same time these new fangled blade dispensers appeared. Short answer, yes.

Bob

I have an Edwin Jagger DE89 and love it. It also cost me $45 including shipping. I also have 3 Gillette techs, same head, slightly different handles. My favorite is the basic 3 piece fat tech. I found it at an antique store for $8. It cleaned up easy and shaves almost identical to my Edwin Jagger. Maybe a bit more mild If anything. Like Hirlau said, go find a vintage Gillette and see what all the Vintage DE fuss is about. You won't regret it.

I should mention that I also have a Gillette fatboy. The fat tech is still my favorite.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

Which do you use and why?

I use several of both. I can get several older DEs for the price of a newer DE. (Disclaimer: I also use SEs and Straights, Kamisori, Shavettes, etc. )

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

I've never understood the appeal of vintage DE razors. Don't modern DE razors shave equally as well?

Different styles shave differently. Older DEs are cheap to try different styles. I can also find newer razors in Stainless. It's all about the experience.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

Vintage especially with butterfly openings seem like they would be difficult to keep clean and maintain and look like they can get damaged easier too.

No problem taking care of my vintage razors. A toothbrush and toothpaste works wonders and is right there in the bathroom drawer. I've never broken or bent any of my vintage razors, but I have a few OCs that came to me with slightly bent teeth.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

Am I missing out?

Yes!

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

Help me understand?

Until you have your first Razor Acquisition Disorder you won't understand.

Ive tried most DE razors new and vintage, some new ones I like some vintage ones I like also, my main DE razors are vintage British TV superspeed and Fatboy both from late 50's butterfly doors best part of 60 years old work perfectly and for me the shaves are fantastic.
I also use an Edwin Jagger DE89L

For me the vintage look great, hence a lot of new razors copying some of the designs.

But at the end of the day its what shaves the best for you regardless of age etc......

Originally Posted by KindestCutOfAll

Until you have your first Razor Acquisition Disorder you won't understand.

I have been DE shaving for 2 or 3 months. I have since purchased a Muhle R89, Feather AS-D2, Feather AC DX and have a Mongoose on the way. Does this qualify as RAD? I'm getting the itch for a vintage DE now, not quite there but you guys are pushing me there lol Only thing is I've just started with the AC DX a week ago and want to get the technique down before moving on to anything else. And I really want a real straight but that's going to have to wait. Next on my list is a quality brush, a Savile row or Thater.

I would say that counts as RAD.

I have had ATT, Ikon Muhle and Plisson and Joris razors before I settled on vintage, I prefer a milder DE shaver so a lot of OC razor dont get kept with me.

Hows the AC DX working out for you?

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

I have been DE shaving for 2 or 3 months. I have since purchased a Muhle R89, Feather AS-D2, Feather AC DX and have a Mongoose on the way. Does this qualify as RAD? ...

In my opinion it's not officially RAD until your in double digits, but you are on your way. Mine was in triple digits before I got a handle on it. I've slowed down to a trickle on razors now.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

... I'm getting the itch for a vintage DE now, not quite there but you guys are pushing me there lol Only thing is I've just started with the AC DX a week ago and want to get the technique down before moving on to anything else. And I really want a real straight but that's going to have to wait. ...

No pushing at all. Around here it's more like aiding and abetting! It is wise to start gradual and get to know what you like in the razors you already have. You picked up a good variety already. Once you know what you like you start looking for what you haven't tried yet.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

... Next on my list is a quality brush, a Savile row or Thater.

Translated to mean 'After my RAD is in full gear I'll be ready for the SBAD'.

Welcome and good luck. Try to keep the cost down or you'll hate yourself in the morning.

Originally Posted by alpla444

I would say that counts as RAD.

I have had ATT, Ikon Muhle and Plisson and Joris razors before I settled on vintage, I prefer a milder DE shaver so a lot of OC razor dont get kept with me.

Hows the AC DX working out for you?

I made a thread in the shavette forum about my ACDX experiences. Slowly getting there I believe. 8 shaves in. Still experimenting with grips, trying to find angles, left hand etc.

I'm not done with DE yet, I really enjoy DE shaving and want to try slants, open combs and I guess I'll have to try a few vintage now too xD

Originally Posted by KindestCutOfAll

Translated to mean 'After my RAD is in full gear I'll be ready for the SBAD'.

Right now I'm determined to stay away from the SBAD. I want 1 quality brush to go with my vulfix404 mixed badger/boar which I'll keep as a travel brush.