Thread: Mystery DE in the hands of a noob

Hey All,
I've been a straight-razor shaver for some time now, and know diddly about double-edged things. However, my Mom just uncovered her Dad's old DE, and I'm posting pictures below. I'm thinking if I clean it up with Brasso some more etchings might show up, but the thing is worn pretty smooth. Any ideas about what it might be would be appreciated. And, don't worry, I'll watch the videos before trying to shave with the thing.

I dunno. Look under the bottom plate for something.

My guess is an old type Gillette, open comb. Polished-up will look keen and shave great!

Someone will be along with good info!

You might find what model of Gillette DE it is on here:

mr-razor

I'd try cleaning it up with something milder than Brasso first.

When you do try and shave with it just place the top cap flat on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Then rotate the handle downward till you can just feel the blade on your face. That should be the right angle on the blade for starters. Try and let just the weight of the razor do the work without leaning on it. Just like with SRs the right angle and weight are important.

Bob

Yep, A Standard Old! As said, clean it up with some polish. If the handle is cracked, its an easy fix. They were pressed together and after years the handles would crack/split. Great little shavers. I enjoyed using mine and I still have it. Most of them were plated but over the years the plating wore off. Look it up on the Gillette dating guide.

Thanks All! It looks like it might be a 1921 Gillette Brownie - which fits with the age of my grandfather. I'll clean it up and post back what it looks like when it's ready to be used!

Since the razor is a family heirloom, maybe a pro restoration is a consideration. Here are links to 4 places that do DE restoration work. Some searches in other shaving forums may give you a feel for which of these places are well-rated and etc.

Delta Echo Razor Works — Home
North Shore Razors — Home
Razor Restoration Services
Razor Replating for vintage safety razors - HIBCO SHAVE SHOPPE

There are different layers of identification for those old Gillettes.

At I high level I think it is a Gillette Tech open comb

Going down a level it is a Gillette ball tip/ball end open comb. It may be a Gillette Brownie, though I can't identifiy it to that level.

I strongly agree with SemperFi. So many of us wish we had a razor from our parents or grand parents. This razor isn't the one to learn on.

Below are the different levels of restoration from one of the providers SemperFi mentioned. Personally, my preference would be only the Tune-Up unless there is damage. Replating, etc... makes it really cool, but removes the history as well, at least in my opinion.


1. TUNE UP gives your razor a basic revitalization, while keeping the razor completely original. Our technicians clean, buff, adjust, paint, and sanitize your razor with the utmost care and attention to detail. In some cases, we understand that there can be significant wear on a razor which cannot be removed with a standard Tune Up. In this case, we also offer a service that addresses your razor's plating.

2. RAZOR REVAMP service includes the Tune Up service and goes one step further by providing resurfacing, polishing and replating your razor. Just choose a precious metal, add it to your cart, and enjoy a Revamped Vintage razor for years to come! If your razor has pitting/deep scratches/rust you will need to select Satin Nickel. This matte finish utilizes Glass Bead Blasting to smooth out the metal and disguise the damage better than the mirror-finished precious metals.

STRAIGHT RAZOR RESTORATION:

This service provides cleaning, polishing, honing, and custom handcrafted handles, bringing you a completely Shave Ready razor you can use for years to come!

I would just scrub it good with an old toothbrush and some Colgate paste, hand polish it with Maas, perhaps a few coats of wax. Use it! It's a blade-holder!

Even all the teeth look straight!

I'm with Sharptonn. Its a great shaver. Give it a go with your favorite DE Blade. It will do a fine job.

Gillette Old Type or a clone - I can't make out any marks on the head but it might not be visible. A Brownie refers to the case it comes in. Without the case, it's an OT.