Thread: What kind of two-sided blade for an old Gilette razor?

Greetings,

I want to get some extra blades for this old Gillette razor.

When looking online, what nomenclature or words should I use to find what I'm looking for?

I have attached a picture of the whole razor set.
It's a compact size, perhaps meant as a travel set; Imprinted on the leather pouch is "Razor Pak".
I have also attached a detailed picture of the blade itself.
The blade is very thin and flexible.
Imprinted on the surface of the blade is "Gillette Blue Blade."
Are these blades the same as other double-edge safety razor blades, like what I am currently using on an old Gillette "draw-bridge" razor?
Any suggestions of what I might use as a replacement blade?
I am inclined to leave this virgin blade untouched and in its original wrapper for posterity!

And any additional info anyone might have to share about this little set would be appreciated.

Cheers!

Just any double edge blade will do. There are many to choose from and you can even buy them in drug stores

As TC said.
There are many to choose from. You're looking for D.E. (Double Edge) Blades.

The issue you will have after finding the 100's of name brands made now will be to find what works best for your face as your skin is not the same as mine. The blade you are showing is was made in 1954 according to the date code on it. Those old blues are more collector items. I like Gillette Silver Blue blades. But that's my choice of what feels good to me. Many places sell packs with lots of different blade names in them so you can Sample. Look up DE Sampler Packs. I managed to score 9 of those old blades today with a little help from a friend...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/302752118825
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/133313192656


Buy this first one for a good selection of quality blades. Those are very good, easy favorites for many people.

The second one is in France, but if you can find local stock, that would be better. Either way, SI is a superb blade and my personal favorite.

Yea a sampler is the best way to start but if you want to go with the sharpest Feather is the way to go with Kai right behind.

All great suggestions, mates!

Many thanks for coming to my rescue and cluing me in to the world of DE blades.

I think my skin tends to be on the sensitive side. To avoid drawing blood I need to be gentle and light with a new blade, for the first several shaves.
I figure I gotta try the blades on my own face to find out what eventually works.

But given my sensitivity, are there certain blades that might be more suited to me or less suited?

When someone refers to "Feather" as sharpest, might that be lookin' for trouble, with my sort of skin. Or might that be better?

I know when it comes to chef's knives, a sharper blade is safer and easier to control and work with in some ways than a dull blade!

Cheers,

Mr Bear

When it comes to blade choices in safety razors the aggressiveness of the razor has to be considered. Aggressiveness is determined by blade exposure, I have not used one but I believe the travel ball tech you have is considered a mild razor. A feather blade would work well even with sensitive skin and give you a close, comfortable shave.
As suggested a multipack of blades is a great way to find out what works best for your skin. I personally have sensitive skin and a course beard, a mild razor with a sharp blade like a feather works very well for me.

Might I suggest the Astra Superior Platinum blades? They are an excellent compromise between super sharp (like the Feathers) and hopelessly dull (like Derbys). The Astras perform very well in vintage Gillettes and after you get the hang of DE (double edge) shaving - in case you're new to this - you can then try a Feather.

Id stay away from the Feather if your new to this style of shaving. But as Mark said, a mild razor paired with a non-mild blade does work well.

What you have is concidered the New Style gellette tech. Very mild. A good place to start.

I have a similar Gillette razor without the travel case. I believe it was known as a Ball End Tech. A similar razor might have been G.I issue, no doubt someone on this forum will know whether that is true.
As everyone else has said, there are many DE blades available. In the UK, it's easy to obtain Gillette 7 O'clock Stainless and Gillette Platinum made in Russia. They work well.
https://connaughtshaving.com/