Thread: British vs American Aristocrat shave

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Soopercat:

Thanks for your post.

I don't quite understand your question: what is your definition of the British and the American "aristocrat" shave?

Perhaps a more focused question that includes your definition of these specific shaving methods might help.

Regards,

Obie

Hi Obie,

I was thinking in generic terms at the time. I must admit the question was a bit vague. The answers provided spoke to my intent. To be more succinct, which razors would you rather shave with. Your reasons circumstance and methodologies may differ. I've managed to acquire a few British versions (I prefer open combs) and a 1947 American Arisotcart along with the lone 1934 American open comb. I am still awaiting it's arrival. I am leaning towards the British fit and finish with the open comb #15 for a bit more gap and aggression. I will see how it compares to the 1934 when it arrives. I'm not fussy on the solid bars as they are mild as stated above.

Kind regards,

Hello, Gerard:

Many thanks for the explanation.

Regards,

Obie

I have a '55 diplomat, the shave is excellence. but the plating is very thin, I've decided its a shaver and not a keeper so I dont worry about the plating loss on it.

most of the heresay puts the #66 over the us versions, it appears to be better made, quality. the us + brit gillettes are more or less separate lines/models. Heck, even my tech, '39 usa has a fat alu handle, my british tech has a solid brass handle. two very different weights and shavers.

Originally Posted by MadAussie

I have a '55 diplomat, the shave is excellence. but the plating is very thin, I've decided its a shaver and not a keeper so I dont worry about the plating loss on it.

most of the heresay puts the #66 over the us versions, it appears to be better made, quality. the us + brit gillettes are more or less separate lines/models. Heck, even my tech, '39 usa has a fat alu handle, my british tech has a solid brass handle. two very different weights and shavers.

Hi,

The #66 I can speak to, not authoritatively mind you but as an owner/shaver. It's an excellent razor in balance, overall appearance and weight. Paired with a Feather or Crystal, its a very smooth and comfortable shave. I have not seen a 1955 only the 1953 Y4,
Photo credit to mr. razor:


Are they comparable in looks.

Kind regards,

Originally Posted by Soopercat

Hi,

The #66 I can speak to, not authoritatively mind you but as an owner/shaver. It's an excellent razor in balance, overall appearance and weight. Paired with a Feather or Crystal, its a very smooth and comfortable shave. I have not seen a 1955 only the 1953 Y4,
Photo credit to mr. razor:


Are they comparable in looks.

Kind regards,

Um, that's not a #66, that's a Diplomat. This is a #66:

Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Um, that's not a #66, that's a Diplomat. This is a #66:

OMG ! What an UGLY razor !!!

Just kidding ......

The 66 I sent you is in my opinion much much smoother than any American Aristocrat type razor. I've only shaved with Diplomats and Presidents and no other American Aristocrat models though. I found both of them, as I do with most American razors, to be a bit rougher in the shave. It was almost like my skin could really feel the blade scraping across it even if I didn't get irritation by the end of the shave.
The British razors I have tried (66, 15, Rocket, TV Rocket) have all been much better shavers in that regard, but the 66 was the best of them. If you're really looking for another Brit, I'd go with a 21 or a 16, which I think is like the 66 but with a flat baseplate.
Hope you're enjoying that 66 by the way

Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Um, that's not a #66, that's a Diplomat. This is a #66:

Sorry for the confusion, I was making reference to the fact that I have not seen a 1955 Diplomat and was asking if the 1953 Y4 I posted was the same as his 1955 Diplomat. I like the #66 but I prefer open comb razors, It could be because I haven't had the opportunity to use #16 yet.
The #66 and #58 are the only solid guards that I've experienced to day.


Kind regards,

Originally Posted by heirkb

The 66 I sent you is in my opinion much much smoother than any American Aristocrat type razor. I've only shaved with Diplomats and Presidents and no other American Aristocrat models though. I found both of them, as I do with most American razors, to be a bit rougher in the shave. It was almost like my skin could really feel the blade scraping across it even if I didn't get irritation by the end of the shave.
The British razors I have tried (66, 15, Rocket, TV Rocket) have all been much better shavers in that regard, but the 66 was the best of them. If you're really looking for another Brit, I'd go with a 21 or a 16, which I think is like the 66 but with a flat baseplate.
Hope you're enjoying that 66 by the way

Yes, I have been thanks. Not to break out into a side bar, but the #47 is the better of the two for closeness, taken into consideration that I also shave my head.

Originally Posted by Soopercat

Sorry for the confusion, I was making reference to the fact that I have not seen a 1955 Diplomat and was asking if the 1953 Y4 I posted was the same as his 1955 Diplomat.

Okay, got it.

My Diplomat is a 1955 model ("A" code), and coincidentally, I have never seen a 1953 "Y" model -- I've only seen Presidents with "Y" codes.