Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
This is where the YMMV of wet shaving comes in. I had a minty copy of one of those complete with all the bells and whistles and sold it. I shaved with it a couple of times. It is a truly beautiful razor but I didn't prefer the shave to that of my '47 USA Aristocrat which is more aggressive as is my British Red Tip. I haven't shaved with a DE in a couple of years but of the Gillettes that I kept the fore mentioned Aristocrat and Brit red tip, the model 58, British HD SS and "New" Big Fellow are all preferable to that model Executive.
To clarify my definition of "best", I'm thinking in overall terms. The Executive was one of the few US built razors that had a level of quality comparable to the Brits. As I said, there was only one other US built razor with a "bulldog" handle, the last of which were produced in 1918 -- so the handle design, as well as the beautiful rhodium plating, is unique among the other high-end US Gillette razors. The case is what really sells it for me, though. The case exudes underscored elegance with its substantial heft (10 oz), genuine leather covering, fold out mirror, and rich dark green velvet interior. As to shave quality, it does a better job for me than the #16, #66, #58, HD Rocket, 1948-50 Aristocrat, President, or Diplomat -- which were the only comparisons I was thinking of since they are similar razors. Trust me, I love my Big Fellow De Luxe, but I was keeping it "apple to apple". Calling any razor the "best" is always highly subjective, but in terms of overall build quality, shave quality, and presentation, it's the Executive in my eyes.

Interesting that you mention the 1946/47 Aristocrat, because I was planning on shaving with one today to compare it to my Executive (that I used yesterday) to see if the heads are the same. The Executive definitely has a more aggressive head than the other razors I mentioned, and I'm wondering if it is not the same.

Oh, yeah, if you still have that British Red Tip and are looking to sell...