Thread: My grandpa's razor

Hi there,

I just got my hands on my grand father's razor, and I'd REALLY like to try it. The only thing I've shaved with is a catridge razor, so I have no clue what kind of blades I'd need to purchase for this thing, or where to get them. Could someone help me out ?

Thanks in advance,
Glenn.

Well im noexpert but thats a de razor (double edged) you need to de blades for it ,id guess you would get them in most stores that sell razors, theres diffrent brands so pick a few to try and find what you like better hope this helps,


wall to wall and tree top tall byeee byeee

Gillette Tech with bar! Any double edge blades will work. You can find blades at pharmacies. Ive seen them at Dollar Store, CVS and Walgreens.

It would be much cheaper to order blades. Ordered blades are likely to be better quality also. I like Red Pack Israeli Personnas, very cheap and work well. There are many good brands to choose from.

Thanks for the info !

I'll check out for double edge blades and try the razor as soon as I can.

When I went into the service in 1965, after in processing, we all got $10.00 (a "Flying Ten") and handed a list of stuff we HAD to buy at the PX!

On that list was a Gillette DE and a box of blades. If you didn't know how, you learned REAL quickly how to handle that razor. King Camp Gillette made his bones originally selling to the Army, and it seems like they kept the contract going!

The GOOD : Decent shaves.

The BAD : They would open that thing up and ALWAYS find some hair/shaving cream stuck in it someplace during inspections. I finally learned to boil the razor before inspections, and then dry it while still hot. No more 'gigs'.

The UGLY : Many young men sporting 'nick-itis'.

Hello, Glen:

Your grandpa's razor is priceless. Cherish it, because it carries his spirit. A great find.

Now, the double edge will shave differently from the cartridge razor. For starters, please view as many U-tube videos as you can on double edge shaving. Mantics59 has some excellent examples. Here are some more of my thoughts:

1. Keep the pressure light. No pressure at all. Let the razor's pressure do the work.

2. Watch your razor angle.

3. Shave in passes by first mapping out your face and the directions in which your beard grows.

4. Stretch the skin. You don't need to do it as much as you would with a straight razor. I, however, stretch for the DE as much as I do for the straight.

5. Westcoastshaving.com has sample packs of double edge razors. My favorite blades are Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" in the yellow pack. These are quite sharp and great blades. Try five or six varieties and find out what works best for you. I have used Persona, Derby, Crystal, Treat, Super Iridium, which I also find to be quality blades.

6. Concentrate on your preparation and lather-making. A well prepared face will do wonders for your shave.

Beyond this, if you have questions, please post them.

Regards,
Obie

'The Best a Man Can get'
If not that, certainly all that you need. The Tech is well regarded, functional and inexpensive.

Hello Glen,

Obie's right on the money as usual - it's not for nothing that he has a Hollywood face, clearly. I thought I'd expand just a little on item (6) though.

A DE is a different animal to a cartridge razor, and canned gel or foam is not really a suitable shaving medium. I may be that you're already using a brush and soap (or a shaving cream), in which case you're on the right track, but if not you'll be doing yourself a favour if you acquire both and start practising lather making forthwith. Soap lather provides more protection for your face, and that's a worthy consideration. I'd also suggest that you adopt the habit of using an aftershave lotion. I'm going to leave specific recommendations on these items to others since I'm UK based.

You certainly should treasure that razor. I don't even know what my grandfather shaved with (I suspect it may have been a blowlamp), but I most certainly prize my dad's DE over most of my other possessions.

You could shave the rest of your life with that razor. That is an awesome find even if it wasn't your grandfathers.

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Glen:

5. Westcoastshaving.com has sample packs of double edge razors. My favorite blades are Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" in the yellow pack. These are quite sharp and great blades. Try five or six varieties and find out what works best for you. I have used Persona, Derby, Crystal, Treat, Super Iridium, which I also find to be quality blades.

As far as which blades to use, this is what I would suggest as well. The simple reason is that what works for me may or may not work for you. For me I didn't like the Merkurs, Derbys or Astras. Loved the Feathers and they were my top choice until I recently tried the Personna Reds.

On top of that, if you follow all that Obie said regarding how to shave, you will be in for a great experience. Congrats on the great razor (wish I had something like that from my grandfathers or dad) and welcome to the club.