Thread: Should Have Asked Months Ago

I have a 64 Gillette. When I install a blade, how tight should I turn the stem?
Does the tension from the installation knob play a role in the flexibility of the blade while shaving?
I have been just lightly snugging with good results but I want the best results and limited damage to my razor.
Brian

You should be able to feel the doors lock down on the blade. Tightening after that doesn't serve any purpose.

Uncle,

You are doing the right thing with the gentle snugging

Excessive tightening of the TTO is not good.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

It depends which Gillette you have. If it's a Superspeed or other non adjustable razor, +1 on everything above about just nipping the blade without over tightening. With adjustable razors such as the Fatboy or Slim, after it nips you need to give another quarter turn to lock the blade - it's easy to feel this, not so easy to describe, but it's a feature of the design.

Hello, Uncle:

Since you're dealing with a delicate instrument, tighten the razor snugly without forcing it. Like anything else in shaving with the straight or double edge razor, don't push it.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks for the info. I do not have an adjustable razor, just a regular TTO. I do like my Gillette so I will be careful.
Again I must say I love this site.
Brian

Originally Posted by Uncle

I have a 64 Gillette. When I install a blade, how tight should I turn the stem?
Does the tension from the installation knob play a role in the flexibility of the blade while shaving?
I have been just lightly snugging with good results but I want the best results and limited damage to my razor.
Brian

Hi,
I believe if you try to make it too tight (spring?) mechanism will be damaged.

Don't believe these guys. I use a large pipe wrench to tighten my DE's. If you make it tight enough you actually reform the metal on the blades and make them thinner which gives you almost a magical shave. You know when it's tight enough because liquid steel is exuded from around the razor.