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I am looking for a 1953 Gillette razor. The date code reads to be Y-3, which should be 1953. However, there is also a Y-3 that is a 1978. Of the 2 pictures below are they both a 1953, or is is possible that one is a 1953 and the other a 1978?
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...illette_y2.jpg
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...illette_y3.jpg
You probably already found this:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gi...ng_Information
Gibbs,
Looking at the below, I would suspect that the black anodised/(painted ?) handle was later than the 'all silver' handled razor, so would suppose that it is the 1978 version.
mr-razor solid guard bar
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
Edit : It seems that these black handled Gillette razors were made from ca 1966 - 1986
Gentlemen,
Yes, I agree with my friend Russ. The black handled Gillette is from a much later date, the 1970s.
Regards,
Obie
Thanks Obie, Russ Tony !! I was looking for a birth year and the silver would be it then. Much appreicated. However it would be something to buy a year razor and walk into your bathroom with it, lather up and whatever year you had, you would walk back out of the bathroom in that year. A time machine razor set. Sounds like the beginning of a sci-fi movie. "The man with the timely razors". LOL
I'd watch it. Might get a little dicey with my Wade & Butcher with the VR stamping. Would take me back to somewhere between 1837 and 1901. Could be fun though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibbs
Hello, Gibs:
That black-handled Gillette is one of the last of the great little razors. I have that one and find it sweet and mild. It's light in weight, too, if you like lightweight razors. A good razor, and, yes, it comes with history, as do all the Gillettes.
Regards,
Obie
I have my Dad's '60 'Fatboy' (left) in it's original packaging... it's well used... but I also have my Grandfather's '63 SuperSpeed that he used for 9 blades out of the original paper 10 blade package before his passing in late '63. The 10th blade, rusted, is still in the box. The razor and it's original plastic case are like new and I use it once a month (right).Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibbs
Even his new razor can't hold a candle to the shave I get with his well worn Larkin straight (bottom). I shaved with it 4 hours ago.
Attachment 73252
I hope you find your 'birthday' razor... but I believe I've got you.
:D
To the topic of the thread...
The black plastic handled razor is the later dated Y razor...and a Super Speed Flare Tip.
The other razor is the earlier one and is simply a Super Speed. - Nice little razors, I've had several of them, both flare tip and non-flare tip...though none as late as the plastic handled one.
I think I posted this before, but I have that same cup and used it for the same purpose when I first started straight shaving. Also, FWIW the razor on the right is not a Super Speed; it's a Gillette Slim Adjustable. I have one of each and they're good little shavers (though I'm a big fan of my straights over my DE's).Quote:
Originally Posted by tonycraigo
Peace,
Well, I have a 1953 coming soon. Just like the one with the all stainless handle. I look forward to giving it a go with one of my blades. I have several different "makes" of blades now and most of them, especially the Feather, can beat the straight razor for close shave 14 ways to Sunday. I love my straights, but wish there was a way to hone and strop them to the same sharpness level of these DE blades, like Feather, Astra, Israeli Persona Platinum, Russan Rapira or one I have not tried yet, the Voskhod blade. I have heard many nice things about teh Voskhod blades and hope to try a few sometime.
Gibbs, I've got to tell you, if you ever want to trade, I've got some DE's (gillettes) I'd give you in return for your straights! I love my straights far more than my DE's. I don't have the experience you probably have with the DE's but while I can get a good shave from the DE's my Genco blows them out of the water when it comes to comfort. Less weepers, zero irritation, and long lasting smoothness.
I'm definitely a straight man.
Thanks Jim, I appreciate the offer. I find a lot of the Gillettes shave more or less the same, especially the adjustables. Tonight I shaved with my new (yes, somebody's Dad/Grandpa must have gotten it for Christmas and merely tucked it away all these years) 1971 shorter handle Super Adjustable Gillette. I used a Rapira (Russian) blade that has received a lot of good reviews. Shaved very close.. BBS close, no nicks, no weepers, and not much extra thought into it. I believe I kind of like my Israeli Persona blades just a tab better. Have you every tried one of those? There are so many blades out there for DE and many folks work around and finally find one that feels just right. I've never had a cut, nor a nick, nor a weeper from a DE shave, and I set it kind of aggressive at 7 on most of the razors. The Fatboys I have are wonderful shavers. I'll bet if I PIF ed you a Persona for your DE you'd be surprised and your Genco would wonder what it had come up against.. LOL
Ma-y be. Maybe. I set my Fatboy at 3 and can come up with weepers on my ATG pass pretty regularly. I don't get burn, but my skin's definitely more comfortable after my Genco running the same passes. I've heard a lot of good things about those Israeli blades though...might just have to order some up some day...but I sure like playing with my straights. Of course I've only been wet shaving since Feb so I have a lot to learn on the experience end of things.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibbs
Peace,
Finally got around to getting pictures of the new "acquisiton". Nice little razor, but, WOW, you shave on 3? I start at 7 on all the adjustables and never so much as a weeper nor nick nor any razor burn. I shave first pass with the grain and second across the grain, and rarely do I go ATG whether DE or straight. I will say that the next day (I shave in the evening) that the face when felt with the hands feels a little more "prickly" with DE than when I shave with a striaght. Might be the straight manages to cut flatter across the hair. Perhaps I need to "stretch" more when shaving with the DE and that might hellp a bit. Really, those Israeli blades are someting to behold, and feel on the face. I found there are many different razor blades being made and some are more sharp and more agressive than others, (per a review on blades) and some are more face friendly than others. Some are downright disgusting too.
The razor I talked about....
The top of the case, with no sign of rubs or scratches, as new as if it were sitting on a store shelf.
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...e1971Cased.jpg
With the top of the clear case cover off. Numbers are crisp and black and metal bright and shiny, all working perfectly.
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...71Gillette.jpg
Image showing the razor next to the silver 2 pack blades and there are 2 blades left in the holder.
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...971_2blade.jpg
R-3 date codes on the bottom indicating 1971 3rd quarter. I graduated in 1971 and well could have looked at one just like this that summer out of High School.
Just wanted to post it for those that want to see a 1971 Gillette.
Gibbs, The true 1953 is the second one pictured. These razors were Nickel plated not stainless. IMO the best of the Super-Speed line...Enjoy!!!
The second of the first two pictures is the 1953 Super Speed. I've got one that I use on days I need a quick shave and it is indeed, a great shaver. BTW:I think I've read that it's about the end of the 40's types of Super Speeds, a renowned model line.
I have not one but 3 of the Y-2 Gillettes now. One in great condition, one in very good condition and one that in new-never used in a new travel kit. I got it the other day, the 1953 travel kit with Gillette after shave, Gillette Foamy, Gillette Right Guard, a new razor and the blades underneath are still in their original packaging. I have shaved with both of the other 1953 razor and they do an EXCELLENT job with the Super-Max Super Platinum blades I have for trial. I was impressed. FWIW, I have never had a weeper, nick nor razor burn in the DE shaves I have recently started. The closest I came to irritation was with a new BIC razor and BIC blades. That was a new blister-pack razor + blades and made in China. It is a VERY aggressive shaver and only by paying attention did I get by without issues. In fact, half way through, I swapped out the BIC blade for the Israeli Persona and all went better. Pics of the travel set if you you want to see them? Original cost of all the stuff in the case.... $1.49
That's a silly question!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibbs
And I may just have to pick up some of these o-so-amazing Israeli blades. I get at least half a dozen weepers with my DE, and while I don't get razor burn, my face can get irritated in this hot humid weather we've been having here. Not so when I shave with my Genco...BUT...my new stone is supposed to arrive today! So I'll probably be playing with it and getting an increasing number of straights up and shave ready before I find motivation again to buy more DE blades.
All that aside, bring on the pics!
hey gibs ive got a valet auto strop in great shape, let me know if ur interested, im thinking about trading for a straight someday.
Ok, Jim (and others) the pics of the 3 Gillette 1953 razors, and the travel kit.....
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...953_razors.jpg
One on the left is the most plating loss. I have shaved with it, and nothing wrong with the shave. Smooth and comfortable. It's just not as pretty without some of the plating, but that does not seem to matter much to the end shave. Next to is is the other 1953 and it's in a lot better shape. In the case is the new 1953 Gillette.
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...53_razors2.jpg
All 3 razors (1953 Y-2 all) outside the case
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...953_travel.jpg
The travel kit with the lid up. Blades under the razor are still in the original celophane wrap. Imagnine, only $1.49 at that time. It's something my Father could have bought coming home from Germany out of the service. I'm sure it would have been available for a few months on the shelf.
Then, for kicks and giggles, is a pic of the F-1 Fatboy, the 1962 Slim Adjustable and what I got today, a Merkur Futur. Shaved on 4 first pass then dropped down to 2. Was BBS hours later even. No nicks nor weepers. It hold the blade kind of odd, not bent down as much as those with the Gillette and Schick.
http://vernsdidj.com/pictures/misc/r...slim_futur.jpg
I have one that looks almost identical to the silver-handled one above. it is marked "reg US X" does that mean its a 1952, as opposed to a 1977 due to the silver handle?
Likely, but not necessarily. Pics would be a big help.Quote:
Originally Posted by 96firephoenix
Jim
Gibbs,
Give yourself a real treat and try one of the Gillette Platinum Plus blades that came with your Super Adjustable. I get 10+ smooth, close and comfortable shaves with that blade.
I have to make an addition, or correction, the the travel kit. From another forum I found out that they did not come out with the Sun Up aftershave until 1964. So, it could not have been original with a 1953 razor. The very least it would need a 1964 J date code series razor. Some speculation as to the wording that says: "Blade compartment holds your Gillette razor" so it may explain why you see some of these kits with Super Speeds in them as well as some with Adjustables. Perhaps the kit came without the razor for $1.49 and you put your own razor in there for travel.
On the back of the 6 blade cellophane blades wrapper it has "89" cents. The whole kit cost $1.49, so if you figure the discount of the pack of blades, the after shave, the Gillette Foamy shave cream, the Gillette Right Guard anti-perspiriant, and the cost of the box, to add a razor in there would not be quite right for price.
I'd like to see someone show that it came with a razor and what kind, but until that I have that old "Gibbs gut" feeling that a razor was not part of the $1.49 travel kit.
Yep, that's a 52. A soft toothbrush and some borax water will clean it up good, and then some basic polish (like Mothers, MAAS, etc) will polish it up nice. Nice razor you've got there!Quote:
Originally Posted by 96firephoenix
Vern,
Too bad it's not original with the razor, but it's still a very cool piece, and I don't think its value is diminished any because of what you've found.
P.S.>>>I'm on the road right now, but when I get home I have some new DE blades I need to try out! :D Thx
Peace,
Jim
