Thread: Need Advice for Restoring a Gillette Super Speed

Hi all,

I recently acquired my grandfather's Gillette Super Speed. It is in pretty fair condition. However, I cannot turn the base of the handle to open the doors that enclose the razor. How should I go about unsticking it? Soap, vinegar, WD-40, or pliers? This is the first safety razor I have handled, since I shave with a straight razor. My greatest concern is damaging the razor by using the wrong method.

Icarus

Originally Posted by Icarus

Hi all,

I recently acquired my grandfather's Gillette Super Speed. It is in pretty fair condition. However, I cannot turn the base of the handle to open the doors that enclose the razor. How should I go about unsticking it? Soap, vinegar, WD-40, or pliers? This is the first safety razor I have handled, since I shave with a straight razor. My greatest concern is damaging the razor by using the wrong method.

Vinegar works... especially if you've got the patience to wait. If not, Lime-Away (or similar product) works like a champ! Once that's done, a good soak in mineral oil is all the lubrication that's necessary.

You do know that photos are required, yes?

Smooth shaving!

Not sure if the mechanism is the same or if you have to get this drastic with it, but this is an overhaul sequence for a Gillette Fatboy DE

Regards,
Neil

After an overnight soak in vinegar, the action loosened up with the help of some pliers. I thought about taking it apart and cleaning everything, but decided against the idea since the razor has sentimental value. It polished up nicely after some polish and soap.

Before:


After:

Originally Posted by Icarus

After an overnight soak in vinegar, the action loosened up with the help of some pliers. I thought about taking it apart and cleaning everything, but decided against the idea since the razor has sentimental value. It polished up nicely after some polish and soap.

Another suggestion: Find a local jewelry shop or tattoo parlor (really!), and see if they'll agree to clean your DE razor (fully-assembled) in one of their ultrasonic cleaners.

Trust me, this works... and works well. After doing so, I highly recommend an overnight soak in mineral oil (the razor, not you), then a 24-hour draining on multiple layers of paper toweling (like you do for fried chicken).

Smooth shaving!