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Thread: Need Advice for Restoring a Gillette Super Speed

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    Default 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

  2. #2
    I'm a social vegan. I avoid meet. JBHoren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Icarus View Post
    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!
    You can have everything, and still not have enough.
    I'd give it all up, for just a little more.

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    Icarus (08-17-2013)

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    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    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

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Neil Miller For This Useful Post:

    Icarus (08-17-2013), tintin (08-19-2013)

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    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.

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  7. #5
    I'm a social vegan. I avoid meet. JBHoren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Icarus View Post
    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!
    tintin likes this.
    You can have everything, and still not have enough.
    I'd give it all up, for just a little more.

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