Need Advice for Restoring a Gillette Super Speed

[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.

Icarus

[JBHoren]

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!

[Neil Miller]

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

[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.

Before:


After:

[JBHoren]

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!