razor acquisition quests, razor addictions and hope

[nicodemus38]

I am an addict so far for Gillette razors.
66 travel tech got me going on a binge. ended up with the following

66 travel tech
53 zamac head aluminum handle full size tech
do serial/no date code old type
1920s new standard new improved OC
69 black beauty I like on 2 and 3
46-47 aristocrat
59 fat boy that I enjoy on setting 2
1960s flare tip
1960s slim I keep on 2 or 3

I like them all, they all work well. don't use many of them now. no cases or accessories.
ive wanted cased razors all my days. and particular razors too.

been thinking on a single edge vintage. can find good condition ones on ebay but I have no clue on what to look for in them other then closed combs. no experience with the internal locking systems or blade tabs they use to hold things tight.

Im thinking its better to find something here with you guys that's ready to go and not piss my money away on nice looking razors that cant be used?

[ShadowsDad]

That's what I would do unless you enjoy the hunt.

I take it that you prefer a fairly mild razor. Assuming that's correct you would want a GEM Featherweight, G-Bar, or Contour. They are easy to find and won't break the bank. There is only one that I know of that is milder, but it's also far harder to find. BTW, I don't use injectors so I know nothing about them and my response doesn't include them.

[nicodemus38]

what about a gem black handle push button, I think the 1950s type like this one here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121949262411?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

its just a thought,

[ShadowsDad]

That uses the same head as the razors I suggested. It would be mild for a SE razor.

If you want a razor in better condition look for a featherweight. The plating on them is tank armor thick and close to indestructible. But it'll be more money. Even a rough looking FW should clean up fine. I've never seen one that didn't and I've seen lots of FWs.

[BPman]

Some go through a razor "frenzy", but 99% seem to settle on one or two as their daily shavers after a spell. Personally, I use a Schick Krona for probably 90% of my shaves. I have probably as well 20 vintage "classic" DE razors that I never use anymore. I bought them all cheap before this overpriced madness set in, as well as many old vintage blades.

I would tell a new wet shaver to buy one or two cheap DE razors and some good modern Gillette blades to learn the ropes along with a stick of Arko soap and a good cheap synthetic brush. Remember above everything, it's usually the Indian & not the arrow when something goes awry.

[Squire]

My Great-Great-Great Grandmother, a full blood Cherokee, would be amused that her people now build casinos where the white man can't.

[nicodemus38]

i got a feather weight. Its immaculate. I mean no handle discoloration, no wear to the hinge areas... its like almost never usedlooking.

Tried using it tonight. finally got Cella to lather for me.... its a really weird thing to describe. against the grain its perfectly enjoyable. under my nose, its wonderful.

but after a 2 pass shave its like 10% of my face never got shaved. its the weirdest angled thing.

[brothers]

Nic, with a little practice, that angle thing will work out right, and it is my hope that this becomes one of your favorite razors.

[nicodemus38]

had a lot better luck with it today. it goes against the grain rather well. at least with erasmic.

ned to find some coated or stainless blades.

[CMur12]

It's a very mild razor, Nic. As you already know, with such a narrow blade gap it won't cut if the angle isn't just right. When the razor is really mild, I make a thinner, wetter lather, to allow that narrow blade gap better access to the whiskers. YMMV.

- Murray