Gillette No 58

Let's talk about single and double edged razors and the blades that they use.
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Dave2018
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Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

Hi
Can anybody say from the photos if this is the aluminium or plated brass version of the Gillette 58.

How does this razor compare to a 1940s Tech.

Thanks

Dave
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Pauldog
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Pauldog »

It looks like plated brass to me. The aluminum Super Speed handles I've seen have been very shiny. You may also be able to tell by weight vs. a similar razor of known materials.

It looks more like a Super Speed or Rocket than a Tech, as far as comparing it to another razor.

I started fooling around with a fairly strong magnet, and discovered that the middle of an aluminum handle won't attract the magnet, though the area near the twist knob will. The middle of many other Gillette handles (especially my early British Rocket) will attract a magnet. The magnet needs to be strong enough, or you might not notice the effect.

The stainless blades I checked were all strongly magnetic - Personna, Mach 3, Gillette, Gem, Schick injector. I'm going to stick my neck out and say that all razor blades are magnetic. My previous experience with stainless steel was that it wasn't magnetic, but blade material must be a different stainless alloy. I don't have any stainless razor handles, so I can't check that.
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

Many thanks for your reply, very helpful :D
CMur12
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by CMur12 »

Dave, I, too, think this razor looks like the nickel-plated brass version. The aluminum handles, whether shiny or not, have a different surface treatment than the nickel-plated brass ones.

I have a Gillette Rocket with the thick/heavy handle from the early 1950s and it is very mild, quite close to an American Tech in its shaving characteristics.

I don't know how closely related the 58 was to the Rockets. I believe Gordon was using one of these, and that wouldn't be the case if it were at all aggressive.

- Murray
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

Hi Murray

Thanks for your reply, I am hoping it's just a touch more aggressive than my Tech.

Really looking forward to trying it and will post a review asap.
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

I received the razor today, it's in very good condition and glad to say it's the nickel plated brass version.

I tried it with a Treet Dura Sharp and unsurprisingly found it to be much more aggressive than my Tech and collected a few nicks.

I will have to find the correct angle for this razor and learn how to get the best from it.
brothers
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by brothers »

This sounds like it might be one of your favorites soon. I hope so!
Gary

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jww
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by jww »

These are excellent razors - the Gillette slim adjustable was designed, I believe, after this razor. What's the date code?
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Pauldog
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Pauldog »

Dave2018 wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:24 am much more aggressive than my Tech and collected a few nicks.


Maybe try a Derby in it... A Feather might kill you. :)
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

Pauldog wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 2:41 pm
Dave2018 wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:24 am much more aggressive than my Tech and collected a few nicks.


Maybe try a Derby in it... A Feather might kill you. :)
:lol:
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

The 58 is going to be sold, just can't take to it.
Will stay with my 1940s Tech, great shave today with a Treet Black Beauty blade.

I have tried several razors in the hope of finding something better than the Tech, none have made it, perhaps I found my perfect razor straight away.

Thanks all for your help
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Pauldog
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Pauldog »

Have you tried a Super Speed or Rocket? Maybe a blue tip or black handle Super Speed. The Razorock DE1 is very inexpensive and has gotten some good reviews; I'm tempted to get one myself, after buying several Razorock heads for low prices. Their Mission head is supposed to be on the milder side.

Other options: the standard Muhle/Jagger head, the Merkur head, a slant, the Gillette NEW razor from the 1930's, an adjustable...

You might want to consider one of the later Schick injector razors.
brothers
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by brothers »

Dave, maybe I missed this, but is your 58 made in England?
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

brothers wrote: Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:36 pm Dave, maybe I missed this, but is your 58 made in England?
It is English made.
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Pauldog
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Pauldog »

Did they make the 58 anywhere else? Canada?
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Shave4Fun
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Shave4Fun »

Have you sold the 58 yet? If not I am interested.
Thanks,
Roger

I've been a wet shaver for 56 years! 8)
Dave2018
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Dave2018 »

It's on eBay ........Vintage Gillette No 58 Aristocrat, it's got a chrome tin with tan interior
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Shave4Fun
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Re: Gillette No 58

Post by Shave4Fun »

Ok. Thanks.
Roger

I've been a wet shaver for 56 years! 8)
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