Gillette No 58
Gillette No 58
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
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
Re: Gillette No 58
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.
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.
Re: Gillette No 58
Many thanks for your reply, very helpful
Re: Gillette No 58
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
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
Re: Gillette No 58
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.
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.
Re: Gillette No 58
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.
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.
Re: Gillette No 58
This sounds like it might be one of your favorites soon. I hope so!
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
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
Re: Gillette No 58
These are excellent razors - the Gillette slim adjustable was designed, I believe, after this razor. What's the date code?
Re: Gillette No 58
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
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
Re: Gillette No 58
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.
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.
Re: Gillette No 58
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
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
Re: Gillette No 58
Did they make the 58 anywhere else? Canada?
Re: Gillette No 58
Have you sold the 58 yet? If not I am interested.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Roger
I've been a wet shaver for 56 years!
I've been a wet shaver for 56 years!
Re: Gillette No 58
It's on eBay ........Vintage Gillette No 58 Aristocrat, it's got a chrome tin with tan interior