Gillette Rocket, the refined DE.

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by MTgrayling, Dec 1, 2008.

  1. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    I've seen about 10 more on B&B, which most likely includes the 3 the author probably saw. Still, super rare.
     
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  2. Morman Bridge

    Morman Bridge Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the clarification,Ryan!
     
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  3. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    The only explanations I've ever heard for their existence (and I believe it was speculation), is that post WWII, the American Gillette branch made machines for the British branch to resume production of TTO razors. Before the machines were sent to Britain, they were tested here, resulting in the few razors found.

    The other story I've heard is that again, post WWII, the British branch of Gillette sent razor parts to the U.S. for testing before resuming production.

    Another explanation might be that the U.S. branch briefly toyed with the idea of making British style razors, before scrapping the idea.

    Whichever story has a grain of truth to it, the end result is the same. A very limited number were made and/or survive to the present time.
     
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  4. mr-razor

    mr-razor Well-Known Member

    my US-Rocket is made in early 1950
    Alan, congratulation to your great score! :signs021:
     
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  5. Morman Bridge

    Morman Bridge Well-Known Member

    Thank you Achim!
     
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  6. Morman Bridge

    Morman Bridge Well-Known Member

    I can tell by the style of the case on this one, it was late 1940's or early 1950's as well, Achim.
     
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  7. mr-razor

    mr-razor Well-Known Member

    yes, this case was used since 1948/49
     
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  8. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    Well that rules out the first two theories. :)
     
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  9. brit

    brit in a box

    i have a #20 small head rocket that i love using.it is stamped with a k and a1 under the head.1965 maybe?$20 from an antique shop in mint shape.also scored an unused canadian rocket(430030)or aristocrat jr as they are called.tried it sunday.best shave i ve had to date.
     
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  10. brit

    brit in a box

    just scored a #1 rocket,mint shape on ebay.identical to the canadian arist jr but with the pat pending triangular type base plate. i think 10 razors is enough.....,well not.just scored a #7 rocket hd from the west coast.looks in great shape.so i will have a #20 flair tip, #5 arist jr, #1 rocket and #7 rocket hd. best of the brits.......
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2017
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  11. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    I've got two rockets now: an Aristocrat and a gold rocket.
    IMG_2618.JPG

    Rocket_01.JPG
     
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  12. theguitarshaver559

    theguitarshaver559 Active Member

    I like the picture of the bucket full of razors.
     
  13. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    We all like the picture of the bucket full of razors. :) That's a once in a lifetime find.
     
  14. Douglas Carey

    Douglas Carey Wildman

    :signs011:
     
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  15. brit

    brit in a box

    #1 rocket just showed up...awesome no1.jpg
     
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  16. Douglas Carey

    Douglas Carey Wildman

    Looks to be in outstanding condition. :happy096:
     
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  17. Munichjoe

    Munichjoe Member

    I know that all Rockets are smooth customers, and that the HD 500 is the most aggressive, while still being silky smooth. But, does anyone have thoughts about the regular rocket /parat vs flare tip vs HD, in terms of aggressiveness?
    I know that they are less aggressive than the HD, but which one do you think is the milder one?
    I like em all, but I haven't had my parat out in a while. I've been using a pre war triangle '32 Canadian tech for the past few months.

    Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk
     
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  18. brit

    brit in a box

    thank you ,it appears unused.saturday s shave,yeeha
     
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  19. brit

    brit in a box

    i have a small head #20 flair tip rocket that feels similar to my 67 black handled super speed,but i am way limited compared to others with more experience,gary
     
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  20. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    The flare tip rocket will be the mildest, being the last produced. The LD (light duty) would be next, being the aluminum model of the HD, followed by the regular rocket, and then the HD. The HD isn't even that much more aggressive than the regular rocket, but it feels that way because of it's weight. The No. 58 is the gussied up version of the rocket HD, with fancy knurling, and I would put it about half way between a regular American super speed and an American red tip super speed. Edit: It is slightly heavier than an HD.
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2017
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