Gillette Flare Tip Rocket - or "it's nice when they arrive clean"

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by Darkbulb, Jan 7, 2015.

  1. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

    Sometimes it's a pleasant surprise when a vintage razor arrives and it's in very little, if any, need of a cleaning.
    Now, I do clean them anyway just because at the end of the day they are still old, used grooming tools - but in cases like this at least I don't have to spend any elbow grease on trying to wrangle out some razor-shine.

    Spent $30-35 on a British made Gillette Flare Tip Rocket in its original case (which I must admit is sort of wasted on me as cases just ends up in a box and never displayed... Just saving them in case I ever want to sell the razor(s)).

    It was in better condition than described (when was the last time that happened?) and seems to be mechanically very sound.

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    Never used this version so it will be another fun first experience this week - especially since I've heard that this version is more aggressive than its American cousin.

    I do have a question though...I can't see a date code anywhere.
    I see a "II" on the base plate, the Gillette logo and "Made in England"
    Inside, in the blade tray I see "Brit Pat" on one side and "694093" on the other.

    Maybe they don't have one.

    Anyway, great looking razor that will soon be put to the test :)
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2015
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  2. theFAT98

    theFAT98 Well-Known Member

    Very nice.
     
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  3. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    I would love to have a Rocket. That one is a beaut... Congratulations!
     
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  4. RaZorBurn123

    RaZorBurn123 waiting hardily...............

    5 racks. Very nice!
     
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  5. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

    I'm hoping to stop at 3 racks :)
     
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  6. clint64

    clint64 Blind Squirrel

    Looks great.
     
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  7. Sevenbark

    Sevenbark Well-Known Member

    Very nice, always enjoyed just opening and closing the Rocket, smoothest razors I have owned. the English razors have no date code. One of he best rocket threads is on this forum I will look for it. The II has been tossed around a bit, I forget exactly what seemed to be the definition for it, but I think it had something to do with aggressiveness. Although I am not sure on that one.
     
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  8. BigMark

    BigMark Tests razors by shaving Wookies

    As would I, but I'd want it to be a red tip.
     
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  9. Sevenbark

    Sevenbark Well-Known Member

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  10. GDCarrington

    GDCarrington Burma Shave

    Well done. They do shave differently than the Super Speeds.

    Enjoy!
     
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  11. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

  12. celestino

    celestino Friendly Neighborhood Wetshaver

    :happy088:
     
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  13. Slow Joe

    Slow Joe Relishing his obsession

    Great looking razor. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on it.
     
  14. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

    Might not be until next week as I don't shave on the weekends and tomorrow I will be doing a second shave with the Blue Tip :D
     
  15. SRNewb

    SRNewb Well-Known Member

    Sweet! I want to get the various Superspeeds. All I have at the moment is my black handle. The Rockets are in another class altogether, I understand. Nice and clean is even more of a bonus! Enjoy!
     
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  16. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

    First shave with it this morning. I had a weekend-long scruff to get rid of and this razor did a fantastic job.
    It does feel a bit different to my black and blue tip super speeds - more aggressive...assertive almost.

    Two passes (WTG and ATG) and I had a very smooth shave. Great razor that for sure will stay in my evergrowing permanent rotation...

    [​IMG]
     
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  17. SRNewb

    SRNewb Well-Known Member

    I resemble that remark. ;)
    I have 21 razors of various types in rotation at the moment, and still adding. Ii is nice to have the variety, but sooner or later, I guess I'll have to stop. :(
    Haven't got there, yet. :)
     
  18. Darkbulb

    Darkbulb Cookie Hoarder

    Same, I have 3-4 razors I really, really want to get my hands on...and countless more that I'll probably pick up as well :)
     
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  19. FatherofSquirrel

    FatherofSquirrel A right jolly old elf

    nice
     
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  20. Hippo

    Hippo New Member

    Wow seriously nice example and as you say what a pleasant surprise for it to be better than described :bounce015:
     
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