My heart skipped a beat when I read the OP...but then I started thinking...there are already many good modern brands of DE razors on the market (yes, I know, I can't believe I just said that...). I had visions of the vintage Gillette razors being reproduced to the same standards and quality of the old vintage razors. I do hope this is true...it would be nice to add a "new" Gillette Tech to my collection...though I wonder what the price point will be?
A price of $75 for a new Tech? I have 4 Techs...either nickel or gold plated brass and I didn't pay more than $15 for any of them.
Before we shoot it all down, let's wait and see what turns up. I, for one, would buy a numbered Gillette Tech reissue for $75. But let's hope they reproduce some of the other classics as well.
I all ready have a 30's Tech in great shape that I paid under $10.00 for. And there are lots of them out there at similar prices. Why pay $75.00 for one? I don't get it.
Rebranded existing razors sold at an outrageous price is the best case scenario. Ain't no way the big G is going to invest in retooling for what will amount to a niche novelty item (sorry) just to undercut their decades long multibillion $ cartridge monopoly. They have practically nothing to gain from that. If I'm wrong I'll apologize and buy one (as long as it's all brass AND of comparable quality to the original...otherwise no sale).
I'm not shooting anything down. This rumor has resurrected many times. When one puts their thinking cap on, one realizes the prospect of it actually occurring are just a tick above zero. This would be like Ford Motor Company tooling up to make a run of 1967 Mercury Cougars.
I called the local Art Of Shaving store. The person answering the phone assured me the new Gillette Reissue was a reality. At least as far as the Tech is concerned. Why don't you call the local AOS in your area to verify it yourself?
This. I'd be in no hurry to do so (purchase a new Tech)—if I were a regular DE shaver—as the vintage models have withstood the test of time in durability and are currently terrific values.
It is my experience that any vintage item that a manufacturer reissues is never quite as good as the original. And it is usually more expensive. But if Gillette does reissue a Tech I imagine many of us will buy it just for sentimental reasons. As long as the price is not ridiculous.
It may not happen, and if it does the price point is likely to be outrageous. However, if Gillette does a limited production run, soon after discovers these products are not as profitable as cartridges, and stops production, these re-issues could be worth more than the price point years down the road. Might be worth to at least have one in the collection. Just a thought anyway.
OK, check this out, the manager from the local AOS just returned one of my calls from last night. I had left a message on their machine for a return call with more information. His name is Chris. He said the release date is in May. There will be two versions of the Tech available. A Limited Edition Tech in a case, for around $75, and a standard Tech in consumer packaging. Both Techs are identical to the Fat Handle Tech. I asked him to email me a photo as soon as he has one. That is all I have right now. Thanks for all the interest everyone.
No, because Dbersh was right. Analyzed carefully, Nossy's batting average was zero. Now I'm curious exactly what "Both Techs are identical to the Fat Handle Tech" will end up meaning. Identical should mean exactly that.
I just went to another forum, where it's said the reissues will be based on the pre-war (triangular slot) Tech Heavy. First 5,000 will be numbered and priced at $75; the rest, $55. Nickel (or "chrome" as the poster put it), but no gold. Of course, this post is from last December, but still.
Only we can do is wait and see, I don't care where it will be made as long as it has the traditional quality in it. If I ever hear it's "all brass handle" and no specs about the head imma flip them the bird
