The Gillette President discussion thread

Excellent!

 

This was my question to www.Razorarchive.com

"Was the Gillette President named after President Eisenhower? I believe the Gillette New was named the "New" to tie into Roosevelt's "New Deal" plan. Do you sell a book with this type of information?"

Here is there reply.

No, these names were arbitrarily picked to conjure up images of high quality / value. The packaging Gillette used from 1904-1933 was all very elaborate and looked like US currency - again to drive the idea of value. They were very expensive in their day for sure.
The Gillette President made its debut in the NEW series - 1933. Here's a catalog image of it:
http://www.razorarchive.com/img/s7/v165/p99562310.jpg
Most people know it only from the twist to open / butterfly variety in the late 1940's but it was already a name they used before.
The NEW series was just the follow up to the New Improved series, both of which followed the Old Type razor head. All of these changes reflected blade wars with 3rd party makers and expiring patents, not anything to do with national politics as these razors were sold / marketed internationally. The closest thing to a "social commentary" that Gillette did was the Goodwill, a razor that debuted during the depression and was basically the first time that they gave away the handle for free and the consumer merely bought the blades.
Hope that helps, thx

On Sun, Sep 13, 2015 at 4:17 AM, Zenfolio <noreply@zenfoliomail.com> wrote:
From: "Douglas Carey" <413wdc21@gmail.com>

 

Love the look of the President. What are the the ways I can tell the difference between this one and other similar razors? Thanks

 

The best thing about this razor is the Rhodium plating. It has the best finish of all the Gillette razors that I have, pretty much flawless and the doors still have a mirror like shine after all this time. Definitely a beautiful piece.

 

And if you make too much money, they'll charge you double the price for new blades.

"If you like your razor, you can keep it!"

 

Is that the original blade pack that came with the Gillette President in 1953?

 

No, but it is period piece correct.

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Thanks very much @GDCarrington. I don't see the difference between yours and the one in this photo?

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

I have a Gillette Aristocrat that looks a lot like the President, except the finish. Do the Aristocrat and President shave the same? Thanks!
K

 

I think @Jayaruh has an Aristocrat and a President. He may be able to compare the two.

 

I'm surprised to learn the head of the razor is plated in nickel. Just looking at the color and finish it seems brighter than nickel and certainly is the most polished razor I have. .?

 

The heads are identical, the length of the handles are identical, the weight is the same, only some very slight differences in knurling. If someone shaved you while you were blindfolded with one on one cheek and the other on the other cheek you would more than likely think they were the same.

 

Thanks, good to know.

 

The more expensive (in today's resale market) Executive was the only US marketed Gillette Razor that was all Rhodium.

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I remember Dylan out the Magic Roundabout....They banned the programme because Dylan the Rabbit was allegedly stoned all the time...
Dylan the Rabbit was so cool an all...
Billy

 

Thank you Burma Shave!

 

Well either way it's a damn fine finish for sure.