The Gillette President discussion thread

Absolutely beautiful !

 

Whichever is the case, that's true of the Y1 I just received in a trade with a fellow member. One side of the handle has minor issues but the doors are 99% pristine with a few tiny/negligible pinprick scratches that are invisible to me from a foot away. But the SHINE on those doors is unlike any I've seen on any mint Gillette, or the ones I've polished myself. It practically gleams.

And the case is about as good as they come for having been used, too. The green lining is a really nice touch.

 

As far as I can tell, other than the plating, these razors are identical. On the left, an A2 Diplomat (my birthdate razor) & on the right, a Z1 President. Ironically, I have 3 Diplomats & 3 Presidents and, of the three Presidents, two suffer from handle drop (where the handle falls when opening the doors) while none of the Diplomats do. I attribute this to believing people are more likely to use a Rhodium plated razor than a gold plated one rather than any difference in the quality of the razors themselves.

 

Yes, and I have fixed them.

 

These Are beautiful razors! I have always wanted to find one in the wild. Either a Diplomat, aristocrat, presidential, Sheridan, etc. These TTO razors have a cool look to them.

 

How did you fix them?

 

The "dulled" tubing cutter method. I've run across enough of them that it was worth making a tool.

 

I'm very happy with my President, but then I was always impressed by the Diplomats I've used. Anyone know the breakdown on their blade gaps and such?

 

Beautiful plus what a catch!

 

I absolutely love my Y4 1953 President! Almost mint. It has a few very small use scratches on the doors. Found it in an antique store in a red plastic Superspeed case. Listed as a Superspeed, for $25. The best deal I've ever found. Also found a E2 1959 Fatboy that had worn Nickel plating. I sent it to Reliable Electroplating and had it re-plated in Rhodium. It's beautiful!!

 

So, how much would you pay for a NOS 53 present in the original packaging?

 

I've heard they go for $300

 

Just missed NOS original box & papers on eBay $212

 

Do you have a photo?

 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1953-Gillette-president-safety-razor-MINT-/291825233348?nav=SEARCH

 

I have fixed them with a rag, screw driver & bock of wood.

 

How different are these to a 1947 Aristocrat except for the colour ? The one I own shaves smoother than any of my adjustables.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/On...t light brown case red satin inlet lining.JPG

 

So, let me preface that I am a noob & have never laid hands on a '53 president, but I do have a '47 aristocrat. I find the aristocrat to be a smooth mild shave. I too would love to hear a contrast & comparison to a '53 president.

 

I own both the 46-47 aristocrat and the president and for me personally... The aristocrat shaves smoother to me. I felt the blade a little more with the president. But that's me. Maybe someone else has a different experience. I only just got my president recently and have 2 shaves on it.