November 15, 2018- NOthing But Techs, Remembrance Week
Razor: Gillette Bakelite Tech (US)
Blade: 7 o'Clock Permasharp Stainless (4)
Brush: VdH Boar
Soap: Williams
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH
Back again today with another Gillette Tech whose production was limited to WWII military production- the Bakelite Tech.
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Bakelite razors are fairly common for this era due to the rationing of various metals, including Brass. Similar razors were produced for the military by companies such as Conrad (Clix), ASR (Star), and Simplex. Often these razors came with a Bakelite case.
I purchased this razor by itself and the case was a generous PIF from our Czar,
@NCoxSTL. Initially, the handle would not fit in the case and it was not until later that I learned that there are actually at least two handle variations. This razor now sports the (later?) more common one.
This was my second shave of the month with a Bakelite Tech; the previous one was with a bit of a mashup with a later cap and fat handle. This one is pretty much as it would have been used by a serviceman. My impression? A smooth and efficient razor with a light touch. I did need to do some buffing in a couple of tough areas, but that may be the blade starting to show its age. I'm impressed with how Gillette continued to produce such quality razors under such difficult circumstances.
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This is the 10 Tech in my Den and, with this shave, we pass the midway point of both the calendar and my collection of Gillette Tech razors. I apparently miscounted originally as it appears that I only have 9 more instead of 10 before I must switch to various Tech clones. As it currently appears, the remaining razors consist of:
- 2 Pre-War US
- 4 Post-War US
- 3 Vietnam-Era US (including one Travel Tech)
Click to expand...