Have you noticed the amazing efficiency in that razor? I have recently picked it back up after shaving with a slant for what seems like ages now, and the way that blade sings in that razors is amazing. What are your experiences with it? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I got one as an economical version of Gillette's first TTO type razors. It's nice to use and have in my collection.
It would depend which Sheraton. The one on the left is a 37 - 38, the one on the right is 38 - 40. The one on the left is very aggressive while the one on the right is less aggressive but still an aggressive razor and a lot more efficient. Both are good shavers but the 37 - 38 is a lot rougher on the face. With that said there are a few razors that shave close feel wise to the 37 - 38 Sheraton assuming you use the same blade across the razors. The US 36 - 38 Aristocrat is one of them along with the 53 and up Diplomat or President and the 1975 V3 and up dated coded Super 109's aka Black Beauties set at 8 or 9. The closest one to the 38 - 40 Sheraton is the 38 - 40 Senator. There is probably others but that is only one that comes to mind right now.
I have a 37-38 Sheration and find it to be super mild when fully closed. It is so mild that it is almost ineffective. After fully tightening it down, I open up the TTO knob a 1/4 turn to make it a little more aggressive. As per the original instructions(bottom right):
Maybe we have a different threshold of pain, skin types or you don't shave ATG? I do 2 ATG passes and that is where this razor becomes really nasty for me as far as irritation and weepers. The WTG passes not so much. I also shave at almost no angle except where the blade and or razor dictates otherwise. One other possibility is you've been doing this long enough those supposedly aggressive razors are no longer aggressive as you've acclimated to them. I know that does happen for me anyways ,there are razors I used to almost not be able to tolerate shaving with that now are mild to me like my Gillette Slim set at 9. Now I won't use the Slim at any other setting when I do use it.
I do 3 passes WTG/ATG/XTG in that order. When Fully closed my Sheraton has no gap whatsoever. I do have a tendency to prefer more aggressive razors but a pre-war Tech and Flare Tip SS feel more aggressive to me then my Sheraton.
Looks like a case of different strokes for different folks here. Unless you find it different I would suggest moving the ATG pass to your last pass, it made a big difference to me as far as irritation goes after the shave depending the razor. I do 5 passes WTG, WTG at about 45 degree from ear to chin, XTG, ATG and ATG at about 45 degree from chin to nose. I couldn't shave like this daily let alone with certain razors now I can do both, doesn't matter how aggressive or if DE or SE anymore. With that said there are some razors I would still prefer to not shave this way or daily.
I have two 1937 Sheratons and don't find either to be aggressive at all. In fact, their both equally mild...WTG,XTG,ATG. I'm wondering if yours is out of alignment or something. Maybe send it to Cap'n Murphy at Vintage Razor Repair? Herm
It is possible, but the original one I had I've since sold off and acquired one in better condition. Thing is I've had the same type of shave with those other razors I listed and they aren't out of alignment.
The farther I get into hobby shaving the more I realize how individual are our experiences. When the Sheraton was introduced, during the holidays I think, I am sure the men who received them learned to make them effective for their type of beard type. I question how much ATG, except for the neck, was practiced. I know it was never something I did for 50 years and now I have stopped the practice. I do not think for me it is healthy. And, since I shave everyday and could even shave twice a day if I had a evening event, it's nice to have something to shave every morning.
Mild and ineffective ? Maybe your angle is a little off? It’s a medium aggressive shave for me , but I guess the ymmv factor is in play?
Well I have the 38+ Sheraton that comes by way of Chris Spencer at Backroads Gold and not only is it a looker but a damn fine shaver. I have a 34-35 A’crat that I love but it is milder than my Sheraton. One of my fav TTOs.
You are the first owner I have heard that says the '34 Aristocrat is milder than the Sheraton. I've read some say they shave the same. That's a beautiful razor, BTW.
I feel the '34 Aristocrat to be the Holy Grail of Gillette. Congratulations for being able to own and use.