Not the carts but the type of handle (with/without pivot). I can't say why, but using the same kind of cart with both an Atra handle and a Trac II...the non-pivot Trac II type handle gives me a better shave. Anyone else think the same?
Yep, I have several of each and the firmer head of the Trac II seems to shave much closer and easier. They are a much better value IMHO:happy088
Never had any luck with the trac II or Atra razors. Always found them to be harsh shavers, and gunk up. I do favor the trac II handle over the atra one though.
I never found either particularly harsh but you're right, gunking up is a big problem. I used to LOVE the Slim Twin cartridges that were available back in the late '80s...twin blade that did pivot but they had that nifty push button on top that pushed out the gunk. If they still made those carts, I'd still buy them (I think they're only one piece disposables now).
Briefly, I used a Trac 2. It was a good cartridge razor, but I used to cut myself quite often, so I gave it up.
What type of Atra handle are you using? If you're using a newer plastic/rubber handle rather than a metal one, I'd suggest trying a blade that's solely designed for Atra. The dual purpose Atra/Trac II blades don't swivel fully when used with a newer Atra handle. They do swivel fully on a metal one however (the head on a metal handle is slightly slimmer than on a plastic/rubber)
Started in 1976 using the then fairly new Trac II razor. It is still my favorite cartridge razor with a slight edge over the Atra which I also enjoy. I have no major problems with either razor. Where I begin to have issues is with the Sensor (both 2 blade and 3 blade) and the razors with additional blades.
I began shaving with a Trac II around 1980, and it is still the only cartridge razor I like. Gillette was giving away free Atra handles with a couple of cartridges when I was in college, so I grabbed one. I did not like the pivoting head design at all, and got shaves that were less close and more irritating than with the Trac II. With store brand cartridges, Trac II shaves were acceptable, but not great. Nicks and cuts were a far greater problem with the Trac II than a safety razor.
The Gillette Vector carts (made for the Indian market) have that push button feature. Several online retailers stock them on ebay. The Vector is the India name for the Atra.
Usually I use a solid brass Trac II type handle that must have come with a cheap gift set...nice and heavy with a heavily knurled handle that's impossible to slip out of the hand. Occasionally I use something by Schick, readily available on eeebay, intended for foreign markets. Has a black, perforated kind of handle (square holes all through it). The brass one gives better results though. EDIT: The Schick is the Super II. Nice grip it's got. Also just noticed the Ultra Plus handle...looks cool. That must be the issue, then. Been quite a while since I used an original Atra handle. So you're using the carts Gillette still makes? I couldn't justify paying that much for them even if I knew the shave was superior to store brand carts, but that's just me. They have to be at least a bit better (for the price, I'd hope they are). Thanks, that's good to know--my new/old stock of Slim Twin carts won't last forever. Although I'm trying to stretch them out (wipe downs, blow offs, alcohol dips) I'm getting 3-4 good shaves before they're done.
I agree with you 1,000%. The Trac 11 and Atra razors gave me lousy shaves, and I rarely didn't cut myself and get irritated with them. I used a Trac 11 for perhaps a week, and an Atra for 2 days.
I like Trac II, but in the course of trying to avoid paying retail, I have discovered that I like the Schick Super II even better. Blades and handles are Trac II-compatible.
I use the Trac II, and Atra frequently. I have Omega handles for each. I give the Trac II a slight edge over the Atra.
I used the Trac 2 this morning with carts I purchased from Wegmans. They are repackaged Personnas I think. Great shave. I used them with the Merkur Trac 2 handle.
Which of the cartridges do you have the best success with? Personna, Merkur, Col Conk, Dorco, others?
Same here about getting an Atra II first year in college. Used it every day since. Metal handle. I like the weight. Have noticed after all these years of buying cartridges that they dont all last the same. Some will last a couple of months, others wont make it a couple of days. I am convinced that is by design. What brought me to the web was the button to release the cartridge will no longer release. Im guessing its all gunked up inside but Im considering buying a Vector just try one. Otherwise Ill soak in acetone or something. Seriously - used it almost every day since '82.... cartridges piss me off at $1.50 each though. Especially when they only have "2" blades. Shoudlnt "5" blades cost at least double?
You need to look online for blades that are made by Gillette called Contour or Vector. They are Gillette Atra blades that have a different brand name for non-American markets. Many house branded blades are available that are well below $1.50 each that perform very well. Good fortune.
Well, mine are not really Trac II but use the Gillette Sensor Excel blades. As you can see, I have two of these that I often take with me when I travel. They are great for a quick no brainer shave. Both handles are by Edwin Jagger (1 Light Horn Colored and the other Black).
Those EJ Sensor handles could make me fall in love with the Sensor all over again. IF you go to www.personna.com and click the tab in the middle of the page that says "buy online now", you'll find atra and trac 2 carts for $2.99/10 carts. Triflex carts are 3.49/4 carts. Much cheaper than Gillette, and I like my Personna Atra blades better than the last Gillette brand Sensor blades I tried.
Dollar General's (Dorco?) are the only ones I've used, or am willing to afford. Everything else is outta my financial comfort zone. Man, I should check threads I start more often.
