Is this razor even worth messing with? You can see the screw post through the top of the blade cap and even feel the edges of it a bit. The handle has the normal crack but it runs the full length of the handle and is wide enough that the top part will not stay inserted into the hollow part. I am not even sure it is worth the time it would take to clean it up. But I want to learn more about the difference between the NEW and the OLD. The teeth are all straight on this one and if it is a candidate for replating I might consider doing that and then getting a new handle for this one. Or I just might look around on the bay to get another one. I may just wait and get a Bullmastif from BRW with the head - I have decided that that will be my dream razor!
I am actually in a similar part about seeing the differences. I want to try an OLD and a NEW. I believe that I have a new on the way... however with Canada Post I have no idea when or if i will get it. Let us know what you decide to do with that. I have been hunting on the bay for an OLD type for awhile. All I want is a shave or two out of it to decide which head i prefer.
That is an Old Type head. If you already have it, clean it up and pop it on another handle. You will get a good feel of how it shaves. As for replating it, I have no idea.
+1 You will need to see if you like open combs of that style and unless it is a part of a really nice ABC set, replating is out of the question IMHO. Also it is not a double ring. There may be a number on the bottom plate that indicates the year. Doug
Ditto this. I wouldn't bother replating it. Too expensive for this project. If you had the whole razor sans a split in the handle, then I'd recommend replating but definitely not in this condition. You could of course have a handle made by one of the usual artisan handle makers like Bob's Razor Works if you just wanted to but with the expense, you could just buy you a "new" old razor in great condition. In fact, I've a 1919 Gillette single ring old type, silver plated that I'd be willing to send you to try out. If you like it, it's yours. If not, send it back.
WOW Dude - I would love to give that single ring a try. You are far to kind! I sent you a PM and I have a surprise for you, too!
I've got an old-type like this (except the head is pristine) It's actually a wonderful shaver with a Shark super chrome or Personna Med Prep
Good for you Jody; I put one in the Grab Bag and would have sent it to you if I had seen this sooner. Doug:signs131
Just wanted to report that I received the razor from Jody in the mail on Monday. I did not have to do much to it as he had it all purdied up! I took it for a spin this morning and I like it so far. I think it shaved pretty similar to the New that I have been using lately. I plan to keep using it for a week or so before I decide if it is a keeper or not. Looking good so far though! Thanks Jody!!!!!!!!
Keep us posted. I am doing a very similar process to you. Trying to see which i like. Some comparison when you shave with the both more would be appreciated.
I just wanted to update this as I know that Regan is interested in OC razors. Since receiving the single ring from Jody I have been switching between it, my NEW and my Old type head. ( I just switch the handle from my NEW to the Old type because I only have one good handle.) All I can say is I am now TOTALLY ADDICTED to OC razors. I think I like the Old type the best and then the single ring and then the NEW but really it is such a close tie between the three of them that I can't really pin down why I like one over the other. The only thing I don't like about them is changing the blade. I got spoiled with my TTO razors and while I do not hate doing it - it is just easier to twist open and drop in a blade rather than futz around with a three piece razor. Although I do like the way the single ring does it - the key makes it a little easier, at least for me and my fat fingers, to take it apart and put it back together. Bottom Line - I love the open combs and I am on the look out for a TTO OC razor - anybody have any suggestions.
I would say that either the Senator or the Sheraton would be your best bet. Just think of an earlier Super Speed with an Open Comb head. The Senator and Sheraton are essentially the same razor, but with a different finish (gold and nickel). The Sheraton I had was a nice shaver, but I actually prefer the 3 piece razors and let it go. The first TTO Aristocrat (1934) was an open comb razor. It was similar to the other two, but had a heavier barber pole handle. There are a few British offerings, but I don't know anything about them. Good luck on your quest Bill.
A senator? Nice razor there... I have my Gillette New Type and i am in the same boat as you. I want more OCs. They shave great. Thanks for the update
Definitely on what Dale said. If you want a TTO open comb, go with a Sheraton/Senator (same razor, different plating) or my favorite, a 1934 Aristocrat.
I don't know why I never thought to try this. I have an old-type (1920's era) and a tech (late 40's). The old-type's handle is completely split, but I never thought to just try it out with the tech's handle. :angry032 Guess I know what I'll be shaving with in the morning!
I just recently started using an old type, I have pictures on another thread labeled Gillette Ball Tech. I really like it a lot. In fact it's my current favorite, having edged out my Hoffritz slant and Gem Micromatic Clog Pruf. You'll have to post a picture of your new single ring.
