My first razor (and I still own and use when I travel) was a Atra Plus Bakelite handle code H4 (shown below) There's plenty if discussion about Trac II but rarely have I seen talk about the Atra. Is it the pivot that isn't desirable? Thoughts?
I started out on an Atra myself. I really like the look of the Bakelite handle on yours. Mine was the all aluminum handle I believe.
If you search through the cartridge razor sub-forum there's some discussions about the Atra. The first one is a very recent discussion. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/to-atra-or-not-to-atra.36385/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-end-of-atra-trac-ii.31837/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/atra-found-again.30840/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/another-vote-for-atra.24846/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-atra.11527/
Although on reading them they largely get hijacked by trac ii fans. I still like my Atra plus, although I can't remember the last tune it touched my face. Still a Gillette man, just an adjustable DE one now.
Look at my SOTDs and from time to time you will see a cartridge razor used especially if I am in a time crunch. Often it is a Trac II over ATRA, but the ATRA still gets some attention. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sos-may-5-2014-may-11-2014.37956/page-14#post-673891
I have a collection of Atra's/Contour's - I really should get around to using one. I have a hundred or so Slalom carts without the lubricating strip. I will have to put the Profile or Mach3 away...
I have the plastic or bakelite handle above. I also own two Rosewood elite's and a standard metal Atra. I am considering finding a wood turner to create a handle to replace the bakelite as it is a solid metal head...
I have some kind of knock off that fits Atra carts coming fromThailand. I got it for those mornings when time is of the essence. It's not nearly as nice looking as yours though.
Here you go...Sean Connery seems to be digging the all metal Atra...Thats James Bond and GDCarrington...what more can be said....
For myself, it is the pivot. The T-II's immovable head has always felt like it responds better and does the same job in fewer passes, which is too bad because Atra handles are almost always cooler.
I haven't used a cartridge razor in two years. I guess I'm scarred for life from all the bad shaves I got that I don't want to try them. If I did have to go back to carts, a two bladed one would be my choice.
I'm with you RB.....for me it's between my Ever-Ready 1914 or 1924......but if I had to use a cart it would be that bada$$ all metal Atra...
Some nice photos here - the Atra is indeed one of the slickest looking cartridge razors from that time
