Wandering through a large flea market/craft show today I stumbled across a Gillette New. It's in the case and the razor has a beautiful gold plating. The base of the handle is stamped 1920 and it's an open comb. I paid $10 for it. How does this thing shave? Aggressive, mild or somewhere in between? I think $10 was a good deal. I can't wait to try it out!
Great find! I really enjoy my New Short Comb. I plan to use it for the entire month of june for my 30 day rule.
I've never shaved with an open comb. What can I expect? Also, how old is it? It's in excellent shape. It has 1920 stamped at the end of the handle.
That looks like a long comb to me, and a near new one at that. (man, you are one lucky shaver! ) Some say the long comb is slightly more aggressive than it's short comb cousin, but I don't find that to be so. Both are excellent shavers, and between mild and moderate in "aggressiveness". Don't let the old wives tales about open comb razors concern you. Just because it has an open comb doesn't make it a blood letting machine. Treat it just as you would any other razor that is new to you. Take your time, and as Bama Samurai says, keep a shallow angle and mild pressure on the razor. You are in for a real treat! I'm not really up to speed on the manufacturing dates for the New styles. I'm sure someone else with all the technical information will jump in here soon and give you an approximate date for yours. Also, you can look here and find some information: http://www.razorarchive.com/gillette-date-codes Mine perform best with medium sharp blades such as the Astra SP, Red Personna, Shark Super Stainless, etc. Congrats on the bargain, and Happy Shaves Jim!
I agree with Jim. It looks like a New Long Comb to me as well. I find the New OC to be a wonderful razor. I have found my New Long Comb to be a relatively mild but very efficient razor. Fantastic Score.
Well, I'm going to give it a thorough cleaning tonight and I'm trying it out tomorrow morning. I'll let you know what I think of it. I can't wait! And yes, the New looks nearly new. Not much mileage on this baby.
So, I've been googling Gillette New razors and from what I can tell, it's no older than 1931 based on there being no serial number and a straight bar only to hold the blade. On the other hand, I cannot tell how new it is. Based on the configuration of the box, I found one online that shows a case that looks like the one my razor came in as being a German razor. I'm not sure what that means... export razor? The wording on the box is all in English and it's stamped Made in USA. Very cool stuff!
Great razor. I use a New LC pretty regularly. Yours appears to be in great shape. Nicer than mine. Enjoy.
Your set looks a lot like this one. Can not be sure since you didn't post picks for the bottom plate and cap. http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/The%20NEW/1930%20Regent%20England.JPG
