Hello Gents, I went ahead and moved the discussion of the Pal Adjustable out of the SE Party thread so that we could continue our discussion and allow the celebration to continue. It seems that ASR redesigned/refined the design of their original Pal Adjustable along the way. There could be multiple versions out there that I am unaware of, but in my possession are two Pal Adjustables that have some notable differences. In particular, I noticed a difference in the head of the two razors. The newer version has a shorter bevel to the blade as well as being machined further up giving the edge that meets the blade a thicker appearance. It seems there blade stops are much taller in the older version. The newer version may also have a slightly different angled head as well. Here are some pics with the newer model on the left.
Never noticed that before, good eye. The only thing I think we (way back) once discussed was really poor QC on some of these beauties that would lead to a bloody shave. And I have the one on the right, too. Was just scanning threads here for the first time in a few weeks and was trying to decide what razor to use tonight on two days worth of beard. You've convinced me.
The one I have is like the one on the right. I only have one, and I have not used it yet. I got it in a trade during NoVember. Will have to wait until December to try it out.
I hope you have an enjoyable shave Gorgo! If it works for you that's all that matters. For me the shave from the Pal on the left is a much easier and more smooth than the one on the right. Either way, gotta love the Pal Adjustable
Very cool! I hope you enjoy it because it is a ver unique razor. I think the Chick blades make that version of the Pal MUCH better than the Personna Mini Hair Shapers do. Hope to hear about your shave with this beautiful razor!
I have the older version on the right, it can be a bloody thing to use if you have the wrong angle. However I notice that for some reason the chick blades jam slightly during the install. and sometimes the old ones I pop out can have some blade edge damage.
I have the older version. I always use it on the high setting with no trouble and it loads easily. The razor has never felt all that aggressive.
As much as I love this razor I have discovered something that potential buyers may want to watch out for. I recently purchased my fourth Pal Adjustable (an older version) in nearly mint condition. I noticed that there was a slight rattle inside the razor, but didn't think much of it. While shaving with it one day, a small metal piece fell out of the razor head. It was half of the tensioner that puts pressure on the back of the blade to keep the blade pressed against the blade stops. Since this, the blade has begun to move away from the stops when I adjust the razor. I am plan to try to make my own tensioner to see if it can be replaced, but it is a bit of a bummer.
It's a risk we take when we buy anything old. Buying a 50 year old razor, like buying a 50 year old vacuum cleaner, can be an act of faith. But risks sometimes pay off big time! We can't win 'em all, nor should we. But a win can be sweet.
