January 2, 2019- NOthing But Techs, Redux
Razor: Nacet-branded OC Tech
Blade: 7 o'Clock Permasharp Stainless (2)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Soap: Stirling Sheep
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH
Back at the end of November, I lamented the fact that I didn't own any of the truly unusual Tech variants. Recently, I was able to acquire one and shaved with it today- the OC Tech.
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The term "OC Tech" is a bit of a misnomer but is the best description for a class of OC razors made by Gillette UK which adapted then-current Tech designs into an OC razor. This is similar to the relationship between, say, the Flat Bottom New and Flat Bottom Tech but the development likely went in the opposite direction.
A pair of photos illustrate the similarities between this razor and a contemporary Tech:
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The center stamping and corner notches are identical as is much of the overall profile of the razor. The biggest differences are the deletion of the oval slots and SB texture in favor of the notches to make the comb. The caps are identical save for branding and the handle is used on contemporary British Techs.
Not a lot seems to be known about the production of the OC Tech. One of the best documented ones is an NOS set (actually several in a store display) for the French market prior to 1963. That particular razor is actually based on the post-War Tech. My razor is likely from the '70s and reflects the final redesign of the Tech. OC Techs have been seen carrying Gillette, Minora, and Nacet branding; this implies the possibility of distribution to both South Africa (Minora) and the Middle East (Nacet). My own example came from an eBay seller in Portugal and I have noted others from sellers in Eastern Europe. In general, these do not show up often on US eBay and carry outlandish pricing. Actual production numbers and, therefore, actual rarity is not known.
A decent starting point for more info and pictures is
this thread over on B&B. If
@Morman Bridge is still around, perhaps he may have some information as I seem to recall seeing one is a photo he published.
As for the shave... TBH, this is probably the mildest OC that I have ever used. I'm a little concerned that something might be off with mine as there is very little blade gap (more like an OT) and less blade feel than a contemporary Tech. I may the base with a different cap to see if it makes a difference. Overall, however, I'd call it a DFS+ with no issues.
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