Star DE

I've always considered the Star DE a Tech-variant.

But having used it solely for the past week have made me alter that view. It's quite aggressive indeed. I easily get a BBS shave, but if not careful, it gives the infamous red dotted spots. My Techs seem way more mild, although head design looks very similar.

I'm closer to taming it and yesterdays shave with an Astra SP was marvelous! I've really underestimated that little critter It sucks, because I'm already engaged to my Weber. I might have to break it off before the wedding...

 

Nice review. Are you comparing it to your weber? =O

 

Not really comparing it, as it's two different beasts. But if I thought the Weber shaved closer, I'm back at reconsidering that, as it does not.

 

I've always liked the look of Star DE's, but haven't gotten my hands on one yet.

 

I believe mine's from the 50's. It wasn't in production for long as far as I know, and I don't spot many on the auction sites, compared to Gillette's offerings. I stumbled upon it on Etsy one day for a bargain and thought, "why not?"



As much as I love my Tech's, the Star DE seem better built with a better handle.

 

The good thing about razors like that is people are usually after Gillettes or modern razors that they overlook razors like that.

I read a really interesting thread on B&B about vintage non-Gillette razors.

 

True, it's mostly Gillette one goes looking for.

Do you have a link for that thread? Maybe PM if B&B references are not allowed on the board.

 

The Star is a neat little razor and more aggressive than a Tech for sure. While they are not as common as Gillette they are not very rare either.
The handles are nice and heavy with deep knurling and they are well made though the head is made of Zamak.

 

Thanks for info Are you sure the head's Zamac? Both cap and plate?

 

Al right, I understand =)

 

Looks great! I really like that handle.

 

Me too!

 

I bought one for $6 on ebay several months ago. I've only shaved with it once; maybe I need to give it another try.

 

All the ones I've seen have Zamak top caps and the base plate is either brass or steel.
There are different variations -- a Gold plated, Chrome plated and the Aluminum handled 'feather weight'. Some have 'Star' etched on the top cap as some Gillette Techs at that time did and others are plain.

 

I believe mine's the gold plated, although it looks very pale if so. Actually the cap was more gold before I polished it

 

I have one in my collection of traders. but, now that y'all say the are a little more aggressive than the tech,I think I'll clean it up and give it s try
top cap feels really light, Prolly is pot metal. handle seems nice.

 

Since we're sharing pictures:

 

I found this one at an antiques fair a couple of months ago. It think if it had been branded "Gillette" instead of "Star", collectors would be falling all over themselves to have one.

 

I had the aluminum handled one. May be the best shaving 3 piece I've ever used.

 

I really like my Star DE. Though not a Tech, I lump it into the Tech "family" of razors. I think it a mild shaver.

Some here tipped me off that the Star DE changes character when you tighten the handle. Mine shows some wear (not too bad for its age, I guess), so I am loathe to crank it down. "Snug" gives me a nice shave.

Anyone brave enough to give it a test the handle-to-aggressiveness?