Thanks Herm. It's magnificent. I've been wet shaving for almost a year and recently bought some vintage razors but this one, for me, is in a league of its own. I get by far the smoothest shave of any razor yet. I might try to acquire a Bostonian sometime.

I'm new to OC razors too. I tried a NEW just for OC-tober. During the month I also found a New Standard (see earlier in this thread). I actually like the NS better (its prettier, too). My impression is that OC razors take a bit more "technique" but I really enjoy them now.

I'm waiting for a Deluxe Short Comb to arrive. I'm looking forward to it. I'll post photos here when I get it.

OC Monday 2 February 2015



Loved the shave today! Super close and smooth!​

Fatip Grande (just got it new a week ago)



Don't know why, but it feels completely different from it's older sibling, the Piccolo.



Going to use the same blade in the Piccolo tomorrow that I used in the Grande today.
Maybe it just seems that the older Piccolo was more aggressive?

Supposedly they have has some QC improvements over time to be more consistant between units.

That would be nice.

Here are my 3 OC. The first is a 1921 with a new handle that is 4 inches long. The original handle, next to it, has a split in it. The next razor with the nice looking handle is from the 20's also, but not sure. Just what I was told. The end razor is a NEW long comb from the 30's. Enjoy.

Old Type, Tuckaway New Standard from the 20's, and a New LC. They are all great shavers. Enjoy your adventure.

Thank you for the confirmation.

You find the newer round of razors less aggressive?

VII February MMXV Shave

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I believe that is true Gary. Overall, the new Grande is much nicer than it's older counterpart.
The machining cuts are more crisp, the plating (mine is nickel) is done well and it looks uniform.
Unlike the older Grande, (and the older Piccolo which I still have) you cannot see on the top of
the top cap where the threaded stud is fitted. The top cap also fits better onto the baseplate than
the older model. There is still play, but it's not a "sloppy" fit like the older razor.

No, not at all.
It's still an aggressive razor to be sure, but completely different from it's older kin.
It's very smooth now, and smooth with several different blades.
In the older razors, I used the Derby Extra almost exclusively.
The new razor does well with the Derby too, but it fairly shines with the Astra SP and SS,
Gillette 7OC green, Big Ben stainless, Rapira Super Stainless, and Shark Super Stainless.
The older Grande, (and Piccolo) didn't fare well with any of these blades.
In the new Grande, these sharper blades are wicked effective and deceptively smooth.
To me, it's somewhat like the Merkur 37C slant. Pleasant to hold, balanced well, and
very, very efficient. As long as you take your time and pay close attention 2 passes will
get you BBS (or nearly so) every time. Just don't let your attention wane...

My current contribution to the OC thread is my new 1907 Single Ring (serial number 895735). Found this one on Etsy recently and it cleaned up nicely. And best of all...no cracks! I sent a pic to Chris at RazorPlate who thinks it is silver plated. Here it is, ready to shave:




Here it was before cleanup. A light touch with a brass brush can really work magic!

I can answer the question of the plating. It is silver plated. The science is below.

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/another-gillette-single-ring-cleaning-picture-heavy.25538/

Thanks for the confirmation! Chris said the blue/black tarnish under the head was the indication. Unfortunately, my "cleaned up" picture has a slight gold tint to it for some reason. The razor is really VERY silver and the pic just doesn't do it justice! I've always wanted one of these, but they are usually overpriced. I'd say $26 for this one was a nice deal.

I just read through your cleanup thread and will try the baking soda, aluminum foil method this weekend! Thanks Gary.

XII February MMXV Shave

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Gary, you were SO right! Wow, I did the baking soda - aluminum foil technique and was amazed at the improvement in the look of the razor. There is still plenty of silver left with the exception of the bottom knob. The darkness under the head and at the top of the handle are completely gone! Here's another (bad) pic - the razor looks MUCH better than this.



I was happy before, now I'm ecstatic! Thanks so much!

Excellent. Get the Hagerty polish I recommend in the thread. It will reduce oxidation over time. Less rework.

That looks fantastic. Now you have me wanting one.