I have been wet shaving for a few months now with the MTO I got for Xmas. I am now looking to broaden my horizons and possibly pick up a vintage razor. I know there is no definitive "one" to get but I am hoping to get some opinions on what to look for. I have been looking on ebay and there are a ton to be had out there. Knowing very little about these razors I am hoping to at least narrow down my selections. One of the first questions I ask is what is the difference between years? Are there any particular years that are better/worse than others? or maybe even a decade that is preferred. I see a lot of folks look for their birth year. My birth year is 76 so I did search those and found a few TTO Gillette Super Speeds but again having no real knowledge not sure if those were considered good razors or if maybe in 1975 Gillette started making their razors out of tinfoil and bubble gum.... Also the wear and tear factor. I know from what I read some of you get razors and restore them but I would need something shave ready. Is there maybe a seller on ebay that is reputable? One of the sellers (techici_shave) for the 1976 razor i was looking at seemed to have a pretty good selection and high rating. Are there any common flaws to look for? I know this is YMMV topic that has probably been asked 1000 times (I have read some similar threads that covered the topic more broadly), and I will probably be just as indecisive about which one I should go with after reading all of your opinions, but I am anxious to get something new and would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your feedback!
well if it makes you feel better I will never own a birth year razor either (83)...but I STRONGLY recommend a adjustable for a few reasons...1) you get pretty much 9 razors in 1 which will allow you to figure out if you prefer a aggresive or mild razor (or somewhere in between). 2) it is very forgiving with blades and you can crank them up or down depending on the blade. 3) they are just great shaver's
I would suggest a fat handle tech for a three piece, a 50s super speed for a one piece, and the Schick M for an adjustable injector.
I would say it depends on how good you think the MTO shaves. You can't go wrong with an adjustable. Slims will be the most affordable. The Techs and Superspeeds are nice and mild. If you want something just a little more aggressive then pick up a NEW. Long Comb or short doesn't matter much.
My favorites are the Gillette Fat Boy, Slim and Black Beauty Adjustables. But the FB fits my hand best. Also like the Probak ceria 1930, another great shaver
I have a late 40's and late 50's SS and like them both. I would recommend either one. I also have a FB and Slim. If you are willing to splurge, they are also nice. But, I find I like the shaves from either SS as well as the FB or Slim. They all shave a bit different, and I enjoy them all.
This is one of those questions that you ask 99 guys and get 100 answers! Just a few things about buying vintage: If you can hold it, all the better. Look for dents, dings and damage. Make sure that any/all parts that are supposed to move do so fully and smoothly. Don't let years of soap scum and grunge put you off. It can, in most cases, be easily cleaned off. Many a razor has been brought back from the dead to looking almost out-of-the-box new just with a bit of Scrubbing Bubbles, a soft toothbrush, and a little elbow grease. You don't shave with "pretty". Missing finish, be it gold or nickel, has no affect what so ever on how the razor is going to shave. Happy hunting!
Some of the best places to buy vintage razors are Second Hand Stores, Yard or Garage Sales. I've Bought many a Vintage razor for $3- $12, Just last week I bought a FB, BB and a Teck at a Second Hand Store for $3 each plus some WS blades.
Since the MTO is a fairly mild razor, you might want to think in terms of where you want to go with your shave experience... mild, TTO - Schick Krona, my fave TTO (but I favor 3-pc for no reason I can fathom) mild, 3-pc - Star DE - very Tech like, but I slightly prefer this undervalued, great, mild shaver. I just saw one on the bay for $10 mild(?), 3-pc - Gillette Old. If you are patient, you can bag one for $15 or less. I think the Old is milder than the New, but others call it vice-versa. ... I was getting a little carried away and caught myself. Get the Star DE. Howzzat?
I recommend a vintage Gillette Toggle razor! Reasonably priced, easy-to-find, ...and worthy of garnering the envy of every TSD member! .....at least the last part is true!
Lots of great suggestions. I do like the idea of the adjustable to get a feel for different degrees of aggressiveness. I like @mrchick suggestion the best so far!! haha I did try my local Goodwill to see if they had anything but nothing on the day I was there. I do plan to do some more searching locally as well to see what I might find.
I use and thoroughly love all my Vintage Gillette's! I have 6 and each one is a great shaver but my two favorites are my 40's Super Speed & LC New. If I had to recommend a first vintage razor to you, it would be a Super Speed for several reasons. First, since you are relatively new to DE shaving, SS are mild comfortable shavers. Second they are widely available on eBay or antique stores. Third, they are relatively inexpensive. I own the following SS; 40's / Flair Tip / Black Handle all of which I purchased for under $40 combined. Since you were born in '76, your SS would be the Black Handle. Of my 3, the Black Handle is the lightest & mildest, however, none could be considered aggressive and all shave great. If you want a Slim Adjustable, prepare to pay more. A Fat Boy will cost significantly more but both are fantastic shavers. The New LC is my newest and only open comb razor which I'm using now and gives wonderful shaves when paired with a milder blade.
