Hi guys, You might remember me starting my DE razor journey recently with a '43 Tech. I enjoyed that so much I have bought another one! Its like an addiction...haha! It was an online auction (photos are from the ad) and I'm not even sure what I've got here...but I'm thinking possibly a 1920s New?
I have another confession. Also in the same auction was... I really don't know what this Gillette here is. The box shape suggests it could be later, maybe '60s? But I'm just guessing. Both razors are apparently in very good condition. Also some sort of hone? Lilliput brand, apparently. Any advice appreciated
The hone is for DE blades, you can also use a ceramic mug to achieve the same results. The second 3 piece handle I've seen and own a couple, they many times comes out of the UK or South America, the head is a tech. Sorry but that's all I have.
First one appears to be a '20s "New Improved" Tuckaway set. Nice shavers and IMO one of Gillette's prettiest.
These are carbon steel (not modern stainless steel blades). You have a DE hone (green glass item) so you can sharpen carbon steel blades (not stainless) for use.
The first razor is a 1922 Gilette Tuckaway. The second razor is a British Tech of later vintage than the first one you showed.
Thanks very much Mr Carrington! I think the Techs are nickel-plated, and the New is silver plated? Correct?
Tech is aluminum on the handle and usually nickel plated on the head. The new can either be gold plated or silver plated.
No, it IS an addiction. Trust me as one of the afflicted. The only cure? Switch to straight razors....and then you are addicted to them. The only cure? Switch to SE razors....and then you are addicted to them. The only cure? Use them ALL!!!!
Bit of a sad update really. The 1920s tuck away razor was not in good shape at all. The handle looks like it has split and its had a dodgy repair. Not happy with the seller, who said it was in 'great condition'. Currently negotiating a refund...I think. Boo. :-(
"Outstanding condition"? I was originally thinking of replating it...maybe if I strip it back and get it done in silver it might brush up OK? I just don't want to throw money at it if these handles are weak and keep splitting....
Was referring to @GDCarrington stuff. You might want to check with him about the handle. He may know where you could pick up a handle.
Having read this thread (http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/brass-gillette-razor.24129/) it seems that most handles split. I'm a fussy guy so maybe I should give up on having a 'mint' 1920s era razor! Maybe I will keep it, clean it up, think it over. Surely if you filled the hollow handle with some sort of epoxy, the thing would be bullet-proof?
