Be careful if you use straight vinegar. I seriously dulled the finish on my Fatboy and slim when I left them soaking in it too long.
Any will work. I've used apple cider vinegar and rice wine vinegar before. I would stick with 'white' vinegar over 'red' vinegar, just to avoid any potential staining. The vinegar is just a gentle soap scum remover. The dawn dish soap will actually clean the brush, but it can't do that if the hairs are covered with soap scum. It's a good idea to clean your brush knot with vinegar a couple times a year, just on principle. A clean brush lathers much better than one that is covered in soap residue. The vinegar won't hurt the hair. A five minute soak followed by a rinse is all that is necessary to clean the hairs/bristles. Vinegar is acidic. Don't use it on your razors.
Today I visited local fleamarket and bought this Merkur safety razor for $3. It was in a Gillette box with the same brand's blade box. This Gillette Safety razor box is too damaged from inside and epspecially outside. I think it can't be restored, I can toss it out.
I picked up another Gillette Canadian Heavy Tech yesterday. I can't pass these by when I find them. It polished up very nicely. I already have several Heavy Techs, but this one will be my travel razor. Love these razors...shaving perfection.
I'm not an expert but I googled vintage Merkur safety razors and a logo of Merkur on a box appeared. It looks very similar but I'm not sure. Maybe it's an Apollo.
I've got this one it's a Grafco. I think Grafco, Adam's, Apollo, and Depag are all names the Merkur company acquired. that Hermes dude sure did get around back in the day.
Just picked this up for $1. Its kind of weird looking and kind of cool. Not sure if its supposed to be a fish or a chicken.
Last night my wife gave me my Birthday gift a few days early. I count myself very lucky that she supports my new hobby. I had mentioned to her how nice the Gillette Sheraton looks. Not expecting to ever get one.