I have noticed several threads being posted that are either inquiring about or praising the Gillette Aristocrat, and I just want say that it makes me very, very happy, as they are fantastic razors! Hitting the market in 1910, I believe that the Aristocrat was intended to be the Gillette flagship, and was no doubt the most expensive razor they ever marketed (I remember seeing a print ad on eBay for a 1930's Aristocrat set that showed a price of $75 -- that would be over $900 in adjusted dollars today!). Anyway, all of this has prompted me to post a family picture of my US Aristocrats that are anchored by my 1948-50 NOS set in the tartan presentation case (I have shown pics of this before, but don't worry, I never get tired of photographing it ). The one in the black case is actually a Regent Tech, but based on appearance, it was obviously the predecessor to the 1946/47 Aristocrat design.
$929.41 GET ON THE BALL DAMMIT. :happy036 PS - a 1910s aristocrat is the lAST razor i want. and badly at that.
That is a nice collection of Aristocrats! I no longer have a single Aristocrat. I think they are beautiful, but the plating just doesn't impress me. I think they look terrible when the plating is worn, and it is so thin I would be afraid to use them if they were in good condition. I don't have many razors just to look at.
i will (finally) admit they look really nice when in amazing condition. is that weird blue purple tint on some of yours lacquer?
I don't think the gold plating on an Aristocrat is any different than Gillette's other gold razors. These were, after all, merely mass-produced shaving tools that I don't think Gillette envisioned as still being in use some 60 years later. Of all the pictured razors, none are exhibiting even the slightest degree of plating loss and, in fact, even the lacquer coatings are still intact.
Like I said, you have an impressive collection, I just don't buy many gold razors in general, because I have a hard time using a beautiful gold razor, for fear of wearing down the lacquer and plating. Yours are beautiful. Are you sure the blue isn't a reflection of a blue monkey?
I share your aristocratic infatuation. My Aristocrat even goes with me when I travel. What would be the best way to clean off hard water residue? In Singapore I have no problem but at the moment I'm in China and after 3 shaves, there is a white calcium sheen on it . Would the plating withstand vinegar?
I would highly recommend not using vinegar. Soak the razor in warm, soapy water and gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush -- maybe a baby toothbrush. Never use acidic or harsh cleaners on gold plating!
Hi there, I'm glad you decided to become a member and start posting here. Of course, I've seen many of your pics and information in other forums, and it'll be nice having you here. Hehe, plus, you can't have too much razor porn........heh. For those of you who aren't familiar with this gentleman, his name fits him pretty well. There should be some excellent 'dueling picture' events with the various other members. Heh, I wonder if DrP might join also at some point. I know Mike and Neale and a few other members are into brushes, but THAT guy is.........he has(or has owned) 100s I believe. Anyway, nice to see you here Mr Razor, Martin
Aristocrat razors I have an Aristocrat with case and Blue Blade dispenser. And it is one of my favourite razors. It's in amazing condition, but I use it once in a while, which is more enjoyable than just looking at it. It looks like the one in the upper left hand corner of "Blue Monkey's" photo. I shaved my youngest son with it a few times and he liked it so much that he wanted one for himself, so we bought one with a case for his birthday in December, which is just like the one in the lower right corner of the same photo. I have another one that I bought as a regular razor so I wouldn't wear out the finish on my cased one, but for some reason I don't like the shaves with it as much. Might sell it, haven't decided yet.
