I went to a garage sale this morning on my way to work and found a couple nice DE razors I couldn't resist! First: the adjustable Second: the blue Paid $10 for both... Good haul? Can anyone help me identify exactly what they are and from when? I'm pretty happy with my first vintage DE purchase!!
Both look to me like they have date code O-1 which would be first quarter 1969. -Black Handled Super Adjustable -Lady Gillette Blue Edit - Easily worth more than the $10 you paid!
I knew the adjustable was a great buy, but I didn't know much about the Lady Gillette. Is the LG a decent shaver? I like the long handle (even though it's a "lady's" razor, I'll probably still use it!) Also, what the best method of cleaning them up? They're both pretty gunky...
Great score! Easily worth 4x what you paid. I like the lady Gillette too- kinda cool looking with the stars and wouldn't hesitate to use one...
I'd give them a soak in Scrubbing Bubbles or regular bathroom cleaner for about 5-10 minutes and then use a soft toothbrush to scrub them off. Not only will it clean the ancient soap scum but also disinfect. The LG is apparently a mild shaver as its designed for womens legs but there's quite a few guys who use them because they do just plain shave nice, and in the long run its a razor - nothing wrong with shaving your face with it at all.
I think I'm most excited about the Super Adjustable as it's my first adjustable and appears to be in great shape under the gunk. The doors open smoothly and the adjuster seems to move the table up and down without issue. All the mechanics work and it's a cool looking razor too! They had several (8ish?) SEs and a Shick Injector too, but I don't use them and have no idea what any of them are. I know one was a GEM Micromatic in brass. If anyone in the Kansas City area is interested, PM me and I can get you the address. They're only asking $5 for each razor.
I also use a brass or nylon brush for some hard to reach areas that the toothbrush doesn't get because it has longer bristles. The brass and nylon are easier on the finish and don't cause damage. DO NOT use any other metal or wire brushes as they will take off the finish and leave you a depressed mess quivering in the corner like me.
Nice! First Lady Gillette I've seen. If you don't shave with it you can use it as a wand. Just kidding . I would use it.
Nice find Be careful - I recall reading somewhere, that scrubbing bubbles might remove the numbers on the adjustable (probably the stars on the lady as well)?
Really? I don't remember that. I know I never had issues with my old Slim or FatBoy unless I just lucked out completely with it...in that case use caution with that area I guess
Just found it again. It's mentioned under safety razor maintenance in the shave wiki on that other site. I play it safe with warm water, washing up liquid, baking soda and a soft toothbrush
What I did with my black beauty was, soaked the head In scrubbing bubbles. You can also paint the numbers with enamel paint. Soak the razor in warm dish soap, that'll also clean the head a handle.