Not really and expert, but here's what I know: They're the last model of DE razor developed by Gillette. They have a reputation of being made with slightly looser tolerances compared to earlier Gillette razors. Aggressiveness is middle of the road IMHO. I own one that belong to my Great Grandfather and use it occasionally. I find it just an OK razor that without the family history would be under serious consideration for giving away.
Johnny, it's head is extremely close to (almost the same) the 1950s Super Speeds. The blade gap is the same so expect the same type of shave. As ChemErik stated, the quality is not as good as the earlier SSs or the Adjustables. It looks as if the heads were taken off the same tooling as the SSs. Many have handle cracks that do not affect the shave. With the longer handle this would be a good model for ladies to consider if they cannot get a good Ladies Gillette because it has similar characteristics usually at much lower prices on the market.
I have a Knack as well but I haven't shaved with it yet & it looks different than yours. Mine has a blue handle & it's more rounded.
So, if I could find a late 40's early 50's Super Speed in really good shape, I would be better served. Thanks for the input.
That looks like a slim twist...in any case I have used the pictured one and it is very mild...like a blue tip. No matter what I did I couldn't get a good shave out if it. I bought a cased one for a friend when I converted him to wet shaving.
I like the razor. Non aggressive, light weight, and it shaves well with a just little bit of pressure. IMHO a feather popular is just a Knack clone. In my book it's an A OK razor. Even though it's cheaply made I get great shaves from mine.
Is the one pictured yours? I think thats the prettiest handle for those...That does look like the British Slim Twist...As far as being better served....Thats a bit tough to answer...The 40's Style SS is a more aggressive razor, no doubt...And the SS's are all metal which makes them more durable and....artistic maybe....But if you like a non-aggressive razor, the Slim Twist like the one in the picture gives a good shave....and its so very 60's looking...thats cool....and you can hold it in your right hand and operate the TTO knob with the fingers of the hand you are hlding it with, and drop the blade in with the other hand....A cool move, I always thought that was a nice touch... They are a little 'cheaply' made but not without their charm...and some do look rather fetching... BTW...Bob at BRW makes a beautiful handle for the 'Knack' head, which immediatly elevates it above any 'cheaply made' comments and it becomes competitive with the other razor exotics...and the shave becomes a good bit more aggressive.... The one you have pictured I like as well as this one:
I believe it was designed with the TTO knob at the top, so that you could hold the razor and open up the TTO with only one hand. I have a plastic cased one too that I found at an antique store. Haven't used it yet.
As a few have noted, this is the Gillette Slim Twist (or Quick Twist in some countries or G2000 in some countries). This is the Gillette Knack:
Lloyd, I think that the Gold models were made earlier in the production run that may be why many of the white handled Nickel plated ones which were produced in larger batches may have some reduced quality. My Twist has a perfect head with a cracked handle. It does not affect it other than minor appearance issue. I may go the way of sending it to Bob to let him work some of his magic on it.
I would if I was you....I saw one of his 'knack' projects....it was lovely....and with the heavy handle I bet it shaves great...
I have a Twist, the English version of the Knack. Quite a nice shave, leaning toward the mild side as others have said. Mine has been modified by BRW with the head and TTO transplanted onto one of his Bull Mastiff Deluxe handles and it has a huge impact on the balance and respectability of the Twist. With that lightweight plastic handle it feels like a toy.. Add the heavy BRW handle and it commands more respect. Sadly, I don't use it but once or twice a year so if anyone has interest in it, shoot me a PM.
