This thread is a summary of key additions and removal of these items from the market for sale. Dates are approximate. I am not including source materials that back these dates up because frankly I am too lazy to do the editing needed right now but the dates can be independently verified using a source like newspapers.com In the beginning the first instances of injectors (blades only) and Techmatic razors happens in 1964. The Techmatic razors were only sold in a trial market in Buffalo, NY before being sold nationally in 1965. Techmatic razors enjoyed a suprisingly long run from 1965 - 1984 and by mail order only in 1985-??. The Gillette injector blades in their various incarnations sold from 1964 - 1984 with them and Schick introducing Twin injector blades in 1973. The introduction of the Trac II twin injector blades coincides with Gillette introducing their first injector razor. From 1973 - 1975 the razor was branded as a Trac II twin injector, from 1975 - 1980 it was branded as a Twinjector.
I'm surprised, shocked, that the Techmatic was around that long give how badly they (are said to) shave.
2 razor variants to add. First are the Lady Techmatics which I didn't mention. They produced these between 1971 and 1976. The second variant is a vibrating electric version of the Techmatic called an Orbitor 4000, these were also produced between 1971 and 1976.
Full page adverts as attachments First instance of the Lady Techmatic in 1971 Last instance of the Lady Techmatic in 1976 First instance of the Orbitor 4000 in 1971 Last instance of the Orbitor 4000 in 1976
The cartridges for the Techmatics came in 2 major configurations, non adjustable and adjustable bands. The non adjustable bands were sold between 1965 - 1968 and adjustable bands from 1968 - 1988/89. The shave head geometry would have also been altered when they switched over so both cartridges should shave differently regardless of handle used. Full page ads as seperate attachments. Non adjustable band cartridges sold from 1965 - 1968 advert from 1967 last instance early 1968 adjustable band cartridges sold from 1968 - 1984 first instance in 1968
Article from 1965 talking about the upcoming introduction of the Techmatic razor by Gillette. One of the first instances of it formally for sale by a retailer about 1 month later. Last instance being sold by a retailer in 1984 Article about the Techmatic still being available through mail order in 1985 Full page article as seperate attachment.
Gillette injector razors First instances of the razor branded as a Trac II twin injector and twin blades in 1973 Brand name change to Twinjector in 1975 Last instance in 1980
Update. I corrected some information in the first post and added a bunch of new timelines and models not mentioned like the Lady Techmatics and Orbitor 4000.
As noted in another thread, when I worked at Osco Drugs in 1988-89, there were still band razor refills available for sale, and I believe they were Gillette. I was actually able to buy a Wilkinson Bonded razor and cartridges when I worked there at that time.
Reviving an old thread. Was there any difference between the techmatic razors themselves between 1965 to 1985 ie were there different techmatic razor models or were they all the same, with the only variation in the cartridges, as discussed above. They don't seem to be listed on Mr razors site, unless I missed it somehow.
