Trying to solve my vintage Gillette issues once and for all by using them extensively for the next week or so. Here's the Super 109 (dated 1971) loaded with a Bic Chrome Platinum. Set on 7 and carefully watching the angle, I got a somewhat better shave than before, but still with a bit more cleanup than desired. Will keep trying.
I am hoping this 1953 Superspeed will be the vintage Gillette that works for me... the first shave seems a little less aggressive than the pre-war Tech and noticeably more efficient than either the 1971 Super Adjustable or 1960 Tech.
thank you so much.the razor is original rhodium plating and has no mechanical issues.actually milder shave wise than the safety bar version.
how did the shave work out?do you "ride the cap"or the rail? i do find a few gillettes that are a bit rough with certain gillette blades,but that could be my beard/whisker type..many of the gillettes- techs especially have a very narrow sweet spot/shave angle..
The first shave was good overall, perhaps a little scratchy, and got me all excited, but the second shave seemed to just “drag” over my stubble on WTG without doing much, and left me with some irritation after 3 passes. This was with a Feather on its second use so I can’t blame the blade. I don’t think it’s as angle-sensitive as the later Gillettes, but it does seem a little tricky. Also the light weight combined with a short handle makes me want to apply pressure, and when I consciously try not to do that, I think I go too far in the opposite direction. I just find post-war vintage Gillettes tricky if I want to get a BBS quality shave without irritation. This one may end up being a little less tricky than the others, with some use. The pre-war Tech and especially the New LC are very different - not tricky but rather aggressive and a little harsh. It’s especially puzzling given that one of my all-time favorite razors is Maggard V3A which has a very strong blade presence (at times it feels like there’s no razor, just a blade on a stick) and in theory I should be having more issues with it, but I get fantastic, quick and easy, efficient shaves with no problems whatsoever.
you may just require a more aggressive type of razor like your Maggard,Not all folks used gillettes back in the day,single edge,injectors etc were all sold in the millions as well. out of the 50 or so of my gillette collection i use them all ,but i do have favorites.namely the 1930s british New series,flat bottom techs,and aristocrats.i also like the #58 and rocket hd razors ,which have more blade exposure than the regular flare tip.favorite blades for me are nacet,platinum,and spoilers.
Tabac Tuesday's Cold Water Shave Cold Water Rinse Tabac Shave Soap Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Gillette 1905 Double Ring Astra SP CWR Tabac After Shave I am using my Gillette Double Ring razor this week. It is my oldest double edge razor, 1905. It is also a great shaving razor. I have always been a great fan of open comb razors. The Tabac Shave Soap lathered well with the Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Brush. Two passes and touch ups with the Gillette 1905 Double Ringr Razor and an Astra SP blade gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Tabac After Shave. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...
Williams Wednesday's Cold Water Shave Cold Water Rinse Williams Mug Shaving Soap Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Gillette 1905 Double Ring Astra SP CWR Pinaud Clubman After Shave The Williams Mug Shaving Soap lathered well with the Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Brush. Two passes and touch ups with the Gillette 1905 Double Ringr Razor and an Astra SP blade gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Pinaud Clubman After Shave. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...
Thursday's Cold Water Shave Cold Water Rinse Colgate Shaving Mug Soap Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Gillette 1905 Double Ring Astra SP CWR Pinaud Clubman After Shave The Colgate Shaving Mug Soap lathered well with the Jayaruh #434 Synthetic Brush. Two passes and touch ups with the Gillette 1905 Double Ringr Razor and an Astra SP blade gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Pinaud Clubman After Shave. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...
