Just snagged this off ebay (it's on the way) but am perplexed. Handle looks like a 1930's NEW Somerset, Bostonian, Norfolk but the underside of the blade guard does not have the middle ridge I've seen on these models. Were there variants, or did I buy a hybrid?
Oh at least! But seriously, that's a New bar handle with an Old style head screwed on it. It'll work just fine and the Old style heads shave close. Just make sure it all screws together tight and it'll shave all day for ya.
Now I have it... Razor was in today's mail so have not yet given it a spin. Did give it a quick clean and polish - looks pretty cool! The copper color on the lower part of the handle is interesting. If total gold plate loss, shouldn't it be brass like the rest? Am I missing a material spec indicative of this generation? Still looks great in my opinion. Shaving evaluation to come...
Great, close shaver...but show it respect! I realized when I decided to shave with the razor I was venturing into new territory. Until now, my DE shaving has been Merkur models for years and most recently Gillette Super Speeds in several varieties. So, I made a conscious effort to take it slow with this old veteran so I can feel the razor's cutting style. I loaded a new 7 a.m. Platinum SS blade (experimenting with alternate blades is my next quest), whipped up Tabac Original soap and dove in. WOW! This is a serious shaver. Surprisingly, the first thing I noticed was the sound it makes. There is never any doubt when the razor is at work and the audible feedback is very satisfying. This razor commands a close watch and in no way could I just rip through my beard like I can with say my late '50s Super Speeds. The benefit of this care is a very close shave. Did I mention it shaves close? I have not tried SE shaving, but somehow this SOUNDS and feels like the next best thing. I have a fairly heavy/coarse beard and require 3 passes + cleanup with just about all my razors. After two passes (WTG, XTG) with this Old Head/New Handle hybrid, I was feeling good and only required a little cleanup to finish. Side benefit: the low profile blade/head does a great job of cutting sharp sideburns. This process did require more time and I was certainly taking it slow, but if I continue to use good techniques and show the respect it deserves, this is some kind of shave. No nicks, by the way. OK, I'm probably telling some of you what you already know. For me, this was a revelation and frankly opens doors: why limit the OLDs to collecting? Now I know.
+1 The only TTOs I like are the heavier adjustables.... and if you keep at it like you did tonight, in time you'll find yourself getting quicker with it as your skills increase....Congrats on the great shave!
Thanks! As much as I love the Super Speeds, I agree on the limited shaving value of standard models. From a pure shaving standpoint, only the Red Tip, Fatboy and Rockets (especailly my HD Rocket) do it well. If I'm in between shaves and need to clean up, the light weight versions are OK.
I have noted before that SE folks seem to like the OC DE's . Now when you get the chance give a 1912 or something similar a run. The sound from a SE is even better to me, and I find they shave close with less work. glad you enjoyed that thing.
Gents, Any personal recommendations on blades? As I mentioned, this is my next project and I figure my shaving will be that much better (and it's good now) by upgrading from the 7 am's I'm currently using. Also realize the forum is full of ideas but thought ya'll might have an opinion relative to Old styles.
I recommend you try as many as you can....look at getting a sampler pack or something.... Or, buy these separately: Gillette 7 O'Clock: Perma Sharp (green), Sharp Edge (yellow), Super Platinum (black) Astra Superior Platinum Feather Kai
