I'm getting the itch to move up from my Lord Tech razor. It does a fine job, but I think I can get a better shave with a little less effort with an adjustable razor. I also like to collect vintage/classic gear. Soooooo ... my plan is to pursue a 'vintage' adjustable razor. Here's where I'd like a little help from you DE vets. What are some good makes/models to look at. Just some criteria for me: * I prefer function over form * I don't need a collector piece ... I'm gonna use this a bunch. * It would be nice to find a more 'popular' one so I can purchase multiples if need be, and hopefully the price would be better. * I prefer DE ( I don't know if the make an adjustable SE but I wouldn't be interested at this point ) * if it makes any difference I really like Astras, Derbys and Iridiums as my blades. This would be a low end factor in purchasing a razor though. I'd like to at least look for razors that do well with those blades ( with the knowledge that YMMV applies ). * I'd prefer something heavier than my Lord Tech ( it's way light ... I imagine almost anything has to be heavier ). * Of course, something that is easy to find on the internet would be nice. Any thoughts ? Thanks in advance
Gillette slim adjustable would be a good start. I have a couple I'm planning on putting up for sale soon, but they're relatively easy to come by, check The Marketplace
When you talk about vintage adjustable DEs you're talking mainly about Gillette. They made four different adjustable DEs over the years; the Fatboy, the Slim, the Black Handle, and the long Black Handle (aka The Black Beauty). They all have nine settings and range from very mild (1) to middling aggressive (9). I've had a number of Slims and Fatboys and one Black Beauty and they were all a pleasure to use. My favourite is the Fatboy for it's bulk and weight, but I've always kept a Slim around too. Best Regards goshawk
my personal favorite it the long, black handled super adjustable, but I singled out the slim due to geneaut's 3rd *, something "popular", or common. the slims seem to be the most commonly available adjustable in the marketplace here and other sites. a good condition Fatboy seems to be a bit harder to find, and a short, black handle super adjustable is a unicorn....at least for me slims can be had fairly easy and reasonably priced, but look for and collect them all!
I'm sure my AD will insure I end up with a plethora of razors I already have a short list ( all encompassing ... not all are adjustable or vintage ): 1. Slim ( due to the response in this thread ) 2. Fatboy 3. Edwin Jagger 89L 4. Gillette SuperSpeed Red Tip 5. All the other SuperSpeeds 6. Merkur HD 7. Weishi TTO Gunmetal finish It goes without saying if I happen upon any other vintage razor, and the price is right it will be coming home with me regardless of the above list LOL.
SLIM-the EPITOME OF MODERN RAZOR DESIGN- But bottom line, gives great shaves on all settings...Iridiums, Perma-Sharp Supers, and Astras are my "Go-To" blades, and the Slim is my "Go-To" as well...I love all the settings, lately I've been using 6/9, or 9/6, or 9/9...depending on growth and newness of beard, etc...
Have to concur on the Slim. I've had one now for a little over a week and really like it. It doesn't really do anything my Super Speed can't do but when dialed down it is a little milder.
I'll throw something different in the mix. Look at a Merkur Futur. I love mine. I've got a Fatboy, a Slim, a short black handle and a toggle and I really like them all but I think the Futur gives a better shave.
there are quite a few new adjustable razors, but the OP mentioned he was looking for vintage - although, like the rest of us, I'm sure every razor mentioned gets put on the acquisition short-list... :happy102
I went through an adjustible phase. I had a slim and a short black handled adjustible. I didn't like the black handled one. I could get an okay shave- I just didn't like it. It's been long enough I don't remember why anymore. The slim was awesome. I would still have it today if I hadn't found three piece open comb razors. I would recommend finding a slim. They're easy to find and they go for less than a Fatboy. Slims in good condition look really nice, too.
I ended up getting a Gillette Slim on eBay. I'm very impressed with it now using Astra blades. I've been knocking the adjustment up a notch from time to time. Right now I have it on 5 for my first pass WTG.
Congratulations...I love both the Slim and the Astras ; although I believe that razor works great with all the quality blades...I hope you'll be enjoying your score for many years to come...When I answered you earlier. I was hangin' out on the higher settings and diggin' it, but recently I'm rediscovering, and loving the low impact, and soft shaves of the #3 and #2 settings with maybe even some #1 & #2 ATG touch ups and slides...I tell you, I love all the settings. It really is like having 9 different razors that all have the same wonderful balance and weight. Let us know how its going...
