Looks like they are now producing Gillette Ball End Handles. Has anyone gotten the chance to look at these yet? What do you think? The price isn't great, but reasonable.
I will have to check it out. That picture is awesome. Edit: I can't find anything about this. Where did you get that picture?
I saw it in their Holiday Savings & News email they send out if you are on their mailing list. Here is the direct link: http://www.razoremporium.com/gillet...versally-threaded-solid-brass-factory-nickel/ Also looks like Coupon Code "blackfriday2018" still works for 20% off. Not sure how long it will apply.
Doesn't look that way to me. Read the description: "and we have corrected the cracks by threading the neck and ball into the handle rather than press-fitting." The third photo shows it as well. I guess that could be a solid bar except for the ends. But if it isn't a tube then what would be the point of three separate pieces?
Ease of assembly and milling, most likely. I'm wondering if they've machined new ball ends and collets or are precision threading original ones. I seem to have collected a few spare ball ends and collets and occasionally wonder about how best to put them back to use.
It's actually not a bad price for a "premium" handle and is the same as what Back Roads Gold was charging for their handle repair (replica tube) and replating.
But how do you know they did not just drill enough for threading? But on the other hand, you are probably right because it would not make sense to create a 3 piece handle if you anyway make it solid. The whole thing is so confusing as they use the word "solid" in their description.
Until someone gets one and takes it apart or Matt releases a YouTube video, we'll just have to take their word on it being "solid". My guess would be that RE went that route either to produce a more hefty handle or to distance themselves from the stigma of the tubing failures of the original. It may also make the threading process easier to start with a solid piece.
Not usually one to go messing with the vintage stuff by popping new things on it, but this does sound cool. I don't really need one, but then again, what's the worst that could happen?
The Bomb Tip looks like a Gillette Ball end handle(sort of) but if you put them side by side the proportions are way different. Maybe Jeff @jmudrick can snap a quick pic.
Quite honestly I think the Razor Emporium's is far superior in quality and looks (for $25 a great value). As to weight; later Tech razors used solid handles. I think the worry of balance, was never a concern of Gillette. Lets face facts .... it's a three to four inch razor not a throwing knife or gun.
Well... with Gillette's $5 razors they mostly did go to the trouble to balance properly--Single/Double Ring, New Improved, and New Deluxe do have perfect balance.