I am not really looking for status among collectors. I like to search out the most desirable to see if I think thy are something I might like to own. I have had all of the things mentioned in my original post. I used them as a starting block/reference point to find what I like. I recall seeing a Toggle in my youth and a TTo style as well. I would like to get a TTO for sentimental reasons.
I've yet to try a Toggle but for many DE fans it seems to be "THE" razor to have. But for my personal taste the British No. 66 is my go to DE Razor.. the spiral knurling, rhodium plating and hefty weight in hand does it for me. Good luck on your quest.. lets us know when you find "THE" one that works for you.
OK.. so here are the short lists... This first list are razors that we would all love to have (we just may not know it), but aren't easy to get due to availability or cost... SE world: Elite Gem Jr. Open comb deluxe 1912 Gem DE world: Original model (or prototype) double ring Gillette Gillette #66 Gillette Fatboy 195 protoype Gillette Toggle Shave King Merkur Open-Comb Slant What is the *it* razor to have if you aren't trying to score one of the hard to find ones in the list? That varies so much it is impossible to answer... so here is what is often sought for that can be found reasonably... Vintage DE: A gillette NEW (from 30's) or Old style (1904 to 20's) A tech A fatboy/slim/or super adjustable (TTO and adjustable) A superspeed (not adjustable but TTO) Vintage SE: 1912 Gem 1924 Ever-Ready New: Merkur HD, classic, 1904, slant I am sure I left things out, but it is impossible to list every razor that people feel you should have.
OK... I will add that to the not easy to get list.. A fine razor it is.. And it means I have another of the hard to get ones! Woo hoo!
For me: Shaving Gillette Super Adjustable - i just dont think there is a better shaver out there. Class Gillette #66 Gillette #58 Both are such beautiful razors
I don't know what it is (Davemightbeabletohelpyesyoud.irving79) but it might be a transition from straight to Single Edge. A kind of contraption that you could use as a safety razor but also as as a straight. Might also be cool if it caught lather. Does such a contraption of the industrial age exist? Many shavers that are not aware of anything other than DE gillettes etc may miss the 'amazing' and baffling things before that time. I find them intriguing and fascinating. ther may be others, but try this for something different....how DID i miss it
As stated earlier I currently have a Merkur 163. I want one more razor and then I will be cool for a while. I am very interested in a Gillette 1904 and would like to find the Merkur equivalent. I have been looking on the auction site many razors that have been mentioned and I see them at very low prices. I could use a vintage razor but I want to make sure I am buying the correct one. I think I will surf the classifieds here now.
As undeniably beautiful as the #66 is, I think the #16 tops it. At 81 grams, it is heavier and the mirror polished flat base plate is simply stunning to behold. Nonetheless, I think the Toggle is the most precisely engineered razor that Gillette ever produced, and is most qualified to be called the "Rolex" of Gillette razors. When the silo doors of the Toggle are closed, there is absolutely no gaps or misalignment -- it is perfect. The toggle mechanism is silky smooth and completely rattle-free, and the adjustment dial is nothing like what is on the Slim or Fat Boy razors, as it has the solid feel of a precision made tool and the "clicks" are near silent when the dial is turned. This was also the heaviest razor Gillette made at 91 grams. Again, if we're talking about THE razor in terms of build quality and precision, the Toggle is the only US made Gillette razor that has the British models beat, IMHO.
My "Rolex" is Le Supreme. I've never seen one on the bay, but it'd probably be more than I could afford...
I'm gonna say either a Nickle Toggle, a Gold Toggle, one of those gold rockets that looks like a TV SS, or one of the numbered British Gillette's (21, 58, 66, you know)
I'd go for an earlier Gillette Rocket rather than the ones that look like the TV Super Speed. It's a very nice shaver, and has more heft than the Super Speed. The 1930's Gillette NEW is another great one. One with a fancy handle would be both an excellent shaver and a collector's item.
