I recently found a spare Gillette safety razor I'd forgotten about, which I think I bought at a second-hand shop years ago for about $15. I've been using a Merkur safety razor for many years after my old Atra II died and all the then-current replacements looked like plasticky toys, so I went old school and have never looked back. Also use a brush and Proraso cream. (I think there was a thread on shaving earlier last year.)

After giving it a good cleaning and putting in a new Feather blade I found it was just as good as, if not better than my Merkur. It's slimmer and has good serrations on the handle, plus the adjustment has a click dial. And the iconic "butterfly doors" which open to change the blade

I got to thinking that it looked very much like the one I first started shaving with and wondered when it was made.

There are a number of websites devoted to these razors and it turns out they have a date code stamped into the base of the head where the shaft connects. From Razor Emporium, I found that mine was made in the first quarter of 1963, as the date code is I 1, the letter indicating the year and the number the quarter.

"Gillette Date Codes were used from January 1951 until 2001. They are found in the top left and right corners on the underside of razor guards, both 3 peice and 1 piece models. The letter represents the year, found on the chart below, and the number 1-4 correspond with the quarter of the year." This one is from the beginning of 1958:

Mine was made two or three years before I began to shave. The one I had back then might have been my dad's, as I recall he latterly used a Phillips electric.

Despite being 60 years old, it looks brand new and works perfectly. I think they cost between $1.95 - $2.50 back then and I read that Gillette didn't make a lot of money on them, but made it up on the blades.

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

If your not using a strait edge your not going back in time enough....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

LOL. I have my grandfather's Böker straight razor and did learn to shave with it many years ago but it's just too much work ...and too dangerous. But there are some very dedicated and patient folks who swear that a straight razor gives the very best shave. And it does have a certain "cachet."

I think I posted this image on the older shaving thread:

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

I switched to using an electric razor around 35 years ago and doubt if I could return to a blade razor. I've never attempted to use a straight razor and won't start now.

Been using a late 40's gillette safety razor for 10 or more years, found in an antique store. Gillette silver blue blades run about 50 cents each and I get a week's worth of shaves. Started this due to the insane cost of cartridge blades!

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

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I used to be disgusted..

I use electric so I save water. Pffft! Because I'm lazy and even now at 66 I still can't grow a full beard! I could go every two days if I wanted. It's like crop circles on my face. I got carded when I was 27. I'm not sure what happened the past 40 years to me!! Nice razor in OP, but I would cut myself even with that one.

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There's a Monster on the loose

I am using a Gillette fat handle that was made in 1940. It gives a good close shave and does not nick me.

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Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P

Prior to retiring I used a similar razor. After retiring (except for a quick trim) razors are anathema in my house!

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Support Israel!

My second son uses a devise made in the 1930's that sharpens the blades.

I was heartbroken to learn when I started shaving in the early 1970's that all of my grandfather's razors ad strops were thrown away by dad in the late 1950's! I do use a mug and brush.

I can grow a pretty fair beard in two months. My three sons have beard races. My two-month beard is like a two-week beard from my younger two! The oldest was the fairest complected and so is his beard. My daughter married a full blood Italian. The triplets are 13 and shave two to three times a week!

Ivan

I can understand that many folks have a logical interest in classic shaving tools, but to me it would be like collecting disassembly instructions for Jennings autoloaders - possible academic interest, but not a lot of practical application.

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Formerly Model520Fan

LOL! Fortunately the "manual of arms" for a safety razor is dead simple, and, like the 1911, a proven design that's been around a long time.

A straight razor OTOH is a specialist device

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

I've got a nice collection of safety razors and straight razors, with a few Gillette's in the mix. I have 2 "Fat Boy" adjustables, 2 "Slim" adjustables (one a President model that is gold plated), and 1 "Black Beauty" adjustable that was mine when I first started shaving. I also have a few modern all-stainless models from boutique makers, and even one with the handle made from a .50 cal shell casing.

By far, the best shaving razor I have is a Gillette Fat Boy - they just got everything right about that razor!

Although I most often use a Braun electric shaver for convenience, about every other week I will break out a safety razor, a shaving brush and some really excellent Proraso shaving soap. There is nothing like the clean feeling you get from a hot shave!

Addendum - I've tacked on a picture of some of my straight razors.

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I have a British Rolls Razor around here someplace. I've never had the nerve to try to shave with it. It looks like it would be more useful as a microtome preparing thin slabs for a microscope....

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Hard to beat a shave with a good blade.

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No baby we aint

And the boys shave every day!

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

During the six months of a year that I shave (from vernal equinox to autumnal equinox) I use a Gillette Super-Speed razor that dates to 2nd quarter 1956. It came out of the factory the same quarter that I was born.

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Only a cold warrior

I use a Braun once a week as radiation destroyed a goodly percentage of my facial follicles.

PS: I ran into a lot of folks wearing these in my road years.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Now that's open carry!

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

I grew a beard 30 years ago. Been there ever since. I use disposables to do the edging.

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The best I can with what I got

After watching over the years disposable razors going from 1 5-6 blades and the price reflecting that, I broke down and ordered a double-edge razor, a bunch of blades, a brush and shaving soap bowl, and some very nice-smelling shaving soap pucks. One of the better decisions I've made in a while. Picked up some shaving oil and aftershave also. Now, when I know we're going somewhere nice, I give myself the special shave treatment. A really good shave is enjoyable.

Best, closest, cheapest shaves. The Real Deal, Real
Metal, not an over priced scam like the cartridge
scrape shavers.

Part of my small 9 piece collection.

Right Top, A 1931 Gillette “Good Will” double edge
safety razor not complete. Tavel kit Head.

Left Top, 1941 Gillette “Super Speed” TTO
(Turn to Open) double edge safety razor.
Maybe a referred to as ‘48-‘50 dated model?

My favorite Blades too. One Blade could shave
for maybe 2 weeks but I change out sooner.

And two regular Blue Collar Straight Blade
Razors.

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

I’ve been a straight razor and safety razor collector for almost 10 years. I literally have a few hundred of them. You can’t beat a nice straight razor shave.

A few years ago I had a custom gun belt and holsters set made. The end of the belt that went through the belt was rather long and could be stashed behind the rest of the gun belt. The maker told me that the end of the belt that went past the belt buckle was used by cowboys as a razor strop.

To impress my young city raised grandsons, I shaved in my garage with a double bit ax. It pulled more hair that it cut but I did it once.

Other than for about 9 months in college, I have used double edge razors since I started shaving. Along with the 10 of them I own and use (mostly from the 1920's, 30's 40's and 50's), I also have three badger brushes and a few soap mugs.

Feather blades are sharpened to a much more acute angle and are literally deadly sharp! I bought a pack about 20 years ago to see what all the hoopla was about and my face looked like it was attacked my a Samurai warrior. I have tried to shave with one again now and then, but after a bunch of attempts I have used them in my work shop.

My all time favorite blades are the Persona Blue Box (marked for medical usage). To me they are the perfect blades, but I also use the Persona in the red packages, the Gillette 7 o'Clock in the yellow boxes. There are a plethora of different brands and blades but to me the Blue Persona are the best of the best. Sharp, last a long time, no drag but yet won't cut you up like a fish!

As far as mug soaps go, these are my daily shaving soaps.: Momma Bears aged spice, Tobac, Van Der Hagen and while Arko is excellent I won't be buying it anymore because of where it is made and who they are supporting politically. Momma Bears makes EXCELLENT soaps and they come in a enormous variety. I used to use Col. Conk's Bay Rum soap however they recently cheaped out and changed the formula. It no longer contains Glycerine and is just not the same.

BTW I recently found a package of original King Gillette Blued blades from the 1920's that were still sealed. I figured it would be interesting to shave with one so I opened the package and gave it a whirl. After two shaves I took the blade out and tossed it! The shave was not close at all even after multiple passes, it pulled terribly and was a very uncomfortable shave. Now I know why back in the day (100 years ago) men always had 5 o'clock shadows - LOL!! See pictures below:

It's amazing just how far razor blade technology has come! Today's double edge blades give a very comfortable, close shave and last a long time and I do have a fairly heavy beard.

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They were recommended when I went back to a safety razor. They know about "sharp", as they also make scalpels and other surgical products! Website here. I've rarely nicked myself. Maybe I'm just lucky.

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

Yes, I'd say you are lucky! They are the sharpest blades I know of and have ever tried.

US Army Basic Training 1968, required items for your locker display and subject to inspection regularly, included safety razor, shaving brush, mug. Most of us had zero experience with a mug and brush, wouldn't know what to do with them. But required and had to be kept in perfect condition for every inspection.

Fast forward to about 1980, I found that old mug and brush stored away, put them to use. Now in 2024 I'm still using them.

Along the way I've gone through multiple razors, usually because blades became unavailable as new product lines replaced the older stuff. Single blade, twin blade, 5 blade, as soon as you get used to a new razor it becomes obsolete. Tried a couple of electrics over the years, never cared for the results. I still have my Gillette double-edge safety razor from Army Basic Training, blades are still plentiful and inexpensive.

I quit shaving every day after retirement, now get around to it once or twice per week. Maybe 4 blades over the course of a year.

ETA: Ran out of shaving soap couple years ago and found that none of the local stores carry it anymore. Had to go on-line and order, so I bought a carton of 6 cakes that should carry me to the finish line.

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Life of the party until 8:00PM

Ex cathedra: An official statement made by the Pope on matters of faith.

Ex sanguina: An official statement made by someone who has just cut himself shaving.

@LoboGunLeather: re obsolete stuff. I had to try several stores before I was able to find a styptic pencil. (For those rare times I have nicked myself.)

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

Thanks for your post. It made me realize that I have a Gillette Adjustable Razor that was given to me by a relative at Christmas back in the 60's as my first razor. I think I was only 15 and not even shaving until a few years later. I've kept it all these years and decided to pull it out, clean it up and see if I could date it. After some old toothbrush work with some Dawn detergent, I was finally able to see the date code on this gold-plated relic. Looks like "L 1" would put around 1966. I want to get a nice case for it and pass it to my Son-In-Law. I don't think my daughers would appreciate it, but he will treasure it.

Gillete.1.jpg
Gillette.2.jpg

Although I no longer use it, I still have the old Schick Krona that I first started shaving with. Nowadays it's a Merkur 38C razor, Astra razor blades, Van Der Hagen or Col Conk shave soap, shaving mug and Parker badger hair shaving brush. Oh, and a splash of Old Spice or bay rum to finish.

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"In God We Trust"

Yup. That's exactly the same as mine, but made 3 years later

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

A few years back I started using Harrys. At first they were not too good but improved later on. I used a Remington electric for several years before when I worked but since I retired just use a blade about twice a week.

Nothing like a splash of bay rum to finish off a good shave. It sure brings back the memories of the old barber shops.

WAIT……you mean you can shave with LESS than 5 blades?😀
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

Shocking, isn't it? Whod'a thunk the various Marketing Departments would LIE to us? I guess Abe Lincoln was right when he said, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet."

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

Yea, but they were not using them to shave.

Chemo drugs have given me a break from shaving. I don't recommend it as an alternative.

Don't know how good electric shavers are today. Never had one that gave a really decent close shave. For me been using the Gillette Fusion 5 blade job for years. Cartridges ain't cheap but what a smooth close shave.

Still useing DE razors since 1958, started with my dads Gillette Super Speed started collecting after I retired in 2010.

Sent from my SM-T387V using Tapatalk

I see Feather is a Japanese company. The Japanese know sharp, whether for razors, kitchen knives, scissors, hair clippers, you name it. I've been disappointed in general in what typically passes for sharp in the US.

I think some people have tougher skin than others, and that can account for different shaving experiences with the same equipment, too.

We should start a thread on electric razors. Have not used one for a very long time, but they sure are convenient.

Sitting here, stroking my beard, and wondering what this razor thing is you're all talking about.

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The best I can with what I got

Now cut that out! I’ve already fallen down the wrist and pocket watch rabbit hole lol

I started experimenting with shaving when I was 13 or 14 years old. I should have bought stock in the Styptic Pencil industry. I didn't know what I was starting.

When I got to college, I grew a full beard and had it until I started the application process for LE. After entering public LE I had to shave every day and I grew to absolutely HATE having to shave every day. Not being one to wake up bright and chipper, it never made sense to me to put a sharp cutting instrument to my throat immediately after waking up each day.

I do have the cup, brushes, strop and (2) straight razors my grandmother used to shave my invalid uncle everyday but I never had the nerve to try the straight razor on myself, especially now that I live alone.

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I haven't used a bladed razor of any kind for almost 40 years.

I learned with my dad’s straight razor and converted to a Gillette safety razor. After several years of bloodletting, I converted to electric in the early 1970’s and remain there today.

Currently using a Norelco Aquatec triple-trac that will be 10 years old this Christmas; still using the original blades which I clean regularly with alcohol and getting 10-12 shaves on a charge.

Been looking, but I haven’t yet been able to find a suitable replacement.

I collect Straight razors and the Brit Rolls Razors. I have used both but mostly use the Plastic Bic razors these days. I also use a brush and cup. I used to have a lather machine from a barber shop. But it finally died. Course at one time in another life...I was a barber. Nasty job though. I also have a Braun battery operated foil razor I gout at an auction in 2013...best 2.50 I ever spent

Meh, I usually shave every other day with a Norelco. I used blades for awhile, but it's too much like work.

My beard grows pretty well, but it's fine and somewhat patchy. I tried a goatee for awhile, but I decided I looked goofy and the wife didn't like it. So, back to shaving for me.

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Or something like that . . .

"Discretion is the better part of valor", as the saying goes

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

Back in the early 1950s the small hardware shop close to my house in a Liverpool (UK) suburb, was selling off Gillette razors for the princely sum of 3 pence each. Picked up three, one for my father one for me (only 10 years before I started to shave) and a spare. Still use the spare one, a mere 70 plus years later. Pity that the double-edged blades are now becoming difficult to find in the US, so I pick some up when visiting the UK. Dave_n

Even considering inflation, 3p each would be a steal these days. From what I remember reading, Gillette didn't make much off the sale of the razors, but mostly on sale of the blades. Try Feather blades. Made in Japan by a company that also makes surgical scalpels, so they know about "sharp."I get mine from Amazon.

BTW, what suburb of Liverpool? My adoptive dad was born in Bootle.

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"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)