Gillette New Standard

One of the finest shaving instruments I've ever laid my grubby hands on. The decorative etching on the handle provide a terrific grip even in soapy situations and the open comb head is perfectly balanced to provide a close, medium aggressiveness shave. I still would have preferred paying slightly less than $30, but I do not feel cheated.

Out of the dozen razors I've tried, this is the closest shaving of them all. I've tried a dozen different razors, including new and vintage. Of those, I have four Gillette open combs. I like to rotate my razors, but two get much more use than the others; an NDC Super-speed and my 1921 New Standard. They complement each other in that, when I'm in a hurry or don't want to even think what I'm doing, the SS gives an effortless shave without even a risk of drawing blood. But for those days that I want a shave so close that my face is still smooth when I get home from work, I reach for the New Standard. Now to my ratings.

Price: I paid $50 for a cased silver model in great shape. This is competitive with many new models but you certainly can find less expensive razors. For how substantial these razors are, I find the price fair. 7

Quality: These are built like a tank. I docked it one point as these are prone to get hairline cracks on the handle. 9

User Friendly: I find the open combed razors the easiest to find the correct blade angle with. They leave a tell-tale trail when the angle is off. 10

Grip: Between the pattern on the handle and the bottom knob, it provides a secure grip. 10

Ease of Blade Replacement: This is a three piece where the bottom screws off. I find this easier than a three piece where the entire head is removed but not a easy as a TTO. 8

Aggressiveness: I find this just right. I get a BBS shave every time. 10

Adjustability: NA

Balance: It is one of the heavier Gillette razors. If you are used to the others, you may find it bottom heavy. 9

Used to think I was an old-type man, till my daughter got me a gold/bronze colored new. Tried it this morning with a nos Rotbart Platinum (about same as a Swede) and had a great shave. Must be the smoothest combo I tried sofar. As it is an oc it is easy to get the angle right. It is not an overly aggressive razor (about the same as an old-type), but it does cut very well. Worth a try.