I bought my first one of these back in 1988, and I used one as my only razor with no complaints for over 15 years. And it's still going strong, so they're more durable than they might look.
Back in the pre-internet days these were the only DE razors you could find in the UK, so there wasn't really any choice (apart from a metal and plastic Gillette copy from Boots that ripped my face to shreds!)
As a starter razor they are great. OK, they are mild, but they make a good transition from carts. The blade is covered at the sides, making them a bit safer. And the shave is fine.
Like I said, I used one for years until I came across a vintage Gillette one day, researched it on the internet, came across this forum and fell right down the rabbit hole to more old Gillettes and finally into straights. I guess you can say the Wilkie was a gateway razor.
It seems odd to me now that I shaved for 15 years with just one razor, but I still have a soft spot for it.
Back in the pre-internet days these were the only DE razors you could find in the UK, so there wasn't really any choice (apart from a metal and plastic Gillette copy from Boots that ripped my face to shreds!)
As a starter razor they are great. OK, they are mild, but they make a good transition from carts. The blade is covered at the sides, making them a bit safer. And the shave is fine.
Like I said, I used one for years until I came across a vintage Gillette one day, researched it on the internet, came across this forum and fell right down the rabbit hole to more old Gillettes and finally into straights. I guess you can say the Wilkie was a gateway razor.
It seems odd to me now that I shaved for 15 years with just one razor, but I still have a soft spot for it.