1946 Gillette Ranger Tech

[Jake]

As you know, Gillette took a break during WWII in the design and production of pre-WWII razors. Rationing and supplying the troops was their primary consideration. Then the War ended and they decided to retool some of their popular models. One of the 1st of the new batch of razors was the 1941 Ranger Tech, re-designed with the addition of endcaps. What a way to market to those gents who may have already owned the 1941 version. No obvious improvement, but they were apparently able to use up old stock and provide a new model for the eager shoppers.

I never had one of these rarely seen sets before. Note the endcaps -- big deal, but it does distinguish the 1946 Ranger Tech from the earlier models.

Not as rare as the Gillette double ring, since there were likely many more made, but once they ran out of the 1941 Ranger Techs, this model ceased being produced. Haven't tried it out yet, but besides the tiny amount of weight the endcaps provide, the feel is pretty close to the 1940-41 Ranger or Milord Tech.

 

[razorx]

Really nice and I learned some more Gillette history reading about it's background...

 

[Mick]

Another fantastic example for the members to drool over.

Thank you once more Jake!!!

 

[Above The Tie]

I,ve had both and either provide a good shave. Thanks for sharing Jake.

 

[Copierguy]

Congrats on caging another rare bird Jake.

An additional unique aspect of the '46 Ranger Tech is the Patent info moving from the band by the TTO knob to inside the head Also the pre-war "Made IN USA" changed to "MADE IN U.S.A." in bolder letters. This style plate carried over through part of 1947 for the birth of the Super Speed.

 

[TheEye]

where the hell you find all your brilliant razors?

 

[Jake]

Congrats on caging another rare bird Jake.

An additional unique aspect of the '46 Ranger Tech is the Patent info moving from the band by the TTO knob to inside the head Also the pre-war "Made IN USA" changed to "MADE IN U.S.A." in bolder letters. This style plate carried over through part of 1947 for the birth of the Super Speed.

Thanks Tom. Good points. I also see that the inside of the head assembly on the 1946 Ranger has the stamped copy" Pat. Nos. on inside of Pkg". This is not inside the 1941 Ranger -- since the patent info is on the handle. Very interesting how they changed the stamping on the head assembly. The font style as well as adding the "." (periods) after the initials of USA. Why did they do that? Due to the outcome of WWII? Who will ever know...

 

[Jake]

where the hell you find all your brilliant razors?

That Ranger Tech was purchased from Ebay recently. I was surprised no one else got into the bidding on it. I can't locate the exact date of when I found it, but it was this year and was around $50-$60.

 

[ironfist]

Wow thats amazing looking! Well done on getting a nice set.

 

[alex2363]

Congrats on caging another rare bird Jake.

An additional unique aspect of the '46 Ranger Tech is the Patent info moving from the band by the TTO knob to inside the head Also the pre-war "Made IN USA" changed to "MADE IN U.S.A." in bolder letters. This style plate carried over through part of 1947 for the birth of the Super Speed.

Great observation, i will bookmark this post.

 

[Jake]

Thanks for the additional clarification.

 

[Copierguy]

That Ranger Tech was purchased from Ebay recently. I was surprised no one else got into the bidding on it. I can't locate the exact date of when I found it, but it was this year and was around $50-$60.

Nice looking razor and at great price. I keep and eye open for them and normally only see one every other year on average.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Very Nice Jake. I got my hands on a 1946 Ranger Tech earlier this year, Now when i get home i will have to check that Band )

Just when i was out, you guys pull me back in / )

 

[GregS]

Nice looking razor and at great price. I keep and eye open for them and normally only see one every other year on average.

I have a 1941 Ranger Tech. Bought it because it's my birth year. It's a very mild razor and my only small problem with it is that the handle is way too narrow. My Slim Adjustable and R89 feel more comfortable in my hand, whereas the RT feels as if I'm holding a pencil.