1955 Gillette Diplomat, Any Thoughts

[Markfinn]

I recently inherited my grandfather's gold Gillette Diplomat ( made in the 1st quarter of 1955), and I must say, its a huge pleasure to shave with. Its my first DE safety razor, so my opinion is pretty baseless at this point, and I was wondering if anyone has anything to say about this particular model. (good or bad)

 

[banditman]

Yes. I have a 1955 (Q2) Diplomat and it is the only gold razor I have. It's a well crafted tool that is balanced and provides a very clean shave with most blades.

 

[Copierguy]

Welcome to B&B.

That's great that you are enjoying your grandfather's Diplomat. Shaving is user specific so you will most likely get a range of responses about this model razor. The weight is mid-range as razors go and while it may have been aimed at the average beard it was designed for above average tastes. The stylish look and great grip handle is closest related to the President, the only difference being the finish and case.

Enjoy that classic and remember family when using it......congrats.

 

[Markfinn]

Thanks! I'm glad to be here!
I guess me and my grandfather had similar taste in razors, as I don't have a single complaint so far. I'm either lucky or the razor is weighted perfectly for me, because I also havent cut/nicked myself since I started using it! ( Somehow I feel its probably choice #1 haha)

 

[nemo]

You've inherited a great razor -- quite a nice first razor, you'll be spoiled from now on! The fact that you'll be shaving with a wonderful family heirloom is frosting on the cake. I have one and reserve it for special days.

And welcome aboard!

 

[Markfinn]

Thanks, I'm beginning to think I should look for a daily razor and save this one for occasions as well! I'd like to preserve the gold plating as much as possible, and maybe pass this razor along some day as well. Any ideas for a good daily razor? (Yeah, I'll post that question in a different thread soon haha)

 

[demaro]

I inherited a 1956 Diplomat a few weeks ago. They are beautiful razors and do a great job shaving.

 

[LiveOak]

Thanks! I'm glad to be here!
I guess me and my grandfather had similar taste in razors, as I don't have a single complaint so far. I'm either lucky or the razor is weighted perfectly for me, because I also havent cut/nicked myself since I started using it! ( Somehow I feel its probably choice #1 haha)

Your grandfather's hand is guiding yours.

 

[Markfinn]

Your grandfather's hand is guiding yours.

Maybe! It certainly seems that way! I will give some credit to the members of B&B though, as many tutorials were read before I even bought blades for it, thanks gentlemen!

 

[Wade Patton]

use the darned thing. just take care of it...and maybe have it re-plated before you pass it on.

my second-fave position is currently a tie between my Aristocrat and SuperSpeed.

lather

 

[Markfinn]

Haha I'm torn between using it and trying to get another for daily use... I think I'll keep using it for now, and because I frequent garage sales and antique malls maybe I'll find another nice (or not) razor to give my Diplomat a break now and again. I'm pretty sure my grandfather used it daily since the day he purchased it (I would!), so any damage that can be done is probably already done. I'll decide one way or the other eventually, but for the time being I'm just gonna use it!

 

[celestino]

Those are very nice razors! You may get spoiled using it as Doug mentioned. Enjoy the razor.

 

[Markfinn]

I might haha, I might. In fact I think I already am! I do know one thing for sure, though, my electric razor wont see use again unless I send this one off one day to be re-plated. ( Though by then I feel like I will have more than one DE razor around...)

 

[Mark1966]

Great razor with great history - go for it mate!