a couple of questions about vintage razors

[themilkman]

Hi all,

After reading a few threads on here, i have developed an interest in vintage razors, really like the appeal of being able to get a decent shave from something that could be passed down through the generations. also quite like the aesthetic point of having a nice old razor in a box. Dont want to spend too much to start off. What should i be looking for? Are they easy to polish up if a little tarnished? and finally, am i right in thinking its best to disinfect/sterilise them before use, and if so whats the best way of doing this?

 

[kingfisher]

1) Check the B/S/T forum here. Some great deals can be had. A Tech or a Superspeed would be a good, inexpensive first vintage razor.

2) They are, indeed, fairly easy to polish up if they are a little dirty/tarnished. There are many threads about this and even some tutorials.

3) Opinions vary about whether and to what extent they need to be "sterilized" prior to use. I clean mine up and then rub them down with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. After that I use 'em.

 

[hoslerd]

You have a wide range of options. You can get some nice vintage razors for a reasonable price and you can get some new made razors for very good prices as well (from about $20 up to $60) for a reasonable starter razor. You can find more expensive ones of course.

The great thing about DE's is that you through the blade away and put in a new clean blade so I don't think you need to do too much "sterilizing". I clean my razors up, put a new blade in it and go. As stated before you can rub the razor with rubbing alcohol and that will take care of anything you need to worry about. If you are really germaphobic (just kidding) you can get some barbasol and soak it in that.

Enjoy your new hobby and the great shaves you will be getting.

 

[kooshman7]

I don't know if you have read here yet themilkman, but there's a bunch of linked info that you'll find there that would probably help.

Try looking in some antique stores and other spots near where you live to see what you can find there for a razor. You can find some excellent deals in some stores.Of course sometimes they will overcharge on stuff so if you don't know for sure use your gut instinct on if you should get it or not. If it's in the condition you want and the price is fine then all is well. The Gillette Tech was extremely popular and you can find those for great prices and should find some with cases in great condition as well. B&B is great like kingfisher said for the BST forum and deals galore.

I sterilize my razors in some Barbicide, but you'll find many varying opinions on if it is needed or not. It might not, but it's nice to know you don't need to worry if it has anything so probably just best to grab some. I had to purchase mine online, but consider others ideas as well. Good luck in starting up! The folks here will help you as best they can to start this journey!

 

[CB_DoubleEdge]

Try looking in some antique stores and other spots near where you live to see what you can find there for a razor.

I second this! My wife and I had an absolute blast going to a few antique malls and laughing about some of the stuff we saw there. That was fun in and of itself, but I also picked up a 45-50 Gillette Tech ($3.50), 51 Super Speed ($4), and two early 60s Flare Tip Super Speeds ($7.50 each).

I probably overpaid on the Flare Tips but I really wanted to take them home and clean them up. One needs to be replated but it still shaves great.

If you are after something particular, like a Fatboy or a Slim Adjustable, check out the B/S/T forum here. Or even eBay.

 

[themilkman]

thanks guys for the advice! spent most of the weekend on here reading tutorials etc and loved mantics stuff on youtube. Had my first DE shave at the weekend witha cheap plastic DE and it went well, so have ordered an edwin jagger DE89, a pure badger brush, and some truefitt and hill cream. cant wait!

as for the vintage stuff, will look around shops na dthe like, and have got the mother in law on the case - she goes to loads of places like that and carboot sales, so might get something nice!

 

[AlanL]

My best source for vintage razors were older relatives. Sending out the word to aunts, uncles, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. (whichever applies). Within a couple weeks I got a '64 Slim, '75 Super Adjustable, and '51 Super Speed, all in good working order, even if needing a little clean-up. The razors in your relatives' homes are probably just lying under the bathroom sink or in the back of a drawer. Each is free, and you don't have to worry too much about who's been using it.

 

[kooshman7]

thanks guys for the advice! spent most of the weekend on here reading tutorials etc and loved mantics stuff on youtube. Had my first DE shave at the weekend witha cheap plastic DE and it went well, so have ordered an edwin jagger DE89, a pure badger brush, and some truefitt and hill cream. cant wait!

as for the vintage stuff, will look around shops na dthe like, and have got the mother in law on the case - she goes to loads of places like that and carboot sales, so might get something nice!

You got some good stuff there themilkman! Glad your first shave was a good one and may the rest be as well!

Those are some good prices CB on what you got! And AlanL is right as well! Tell relatives you use them and most often you'll get something! I have one that has offered me a razor when it is found, but hasn't been found yet. I'll see if I ever get it.

 

[CB_DoubleEdge]

My best source for vintage razors were older relatives. Sending out the word to aunts, uncles, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. (whichever applies). Within a couple weeks I got a '64 Slim, '75 Super Adjustable, and '51 Super Speed, all in good working order, even if needing a little clean-up. The razors in your relatives' homes are probably just lying under the bathroom sink or in the back of a drawer. Each is free, and you don't have to worry too much about who's been using it.

My dad crushed my hopes of this a couple of weeks ago when I told him I had gotten into vintage razors. He said when my grandfather passed away he gave away my grandfather's five razors to a friend of his.