Not saying that they dont work well as Razors, but everytime I see a Ball-end handle i just move one. They do nothing for me visually. Anyone else feel the same??
Are Ball-end handles less desirable??
- Thread starter NexlevMM
- Start date
I only think they are "less desirable" because they are more common.
In this game, most of the "desirability" has a direct correlation to rarity, not aesthetics or shaving ability. You will also notice a correlation between "desirability", rarity, and asking price.
In this game, most of the "desirability" has a direct correlation to rarity, not aesthetics or shaving ability. You will also notice a correlation between "desirability", rarity, and asking price.
I actually like the look of the ball-end handles, myself -- of course, I like the look of the bar handles, too. I'd probably put the thick Tech handles last in that list, personally, just from a looks perspective. I'd need to bust out a scale when I get home, but I think the ball-end handles are a bit heavier than the bar or thick handles, too. The main issue I have with ball-end handles is that they're nearly always cracked.
Unlike older Gillettes, the Tech handle appears to be a solid piece, and is off-balance because of the light head. The fat handles are lighter, and balance less handle-heavy as a result. Personally, I like the balance offered by various Chinese clones of the Tech, such as the Concord, one of which has a medium length handle that I've matched up to a Gillette head, for improved feel when gripped for shaving.
If I see any older Gillette razors with the fatter / thicker variety handles at a cheap price, I may see about a Franken's combo without the Concord handle.
They are less desirable for sure! So if you have a British-made, ball-end New, please let me take its ugly self off of your hands and out of your sight.
Yeah, I wasn't even considering the Tech's ball-end handle -- mostly because I really don't like it much at all, visually or functionally. It's all personal preference, of course, but to my eyes the skinny handle and the odd little oblong ball just shouldn't even have the same name as the original Old Type and NEW ball-end handles.
You'd have to pry mine from my cold, dead hands first.
funny u should say that as i found one this weekend lol
- Thread starter
- #8
LOL I'll keep you in mind. I saw three at the local antique shop and just walked right on by. Maybe i can liase a meeting of sorts?
Porter hit the nail right on the head for me....I have never bid or searched for a ball end New or Old type due to the common handle crack issue....that being said, I've seen many ball end razors go for a fraction of the cost of there thicker handled siblings.
The Ball End looks right to me on the WWI era stuff,that's how they rolled back then.....and besides that,just take the ball end off and you'll see ya got yourself an incredible stash tube
I know I have an F series OLD with no handle cracks & might have a 2nd one laying around somewhere.
Original handle only matters to me for collecting purposes,shaving's a different story.
I know I have an F series OLD with no handle cracks & might have a 2nd one laying around somewhere.
Original handle only matters to me for collecting purposes,shaving's a different story.
I have an open comb old-style ball end that I don't particularly care to shave with. It has the usual cracks, and the finish is merely ok. But damn if it isn't my favorite razor for shaving my head with. I can't figure it out. For daily shaving, I generally use a 40's super speed. But for my noggin, I reach for the old-style ball end.
The Ball End looks right to me on the WWI era stuff,that's how they rolled back then.....and besides that,just take the ball end off and you'll see ya got yourself an incredible stash tube
I know I have an F series OLD with no handle cracks & might have a 2nd one laying around somewhere.
Original handle only matters to me for collecting purposes,shaving's a different story.
That looks awesome!! Love that handle with the Old type heads! I know NEW's gey most of the vintage OC love...but there is just sometihng so nice about the way the old type shaves.....
Is that an iKon bulldog on a replated Old? That's beautiful.
+1 on looks, and I hope soon to find out regarding how an Old Type shaves.
I prefer the ball end version.
I feel exactly the same. Don't like ball-end handles.
I happen to think that the ball-end Tech is a pretty elegant-looking razor, especially when compared to the other Tech style, which is dog-butt ugly. One of my prize razors is a near-pristine Gillette Old ball-end open-comb. Outside of the new Muhle R41 design, it's the most aggressive razor I own/have used.
Thankyou Randall,yes that's an iKon Bulldog on an Old,a pleasure to shave with,the head's stamped J Series Property US Army
Cost me $10 It's not been replated,just wiped down with some McGuire's Scratch X,same stuff I use on my vechicles
Count me in as a ball end endorser. My first Gillette New was a local antique shop that had a made in Canada model. It was my patriotic duty to pick it up. 
Jerome
Jerome
- Thread starter
- #20
The Ball End looks right to me on the WWI era stuff,that's how they rolled back then.....and besides that,just take the ball end off and you'll see ya got yourself an incredible stash tube
I know I have an F series OLD with no handle cracks & might have a 2nd one laying around somewhere.
Original handle only matters to me for collecting purposes,shaving's a different story.
Side question. Does that bulldog handle fit all 3 piece gillette razors???
