Bought My First Vintage Gillette !

[Tzar]

I started traditional wet shaving 2 months ago by buying the "very-popular-can't-go-wrong" Merkur HD 34C. Now that my technique has reached a point when I can get consistently good DFS shaves (no 100% BBS yet), I decided I would like to try a new razor.

Went on Ebay and decided on a Gillette Tech since it is apparently a reliable, simple and mild razor. Bought the Gillette Tech below (see pictures) for 25$. Do you think guys I got ripped off, I have no idea how much these things should cost ?...

The seller said it is probably a 1967 or so. It's really in good condition, I am quite satisfied with it. The chrome is all there, there is no blemishes or rough spots. Some normal usage sratches on top, but event those are really minor.

I boiled it for 10 minutes, then got it soaked a whole night in isopropylic alcohol (70%) and finally put some scrubbing bubbles on it. I finally polished it with Mother's metal polish (I'm a car buff, so I've got quite a few car detailing stuff ).

I'm going to shave with it tomorrow morning with a brand new Feather blade !

 

[redbike]

Identical razors are available on the B/S/T forum for less, typically in the $15 range. At least that's what I would pay. But it's a fine razor for your first Gillette and using it with a Feather blade will give you a close shave.

Good luck,

jim

 

[gaseousclay]

cost varies. I would expect to pay $25 or more for one that's in mint condition w/box. the M4 date code does suggest it was made in the 4th quarter of '67. either way, the Tech is a fine razor.

 

[mmack66]

You overpaid a little, but I am sure we all have at one point. As a rule, I wouldn't boil a razor, and soaking in alcohol doesn't do anything, as the drying action of alcohol is where the disinfecting properties are. Enjoy your shave!

 

[redbike]

[thread=113518]Here's[/thread] a ball end tech in very good condition that just sold on the B/S/T forum for $16. You just have to keep your eye open and have some patience.

 

[Tzar]

Damn, should have looked into the B/S/T forum. Didn't think about it. Seems I overpaid by 5$ or 10$. Ah well, will know better next time.

My next purchase might well be a Fatboy. I like the look and functionality of it.

 

[gaseousclay]

Damn, should have looked into the B/S/T forum. Didn't think about it. Seems I overpaid by 5$ or 10$. Ah well, will know better next time.

it's all relative though. i've paid anywhere from $40-50 for a mint condition fat handle tech in the box. I know a lot of people here would scoff at paying that much for a Tech but it's what I was willing to pay. but, i've also paid $20-25 for a Tech in pretty good condition, meaning, no pitting or brassing but with light surface marks on the head. it really depends on the condition of the razor and how much you're willing to spend.

 

[Topgumby]

Look at it this way:

Say you overpaid by ten bucks. You just got a great razor that will serve you a lifetime, and you can pass it on to someone else who can get another lifetime of great shaves and pride of ownership out of it.

Don't sweat it, just enjoy that Tech. It's a great looking razor, and you did a first class job of bringing it back to it's former glory.

 

[theinternot]

Don't worry if you overpaid a little. It doesn't matter. The Tech is great. You would pay even more for it after you shave with it. Congrats.

 

[Sodapopjones]

Yeah you overpaid, but its in good condition, I wouldn't sweat it to much.

 

[mdunn]

you cant go wrong with a tech!

 

[Cmaster03]

What everybody else said on price. (Like another member told me when I was starting out, the BST is your friend.)

That's a good looking Tech, and should be a good shaving razor.

I've only been at this a few months myself but got addicted to vintage Gillettes early on. I find the Tech to be one of my favorites. It is so mild, I can use it on days even when I'm in a hurry, and get a great shave. With the feather, you should still get a close one. I rarely use my Merkur HD 'cause I just enjoy the vintage razors so much. My favorite "shiny, brand-new" razors are refinished vintage or refinished vintage heads with Bob's Razor Works or Ikon handles. Those give me my shiny razor fix.

Enjoy, and if you're already looking at a Fat Boy, beware. There are a A LOT of cool old DE and SE razors out there to try out/collect! My razor DE and SE Razor AD got pretty bad at one point- and then I got into straights!

 

[DSB]

The Tech is a great razor -- one of my favorites. The price was a little high, as otherers have noted, but you didn't get "ripped off." You will enjoy this razor for many, many years. Congratulations on your newest acquisition!

 

[Tzar]

Thanks guys for your insights !

I shaved with the Tech this morning using Tabac soap. It is a nice shaver, much more milder and smooth than the Merkur HD. It's almost impossible to get a nick or irritation with this shaver unless you mash it violently on your face. The small head size makes it much easier to do the upper lip. The only downside is that to get a shave as close as I usually get with my Merkur HD, I had to work a bit harder.

All in all, I am very satisfied and since it's in very good condition it is going to last for long !

 

[T Rick]

Like said above on price, not to worry (plus, to make up for it you can "under pay" for some in the future ).

As you've now seen, they are a great razor. Shaved with Tech's all last week (blade sampling a different fresh blade each day). Closest shave I got was with a Feather, which I found to be a great match up with the Tech. What blade did you use?

 

[Tzar]

What blade did you use?

I have used a Feather too. There are the best blades I have sampled so far. They don't give me red bumps or irritation.