I have a few really nice vintage razors, a slim adjustable that I had replated, a super speed in mint in condition I lucked out on in a auction. I also have a 1906 single ring from razor emporium plated in rodium. These razors are great to use but I feel like they are like museum pieces that need special care to keep them looking new I wash them with a tooth brush and dish soap after each use and dry them with a hair dryer before putting them away in there own cases. I like the single ring the best for the shave you can get with it. I have another single ring in fair condition with a cracked handle that I have left in my bathroom and only rince off and hang up when I am done shaving I put a nylon washer in between the top cap and base plate so they can dry do any of you use vintage razors in fair condition so you don't have to beat up the really nice ones? I have been getting really nice shaves since using the single ring as my daily shaver.
Daily shaver
- Thread starter John 7
- Start date
Anything I have had replated, and Anything that isn't virtually new, I don't hesitate to use. I don't feel like I need to be a good steward of most of these pieces because they were mass produced and more serious collectors are already preserving better examples than I have.
I do tend to grab razors that are easier to keep clean and such, like the Blackbirds. But if I am in the mood to try something and am not worried about 30 seconds that day, then I use whatever I feel like using.
Most of my vintages are very close to mint and I don’t hesitate to use them all.
That’s what they are made for.
That’s what they are made for.
My plated brass gillettes have a lot less tendency to corrode than my gold plated Stainless Rex razors, due to better design choices.
None of my DEs are rare or shelf queens but some of my straights are. I shave with all of them. It'd be like bringing your best girl to the dance and then making her stay in the car.
Just use 'em -- I regularly use rarities and don't feel the need to scrub them up afterwards. They're tools.
Isn't that why you bought them?
Isn't that why you bought them?
I have a few in very good condition and I use them. I do clean and dry all my razors after usage.
Enjoy your razors or store them for the next generation. Whatever you feel comfortable with.
I do have an observation though. Cleaning your razor with tooth paste after each use. Isn’t the tooth paste acting like polish paste and a little abrasive for replated razors? I usually use tooth paste to reset patina on brass razors but other than that only water and a micro towel.
Enjoy!
Guido
Enjoy your razors or store them for the next generation. Whatever you feel comfortable with.
I do have an observation though. Cleaning your razor with tooth paste after each use. Isn’t the tooth paste acting like polish paste and a little abrasive for replated razors? I usually use tooth paste to reset patina on brass razors but other than that only water and a micro towel.
Enjoy!
Guido
- Thread starter
- #8
Another vote for ‘use them!’ That’s what I enjoy!! 
If I were a ‘collector’ then keeping things in close to mint condition would be the route to go.
If I were a ‘collector’ then keeping things in close to mint condition would be the route to go.
I used my two Gillette Old Types for years. They were my only razors. They still worked at 90+ years old. Why not?
Use ‘em and don’t fuss with drying or cleaning. They’re made for it. Back in the day guys had one razor, used it everyday, put it away as is and got off to work. I’ve had my ‘73 SuperSpeed for 51 years doing nothing to it after use. You might put some oil down the barrel once a year or so but even that is not necessary.
