Found a Flare tipped SS today, should I use the blades?

[PaulL]

Most Sundays I browse at a local flea market.
Today I picked up this Gillette. I think it's a flare tipped superspeed(?)
Here is the before photo. I have to hit it with a toothbrush and some scrubbing bubbles. I see a little copper oxidation in the grooves of the knurling, will that clean up?

Question: it came with a pack of blades. Would they still be good?

 

[dreadpirate]

I would not. Blades are relatively cheap. If you can't wait on new blades ordered off of the Internet, just get a pack of blades from your local Drug Store to tie you over.

The blades are a nice touch to go along with the case, but IMHO that's about it.

 

[Oldguy]

I would not. Blades are relatively cheap. If you can't wait on new blades ordered off of the Internet, just get a pack of blades from your local Drug Store to tie you over.

The blades are a nice touch to go along with the case, but IMHO that's about it.

+1 I never use blades that come with vintage razors no matter how good they look.

Len

 

[RazorPete]

well at least dont use the ones in the used blade slot.

 

[sodajerk]

I would not. Blades are relatively cheap. If you can't wait on new blades ordered off of the Internet, just get a pack of blades from your local Drug Store to tie you over.

The blades are a nice touch to go along with the case, but IMHO that's about it.

+2 Looks like the razor is a fine razor but leave the razor blades in the case when you store it.

 

[PaulL]

Thanks for the advice.

I wasn't considering the blade in the razor, that one I tossed away.

 

[BroJohn]

Good looking '60s Superspeed.

Should be a good shaver. BTW, buy some new blades.

-- John Gehman

 

[Above The Tie]

IMO vintage blades are just for looks, not for use.

 

[dreadpirate]

That super speed should clean up really well, and should be a fine keeper. We have a thread (some where) on cleaning suggestions, if you are interested.

 

[mmack66]

IMO vintage blades are just for looks, not for use.

Late model NOS razor blades are some of the best blades ever made and definitely usable. The early carbon steel blades are generally best left unused.

 

[DFrancis]

It's a nice looking razor and should clem up nicely. maybe just keep the blades for show.

 

[Copierguy]

Enjoy that fine looking SS Paul.
I think you got lots of great shaves ahead of you.

What blades do you use in that FatBoy?

 

[T Rick]

Looks very nice for a before pic, I'm sure it will look great cleaned (no doubt it will clean up great).

What's the date code on it? Does anyone know what was the first year for the 60's style Flare Tip (no transverse lines on the TTO knob, longitudinal lines only)?

 

[PaulL]

What blades do you use in that FatBoy?

I"m still using the CVS brand blades I bought last weekend. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't actually ordered any good blades yet.......ok, I"m heading over to WCS to place my order right now!

The date code on the Flare is E1, which I believe it 1959, so this razor is a few years older than me.

 

[amishmotorboat]

If I have reason to believe that the blade dispenser is original, I don't mess with it. But if it weren't for using old blades from a dispenser I would never have known the joy of a gillette platinum plus. I take the first blade out without using it. I figure any dust or debris or other contaminants that have settled on the pack should mostly be collected on that first blade which is exposed. The second blade is the one I use, and spray that down with my disinfectant bathroom cleaner and let it soak a few seconds before rinsing off.

 

[Stubblefield]

That is not the original box of blades that came with that razor. The blade case appears to be an (upside down) Personna/ASR platinum chrome dispenser. The tell is the curved blade slot with notch. In addition, the blades you can see through the slot have all been used.

So to answer your question: No, unless there are unused blades in the dispenser. Old Personnas can be quite good.

 

[luvmysuper]

Late model NOS razor blades are some of the best blades ever made and definitely usable. The early carbon steel blades are generally best left unused.

If I have reason to believe that the blade dispenser is original, I don't mess with it. But if it weren't for using old blades from a dispenser I would never have known the joy of a gillette platinum plus. I take the first blade out without using it. I figure any dust or debris or other contaminants that have settled on the pack should mostly be collected on that first blade which is exposed. The second blade is the one I use, and spray that down with my disinfectant bathroom cleaner and let it soak a few seconds before rinsing off.

Many of the blades from the 60's and 70's are far better than what you can buy today.
If they have been taken care of fairly well and are unused and are NOT carbon steel blades (and those are not) then there's nothing wrong with using them.
Go on e-bay and see what some of those "old" blades are going for these days!!