Gilette DE...new guy trying to date and clean...

[Seldon]

Hello all. As I said, I'm a new guy with my first DE, and I'd love to show you what I just got. I think it needs cleaned, and I'm not sure how, but all the movements work great for changing the blades, etc. Also, if someone could tell me how to date it, I'd be very grateful. Thanks and wish me luck with him.

 

[luvmysuper]

Under the head of the razor there will be a letter and a number corresponding to year of manufacture and quarter of manufacture.

What are those?

 

[Seldon]

There's a T and a 3.

 

[Pike]

3rd quarter 1973....You can find all dating info here....Welcome to B&B!

 

[mr-razor]

There's a T and a 3.

It´s a black handle Super-Speed from the third ("3") quarter of 1973 ("T")

 

[Pike]

Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush will work great! Be careful if you decide to polish the razor....Many polishes will remove the nickel....Based on all the advice I have received here at B&B, I have found MAAS to be really great!

 

[Seldon]

Excellent return guys! I really appreciate it. Is there another thread that I can turn to for proper cleanng and care??

 

[Dharion]

A video by the well known mantic59: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBvG77qSq2g
And you can read this thread: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=30131

 

[Pike]

Excellent return guys! I really appreciate it. Is there another thread that I can turn to for proper cleanng and care??

You will find many threads and info on cleaning your razor...Most (not all!) are dedicated to the razors from 1902-ending in the late 1960's...and vary depending on the plating (gold, silver, nickel....) I think you will have great results using scrubbing bubbles and a toothbrush on your black handle SS...Don't boil it!! Look at the Wiki for more info....Here is a starting point. Enjoy!

 

[Seldon]

Thanks everyone! I took a toothbrush, and made a borax paste. With a little effort the razor cleaned right up. I finished with a rinse and a quick alcohol bath. I hope to have my first DE shave in the morning. Thanks again!

 

[drewmac]

Thanks everyone! I took a toothbrush, and made a borax paste. With a little effort the razor cleaned right up. I finished with a rinse and a quick alcohol bath. I hope to have my first DE shave in the morning. Thanks again!

Let us know how the first shave goes!

 

[Seldon]

Drewmac and those reading...first shave was a dream! Though I just purchased some C.O.Bigelow Premium Shave Cream (by Proraso), I decided to use what would see the most action...my good ol' Van Der Hagen Deluxe puck, and Burma Shave Brush. I whipped up a good lather...painted it on, and nervously took the first swipe. I wasn't sure I had touched my skin! After two passes WTG and one XTG, I decided I needed to be prudent and end my first DE shaving experience. I ended with a cold water rinse, Gilette Cool Wave AS splash, and a moisturizing lotion. My wife who thinks I've went crazy lately even approved heartily. Thanks guys...and don't be surprised to see a similar post in another thread...too giddy to keep it in!

 

[insomniac]

Excellent!

Welcome to DE shaving!