Gillette Adjustable question

[hwedin]

As I said in my introduction post, I'm using my Grandad's adjustable Gillette.

I'm finding that movable collar is a little stiff. I don't move it much but I don't want to potentially force it and damage the mechanism. The razor is clean etc.

So what I was thinking is that I use some skin safe silicone lubricant that I have kicking around somewhere. This should loosen the mechanism; be relatively water resistant and not cause any undue irritation. I could use some other lubricants that are in the house like WD40, 3-in-1 or even Holland and Holland gun oil (which is very waterproof).

I may not even need it but I would like to make sure it is working smoothly.


Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

 

[JDTTO]

The mechanism should not require any additional lubrication.

Do you have doors open when you turn it?

Even though you said it's clean, did you give it a good long soak in hot (not boiling) water with some dish soap?

 

[BigFoot]

First off, welcome to B&B!
Second, I would just give it a good soak in hot water with liquid dish detergent.
What I generally do is put the razor in a plastic bowl (or something like it) that can handle heat. While I'm heating water, I put some dish detergent (something like Dawn liquid) in the bowl with the razor. After my water is good and hot, I pour it in the bowl to mix the solution. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes or cool enough for you to handle the razor. See what it feels like then. If it's still a little hard to move, soak it some more. I've soaked them overnight before. When you get it where it feels pretty good, give it a good rinse under clean water then you're good to go!
One thing is to make sure the doors are open prior to moving the adjustment collar so there's no tension.

And if what Chris suggests doe not work, try scrubbing bubbles. I have freed many a stuck razor with that stuff.

 

[SteveWY]

Just in case, always release the TTO knob about 1/4 turn before adjusting the 1-9 knob. If you are already doing that then it sounds like you have a gunk issue. Follow the excellent cleaning instructions above. By the way, you are blessed to have your grandfather's razor! I bet you think about him when you use it.

 

[hwedin]

Thanks for your replies!

I'll give it a good soak in hot water and liquid soap tonight, so it will be ready for tomorrow morning's shave (which I'm looking forward to ).

Also I forgot to be specific, it's the collar with the 1-9 numbering that adjusts the blade position.

If that doesn't work I'll go through the more thorough instructions. After I've found the UK alternative to scrubbing bubbles.

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

Gillettes were designed to be put to use for many years without being lubricated. Doing so might actually gunk up the mechanism.

 

[theretroshave]

I've found mineral oil (main ingredient in baby oil) to work wonders in smoothing out razor mechanisms.

 

[CGW409]

Just be aware that overnight might not be enough.
I had a very minty 1958 Executive (AKA gold Fat Boy) that I had to go that route for almost a week.
What I ended up doing was to microwave water to near boiling and then set the razor in one of those insulated travel mugs with some dish soap,pour in the water(don't worry too much as to if it's boiling or not as the water can be boiling hot just never actually boil the razor itself) and then let it soak over night.
In the AM I'd fish it out give it a few good shakes to get the scuz that loosened up in the razor out then drop the razor back in while at work and repeat the process of nuking fresh hot water after work til it was working free.

 

[coolbus18]

Welcome and enjoy your adjustable.While your waiting check out the ,"Order of Gillette Adjustables" in the forums'

 

[hwedin]

Hi again!

I soaked the razor overnight in hot water with soap flakes dissolved in and a lot of sediment appeared. So I rinsed and re-soaked again for a shorter time and it is now nice and easy to adjust the blade setting.

Welcome and enjoy your adjustable.While your waiting check out the ,"Order of Gillette Adjustables" in the forums'

Better go and have a look!


Thanks again