Gillette Aristorcrat: Special shaving charactistics?

[K.T.]

I recently picked up a gold Aristocrat. It's next in line for cleaning so I haven't used it yet. But I was wondering if it shaves any differently than other Gillettes, or where it falls in the ranks as far as shaving character?

I've used the Tech, Slim, Red Tip, New long comb, New Improved, Tuckaway, Flair Tip SS, Black handle SS, and 40's style SS, so I have experience with a few Gillette razors.

Anything special about the Aristocrat other than the rarity?

Thanks,
K.T.

 

[DavyRay]

The Aristocrats changed quite a bit over the years. They were simply the gold-plated Gillettes. What year, approximately, is yours? I have one from 1946-1947. It looks like a Fatboy, but with no adjustments. Other Aristocrats I've seen were much older.

Specify please, or post a picture.

 

[L. Martino]

Hi KT,

I'm familiar with all the razors you mentioned, and I'd guess the Aristocrat/Diplomat shaves most like the red tip. I'm talking about the late 40s-early 50s models.The 1934 type open comb shaves totally different. The knurling on those later Aristocrats has a nice pattern that shows well in gold. I also like the weight distribution over the red tip.

Hope that helps,

Martin

 

[K.T.]

The Aristocrats changed quite a bit over the years. They were simply the gold-plated Gillettes. What year, approximately, is yours? I have one from 1946-1947. It looks like a Fatboy, but with no adjustments. Other Aristocrats I've seen were much older.

Specify please, or post a picture.

Mine looks like the Fatboy that you mentioned, Davy, except in gold with no adjustment dial. I think one is the same model. I tried to look for a date code and either it doesn't have one or it's hiding under some old dried shaving foam that needs to be cleaned off.

I'll try to post pics once I figure out how to.

If it shaves like the Red Tip, I would be very pleased. That razor is great!

Thanks,
K.T.

 

[DavyRay]

Mine looks like the Fatboy that you mentioned, Davy, except in gold with no adjustment dial. I think one is the same model. I tried to look for a date code and either it doesn't have one or it's hiding under some old dried shaving foam that needs to be cleaned off.

I'll try to post pics once I figure out how to.

If it shaves like the Red Tip, I would be very pleased. That razor is great!

Thanks,
K.T.

The date codes started in 1950, so lack of a date code could mean pre-1950.

 

[johnmrson]

The two words I would use to describe the solid bar Aristocrats are smooth and effortless. The Diplomat and the President are just a little more so. Every DE shaver should own a solid bar Aristocrat / Diplomat / President. They don't have to be show or display quality but you should hve one.

 

[drandall]

the thing i love about them is that they're a great all-rounder.

they're attractive. they're nicely balanced. they're easy to grip when wet. they shave nicely. they're nicely weighted.

 

[theperfectstorm]

The two words I would use to describe the solid bar Aristocrats are smooth and effortless. The Diplomat and the President are just a little more so. Every DE shaver should own a solid bar Aristocrat / Diplomat / President. They don't have to be show or display quality but you should hve one.

I'll go with that.

 

[Deltaboy]

I am hoping to score one off the bay this summer if my local searchs turn up empty.

 

[nemo]

I'm with Martin, the things shave like red tips in my opinion. I first looked at the razor as a glorified Super Speed but then my first shave -- Oh wow! Never looked back, I even just love the feel of it in my hand when I pick it up.

And Jon is right, anyone serious about Gillettes need to have at least one.

 

[K.T.]

Fantastic, guys. Thanks. If it shaves like a Red Tip, I'm happy. I like the weight and feel a lot. Feels solid and heftier than a Red Tip.

Fingers crossed that nothing got bent in the thin paper envelope. Though the razor looks cool, I wish it came in something other than gold.

It's great how each razor has it's own personality.

K.T.

 

[Chester]

After reading this thread, I decided to pull one of my late 40s aristocrats out for a shave this morning -- never used one of them before, even though I have about ten of them. (I've been using the aristocrat that is the gold version of the slim, of late.) It was very good. I wasn't sure about how I'd feel about the shorter handle, and I was prepared for a somewhat more aggressive shave. Put a Schick Plus Platinum in it. Everything went beautifully. Very comfortable. Reminds me of a slim set at somewhere around 5-6. I think I may stick with this for the rest of the week.
-- Chet

 

[L. Martino]

After reading this thread, I decided to pull one of my late 40s aristocrats out for a shave this morning -- Reminds me of a slim set at somewhere around 5-6. I think I may stick with this for the rest of the week.
-- Chet

I totally agree with you about the Aristocrat feeling like it's set on 5-6 on the slim and fatboy. I enjoy the Aristocrat more than most other fixed head razors because it's not as aggressive as some other types I've used. It's one of the few that's in my rotation as a nice change of pace tool.

Martin

 

[L. Martino]

Fingers crossed that nothing got bent in the thin paper envelope. Though the razor looks cool, I wish it came in something other than gold.

K.T.

Hiya,

If I'm not mistaken, the President's the silver modeled version of the later produced Diplomat. Diplomats are basically gold late 40s' early 1950s types Aristocrats, except most Diplomats are dated and the handle knurling is just a tiny bit different. Some early Aristocrats(1946-47) don't have the notched bar however.

Now you know what to get next!

Martin

 

[Deltaboy]

I am hoping to score one off the bay this summer if my local searchs turn up empty.

I scored one !!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=200486027165&view=all&tid=0

 

[cfriend]

Hiya,

If I'm not mistaken, the President's the silver modeled version of the later produced Diplomat.

Correct, except they are nickel, not silver. Some Presidents have a smooth bottom band (just above the TTO) and are thought to be repurposed Aristocrats made and sold as Presidents. In either case, they are great razors.

 

[nEver-Ready]

Correct, except they are nickel, not silver. Some Presidents have a smooth bottom band (just above the TTO) and are thought to be repurposed Aristocrats made and sold as Presidents. In either case, they are great razors.

With a rhodium plated handle I believe.

 

[cfriend]

With a rhodium plated handle I believe.

It comes up from time to time, with differing opinions. It is my understanding that the only US-made rhodium plated razor was the Executive, and the President was high-polished nickel.

 

[nEver-Ready]

It comes up from time to time, with differing opinions. It is my understanding that the only US-made rhodium plated razor was the Executive, and the President was high-polished nickel.

Member Buddydog is now in the process of replating my President, and the handle is definitely original and rhodium (or at least not Nickel) plated. He is manually removing the plating from the handle because it does not come off in a Nickel stripping bath. Onotoman has had the same experience. See also here... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=148760&highlight=president+rhodium

 

[cfriend]

Member Buddydog is now in the process of replating my President, and the handle is definitely original and rhodium (or at least not Nickel) plated. He is manually removing the plating from the handle because it does not come off in a Nickel stripping bath. Onotoman has had the same experience. See also here... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=148760&highlight=president+rhodium

Interesting. Thanks!