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Gillette Black Beauty. can I fix this?

Hey guys. My grandfather gave me this, I was quite pleased. It's in great shape. The only problem is that the safety bar on one side is slightly bent so that it isn't parallel to the blade. Will this effect my shave? Can I bend it back in place? Need tips or advice. Thanks guys.

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EDIT: Not sure if you can really see what I'm talking about in this pic...
 

garyg

B&B membership has its percs
A small screwdriver can be used on the old brass based razors - just pry slowly on the bar in the right direction until it levels off
 

garyg

B&B membership has its percs
Make sure to pad the screwdriver with some duct tape so as not to damage the razor.

Good save - I actually have a couple small screwdrivers, one of which has a semi-permanent tape wrap to bend razors, pop bezels off watches, etc.
 
Tried the screw driver, I only got it to bend a little. It's almost back to normal, but not completely. Is it possible to take this thing apart? Looking up how to take apart a regular slim adjustable it showed them unscrewing from the bottom of the handle but I have a cap on it. Can I remove that cap?
 
I do not think disassembly will help with a bent safety bar, but it can be done. This discussion might help: click on the links next to "originally posted by" to read the whole thread.

its not that different to a slim other than taking the silver little end cap from the TTO knob. I did one by putting a thick-ish knfe (like a pen-knife rather than a razor) in between the black and silver parts tapping gently to let the taper of the knife grind pop off the cap.

However in saying that there really is no reason to do it if you just want to use it. The adjustment should work just the same, it only provides the click and stop you turning too far. It should be clear by eye if the settings are a turn out. If the TTO locks properly then it shouldn't move when shaving.

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Literally took me couple of minutes to do it. Opened the thing from the second silver band, not the one in the endcap. Pocket knife there, little hammering and then just pulled the black end cap off. After that, pliers with a wire cutter hole - put the crimp end to that while razor all the way closed - two small hits with a hammer to the pliers and we're there.

Wouldn't have known how to do it without the picture, though :)
 
Someone posted the cleaver idea of using a shoelace threaded through the offending safety bar a while back. While I have not tried that, it may reduce the likelihood of marring the finish.
 
Thanks for the help. I feel like if I am able to take this thing apart and isolate the bent piece I can return it to it's original state without damaging anything else. If I use other parts for leverage with a screw driver I'm afraid to break something.
 
Thanks for the help. I feel like if I am able to take this thing apart and isolate the bent piece I can return it to it's original state without damaging anything else. If I use other parts for leverage with a screw driver I'm afraid to break something.

I have been doing this screw driver trick to even Chrome rare Toggles. The bar will bend and not break, it is very resilient and versatile. The brass will bend to the extent that you bend it to. The Bar is one whole piece and there are no loose parts to break. It will just bend.
 
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