Gillette Criterion / Bostonian differences

[Gary H]

What is the difference between a Bostonian and a Criterion. I have a Bostonian the silver razor and an all black razor which I would like to ID. Is the all black razor the same as my silver Bostonian? The only difference I see based on the pics is the slight difference on the spacing of the lines at the bottom of the handle. On the black razor I only have these pics the razor is not in hand yet.

 

[Maxime D.]

The Bostonian has 2 holes, the Criterion dont. Aslo, note the form of the key.
The Silver version of the Criterion is called 'The Belmont'

 

[Gary H]

Next question are the silver Bostonians silver plated? The razor pictured is really black so I was thinking silver plate or really beat?

 

[Maxime D.]

Yes they are silver plated. I had one as black as the one on the picture. I cleaned it using Arm & Hammer, boiling water and aluminum foil.

 

[Gary H]

Thank you for the info I cannot wait to get the razor in hand and cleaned up. I have been trying to find a jar of silver dip at a local store with no luck. Has anyone used the liquid silver dip for silver plated razor cleaning and does anyone know of any big retailers that carry the stuff?

 

[mr-razor]

What is the difference between a Bostonian and a Criterion. I have a Bostonian the silver razor and an all black razor which I would like to ID. Is the all black razor the same as my silver Bostonian? The only difference I see based on the pics is the slight difference on the spacing of the lines at the bottom of the handle. On the black razor I only have these pics the razor is not in hand yet.

Your razor is a New Improved from the 20s. He comes silver- and gold plated in different cases. These sets are called "New Standard", "Bostonian", "Richwood" ect. The case gives the name of the set.

The Criterion is a NEW from the 30s.

The Bostonian has 2 holes, the Criterion dont. Aslo, note the form of the key.
The Silver version of the Criterion is called 'The Belmont'

The Criterion and the Belmont are the same razors in different cases: the Criterion comes in a leather case, the Belmont in a metal case. Both sets comes gold- and silver plated.

 

[JazzyJ]

Next question are the silver Bostonians silver plated? The razor pictured is really black so I was thinking silver plate or really beat?

Definitely don't take my word for it, but I'm 95% sure that's silver.

 

[Gary H]

Good deal the patent date on the handle is 1920 so this is the New Improved. Thank you all for the information.

 

[kingfisher]

Don't need silver dip. Try the aluminum foil and baking soda method. Should be described in detail in the Wiki.

 

[Gary H]

I have used the aluminum foil method twice on a couple of single rings with pretty good results with the exception of the knurling. It seems like the crevices just do not come clean enough for me using this method.

 

[elmerwood]

I have used the aluminum foil method twice on a couple of single rings with pretty good results with the exception of the knurling. It seems like the crevices just do not come clean enough for me using this method.

Use a polishing compound after like Wenol or Simichrome with a tooth brush. This should do the trick