Gillette DE Razor Blade Gap & Exposure?

[EdHeart]

Howdy All,

Would deeply appreciate a bit of help regarding the title of this post. Some years ago I thought I'd located a specs sheet with a rather large swath of Gillette DE Safety Razors. I cannot locate this information.

My goal is to find the gap and exposure of the two (2) Gillette DE razors I have so as to make a more educated decision regarding a new purchase. I'm currently leaning in the direction of a Henson AL (not sure if it's their original softer shave or the medium. (I hate buying and returning.)

I've a very thick beard and keep my high cheeks and neck very clean. I also have a shaved head (most of which is rather thick save the bald areas) and am contemplating completely eliminating the need to use the disposable multi-blade dealios. I like the shave I get as I go very quickly, get insanely close (read nearly baby bottom smooth) and don't have to think too much. In the past I've gotten cut up using my Gillette DEs.)

The two DEs I have now are travel 3 piece short handled, vintage models cir 50s era (Chromium and Gold.) They're the most gentle shaves I've used from Gillette and rather like them: using Red Personnas (most comfortable I've found so far and I've tried many.) I had a '63 adjustable and a Red Tip: sold both of these as the shaves from both were rough and uncomfortable.

Thanks for the kind assistance.

 

[lasta]

Here is the blade gap list:

Double-Edged Safety Razors Ranked by Blade Gap

Ranking by blade gap size

www.badgerandblade.com

For effective blade exposure, there are a few scattered sources. Search for threads started by @ShavingByTheNumbers with the name of the razor you are interested in. Small selection, but very concise.

@Ron R , @mgweatherly and @Rosseforp also did some measurements. Search some of their posts.

Off the top of my head, your 50's Tech (?) should be in the high 50's (mm) for gap and 0.07-0.09mm exposure.

 

[EdHeart]

@Iasta

Thanks very much for the quick reply and the assist. Greatly appreciate it.

 

[BigJ]

Welcome aboard!!

 

[Rosseforp]

Howdy All,

Would deeply appreciate a bit of help regarding the title of this post. Some years ago I thought I'd located a specs sheet with a rather large swath of Gillette DE Safety Razors. I cannot locate this information.

My goal is to find the gap and exposure of the two (2) Gillette DE razors I have so as to make a more educated decision regarding a new purchase. I'm currently leaning in the direction of a Henson AL (not sure if it's their original softer shave or the medium. (I hate buying and returning.)

Here is my current list of razors with blade gaps and what I paid for them.

47 English Flat Bottom Tech
Cap-12.2g Baseplate-13.2g C&P-25.6 Handle-24.9g Total-50.5g
Gap= .028" $ Gift from Cal Buck $
Mirror Nickel Re-plate Cap 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $25.00

67 England Tech aluminum handle
Cap-10.2g Baseplate-10.2g C&P-20.4 Handle-11.5g Total-32g
Gap= .026" $ PIF from Mawashi $
PIF to B&B Member

67 Tech M4* aluminum handle Mar 3, 2019
Cap-10.2g Baseplate-10.4g C&P-20.6 Handle-12.2g Total-33g
Gap= .025" $5.00

PreWar Tech** Apr 13, 2019
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-10.0g C&P-24.5 Handle-23g Total-47.5g
Gap= .019" $10.49
Mirror Nickel re-plate handle at BRG $25.00

53 Tech Y2*** Mar 5, 2019
Cap-11.4g Steel Baseplate-8.4g C&P-19.8 Handle-36.3g Total-56.2g
Gap= .021" $19.50

No Date (46-50) Tech
Cap-11.2g Baseplate-10.8g C&P-22.0 Handle-34.6g Total-56.5g
Gap= .024" $ PIF from Mawashi $

English Tech* (Early)
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-10.8g C&P-25.3 Handle-37.0g Total-62.3g
Gap= .028" $ PIF from Mawashi $

New Short Comb***
Cap-14.3g Baseplate-17.7g C&P-32 Handle-20g Total-52g Feb 15, 2020
Gap= .023" $35.56

54 Flare Tip Super Speed Z3*** 57.3g Mar 21, 2019
Gap= .026" $17.95

55 Flare Tip Super Speed A4**(Birth Quarter) 57.3g Jun 28, 2020
Gap= .028" $17.00

55 Red Tip Super Speed A4**(Birth Quarter) 66.2g Sep 18, 2019
Gap= .028" $20.00
Mirror Nickel Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75

40's Aristocrat 68g $28
24k Gold Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75

64 Slim J3 70.5g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
$ PIF from Mawashi

Fatboy E4 79.1g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
Mirror Nickel Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75
$ Handle trade Tanuki
Executive D3 80g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
$175

Gillette Heritage Jan 2, 2020
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-17.3g C&P-31.9 Handle-30.6g Total-62.6g
Gap= .026" $37.70

Fatip Piccolo SE**** April 8, 2019
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.2 Handle-42.4g Total-73.5g
No Gap

Fatip Piccolo Gentile SE*
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-17.9g C&P-32.2 Handle-42.4g Total-74.9g
No Gap $34

Fatip Chrome Piccolo Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-15.4g C&P-29.2 Handle-41.2g Total-70.3g
No Gap $30

Fatip Black Nickle Grande Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.7g Baseplate-15.3g C&P-29.1 Handle-41.2g Total-64.8g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1,2020
Cap-14.8g Baseplate-16.8g C&P-31.6 Handle-36.5g Total-68.2g
No Gap $34

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.5g C&P-30.9 Handle-37.3g Total-68.2g
No Gap $Free

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-16.2g C&P-30.1 Handle-35.7g Total-65.8g
No Gap $30

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.9g Baseplate-17g C&P-30.9 Handle-36.1g Total-67g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Schone*** Sept 23, 2019
Cap-14.3g Baseplate-17.7g C&P-31.9 Handle-37.2g Total-69.5g
No Gap $21.95

Razorock *DE1* March 17, 2019
Cap-9.3g Baseplate-16.0g C&P-25.3 Handle-49.6g Total-75g
Gap=.053 $10

Razorock **SLOC** May 21,2019
Cap-12.6g Baseplate-12.7g C&P-25.3 Barberpole Handle-70g Total-95g
No Gap $20

Razorock ****Game Changer 68-P**** Jun 21, 2019
Cap-10.8g Baseplate-17.9 C&P-28.8 Super Knurl Handle-70.5g Total-99.5g
Gap=.026 $55

Razorock **Game Changer 84-P** Sep 18, 2019
Cap-10.6g Baseplate-20 C&P-30.6 Barber Pole Handle-46g (after drilling)
Gap=.033 $30

Razorock **Game Changer-OC84** Dec 02, 2019
Cap-10.6g Baseplate-21.5 C&P-32 Titanium Handle-41.5g
Gap=.033 $65

Merkur 15C****
Cap-14.9g Baseplate-9.7g C&P-24.6 Handle-29g Total-53.6g
No Gap $27

Marshall MÜHLE
Cap-11.9g Baseplate-17.2g C&P-29.1 Handle-37.2g Total-66.4g
Gap=.026 $15

MÜHLE R41 Rose Gold
Cap-15g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.6 Handle-37.6g Total-69.3g
No Gap $48



Above The Tie SE1 -AC Razor- February 24, 2020
SS Cap-18.2g Baseplate-33g C&P-51.2 $123
Aluminum Baseplate-11.8g $33
Custom Ti handle-44.6g
Gap=.024

Karve August 8, 2020
OC-C plate Gap=.034
SB-D plate Gap=.040
OC-D plate Gap=.040
SB-G plate Gap=.053
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-20.5g C&P-35
Custom Bronze Handle-38.5g Total-73.5g $105

Gem Micromatic Handle 33g Oct 2022
Re-purposed on Sherline lathe $19

Gem Micromatic Bullet Tip 70g April 2020
Gap=.024 $25

Gem Micromatic OC 64.8g April 2020
Gap=.018 $14

Vikings Blade Chieftain 82g January 21, 2019
Gap=.034 $36.97
PIF to B&B Member

SCHICK Injector TYPE E 32g Apr 22, 2020
Gap=.039 $16

SCHICK Injector TYPE E 31.5g May 01, 2020
Open to Clean
Gap=.032 $25

There are also some pretty good modern razors you might want to try out like the PAA Filament since you have been using carts. Blade recommendation, get a sampler pack and make sure it has Gillette Platinum blades.

~doug~

 

[EdHeart]

Whoa! Nice collection. Thanks for the info.

 

[nemo]

Fatip Piccolo SE**** April 8, 2019
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.2 Handle-42.4g Total-73.5g
No Gap

Fatip Piccolo Gentile SE*
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-17.9g C&P-32.2 Handle-42.4g Total-74.9g
No Gap $34

Fatip Chrome Piccolo Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-15.4g C&P-29.2 Handle-41.2g Total-70.3g
No Gap $30

Fatip Black Nickle Grande Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.7g Baseplate-15.3g C&P-29.1 Handle-41.2g Total-64.8g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1,2020
Cap-14.8g Baseplate-16.8g C&P-31.6 Handle-36.5g Total-68.2g
No Gap $34

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.5g C&P-30.9 Handle-37.3g Total-68.2g
No Gap $Free

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-16.2g C&P-30.1 Handle-35.7g Total-65.8g
No Gap $30

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.9g Baseplate-17g C&P-30.9 Handle-36.1g Total-67g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Schone*** Sept 23, 2019
Cap-14.3g Baseplate-17.7g C&P-31.9 Handle-37.2g Total-69.5g
No Gap $21.95



Razorock **SLOC** May 21,2019
Cap-12.6g Baseplate-12.7g C&P-25.3 Barberpole Handle-70g Total-95g
No Gap $20



Merkur 15C****
Cap-14.9g Baseplate-9.7g C&P-24.6 Handle-29g Total-53.6g
No Gap $27



MÜHLE R41 Rose Gold
Cap-15g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.6 Handle-37.6g Total-69.3g
No Gap $48

How can a "no gap" razor cut? Blade sits on the safety bar? No

 

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to the forum !!

 

[Rosseforp]

How can a "no gap" razor cut? Blade sits on the safety bar? No

A No Gap razor has the blade sitting on the open combs resulting in a gap half the width of the blade, so yes, effectively there is a gap. The stubble between the combs are cut.
But many open comb razors do have gaps.

~doug~

 

[ivan_101]

Here is my current list of razors with blade gaps and what I paid for them.

47 English Flat Bottom Tech
Cap-12.2g Baseplate-13.2g C&P-25.6 Handle-24.9g Total-50.5g
Gap= .028" $ Gift from Cal Buck $
Mirror Nickel Re-plate Cap 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $25.00

67 England Tech aluminum handle
Cap-10.2g Baseplate-10.2g C&P-20.4 Handle-11.5g Total-32g
Gap= .026" $ PIF from Mawashi $
PIF to B&B Member

67 Tech M4* aluminum handle Mar 3, 2019
Cap-10.2g Baseplate-10.4g C&P-20.6 Handle-12.2g Total-33g
Gap= .025" $5.00

PreWar Tech** Apr 13, 2019
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-10.0g C&P-24.5 Handle-23g Total-47.5g
Gap= .019" $10.49
Mirror Nickel re-plate handle at BRG $25.00

53 Tech Y2*** Mar 5, 2019
Cap-11.4g Steel Baseplate-8.4g C&P-19.8 Handle-36.3g Total-56.2g
Gap= .021" $19.50

No Date (46-50) Tech
Cap-11.2g Baseplate-10.8g C&P-22.0 Handle-34.6g Total-56.5g
Gap= .024" $ PIF from Mawashi $

English Tech* (Early)
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-10.8g C&P-25.3 Handle-37.0g Total-62.3g
Gap= .028" $ PIF from Mawashi $

New Short Comb***
Cap-14.3g Baseplate-17.7g C&P-32 Handle-20g Total-52g Feb 15, 2020
Gap= .023" $35.56

54 Flare Tip Super Speed Z3*** 57.3g Mar 21, 2019
Gap= .026" $17.95

55 Flare Tip Super Speed A4**(Birth Quarter) 57.3g Jun 28, 2020
Gap= .028" $17.00

55 Red Tip Super Speed A4**(Birth Quarter) 66.2g Sep 18, 2019
Gap= .028" $20.00
Mirror Nickel Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75

40's Aristocrat 68g $28
24k Gold Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75

64 Slim J3 70.5g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
$ PIF from Mawashi

Fatboy E4 79.1g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
Mirror Nickel Re-plate 11/18/22 BackRoadsGold $75
$ Handle trade Tanuki
Executive D3 80g
#1=.014" #2=.020" #3=.024 #4=.026"
#5=.030 #6=.034" #7=.038" #8=.040" #9=.042"
$175

Gillette Heritage Jan 2, 2020
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-17.3g C&P-31.9 Handle-30.6g Total-62.6g
Gap= .026" $37.70

Fatip Piccolo SE**** April 8, 2019
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.2 Handle-42.4g Total-73.5g
No Gap

Fatip Piccolo Gentile SE*
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-17.9g C&P-32.2 Handle-42.4g Total-74.9g
No Gap $34

Fatip Chrome Piccolo Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-15.4g C&P-29.2 Handle-41.2g Total-70.3g
No Gap $30

Fatip Black Nickle Grande Mk1 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.7g Baseplate-15.3g C&P-29.1 Handle-41.2g Total-64.8g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1,2020
Cap-14.8g Baseplate-16.8g C&P-31.6 Handle-36.5g Total-68.2g
No Gap $34

Fatip Gold Grande Mk2 Feb 1, 2020
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-16.5g C&P-30.9 Handle-37.3g Total-68.2g
No Gap $Free

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.8g Baseplate-16.2g C&P-30.1 Handle-35.7g Total-65.8g
No Gap $30

Fatip Lo Sorto Originale Chrome Feb 1, 2020
Cap-13.9g Baseplate-17g C&P-30.9 Handle-36.1g Total-67g
No Gap $Handle trade

Fatip Schone*** Sept 23, 2019
Cap-14.3g Baseplate-17.7g C&P-31.9 Handle-37.2g Total-69.5g
No Gap $21.95

Razorock *DE1* March 17, 2019
Cap-9.3g Baseplate-16.0g C&P-25.3 Handle-49.6g Total-75g
Gap=.053 $10

Razorock **SLOC** May 21,2019
Cap-12.6g Baseplate-12.7g C&P-25.3 Barberpole Handle-70g Total-95g
No Gap $20

Razorock ****Game Changer 68-P**** Jun 21, 2019
Cap-10.8g Baseplate-17.9 C&P-28.8 Super Knurl Handle-70.5g Total-99.5g
Gap=.026 $55

Razorock **Game Changer 84-P** Sep 18, 2019
Cap-10.6g Baseplate-20 C&P-30.6 Barber Pole Handle-46g (after drilling)
Gap=.033 $30

Razorock **Game Changer-OC84** Dec 02, 2019
Cap-10.6g Baseplate-21.5 C&P-32 Titanium Handle-41.5g
Gap=.033 $65

Merkur 15C****
Cap-14.9g Baseplate-9.7g C&P-24.6 Handle-29g Total-53.6g
No Gap $27

Marshall MÜHLE
Cap-11.9g Baseplate-17.2g C&P-29.1 Handle-37.2g Total-66.4g
Gap=.026 $15

MÜHLE R41 Rose Gold
Cap-15g Baseplate-16.6g C&P-31.6 Handle-37.6g Total-69.3g
No Gap $48



Above The Tie SE1 -AC Razor- February 24, 2020
SS Cap-18.2g Baseplate-33g C&P-51.2 $123
Aluminum Baseplate-11.8g $33
Custom Ti handle-44.6g
Gap=.024

Karve August 8, 2020
OC-C plate Gap=.034
SB-D plate Gap=.040
OC-D plate Gap=.040
SB-G plate Gap=.053
Cap-14.5g Baseplate-20.5g C&P-35
Custom Bronze Handle-38.5g Total-73.5g $105

Gem Micromatic Handle 33g Oct 2022
Re-purposed on Sherline lathe $19

Gem Micromatic Bullet Tip 70g April 2020
Gap=.024 $25

Gem Micromatic OC 64.8g April 2020
Gap=.018 $14

Vikings Blade Chieftain 82g January 21, 2019
Gap=.034 $36.97
PIF to B&B Member

SCHICK Injector TYPE E 32g Apr 22, 2020
Gap=.039 $16

SCHICK Injector TYPE E 31.5g May 01, 2020
Open to Clean
Gap=.032 $25

There are also some pretty good modern razors you might want to try out like the PAA Filament since you have been using carts. Blade recommendation, get a sampler pack and make sure it has Gillette Platinum blades.

~doug~

I see you have been busy with the feeler gauge.

 

[Rosseforp]

I see you have been busy with the feeler gauge.

And gauge pins.

~doug~

 

[ivan_101]

And gauge pins.

~doug~

I only measured a few of mine. Measuring gaps on all would take weeks. But I am glad my red tip (an English Super-Speed) measurement matches yours. 0.72mm

 

[Rosseforp]

I only measured a few of mine. Measuring gaps on all would take weeks. But I am glad my red tip (an English Super-Speed) measurement matches yours. 0.72mm

I'm a retired machinist, it's what I did for over 45+ years. I usually measure them and add the to the list when I get them, but I'm about a year behind, so there are razors that need to be added to the list. My daughter needs something to go on when she sells them after I'm gone.

~doug~

 

[Never Picked]

Blade Gap Sizes by Adjustable Razor Type and Position​

Sorted Top to Bottom – Mildest to Most Aggressive

Dial Position	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Bottom Dial 5P	.008	.011	.013	.016	.020	.023	.026	.030	.034
Serial Toggle	.012	.013	.019	.020	.023	.027	.030	.032	.034
Executive FB	.011	.015	.019	.022	.025	.027	.030	.034	.038
Standard Fatboy	.011	.015	.017	.019	.025	.030	.033	.035	.037
Chrome Toggle	.014	.019	.021	.024	.026	.028	.031	.034	.037
Aristocrat Slim	.014	.016	.020	.025	.026	.031	.033	.035	.039
Standard Slim	.015	.017	.022	.025	.027	.030	.034	.036	.039
Avg Adjustable	.016	.020	.023	.026	.029	.032	.035	.038	.041
Red Dot Fatboy	.019	.022	.025	.029	.032	.035	.038	.041	.044
Super Adjustable	.018	.024	.026	.028	.031	.035	.038	.042	.045
Standard Toggle	.021	.025	.027	.031	.032	.036	.039	.041	.043
Bottom Dial 9P	.037	.040	.043	.046	.048	.050	.053	.056	.059

 

[ak395341]

Super useful. thank you.

 

[DesertIguana]

Blade Gap Sizes by Adjustable Razor Type and Position​

Sorted Top to Bottom – Mildest to Most Aggressive

Dial Position	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Bottom Dial 5P	.008	.011	.013	.016	.020	.023	.026	.030	.034
Serial Toggle	.012	.013	.019	.020	.023	.027	.030	.032	.034
Executive FB	.011	.015	.019	.022	.025	.027	.030	.034	.038
Standard Fatboy	.011	.015	.017	.019	.025	.030	.033	.035	.037
Chrome Toggle	.014	.019	.021	.024	.026	.028	.031	.034	.037
Aristocrat Slim	.014	.016	.020	.025	.026	.031	.033	.035	.039
Standard Slim	.015	.017	.022	.025	.027	.030	.034	.036	.039
Avg Adjustable	.016	.020	.023	.026	.029	.032	.035	.038	.041
Red Dot Fatboy	.019	.022	.025	.029	.032	.035	.038	.041	.044
Super Adjustable	.018	.024	.026	.028	.031	.035	.038	.042	.045
Standard Toggle	.021	.025	.027	.031	.032	.036	.039	.041	.043
Bottom Dial 9P	.037	.040	.043	.046	.048	.050	.053	.056	.059

Maybe I am incorrect be your chart is sort of over kill. Think it is not much info in real world.

Reason is depending on blade, each one is different.

Also each persons face, skin, beard growth, and beard thickness is different.

Two different people using same Razor, Blade could prefer two different number settings.

JMHO