There has been a thread discussing the release via Amazon of a "new" Gillette DE razor. It is listed as "Gillette Heritage-Inspired Double Edge Safety Razor" so I will just be calling it the Gillette Heritage (GH). The original purchase/discussion thread is here:
Now, the pics (there are12 10 total, had to leave off 2, 10 files are the limit):
Pics are the top of the box, bottom of the box (P&G getting their name in) and the box opened. Yes there is that large left over open space in the box. Now the case:
The case is very nice, with a tight strong closing hinge. It will snap.
Basically, what you have here, is a Muhle r89 head with a New Type common bar handle.
Note only makers mark is a "4" on the underside of the cap.
This is my first r89 head, but I do own and use as my primary razor an EJ89 razor (392 shaves and counting). So I took some pics comparing the EJ89, Gillette Heritage and the New Short Open Comb razors. In the following pics, going left to right, it will be the EJ89, the Gillette Heritage in the middle, and the New Short OC on the right.
The first is a view of the bellies! The best view for Gillette Razors IMHO.
Yes, the Gillette Heritage is basically the same length and size of the New Types. The Heritage is very slightly, maybe 1/4 inch or 6.35mm longer. The extra length is on the neck part of the handle, the main section of the handles are the same length.
This next pic compares the heads of the razors. Note, the Heritage's head (shape, scallops, etc.) are for all intents and purposes, the same as the EJ89.
The last pic, is comparing the head geometry. The base plates of the EJ89 and the Heritage visually appear to be identical. BUT, note the top caps. The EJ89 has a central notch, the Heritage has a solid arch, very similar to an Old Type Thick Cap (but thicker).
Now comes the tale of the tap. I weighed the razors and parts to compare and see what I might find. Please note the shape and size of the Heritage Head/Cap with the New SOC's in the above pic. Weights are in grams.
EJ89 = Total 74, Handle 45, Base Plate 17, Top Cap 12
Gillette Heritage = Total 63, Handle 31, Base Plate 18, Top Cap 14
New Short OC = Total 54, Handle 21, Base Plate 18, Top Cap 15
Surprising, the lightest (I know, not by much) base plate/cap was the EJ89.
The base plates of the Heritage and New SOC weighed the same even though the New SOC's seems to have alot less material. Hmmm. These weights seem to confirm the Gillette Heritage has a Zamak head and cap.
As for the shave. I used it this morning but keep in mind, this is my first shave with the Heritage. As for the gear I used for this shave:
Gillette Heritage Razor
Gillette 7 O'Clock Black (Super Platinum) - New blade
Martin de Candre-Lav Soap
APShave Company Faux Horse Hair Imitation Marble v2 Brush (22mm)
Florida Water After Shave
The weight and balance was very similar to a New SOC. As for the shave, it was just like my EJ89. I have heard the Heritage is ever so slightly more aggressive than the EJ89, and it may well be, but it is so close I would have to use the Heritage dozens of times to confirm. Blade wear and the life cycle of the blade from new to bin would have more of an effect on "aggressiveness" between the EJ89 and Heritage than any design differences (caps and how the blade is held). The ONLY difference (other than handle size and weight) I noted during the shave was the audio feedback on the Heritage seemed to be a deeper pitch than the EJ89.
Again, any differences between the EJ89 and Heritage were so slight that it could just be my perception/reality.
I did get a very nice, no nicks or weepers BBS-/DFS++ shave. I got a little irritation because I chased the BBS with a new 7 O'Clock Black blade, but no redness, just a little aftershave sting.
There is no Gillette branding or marks on the razor, none, nada. If you took a vintage common bar handle and had it chrome plated, or just buy a new one and put a Muhle r89 head on it, you would make a razor identical and indistinguishable from the Gillette Heritage. Why? Because that is what Gillette did.
Overall, a good bargain for a Muhle r89 with a nice case and a nice tuck of blades. But you do not get a Gillette razor, only a Gillette case.
Look at it this way, if Gillette doesn't want to mark their new razor as a Gillette, than I will agree with them and I also won't call it a Gillette.
I know it was a long post, but there were pics!! I hope this helps out the curious and bored.
Well, have a Great One Everyone!
Gillette to release NEW DE razor for the holidays
https://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Heritage-Double-Shaving-Razor/dp/B07XPRRV9Y/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=heritage+gillette&qid=1571246485&sr=8-1
www.badgerandblade.com
Now, the pics (there are
Pics are the top of the box, bottom of the box (P&G getting their name in) and the box opened. Yes there is that large left over open space in the box. Now the case:
The case is very nice, with a tight strong closing hinge. It will snap.
Basically, what you have here, is a Muhle r89 head with a New Type common bar handle.
Note only makers mark is a "4" on the underside of the cap.
This is my first r89 head, but I do own and use as my primary razor an EJ89 razor (392 shaves and counting). So I took some pics comparing the EJ89, Gillette Heritage and the New Short Open Comb razors. In the following pics, going left to right, it will be the EJ89, the Gillette Heritage in the middle, and the New Short OC on the right.
The first is a view of the bellies! The best view for Gillette Razors IMHO.
Yes, the Gillette Heritage is basically the same length and size of the New Types. The Heritage is very slightly, maybe 1/4 inch or 6.35mm longer. The extra length is on the neck part of the handle, the main section of the handles are the same length.
This next pic compares the heads of the razors. Note, the Heritage's head (shape, scallops, etc.) are for all intents and purposes, the same as the EJ89.
The last pic, is comparing the head geometry. The base plates of the EJ89 and the Heritage visually appear to be identical. BUT, note the top caps. The EJ89 has a central notch, the Heritage has a solid arch, very similar to an Old Type Thick Cap (but thicker).
Now comes the tale of the tap. I weighed the razors and parts to compare and see what I might find. Please note the shape and size of the Heritage Head/Cap with the New SOC's in the above pic. Weights are in grams.
EJ89 = Total 74, Handle 45, Base Plate 17, Top Cap 12
Gillette Heritage = Total 63, Handle 31, Base Plate 18, Top Cap 14
New Short OC = Total 54, Handle 21, Base Plate 18, Top Cap 15
Surprising, the lightest (I know, not by much) base plate/cap was the EJ89.
The base plates of the Heritage and New SOC weighed the same even though the New SOC's seems to have alot less material. Hmmm. These weights seem to confirm the Gillette Heritage has a Zamak head and cap.
As for the shave. I used it this morning but keep in mind, this is my first shave with the Heritage. As for the gear I used for this shave:
Gillette Heritage Razor
Gillette 7 O'Clock Black (Super Platinum) - New blade
Martin de Candre-Lav Soap
APShave Company Faux Horse Hair Imitation Marble v2 Brush (22mm)
Florida Water After Shave
The weight and balance was very similar to a New SOC. As for the shave, it was just like my EJ89. I have heard the Heritage is ever so slightly more aggressive than the EJ89, and it may well be, but it is so close I would have to use the Heritage dozens of times to confirm. Blade wear and the life cycle of the blade from new to bin would have more of an effect on "aggressiveness" between the EJ89 and Heritage than any design differences (caps and how the blade is held). The ONLY difference (other than handle size and weight) I noted during the shave was the audio feedback on the Heritage seemed to be a deeper pitch than the EJ89.
Again, any differences between the EJ89 and Heritage were so slight that it could just be my perception/reality.
I did get a very nice, no nicks or weepers BBS-/DFS++ shave. I got a little irritation because I chased the BBS with a new 7 O'Clock Black blade, but no redness, just a little aftershave sting.
There is no Gillette branding or marks on the razor, none, nada. If you took a vintage common bar handle and had it chrome plated, or just buy a new one and put a Muhle r89 head on it, you would make a razor identical and indistinguishable from the Gillette Heritage. Why? Because that is what Gillette did.
Overall, a good bargain for a Muhle r89 with a nice case and a nice tuck of blades. But you do not get a Gillette razor, only a Gillette case.
Look at it this way, if Gillette doesn't want to mark their new razor as a Gillette, than I will agree with them and I also won't call it a Gillette.
I know it was a long post, but there were pics!! I hope this helps out the curious and bored.
Well, have a Great One Everyone!
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