This week I scored big time to reel in a fine Hybrid Tech - delivered as a full set with correct blade bank and in the lovely tan zippered leather case which incidentally I believe was never offered for any other Gillette model. Perfect catch this one also as it was offered within the EU, meaning for me low shipping and no added customs whatsoever (for a change!).
So now - apart from sharing a bit of eye candy with you all - I thought it interesting to share with you some small differences I notice when inspecting this razor compared to its twin sister already with me.
I haven’t actually been able to find much detailed history on this great performing 1930s Gillette Tech razor model clad in stunning rhodium, the only solid bar Raised Flat Bottom ever offered by Gillette. So hopefully some of you folks will be interested and/or be able to contribute to this thread with further info ... as I know a number of you sit with much greater knowledge on this.
The case
First of all - and very interestingly - this new specimen as said came in the often seen tan zippered leather case. However this one is subtly different from all other Hybrid leather cases that I have been able to dig out pictures of online.
All other leather cases I have seen thus are identical to the one pictured by mr. Razor below, sporting a small centered Gillette logo both on the outside and on the inside of the lid. This one instead only has simple ‘Gillette’ letterering on the outside but on the inside it has a much larger/more full texting stating ‘Gillette - SAFETY RAZOR - Made In England’. Also the case seems to have thicker padding inside, providing better protection of the disassembled razor.
I am very interested to know what others make of this? And has anybody seen (or have pics of) a similar case? - For now at least I allow myself to assume that it must be original to the set.
My other Hybrid came in the other originally offered set option, which was the well-known Gillette bakelite case - though mine actually may be unoriginal for the set, is maybe slightly newer than the razor (according to @tonich).
Baseplate inscription/engraving
Another difference between these two Hybrids is differening lettering/engraving on the baseplate, as also shown in the pics. Interestingly, I note the same differences in inscriptions when I compare my two RFB #77’s which came out of the same proud British Gillette organization during the 1930s. Could this be differences marking varying yearly production runs?
The top cap
Thirdly, the new arrival has its original top cap (similar also to the one shown in the mr. Razor pic). The top cap on my other specimen, on the other hand, is not the original. For some strange reason this razor came to me in great condition but with an unoriginal later logo-etched Tech cap. Strange. But I immediately dug up a standard brass Tech top cap from the same time period and had this replated in rhodium by Chris Evatt.
I actually explored a bit on Hybrid top caps at the time and it seems that it came in varying guises with subtle differences. My quick-and-dirty solution does the job nicely, looks and weighs the same and is actually 99% identical I would say. For the true collector it may not be acceptable. But for me, a happy amateur user, it is perfectly fine.
Correct Hybrid top cap on the left - standard Tech cap on the right:
Conclusion
For what it’s worth the 2 razors shave exactly the same and feel the same - just darn perfect. My desert island razor for sure. Something about the design being so simple and yet so elegant at the same time.
Thanks for reading. Happy shaves, all!
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