I am currently in the B&B 2020 Sabbatical and before I took the plunge, I bought a few old user grade Gillettes to ease my pain along the way. One happened to be this old, patina coated New Improved...
I actually very much liked the look of old matte gray patina. But, after a half dozen shaves with different blades and soaps, I felt like my shaves were not great. The razor felt sluggish. It lacked glide and smoothness that I experienced in nearly all of the vintage Gillette's I have tried. As much as I loved the patina of this nearly 100 year old razor, she got a face lift today.
I used the baking soda, foil and boiling water bath a few times and it still had a dull layer of history that would not budge. So, I took out the Mother's polish and wow, the shine came back magically (James Dufour at Wolfman recommended the Mother's). It still has a couple of stubborn stains in a groove or two, but I think I will keep them as a reminder of how far this razor has gone in its journey.
With all that said, my hope is by cleaning off that beautiful patina, the razor will once again glide across my face. I will let you know tomorrow how it goes.
Cheers.
I actually very much liked the look of old matte gray patina. But, after a half dozen shaves with different blades and soaps, I felt like my shaves were not great. The razor felt sluggish. It lacked glide and smoothness that I experienced in nearly all of the vintage Gillette's I have tried. As much as I loved the patina of this nearly 100 year old razor, she got a face lift today.
I used the baking soda, foil and boiling water bath a few times and it still had a dull layer of history that would not budge. So, I took out the Mother's polish and wow, the shine came back magically (James Dufour at Wolfman recommended the Mother's). It still has a couple of stubborn stains in a groove or two, but I think I will keep them as a reminder of how far this razor has gone in its journey.
With all that said, my hope is by cleaning off that beautiful patina, the razor will once again glide across my face. I will let you know tomorrow how it goes.
Cheers.
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