If you like smooth aggressive razors a few changes to an Old Type Ball end makes this 100-year-old razor the cat's meow.
Through the years there has been one constant off and on razor in my rotation and that's the Gillette's Old Type, a 1906 (Standard which I have a few of that I very rarely use because I don't like the handle and can't change it out for another), 1910 thin head (3 piece Ball end) 1918 military (3 piece Ball end which has a SN), and two 1920's (Ball end no SN) that has a slightly thicker head. Both the thin and thick used the only DE blade that was made in those years which were a thick DE blade (which I've never used). As far as the differences between these razors using the new thin blades that were made after 1928, the new blade does not work well with the early type razor, though the thin blades work fairly well with the later thicker type razor (basically thin or thick it's a very sharp blade sandwiched between 2 thin pieces of metal, so no matter what you do your going to feel the blade).
The first game changer with these razors for daily use is to apply a shim (the shim creates a thicker blade that mimics the original, you could add a 2nd shim if you like) this raise's the blade off the bottom plate (I use Wizamet Polsilver, Super Iridium, and Wizamet Iridium Super blades). The second is that the 3 piece allows me to change out the handle for one that I like which makes the Old Type a much better shaver. A different handle completely changes the shave with the added weight, dia, and length for better maneuverability and blade performance (I use two stork handles both are the Aristocrat design one is TI the other Brass, both are 13 x 90).
Now for the shave, I like both heads I can't tell the difference in the shave (to me there's such a minuscule difference), they're not bulky and have wonderful ability to get into tight places. I enjoy the feel of the blade that the thinness of the heads provides and the wonderful feedback it gives. For me, with the blades, I use along with an excellent soap these razors gives an extremely smooth aggressive shave (if you are new to this razor be careful it will bite).
In comparing Old Type and Modern looking over my collection of razors I believe no other razor produced past or present has the thinness of head as the Old Types. (CG L3 is closest of most of the modern razors all other have considerably thicker heads),
If interested in trying an Old Type 3 piece (most of them are ball ends) you can pick one up on eBay for $20-$40 depending on the condition. Remember the teeth must be straight and the razor head not to abused (I've sent out a few heads for re-plating, I prefer Silver over Nickel). As for the original handle, I do not care about its condition it if there are no creaks that great (I never use them anyway) be aware that most of the handles for this razor have creaks at the top or bottom or at both ends. I always change out the handle and add a shim for a much-improved shaver.
L - Thick Head R - Thin Head
Mr Razor Old Type Standard
Through the years there has been one constant off and on razor in my rotation and that's the Gillette's Old Type, a 1906 (Standard which I have a few of that I very rarely use because I don't like the handle and can't change it out for another), 1910 thin head (3 piece Ball end) 1918 military (3 piece Ball end which has a SN), and two 1920's (Ball end no SN) that has a slightly thicker head. Both the thin and thick used the only DE blade that was made in those years which were a thick DE blade (which I've never used). As far as the differences between these razors using the new thin blades that were made after 1928, the new blade does not work well with the early type razor, though the thin blades work fairly well with the later thicker type razor (basically thin or thick it's a very sharp blade sandwiched between 2 thin pieces of metal, so no matter what you do your going to feel the blade).
The first game changer with these razors for daily use is to apply a shim (the shim creates a thicker blade that mimics the original, you could add a 2nd shim if you like) this raise's the blade off the bottom plate (I use Wizamet Polsilver, Super Iridium, and Wizamet Iridium Super blades). The second is that the 3 piece allows me to change out the handle for one that I like which makes the Old Type a much better shaver. A different handle completely changes the shave with the added weight, dia, and length for better maneuverability and blade performance (I use two stork handles both are the Aristocrat design one is TI the other Brass, both are 13 x 90).
Now for the shave, I like both heads I can't tell the difference in the shave (to me there's such a minuscule difference), they're not bulky and have wonderful ability to get into tight places. I enjoy the feel of the blade that the thinness of the heads provides and the wonderful feedback it gives. For me, with the blades, I use along with an excellent soap these razors gives an extremely smooth aggressive shave (if you are new to this razor be careful it will bite).
In comparing Old Type and Modern looking over my collection of razors I believe no other razor produced past or present has the thinness of head as the Old Types. (CG L3 is closest of most of the modern razors all other have considerably thicker heads),
If interested in trying an Old Type 3 piece (most of them are ball ends) you can pick one up on eBay for $20-$40 depending on the condition. Remember the teeth must be straight and the razor head not to abused (I've sent out a few heads for re-plating, I prefer Silver over Nickel). As for the original handle, I do not care about its condition it if there are no creaks that great (I never use them anyway) be aware that most of the handles for this razor have creaks at the top or bottom or at both ends. I always change out the handle and add a shim for a much-improved shaver.
L - Thick Head R - Thin Head
Mr Razor Old Type Standard
