What's new

Gillette OLD vs. Gillette NEW

To me, the NEW is the milder shave. The Old seems a little harsher. That being said, they both will give you a BBS shave. They both will bite if you get too careless. But if you made me choose one and only one, it would be a LC NEW.
 
For me, it depends on the handle greatly. I have an ABC Empire Pocket Edition Old Type with a fairly light and tapered handle and it is a very rough shaver (not aggressive exactly... but lacking in balance I guess), but my Old Type Bulldog handle is one of the smoothest and close shavers I own now. I also find that a heavier and longer handle improves my New heads (both short and long comb) tremendously. Right now, I would pick my 1920 Old Type Bulldog over any of them.... but, that being said, I'd also pick either a short or long comb New over my Old Type ABC Empire Pocket Edition razor.

Ben
 
Of the two the new is the choice for me. Yes, the heavier handle(it's a Bostonian) gives me better control of the shave. I dig them both and I like when I put a Feather in and they both sing! . Yup both demand focus or penalty. They both give a dfs that makes me smile everyday. 2 passes and I sure do look sharp! Once you find a blade that works for you, they just might become one of your faves also. Whichever way you go--Enjoy!
 
NEW either LC or SC is a staple in my den. You've also got your Goodwill, NEW Improved and Deluxe variations but you can't go wrong with a NEW. Old-types and single-rings have their following and yes, they may be a bit harsh at times but coupled with the right blade, they're as good (or better) than any OC in the Gillette line-up.
 
Last edited:
I need some advice here...I have been using a LC New for some weeks now after a Fatip for weeks before that....Do I need to source an OLD OC to approach the feel and efficiency of the Fatip? I am wanting to feel the love for a vintage OC Gillette, so,what say you? Is the Old more aggressive than than the New?
 
The Old Type is a bit more aggressive. You may want to consider the New Improved as well (came after the Old Type, but before the NEW). I find NI's very similar to the Fatip.

I need some advice here...I have been using a LC New for some weeks now after a Fatip for weeks before that....Do I need to source an OLD OC to approach the feel and efficiency of the Fatip? I am wanting to feel the love for a vintage OC Gillette, so,what say you? Is the Old more aggressive than than the New?
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I currently have a NEW long comb, I think from 1934, it came in the red and black case. Gold finish with the thick bar handle.

So far it is my favorite razor. I started with a late 40's SS, then got a late 30's Tech, and then the NEW. Just this week I got a Muhle 89. While the Muhle is longer and heavier and has a more substantial feel, I still think I like the feel of the NEW better.

I guess I am wondering if an OLD would be better than the New??
 
The old type is different than the NEW. It was designed for the thicker, stiffer blades. Some member will throw a shim in an old style to compensate. I prefer shaving with a NEW over the old type. But I prefer the New Improved over either the old type or the NEW.
 
It really depends on your beard and skin. I have the Long Comb New, for me it is on the mild side, but it with little work can deliver very good shaves. I just got a Canadian Old Type and I am very impressed with it. It is more aggressive/efficient and for me it delivers a closer shave with less work.
 
Ok, so what is the difference between the Old and New Improved? Is the New Improved just designed for the thinner blades?
 
It's just a different head geometry. It's still made for the three hole blades, which were stiffer. I think the blade thickness issue is not a big deal though. I don't see much difference in the resulting blade exposure, etc, with the three hole blades or regular modern blades.

Ok, so what is the difference between the Old and New Improved? Is the New Improved just designed for the thinner blades?
 
Last edited:
The New. The New seems to me a genuine improvement over the Old. The Old produces a smooth shave, but it's harsher. Definitely more aggressive than the New, but not as efficient. The New is much more forgiving and produces smooth shaves effortlessly. It's not the best razor I have but I often use it when I want a shave the doesn't require too much care, and produces very good results, with little chance of nicks, weepers, or irritation.

You do have to touch up a lot with the New to produce a BBS shave compared to some other (modern) razors. By contrast the Old requires more passes and touch up to get a smooth shave because its aggressiveness means that one had to be careful about nicks and weepers.

The Old is aggressive but not especially efficient though carefully handled it does deliver a good shave. Not for beginners in my opinion.

I just sometimes get a kick over using a 90 year old piece of equipment. But the New an 80 year old one, gives me a kick and a better shave too!
 
I prefer the Gillette NEW, Long Combed version, over the Gillette Old Type. It gives me a slightly smoother and a more comfortable shave.
 
Last edited:
Top Bottom