Got Lucky

[hgrail]

I've only been DE shaving for about 2 weeks - and had already acquired 4 razors (3 Gillettes and 1 Schick).

I mentioned to my Dad I switched to DE shaving and this is what he came back with:

"wow then I have a real treat for you. Orignal box, Never Used, Gillette razor in case. I think Granpa had it put away and never opened it. I keep it in my dresser as a memory. Take It, Use it and admire it its beautiful gold color and craftmanship"

It turned out to be a Gillette Diplomat in the box - not a scratch on it - looks like it's never even been used.

I'm feeling very blessed these days..

 

[jdlewallen]

DAY - UMMM!!

Yeah, you hit the jackpot there, buddy!! VERY nice!!

 

[mr-razor]

congratulations to this nice find!

 

[mblakele]

Congratulations! I hope that the family connection makes a beautiful razor even more of a treasure.

 

[Topgumby]

Wow.

Up to you, really. You could probably swap that for several fine, shaving grade razors. You could put it up on the 'bay and hope some collectors fight over it. You could say "screw it, it's meant to be used" and just use it.

If it were me, I'd keep it pristine and in the family and decide the price of that "free" razor was finding a shaver grade one to use...

Congrats on a super find!

 

[fidjit]

Let the "Keep it pristine" vs "Use it" vs " Sell it and buy a cheap "useable" razor" vs "It's much more valuable as a family heirloom whether you use it or not" debate begin

Personally I'm in the camp of keep it as a family heirloom ( whether you use it or not is up to you ) and pass it down the line. It's family heritage is worth much more to me than any $$$ value I'd get out of a collector .............. but that's just me

 

[ThePlainsman]

That's great, your dad has given you something very special.

 

[ThePlainsman]

My dad has 3 of my Grandad's old razors, didn't give me a one.

 

[prophetic_joe]

That is awesome sir. Fantastic find. and the fact that it's family related just adds icing.

 

[adrian]

Incredibly lucky bastard! No offence

 

[Hanspleasure]

What an incredible gift from your Pops!
I actually love using my Diplomat (it's my go to razor at the moment) but also agree that yours is almost too good to use.
Let us know what you decide to do and congrats!
BTW, those sold for $5.00 back in the day... I have one with the receipt that was purchased a few days before Xmas back then.

 

[kenny335]

Jealous!!!!! That's amazing

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

That is a very cool find! I wish the folks in my family had shaved with DEs, but no luck. If you aren't wanting to mess that one up because it is pristine, you could save it for special occasions and get an Aristocrat for more daily use. They are supposed to shave the same. Cosmetically, the only difference is an Aristocrat lacks the knurling on the band above the TTO (Turn To Open) knob that the Diplomat has.

 

[Greyfox]

It's not often that a gift has more meaning. Congratulations

 

[wvu_law_dawg]

Awesome find man! It's a tough call on whether to use it or not though.

I'd be really tempted to use just once, but then again I have poor self control when it comes to razors and shaving........

 

[Sledgehammer39]

You are one lucky dude. That is a beautiful razor.

 

[hgrail]

Thanks guys.

I used it on Monday for the first time. It was a special feeling to think I am the first person to ever use this 60+ year old razor. The family connection adds to that in a big way. My grandfather reportedly woudln't use it becuase 'it was too nice' to use. Life is a funny thing. (He said that all the time also now that I think of it).

I have a number of antique things I use regularly and this was really designed to be used.

Having said that, however - I don't think I'll be using it often -and picking up a 'cheap' Aristocrat to avoid any real wear on the Diplomat is really good suggestion I may take.

I'm not even sure I want to keep it hanging on the board in my bathroom - thoughts of daily shower humidity and curious hands give me pause.

It shaves really well and is a bit more aggressive than my Tech -which is my favorite so far. It'll likely be a special occasion razor for me..

 

[mrbear]

Congratulations!

Beautiful razor

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

The Diplomat provides a fine shave, indeed. I had one, but I don't care much for yellow gold. It really was a beautiful razor, but I'm glad that somebody who appreciates yellow gold has it. Definitely consider a cheaper Aristocrat for more daily use. They are almost identical and I think they should shave the same, although, I can't attest to that personally. You could probably even pick up a really nice Aristocrat for a fraction of what the Diplomat is worth.

 

[natchez]

How wonderful for you! A clean vintage razor with a family connection- that is being blessed.

My grandpa was such a tough old goat, but I do miss him- I have a backscratcher of his that has to be 70 years old and gets regular use.

Enjoy!