Help for a second timer with TTO vs 3-piece razors.

[rogersfreud]

Hello, everyone.

I am getting back into shaving with a safety razor after taking a hiatus for a few years.
I remember being a big fan of my vintage 3-piece Gillette razor, which I kept. As a result, I have become prejudice of TTO razors and have purchased only 3-piece razors recently

Can someone help me with prejudice against TTO razors and help me understand the pro's of TTO razors - beyond having the ability to adjust the blade's angle during my shave on adjustable TTO.

Thank you for your time.
Isaac

 

[Shutterbug57]

Depends on what you like. I am not a big TTO fan except for the TTO OC models made in the 1930s. Do you like mild or more aggressive razors? Are you stuck on DE or would you try a TTO SE?

 

[TacticalPanda]

TTO's are easy to get blades in and out of. That's the only real advantage of them. Some shave really well though, I love my Fatboy and my #15 and #16. I generally prefer the more narrow heads on the 2 and 3 piece razors, though.

 

[MacDaddy]

Some people prefer the convenience of the razor not coming apart so there aren't any pieces to drop, etc. Personally, how the razor shaves matters much more to me than how I get the blade into and out of it. Speaking in extremely broad generalizations, Gillette's razor designs trended over time from more aggressive to more mild, so if you prefer a razor that gives you a little more latitude with the blade you will probably tend to prefer Gillette's older models. I would bet that this is a larger factor for you than whether the razor itself is a take-apart or a TTO.

 

[rogersfreud]

I say that I like a more aggressive shave, but I am still working on my technique. My 3-piece vintage Gillette I have is pretty aggressive, I think. I have been using Lord's stainless steel blades in it, which has not been impressing me. I have others blades, like derbies, feathers, and Israeli personas. So maybe I will prefer the shave with those blades. I have heard good thing about the Polsilver Super Iridium blades. Not sure if I should stock up on them or more feathers. But it seem that purchasing a TTO is in order. Thanks!

 

[Shutterbug57]

Sticking with DE, look at the Aristocrat TTO OC, Senator or Sheraton. If you don't like an OC, the Red Tip SuperSpeed could work for you.

 

[Chadao]

I am a recidivist, so prefer more caveman-like equipment...excepting a piece of obsidian.

I like the idea of a three piece with no moving parts. There is no logic involved, just passion.

I love my IOC (iKon OC).

 

[rogersfreud]

I think I rember having a red or blue-tip that I really like. I forgot about that. And is that a flask with your morning shaving ritual equipment, chadeo. Btw, I like your reasoning behind 3-piece safety razor.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Red Tip would be a good bit more aggressive than the Blue Tip.

 

[rogersfreud]

That is some good info, shutterbug. Thank.

 

[Haegar]

The greatest advantage of TTOs is that when cleaning them you have a good reason to spend a lot of time with your beloved razor without running the risk that someone might think you're crazy. For me there is a downside though: I'm not really fond of cleaning razors.