I've been thinking that I want to get a Gillette Bulldog as a celebration for committing to a Ph.D. program, but I haven't heard many reviews on how they are as shavers. I heard one glowing review from someone, but there isn't much in the review section. I have a feeling I would like one as I like the Old Type heads. I just wonder how the balance and feel is compared to a standard Old Type, Old Type Big Fellow, or an ABC. Does anybody have any input? In addition to being beautiful razors, how are they as shavers?
How are Bulldogs as shavers?
- Thread starter Blue-EyedSon
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Brian,
I shaved with the Bulldog this past week. The shave was fantastic. I'd say it was about the same as a Single Ring. That makes it a little less aggressive then the OT Big Fellow and slightly more then the ABC. It is quite different in feel and balance to an ABC. I know you would like it.
Len
I shaved with the Bulldog this past week. The shave was fantastic. I'd say it was about the same as a Single Ring. That makes it a little less aggressive then the OT Big Fellow and slightly more then the ABC. It is quite different in feel and balance to an ABC. I know you would like it.
Len
I have a couple bulldogs and figured I'd shave with one a few times over this past weekend. It reminded me a lot of an old type single ring, but the weight of the handle seems to make it even more important to lessen the pressure I might apply with my fingers. I can (and do) add a little pressure on the single ring -- not a lot, but a teensy bit -- but the bulldog did not let me get away with it and bit me a couple times. Letting the weight of the handle manage the pressure gave better results. I'm going to try it again this weekend and see how I fare.
-- Chet
-- Chet
amazing. period.
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- #5
Thanks for the input! I don't know why I forgot to put the Single Ring on the list as a point of reference. But it's helpful to hear it compared to that as well. Does anybody else want to chime in?
Oh, and, Chet, if you should feel the need to unload one of those couple Bulldogs, I know someone who might be interested.
Oh, and, Chet, if you should feel the need to unload one of those couple Bulldogs, I know someone who might be interested.
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- #6
Anybody else want to chime in? This forum is great for enabling each other in our various acquisition disorders and I just need a few more people to speak up to help me justify spending the money on one.
To tell you the truth, I found that the ball end old type was a much better shaver. In my opinion of course.
The bulldog looks great and all, but it's not WOW. My advice- try and find a cheap one with a cracked handle. If you like it, get one in better condition and enjoy!
The bulldog looks great and all, but it's not WOW.
My advice- try and find a cheap one with a cracked handle. If you like it, get one in better condition and enjoy!
Hiya,
I've used many open comb types over the years and all of em are more aggressive than my fatboy set on #3(my magic number). Some are only a few clicks higher, but others are much more.
The (rabid)Bulldog is the most aggressive razor I've used.....more so than the Single Ring or razors with the New Deluxe heads. It's a shame, because the Bulldog is a great looking razor. I have a 1919 version and can't even use the thing because it's too uncomfortable. I got a very close shave without weepers when I used it in the past, but it's a slow and precarious road.
Balance is somewhat similar to the Single Ring......handle heavy that takes getting used to. I much prefer a more balanced feel, but that's just me.
Hope that helps,
Martin
I've used many open comb types over the years and all of em are more aggressive than my fatboy set on #3(my magic number). Some are only a few clicks higher, but others are much more.
The (rabid)Bulldog is the most aggressive razor I've used.....more so than the Single Ring or razors with the New Deluxe heads. It's a shame, because the Bulldog is a great looking razor. I have a 1919 version and can't even use the thing because it's too uncomfortable. I got a very close shave without weepers when I used it in the past, but it's a slow and precarious road.
Balance is somewhat similar to the Single Ring......handle heavy that takes getting used to. I much prefer a more balanced feel, but that's just me.
Hope that helps,
Martin
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- #9
Hmm...It's interesting to hear some less than positive reviews and why they didn't work as well for you. If either of you folks whose Bulldogs are in the dog-pound would like to find a new home before their expiration date, I know someone who'd be interested in providing a loving home.
I think it's a very personal choice here.
Here's my personal aggressiveness listing for old OC Gillettes (from most to least aggressive):
Single Ring - I found this near unusable
New Improved (New standard, Bostonian etc. The Tuckaway is slightly less aggressive).
BullDog - use light pressure for a great shave (had one this morning)
Old Type - ball-end (Milder because of the weight difference).
New Deluxe Spindle
New
Apart from the Single Ring, I was able to get great shaves from all these razors. I'd say the New is the best value for money, though I like the New Deluxe better (it costs a lot more than a New, generally).
There are variations tha
Here's my personal aggressiveness listing for old OC Gillettes (from most to least aggressive):
Single Ring - I found this near unusable
New Improved (New standard, Bostonian etc. The Tuckaway is slightly less aggressive).
BullDog - use light pressure for a great shave (had one this morning)
Old Type - ball-end (Milder because of the weight difference).
New Deluxe Spindle
New
Apart from the Single Ring, I was able to get great shaves from all these razors. I'd say the New is the best value for money, though I like the New Deluxe better (it costs a lot more than a New, generally).
There are variations tha
I don't own one, so I can't speak for how they shave, sorry.
I can say that it appears that they are ok being shaved though.
.
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I can say that it appears that they are ok being shaved though.
.
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Oh, and, Chet, if you should feel the need to unload one of those couple Bulldogs, I know someone who might be interested.
As to the single ring association ... I guess the reason I associate the bulldog with the single ring is that they appear to have the same (or very similar) head design. The heft is entirely different, though, and the balance point is further down the handle.
I'll give some thought to the idea of letting one go, after awhile. I keep one on the rack in the den, and another in the downstairs bath. They cost me quite a lot (and I probably overpaid a smidge, in my zeal to get one), so I'm reluctant to part with either one right away. I don't feel like I've given myself enough time with them just yet. I'll keep you in mind, though. Hopefully you'll find one before then.
-- Chet
I hear their bark is worse than their bite. 
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- #15
I think the head design, geometry, etc is the same on the Bulldog and the Single Ring. I had just forgotten this when I typed up my initial post.
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- #16
I really appreciate the humor that your bring to the boards, Phil. Any time I see that you've posted something, I know it will be worth reading.
Thanks. I know that sometimes my ability to find some humor in almost any situation can grate on people, so it's nice to know you're not one!!
Thanks. I know that sometimes my ability to find some humor in almost any situation can grate on people, so it's nice to know you're not one!!
You may have a few rough spots, and even make a few cheesy comments, but I would be an ingrate to say you grate on me.
I must echo Martin's sentiments above, I found the Bulldog to be the most unforgiving Old Type I've used, and I've used a bunch. (My single ring is fat handle techish in comparison.) Unforgiving is actually generous. "Rabid" is more appropriate. Gorgeous - without question, but mean to the bone.
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