I want to buy one, but which Gillette ??

[njtnjt]

Howdy Folks-

I am fairly new to DE shaving. I have a Merkur HD and a 38C. I would like to try an old Gillette too but have no idea which one to go for. There are so many models and years. I don't want or need anything that is "rare" but I do want what would be considered the best of what Gillette had to offer for shave quality.

So if someone knowledgeable can point me in the right direction as to year(s) and model number(s) I'd be grateful.

Many Thanks!

 

[Jethro1984]

I have a Milord which is a nice Shaver. It's just a gold Superspeed. The blade gap on the Milord matches the Merkur 38. I also have both a Slim Adjustable and a Tech but I have not yet tested either of them. I'm still polishing the Slim and the Tech is extremely mild and might be a little beneath me unless I were to use Feather Blades.

 

[Left Coast DJ]

Fatboy!

 

[Noebie]

50s or early 60s

if you want something more aggressive get a red tip

 

[fivefifty]

I use the 38c as my main razor the red tip is my second favorite

 

[David6Eagle]

I recommend a slim adjustable. The adjustability let's you find the best blade gap for your face, blade, technique, soap, etc.

 

[Oldguy]

I recommend a slim adjustable. The adjustability let's you find the best blade gap for your face, blade, technique, soap, etc.

+1 A very nice addition to everyone's shave den that fits many faces.

Len

 

[Zumkopf]

I recommend a slim adjustable. The adjustability let's you find the best blade gap for your face, blade, technique, soap, etc.

+2 Thinnish head for easy maneuverability, good range of adjustability, enough weight for a quality feel, nice knurling on the handle for grip with wet hands, easy to sell if I'm wrong about this.

 

[rainman]

I'd say a Red Tip or for a long handled razor a Super Adjustable.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Red Tip for a little heavier weight, Undated SuperSpeed from the 40's, or a New. Check out Achim's web site for a fabulous array of Gillette History.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Gillette Rasierer.htm

Enjoy!

Here's the link for the New I had in mind. Long Comb or Short, you can't go wrong.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/The NEW/1936 Red and Black.jpg

 

[SpartanFan]

Slim Adjustable - fairly easy to get ahold of, would be able to sell it if you don't like it, quality feel in hand and it's adjustable

 

[gaseousclay]

i'd say gillette safety razors are like any other product, it all boils down to preference. i've been accumulating vintage gillettes mainly because I like the idea of using something that's decades older than me but also because I want to try them to see what works best for me. i'd say the ones I have perform very well, but at the end of the day the type of blade I have in my safety razor makes the difference. I just had my first shave with my Tech tonight and I loved it. it's a little smaller than my other razors but I kinda liked the light-weight and the fact I didn't nick the hell outta my face. different strokes for different folks as they say. next up, the Fatboy

 

[highball]

I say try them all, and sell what doesnt work for you

 

[wbw0126]

The Fatboy, or 195 is my go to razor. Adjustable, has some weight, and gets the job done.

 

[AsylumGuido]

I say try them all, and sell what doesnt work for you

Bingo! We have a winner!

 

[Luc]

Superspeed ('50s) flaretip, NEW or old type.

Agreed that you will have to try them all eventually

 

[Inspector71]

I've recently picked up a 63 flaretip superspeed and a 70 long handled super adjustable. I like them both but I much prefer the SA. There's something about the longer handle which seems right to me.

If you prefer your 38c to your HD then I recommend the long handled super adjustable.

Cheers

 

[LayAl]

My favorite of all my Gillettes is the 3-piece TECH. It is lighter and more nimble (thinner head) than the superspeed and fatboy hinged heads. If you like an open comb, the 3-piece NEW is also good.

However, my favorite razor by far is a 1942 E-type Schick Injector single edge. For me, compared with a DE, it is like driving a sports car vs a truck!

Good luck!

 

[gaseousclay]

My favorite of all my Gillettes is the 3-piece TECH. It is lighter and more nimble (thinner head) than the superspeed and fatboy hinged heads.

+1

I didn't think I would notice the difference but the Tech definitely performed beyond my expectations. I love it

 

[bandit82ta]

I'm partial to a 40's super speed right now.

I still have a slim and Fat boy to try out with a couple other later supers in the comming weeks. I generally pick a week and stick with a razor to learn its nuances.