ID Help Please

[TwelveBravo]

So, with a bad case of cabin fever and Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket, I braved the frozen tundra and found these two beauties at the antique mall. Sorry, in my excitement I forgot to take "before" pics. Amazing what a little elbow grease and good advice will do though. Sorry for lack of photography skills.

I am pretty sure the first is a "Slim" Adjustable. It is coded K2. So, second quarter 1965? Also, is the case correct for this razor?

The second razor has a stamped date code # of C812863 on the top of the comb. If I am reading the wiki chart correctly this is from 1915? Wouldn't the head and date code make this an old style? I find no patent #'s on the razor. So, is this a mish mash of parts, or a complete razor. For $5 I'll keep it regardless.

Thank you in advance.

Rick

 

[fidjit]

Can confirm your Slim diagnosis ( see my sig for more information ).

Yep, Second Quarter 1965 and the case is right and there's lots of different colour bases.

The second one, sorry, can't assist.

Enjoy !!!

 

[TwelveBravo]

Can confirm your Slim diagnosis ( see my sig for more information ).

Yep, Second Quarter 1965 and the case is right and there's lots of different colour bases.

The second one, sorry, can't assist.

Enjoy !!!

Ian,
What an informative and well thought out tutorial. This is just what I needed.
Appreciate all of the time and effort you invested (especially since you could not sleep).

Thanks again,
Rick

 

[T Rick]

On the second, you are corect (with one caveat). It is an Old Type. Many here seem to be calling these "Old Style", or just the "Old" (there WAS a Gillette with a proper name of the "New", which may lend to those who call it an "Old", but it is "Old Type").

Thing is, before the "New Improved" (predecessor to the "New") came out in 1921, these were just called the Gillette razor. There were these, and Single Rings and Double Rings (the very first) as well as the Pocket Editions (yours is a Pocket Edition), all versions of what in 1921 became properly named the "Old Type".

That's a very beautiful example of the basic model BTW, which often develop cracks in the handle (thin tube and pressed in ends).

And that's quite a bargain you got on such a nice looking specimen (and not a mismatch in parts at all!).

The Old Type has become my favorite both for nostalgia and for shaving. I've got around 20 examples of many different types of them.

Have a look here at AsylumGuido's "Identifying the Three Piece Gillettes" thread for more info.

 

[TwelveBravo]

On the second, you are corect (with one caveat). It is an Old Type. Many here seem to be calling these "Old Style", or just the "Old" (there WAS a Gillette with a proper name of the "New", which may lend to those who call it an "Old", but it is "Old Type").

Thing is, before the "New Improved" (predecessor to the "New") came out in 1921, these were just called the Gillette razor. There were these, and Single Rings and Double Rings (the very first) as well as the Pocket Editions (yours is a Pocket Edition), all versions of what in 1921 became properly named the "Old Type".

That's a very beautiful example of the basic model BTW, which often develop cracks in the handle (thin tube and pressed in ends).

And that's quite a bargain you got on such a nice looking specimen (and not a mismatch in parts at all!).

The Old Type has become my favorite both for nostalgia and for shaving. I've got around 20 examples of many different types of them.

Have a look here at AsylumGuido's "Identifying the Three Piece Gillettes" thread for more info.

T Rick,
Thank you very much for your assistance. I am constantly amazed at the amount of knowledge that is accumulated and shared on this forum. A fine bunch of ladies and gentlemen.

Humbly,
Rick

 

[redbike]

T Rick,
Thank you very much for your assistance. I am constantly amazed at the amount of knowledge that is accumulated and shared on this forum. A fine bunch of ladies and gentlemen.

Humbly,
Rick

Rick,

The ball end Old Type is a great shaver, but IMO tends to be on the aggressive side. My recommendation is to use a sharp and very smooth blade with it.

Nice haul. Enjoy your shaves with it.

jim

 

[TwelveBravo]

Rick,

The ball end Old Type is a great shaver, but IMO tends to be on the aggressive side. My recommendation is to use a sharp and very smooth blade with it.

Nice haul. Enjoy your shaves with it.

jim

Jim,
Thanks for the advice. You answered my next question as to what type of shaver this razor is. May work on my technique some more before I give this one a go.

Rick

 

[T Rick]

If you note the curved head, and the angle it puts the blade at, you can easily see how the handle will need to be held at a different angle to the skin than a razor with a more flat blade profile. Other than that, no special technique required, and it's fine (keep in mind in the early 1900's, many were starting on these). Try it as soon as you are comfortable enough too, but no need to wait an inordinate amount of time.

I'm experimenting with blades right now, but so far my favorite blade for the Old Type is a Shark.

As to the knowledge, for my part I got nearly all I have on the subject right here in the last several months. Many have generously shared with me, I am merely passing it along .

 

[Fatboy Slimhandle]

Don't be afraid of the old type! It might shave differently than you're used to but if you've spent at least enough time to be comfortable with DE shaving, I bet you'll get a nice shave. I was stunned when I tried mine first with a Derby!