Interesting score. PAL < Barbasol siblings! [PICS]

[AceByTerror]

I picked up an interesting razor the other day on the bay. I went after it as it really looked like one of my favorite razors - my trusty great-shaving Barbasol (shown in the pics below for comparison).

After close examination, I am amazed that these things were made by the different companies apparently. There must have been some sharing or corporate espionage afoot

The PAL has one side of the handle somewhat flat showing some branding and indicating make in England. The Barbasol is made in the USA, according to the case and paperwork.

There is a slight finish difference, with the Barbasol being a brighter/whiter nickel than the PAL, and the PAL also has a slightly finer knurl on it. Head geometry is also VERY similar, with the PAL not having as pronounced of a "floating" head gap of the Barbasol.

Weights are REALLY close with the PAL being slightly heavier at 83.9 grams to the Barbasol's 88.1 grams.

In any case, a fine looking addition to my collection that will live next to it's American cousin in my display case.

 

[jbradley]

I was watching that one. Congrats!

 

[alex2363]

Rob, those are nice, i used mine this morning. Is yours a Floating head? I cant tell with the cap on.

 

[alex2363]

I see, it is a Floating head...even a better shaver. I remember when you got your 1st Barbasol last year. You should add to this Barbasol thread http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...read-Any-info-and-pics-posted-here?highlight=

 

[AceByTerror]

Yes - I do enjoy the floating head. One of my favs in my collection for sure. I am curious to see the difference between this PAL and my Barbasol. I'm going to shave with it tomorrow I think. I expect it's going to be somewhat milder.

 

[theretroshave]

I just realized that it was you that beat me out for this one. I was searching for one for almost a year- ever since I picked up my floating head Barbi- a great razor. Judging by your pics, it looks like the PAL version is the non-floating head type, since the head actually appears to rest on the guard-bar/comb. If you ever tire of it, you know where to find me. That's a beautiful razor! Enjoy!

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Great score, I have never seen one of those.

 

[Zeppelinkarte]

Both are nice looking razors. I would guess the PAL was a Barbasol product being marketed in England. Very expensive tooling for someone to go out and knock off the Barbsaol. The internal adjustment knob situated in the handle had to make it a complex two piece and much more difficult and expensive to produce than a three piece design. Just a guess, but the American knock offs were 3 piece razors with black plastic or thin metal handles, not the adjustment knob version. Also, why it might be difficult to replicate the Barbasol today at a reasonable cost. Would anyone buy an original re-manufactured Barbasol today plated in say, rhodium? What if the head were slanted? Are we getting close? What about a complimentary line of brushes and shave creams? If the original was good enough for Babe Ruth....

 

[AceByTerror]

I just realized that it was you that beat me out for this one. I was searching for one for almost a year- ever since I picked up my floating head Barbi- a great razor. Judging by your pics, it looks like the PAL version is the non-floating head type, since the head actually appears to rest on the guard-bar/comb. If you ever tire of it, you know where to find me. That's a beautiful razor! Enjoy!

Thanks! I'm sure we've all out-bid each other here and there at some point or another.

I have really enjoyed the shave from it, and it is indeed the non-floating head variant. I do prefer my floater Barby over it, but only by a little. I have to say to anyone interested these old Barbasol type razors are just fantastic - probably in my top 3-5 of all time. The handles are particularly top notch - wish they were interchangeable with my other heads actually.

That PAL is currently sitting on loan with Harry Snider - curious the hear his thoughts on it actually.

 

[Harry Snider]

I got a chance to shave with this PAL today and it was very nice. Moderately aggressive and very smooth. I used a Gillette 7o'clock yellow(first time with this blade) and found it smooth and forgiving. The heaviness of this razor is great and that flat spot on the handle naturally found my thumb. All in all, probably one of the nicer shaves I've had from a vintage razor lately, as I've fallen victim to more modern-DE-aggressive-type-shaves! It is also a tremendous gift to have a buddy who has an incredible collection of razors ready to loan out on a whim! I would jump on another of these, if I got the chance. Thanks Rob! Also thanks to toothpick/Jason at the GBE for supplying a great blade for this shave. If you want to try ANY blade head over to the exchange and give him a shout!

 

[ISO1600]

great find, looks like it's be a wonderful shaver!