Is this razor worth $15? Also, can someone confirm if it's a Gillette Tech?

[Galuppo]

Hello guys,

I've decided I'd buy my first safety razor, and found this one for $15.

I'd like to know if it's a Gillette Tech, and if you think it's worth its price.


Thank you very much!

 

[wilsonent]

That is a ball handled Tech razor. From what I can tell, there very little plate loss on the cap, and the handle look new. As far as worth, that is completely a subjective, but my opinion is you did very well price wise. Have not checked asking prices for these lately, but I would have jumped for 15 dollars. I say well done.

 

[Shutterbug57]

It is a Tech. Most people like them. As to cost, that is against the rules, but I would not loose any sleep if I were you.

 

[kingfisher]

Definitely a Tech. Very mild head. I prefer the pre-war Tech and I prefer the fat handle version, but that is still a nice razor.

 

[Haggises]

I think you did OK.
Head over to the Shave Clinic and the Hall of Fame to tell us more about yourself!

 

[mistercitizen]

Great buy!! The Tech is a great razor.

Ben

 

[Pedro Navaja]

Nice condition. Well done!

 

[Galuppo]

It is a Tech. Most people like them. As to cost, that is against the rules, but I would not loose any sleep if I were you.

As I'm a beginner, I thought of starting with a mild razor and mild blade (Derby) to get my technique right and avoid unnecessary nicks.

After that, I can proceed to some aggressive ones.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[PFP_Dad]

Beware the Derby. Mild (dull) blades can cause more irritation than a middle of the road one due to tugging hair. Some people like them, but for me, I'd be better off shaving with tweezers.

Welcome Aboard!

 

[dcobranchi]

Welcome to B&B.

I don't see a date code. If it really is missing that would date your Tech to 1946 - 1951.

 

[Galuppo]

Welcome to B&B.

I don't see a date code. If it really is missing that would date your Tech to 1946 - 1951.

Thanks for the tip!

One thing that's concerning me is whether the gold plating will fade in the near future. Does it happen very often?

If so, is there a way I could prevent fading from happening?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[rand77]

Great starter razor, probably the ideal razor to start out with. Welcome to B&B.

 

[nymtber]

I recommend trying Personna Lab Blue with that tech. They are sharp but SMOOTH blades, some of the very best available, IMO. If you want to try a couple, shoot me a PM and I can send a few. I avoid Derby at all cost, they are...not my choice in blades

Techs are nice mild razors. I think you did well at that price and condition

 

[Shadowsforbars]

Should be good for about 70 years, I wouldn't be too concerned about the price.

 

[DrAwkward]

Beware the Derby. Mild (dull) blades can cause more irritation than a middle of the road one due to tugging hair. Some people like them, but for me, I'd be better off shaving with tweezers.

Welcome Aboard!

+1000
Some people have a way with words.
derby = pain

 

[Lok3sh]

+1000
Some people have a way with words.
derby = pain

I wouldn't discount the Derbys right away. That was my first blade, and I have had some very comfortable shaves with it right from the start. I very recently tried the Wilkinsons, and THOSE felt like shaving with tweezers, tugging away at my stubble. Granted, I'm fairly new to this and don't have much else to compare the Derbys to, from one newb to another, I wouldn't avoid a Derby. At least give it a try, you may end up liking it.

 

[wagstaff]

"YMMV" is the watchword. Derby blades are nothing like my favorites, but I've gotten some excellent shaves with them in some razors. Some people love 'em. Of course try others, but don't just toss these aside without seeing for yourself.

Also, the first blades you use might seem worse than later blades, just because your technique (including prep) will likely get better over time.

 

[kcb5150]

You could get a hell of a lot worse for that....

 

[Shutterbug57]

As I'm a beginner, I thought of starting with a mild razor and mild blade (Derby) to get my technique right and avoid unnecessary nicks.

After that, I can proceed to some aggressive ones.

Thanks for the feedback!

I have not personally tried the Derbys. Based on what I read, I started with a 100 box of Personna Lab Blue blades and have never looked back. I have tried the Merkur blade that came with my razor and some Wilkies that I bought at Wal-Mart when I forgot to pack blades while traveling. The Personnas beat them both by a good bit. I recommend them. For a box of 100, they are less than $13 delivered on ebay and less than $14 delivered on Amazon.

 

[Buck Melanoma]

Yes, it is a Tech. Yes, it is well worth $15. Yes, the gold plating will fade (at some point, however you define near future it probably won't be that fast). No, there is not much you can do to preserve it, other than to occasionally re-lacquer it occasionally (but I would not bother).

I would not worry about the plating at all. Some of my ugliest razors got that way because they shaved well and someone used them for years. Yours looks very nice and will likely do so for a long time.

Let me jump in on the Derby comments and shout "run away!" Some people like Derby blade. I am not one of them. With a Tech you want a sharp, smooth blade (mild razor+sharp blade=perfect match). I am a fan of the Israeli Red Personnas and the Astras, but there are lots of other options out there that are better than Derby and they are not expensive.

With a good blade, the Techs (of any vintage) are excellent razors. There is a reason that Gillette sold so many of them for so long. Enjoy your shaves with it!