Just had a shave with a Gillette New Standard

[GentsInstinct]

This one...

Won't happen again.

Loaded it with a new IP blade, lathered up Proraso and went at it.

It clogged up with every stroke. Loosened the cap a bit but the clogs wouldn't budge rinsing or shaking vigorously in water. Had to stop, take it apart, clean it, put it back together.

Did a DFS on my cheeks but ate my neck up - lots of weepers and a couple of cut-top-bumps. Was horrible XTG, as it skipped alot. I had to cover my whole face and neck with my RazoRock alum because the face was on fire.

This one is best left in the display case to look at.

 

[Zumkopf]

The NEW is one of my favorite razors. I've never had a problem with clogging, either with the short comb or the long comb.

I have had similar problems with other razors (notably a Slim), but it was related to my poor lather-building and not enough water. I'm wondering if the problem you encountered was also related to an unfortunate lather or technique. Not that I'm being critical, but I'm just saying that I've never had those problems with a NEW, and I think it's the favorite of a number on the Board, and I think I'd try changing up a few things before I consigned a good shaver to the shelf.

 

[mblakele]

The New Standard isn't a NEW - note the bullets. But it is a DFS waiting for a ready shaver.

 

[c0ry]

I never shaved with one. I own two of them and blades just don't fit right in either--I always have more blade exposure on one side.

It's a shame, because I love the heft and the look of these razors.

 

[GentsInstinct]

I didn't do anything different in preparation or technique than I normally do. Had lots of lather. This is the first razor I've ever used to do this.

 

[Gray Wolf]

I suggest trading it for something that you will use.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Mmmm. Where to begin? We should start with Ray's review and analysis here. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=788977#post788977

This was Ray's fifth entry to his celebrated razor of the week sticky. Attention all B&B members, there is really no more enjoyable sticky on the forum than Ray's feature articles in this must read every entry Sticky.

Here is the opening page

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=80547

The New Standard was a proper name given to a line of Gillette razors with the "New Improved" head. The individual razors in the line were essentially the same, some in gold, some in silver, some with highly ornate filigree. What distinguished them was the packaging, which included simple leather cases to rich wooden boxes, hence the Richwood. Achim has beautiful examples on his site as well.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/New Improved/New Improved.htm

I don't mean to be severe, but this razor can not be dismissed lightly. It is probably my favorite 3 piece vintage razor and some old timers find it to be King Gillette's finest moment. Others tout the New Deluxe which is a similar design without the bullets, flat under base plate and single screw. Personally, I find the New Improved (identical to your New Standard) provides a superior shave.

Below is a example from Achim's collection of one of the more ornate razors from the line, The Cavalier. I tried searching B&B for the single most ornate razor from this line I'd ever seen. A friend of one of our members gave him the razor. The friend's father was some how linked to the Gillette firm. My memory is a little murky on this. Its out there. Maybe some can pull it for us. Bottom. Do not give up on this razor. Try different blades, and or creams. It will be worth it.

 

[grump]

The New Standard aka New Improved is in my top 3 DE's.

Personally, it has proven to be a great shaver and I have never had a clogging problem. I also use red IP's and crystal's in it and lather with tallow soap.

 

[gearchow]

I have had similar problems with other razors (notably a Slim), but it was related to my poor lather-building and not enough water. I'm wondering if the problem you encountered was also related to an unfortunate lather or technique. Not that I'm being critical, but I'm just saying that I've never had those problems with a NEW, and I think it's the favorite of a number on the Board, and I think I'd try changing up a few things before I consigned a good shaver to the shelf.

+1 on lather, I always notice more clogging when the lather is not quite frothy (?). I hit that sweet spot maybe 80% of the time.

I also remember having issues with a New Improved such as this one. It's good to remember that the evolutionary path is usually one of improvement of technology, and the New Improved was just one step past the Old Types. In other words, I don't expect a easy smooth shave, I expect a different shaving experience.

I've found that with these, no pressure and short strokes. I pretend I've just laid down my straight and have moved to the fancy new Gillette technology and I go at it like I would if it was a bare blade. Nice and easy.

Try it a couple more times.

-jim