Today was a good day. Delivery came for my first TTO razor—a Gillette Aristocrat #22. After much researching, I decided it was time to try and make this ‘someday’ razor a ‘today’ razor. To my delight, I discovered this copy had been incorrectly labeled online and subsequently discounted after not having sold. For me, the #22 has special significance. It was made around the time my Dad was born and being a British model, is a tribute to the many good years I spent in England.
Pictured with it is my trusted daily driver, the ATT Altus with M1 head. The only other razor I’ve found suitably mild is a post-war Tech. So here’s to hoping this new find will like me as well. Yet I have a few questions. Currently it’s soaking in hot soapy water in preparation for tomorrow’s shave.
1) The water where I live is extremely hard. So much so around here, we get buildup on cartridge razors, tea kettles, etc. Any suggestions on how to care for this fine instrument?
2) My ATT, I never disassemble post-shave. I’ve always rinsed and wiped with a towel. Is that suitable for the Aristocrat or do I need to open, rinse & dry somehow? I’m looking forward to many years of refined shaves with it.
Also, and idea if the blades pictured are original?
Pictured with it is my trusted daily driver, the ATT Altus with M1 head. The only other razor I’ve found suitably mild is a post-war Tech. So here’s to hoping this new find will like me as well. Yet I have a few questions. Currently it’s soaking in hot soapy water in preparation for tomorrow’s shave.
1) The water where I live is extremely hard. So much so around here, we get buildup on cartridge razors, tea kettles, etc. Any suggestions on how to care for this fine instrument?
2) My ATT, I never disassemble post-shave. I’ve always rinsed and wiped with a towel. Is that suitable for the Aristocrat or do I need to open, rinse & dry somehow? I’m looking forward to many years of refined shaves with it.
Also, and idea if the blades pictured are original?