My First DE: antique shop find: Brit. Pat. NO 400,030

[Brooksie967]

First off, I only use straight razors.... I bought this because it said made in England and all the other Gillette stuff I've ever seen said made in Canada or USA.

SO, It has Brit. Pat. NO 430,030 on the bottom of the... head? whatever it's called as well as made in England.

Is this a good one?

How do I go about cleaning it up?

Can it come apart?

Which type of blades does it use??

Pictures:

 

[mblakele]

Looks like an Aristocrat Junior - something like this photo by Achim.

It should be an excellent shaver. I am not sure if the plating is entirely rhodium, or if some parts are nickel and others rhodium. Either way you can use warm water, dishsoap, and a soft toothbrush on it. It should not come apart.

 

[Brooksie967]

Yeah that's it!!! So, what kind of blades does it take? I've got about... 50 straight razors that I've restored and honed myself. I'm not sure if one of those blades would fit in here.. (kidding).

 

[ironfist]

Looks to be an Aristocrat Junior

Thanks to Achim (mr razor) for the picture

Some dish soap and a light toothbrushing should clean it up and some scrubbing bubbles

 

[Brooksie967]

I see people describing the type of shave their DE gives them... is this one a mellow or aggressive shaver?

 

[Deuce_AGR]

Congratulations! I don't think too many guys here would pass one of these up. Well, I wouldn't anyway.

As far as cleaning goes, I usually soak mine in warm water and dish soap to loosen everything up, and then hit it with some scrubbing bubbles and a toothbrush. Then if you want, you can polish it with some Maas or Flitz. It should take the DE blade of your choice.

 

[Copierguy]

Congrats on a great score. I'm sure many could be happy with your AJ.

Yeah that's it!!! So, what kind of blades does it take? I've got about... 50 straight razors that I've restored and honed myself. I'm not sure if one of those blades would fit in here.. (kidding).

Tell you what, pack this up with a couple of your best straights and I'll see what I can do>

I see people describing the type of shave their DE gives them... is this one a mellow or aggressive shaver?

Everyone may give you their view which can leave you with different impressions, but I would say one notch up from middle of the road. Great all around razor really.

 

[Brooksie967]

Congrats on a great score. I'm sure many could be happy with your AJ.


Tell you what, pack this up with a couple of your best straights and I'll see what I can do>



Everyone may give you their view which can leave you with different impressions, but I would say one notch up from middle of the road. Great all around razor really.

Send me your first born and we have a deal. Lol.
What is the best blade for this razor?

 

[Copierguy]

Oops, about the blades. I'm not a straight guy, let me try that again. I've not shaved with straights, but would be surprised if you have much to be concerned about even with Feather blades (one of the sharp brands).

Drop a blade in, closer up tight, hold it so the doors are gently touching your face. Tilt the handle in the direction of the travel till the blade just licks you face and have a ball.

 

[Brooksie967]

Oops, about the blades. I'm not a straight guy, let me try that again. I've not shaved with straights, but would be surprised if you have much to be concerned about even with Feather blades (one of the sharp brands).

Drop a blade in, closer up tight, hold it so the doors are gently touching your face. Tilt the handle in the direction of the travel till the blade just licks you face and have a ball.

I think after over a year of shaving with my self-honed straights, I don't have to worry about one of these being 'too aggressive'. I hone all my stuff on JNATS and Labelled Eschers so I get SHARP edges that are SMOOTH! I've been shaving every day, 7 days a week, 3 passes a day, for over 6 months now.

I'm excited to try this out!

About the razor, ONE of the doors doesn't quite open all the way but both close very smoothly and tightly, is this anything to worry about?

Is there any way to fix that problem?

 

[mblakele]

About the razor, ONE of the doors doesn't quite open all the way but both close very smoothly and tightly, is this anything to worry about?

Is there any way to fix that problem?

In the first photo, it looks like the left-hand safety bar may be bent, probably it was dropped at some point. That can cause problems with the doors. You can usually fix it with a coin or a standard screwdriver. Maybe use some masking tape to protect the finish.

use a screw driver, very carefully twist it until it gets straight.

 

[Copierguy]

I would look for binds at the pivot points. The doors should just rattle a bit when open and shook.

Can you open the offending door manually with a finger?

 

[Brooksie967]

In the first photo, it looks like the left-hand safety bar may be bent, probably it was dropped at some point. That can cause problems with the doors. You can usually fix it with a coin or a standard screwdriver. Maybe use some masking tape to protect the finish.

Hmm, i'm not seeing any difference side to side with it in my hand and don't know enough about these (I have 0 knowledge with DE's) to start mucking about.

 

[Brooksie967]

I would look for binds at the pivot points. The doors should just rattle a bit when open and shook.

Can you open the offending door manually with a finger?

Both doors are tight and lined up once I screw the bottom thing in. They don't budge at all when closed.

 

[TheEye]

very nice find! now you have to go for a case

 

[Copierguy]

Everthing should look mirror like symmetrical. The lift assembly and arms look like they are not all in the same plane.

Picture 2 the lowest parts of the head are not the same. (end to end)

Picture 3 looks like the end caps when opening are not breaking the plane of the head plate evenly. (side to side)

The parts that move up and down as you open and close the razor are bent.

Many times I have corrected this with fingers only, no tools.

 

[Brooksie967]

Perhaps I should send this to someone for repair?

 

[Copierguy]

I would be happy to look at it, but the mailing cost would add up.

 

[Brooksie967]

I would be happy to look at it, but the mailing cost would add up.

Where are you? Do you think the issues will have an affect on the shave?

 

[Brooksie967]

I couldn't resist so: I just went and had a shave with it, my buddy gave me a gillette super stainless razor blade. All I can say is OUCH! Most likely my technique but I didn't get ONE smooth stroke, compared to my straights the blade was REALLY tuggy and harsh.