my first DE. HELP!

[sgt cafferty]

i jsut bought a DE and it was an impulse buy... is a Gillette NEW 1931 ...it is in pretty good shape, but i need to know how to take care of it as this is my first DE ever, really all info will be great!.. thanks.

 

[mandoman]

nice razor, not much to do to it just rinse in hot or cold water after each use and air or towel dry these thing were made to last a life time

 

[Graybeard57]

http://www.mr-razor.com/

People say this gentleman has the most comprehensive collection of razors anywhere, with photos.

 

[dynagroove]

This is a great razor! There are lots of tips on how to clean a razor on here, but most prefer a soak in Dawn dishwashing liquid followed by scrubbing bubbles. I have a very similar NEW and after cleaning mine, I polished it up. It looks kind of odd with copper and brass in different parts, but I like it and it's an excellent shaver. Enjoy!

 

[sgt cafferty]

thank you so much... i have been looking at different razor all night and I've seensome turn of the century razors really cheap, why is that, i though that thefact that those razors were 100 years old and made by Gillette would give somevalue to them but either the seller doesn't know the value and i am missing outon a great deal or they are a common item. I'm in this DE forum not only toshave and learn about razors but to collect them, what should i look for, whatare the gem of the DE razor world.? Cuz when I start buy I don’t stop.

 

[jamesspo]

That's a fine user grade Long Comb NEW you have there! Clean it up with some water, dish soap and tooth brush, and it'll be ready to use. The NEW is one of my favorites.

With regard to prices, they are driven by supply and demand, nothing else. How old something is doesn't make it worth more money, unless the age decreases the supply or increases the demand. Even the early Gillette DE razors were made in large quantities (sans the first "Double Ring" model/variant that had a limited production run). Demand is also not very high for the early models, so the price stays reasonable - generally 15 - 40 dollars for single ring Old Types, three piece Old Types, New Improved, and NEW models. The double ring I mentioned is much more... $200+ generally, as there are very few of them, and they're very desirable being the first Gillette DE. Other later models - Techs, Superspeeds, and others were made in even larger quantities, which keeps prices pretty low. The adjustables (Fatboy, Slim, Super Adjustable) have a high demand, so have higher prices.

There are variants of all of the Gillette DE models that were made in smaller quantities or for shorter runs, and thus are more rare. Some examples would be the Open Comb TTO models made in the 30's, "Executive" variants of the Fatboy and Slim, the "Toggle" Fatboy, the "Red Dot" Fatboy and others.

thanksyou so much... i have been looking at different razor all night and I've seensome turn of the century razors really cheap, why is that, i though that thefact that those razors were 100 years old and made by Gillette would give somevalue to them but either the seller doesn't know the value and i am missing outon a great deal or they are a common item. I'm in this DE forum not only toshave and learn about razors but to collect them, what should i look for, whatare the gem of the DE razor world.? Cuz when I start buy I don’t stop.

 

[sgt cafferty]

THANKyou Jamesspo!... will try this DE first and ill let you know how it felt!... iwill keep looking for my "holy grail " and will take your examples asa pathway to create my collection!. thanks again.

 

[dpmtherrien]

+1 on the not much to do to it other than use it, and keep it clean. Clean up the razor with hot water, scrubbing bubbles, or even use some toothpaste to really get the gunk off of it. Rub a dab between your fingers and rub it into the razor, then use an old toothbrush to really get into the tight spots.

 

[mistercitizen]

Great razor! One of my favorite handles. You are in for a treat. Soapy hot water, toothbrush, toothpaste and a bunch of elbow grease. It'll be great!

Ben

 

[jamesspo]

You're very welcome. I forgot to mention a great resource right here at B&B, our Shavewiki. Here's a link within that that lists the major Gillette DE models, and dates of production. The Old Types, and a few others have serial numbers that can nail down the production date. Models after 1950 have date codes that specify down to a year and quarter.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

Have fun and watch your wallet!

THANKyou Jamesspo!... will try this DE first and ill let you know how it felt!... iwill keep looking for my "holy grail " and will take your examples asa pathway to create my collection!. thanks again.

 

[sgt cafferty]

thank you all so much, this is amazing, today i got the razor and went straight to work!, the way the face feels, and yes the forum was right, just let the razor do the job, i had no cuts .... i will never go back to cheap disposals, what a great Sunday ! thank you all for you reply and support, i order a new one... this on its from the 50... hope its good, here are some pics, i believe its in good shape, my second DE!..i read the Gillette post but because it is not in my hand yet, i couldn't determine exactly which one it is, i believe its a 1947-1950 fat handle gold tech, any details from you veterans on this blade, how well it works, suggestions, condition rating?... hooked on DE, here we go!

 

[alex2363]

thank you all so much, this is amazing, today i got the razor and went straight to work!, the way the face feels, and yes the forum was right, just let the razor do the job, i had no cuts .... i will never go back to cheap disposals, what a great Sunday ! thank you all for you reply and support, i order a new one... this on its from the 50... hope its good, here are some pics, i believe its in good shape, my second DE!..i read the Gillette post but because it is not in my hand yet, i couldn't determine exactly which one it is, i believe its a 1947-1950 fat handle gold tech, any details from you veterans on this blade, how well it works, suggestions, condition rating?... hooked on DE, here we go!

View attachment 302089View attachment 302090View attachment 302091View attachment 302093View attachment 302094

That is a 1940's Gold Tech razor.....you paid 50 dollars? They are worth like $15 to $25 tops.

 

[sgt cafferty]

no, my bad, i meant to say, this one its from the 50s... i guess i made a really good deal then, i paid 2.50 for it!...not to shavy.. thank you alex.. btw how can i restore the metal, is there an easy way to make it shine again.?

 

[alex2363]

no, my bad, i meant to say, this one its from the 50s... i guess i made a really good deal then, i paid 2.50 for it!...not to shavy.. thank you alex.. btw how can i restore the metal, is there an easy way to make it shine again.?

 

[alex2363]

. btw how can i restore the metal, is there an easy way to make it shine again.?

Scrubbing bubbles, toothbrush and very light pressure to clean it, to shine use a light dab of Maas polish from Walmrt stores

 

[RaiserLiebe]

Tons of good advice on B&B. While I think a good cleaning removes 99% of all problem (infectious) nasties, I do soak every new (vintage) razor I buy in Barbicide for 10 minutes. Available everywhere and cheap ($8 or so at Sally's) insurance/peace of mind. Don't soak longer- can harm the finish.

On Cleaning/maintenance:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...tter-quot-Method-of-Cleaning-Razors-Pic-Heavy
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ck-Photo-Tutorial-for-Restoring-Silver-Razors (for silver razors only)
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Razor_cleaning_and_restoration
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/30131-Cleaning-DE-razors?highlight=cleaning+DE+razors
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/301055-My-new-Slim-How-do-I-care-for-it?highlight=slim

On Sterilization:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/186435-Blood-borne-diseases?p=2760207#post2760207


Cheers; and by the way GREAT razor. Long comb NEW is exceptional. Don't get discouraged if it is harsh at first (almost sold mine). Once your technique comes around it will become your favorite!

 

[sgt cafferty]

thank you... ill keep posting my shaving experiences and findings!!.. thanks!

 

[LMAN007]

I thought it was a 1946-1950 fat handle 3 piece gold tech with the oblong holes?