I recently (also) bought a '78 Y code Gillette long handle Super Adjustable on eBay for less than $15 shipped.
The razor looked to be in decent "user grade" shape from the pictures in the listing, but the seller stated that there was some "use rub" to the black coating. When I opened up the package I was surprised at the supposed condition of the razor, to say the least. It looked pretty bad and I was a little disappointed, that is until I dug my thumbnail into the "use rub" and found out that the razor was encased in an extremely thick crust of soap scum. So much so that it looked like the razor was missing finish and in bad shape.
I got out the Scrubbing Bubbles and sprayed it down and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. I started scrubbing it with an old firm toothbrush and SOME of the crust began to come off, but as soon as it dried it looked like crap; just as gross looking as when I started. I repeated the Scrubbing Bubbles and toothbrush treatment several times, but it just wouldn't get all the way down to the finish. This stuff was hard as a rock.
I made up a Tupperware of vinegar water, a bit of antibacterial dish soap, and about 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol and let the razor soak for 24 hours. 24 hours! When I took the toothbrush to it the next day I was surprised at how easily the impossible-to-remove gunk came off, but it still took quite a bit of scrubbing. I had to go back over the closer twice and had to scrub the barn doors with a dish scrubber and my fingernail, but it finally came clean.
What I ended up with was a razor that looked like it was brand new. I don't think the seller knew that what he had was a razor in excellent condition that was enshrined under 40 years of soap scum.
It shaves similar to a Slim, but seems a lot more nimble; I'm assuming due to its lighter weight and longer handle. I'd definitely recommend adding one to your arsenal if you are into vintage razors or Gillette adjustables.
Some before and after pics:
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The razor looked to be in decent "user grade" shape from the pictures in the listing, but the seller stated that there was some "use rub" to the black coating. When I opened up the package I was surprised at the supposed condition of the razor, to say the least. It looked pretty bad and I was a little disappointed, that is until I dug my thumbnail into the "use rub" and found out that the razor was encased in an extremely thick crust of soap scum. So much so that it looked like the razor was missing finish and in bad shape.
I got out the Scrubbing Bubbles and sprayed it down and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. I started scrubbing it with an old firm toothbrush and SOME of the crust began to come off, but as soon as it dried it looked like crap; just as gross looking as when I started. I repeated the Scrubbing Bubbles and toothbrush treatment several times, but it just wouldn't get all the way down to the finish. This stuff was hard as a rock.
I made up a Tupperware of vinegar water, a bit of antibacterial dish soap, and about 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol and let the razor soak for 24 hours. 24 hours! When I took the toothbrush to it the next day I was surprised at how easily the impossible-to-remove gunk came off, but it still took quite a bit of scrubbing. I had to go back over the closer twice and had to scrub the barn doors with a dish scrubber and my fingernail, but it finally came clean.
What I ended up with was a razor that looked like it was brand new. I don't think the seller knew that what he had was a razor in excellent condition that was enshrined under 40 years of soap scum.
It shaves similar to a Slim, but seems a lot more nimble; I'm assuming due to its lighter weight and longer handle. I'd definitely recommend adding one to your arsenal if you are into vintage razors or Gillette adjustables.
Some before and after pics:
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
