Newbie help

[gaz8]

HI Guys, Hope you dont mind a newbie asking for help, just been clearing the loft/attic and found some razors, my Aunt used to give them tom me when i was a teenager , she picked them up from carboot sales 20 odd years ago for pennies. Any info would be nice.

Thanks
Gary
PS Just found out can only post 5 pics, will post more

 

[gaz8]

here are more pics

 

[gaz8]

more pics sorry if have doubled up

 

[gaz8]

did i post this in the wrong place ?

 

[Oldguy]

did i post this in the wrong place ?

Hi Gary. This is the right place. But I'm not very familiar with the razors you're showing except the 2nd one which I think is a pocket Gillette with two piece handle.

The razor in the brown bakelight case is a Gem single edge razor.

The Ever-ready is also a single edge like the Gem.

The funny looking razor with the strop I think is a Rolls.

The last one is a Gillette type travel razor.

Len

 

[RCC]

Hi Gary
1st off -welcome to B&B. Saw your newbie post.
I can't help you with the IDs but I gather that from you citing a "carboot sales" that you're not from california.

 

[Hughies_online]

Nice find!

 

[gaz8]

Thanks for the welcome and the info, if anyone can shed any more light on these i would be very interested. Thanks

 

[Oldguy]

Gary, these are all vintage razors. The three single edge razors are all the same design and date back to 1912.

It appears you have two Gillettes or Gillette clones. The one with the comb teeth is an Old Type made in the 1920's. It was a two piece handle which allows it to be carried in a small case. The last photo shows what looks like a Gillette Tech which would have been made after 1939. I'm not very familiar with the travel sets.

The Rolls razor is a collectable. That's a good find. I'm not really familiar with it.

I'm not familiar with the Wilkinson razor or it's history either. Sorry.

Len

 

[gaz8]

Thanks Len, I want to try shaving with at least one of them , anyone have any recomendations as to which one maybe best for a first timer ?

 

[Oldguy]

Thanks Len, I want to try shaving with at least one of them , anyone have any recomendations as to which one maybe best for a first timer ?

Clean up the Gillette in the travel case. The handle looks rough but the head should be fine. This is a Tech and should give the smoothest, less aggressive shave of the bunch.

My next choice would be one of the Ever Ready razors. Look and see if any of the three single edge razors have a date around the threaded hole where the handle screws in. If it says 1912 that's the one to use. It's the smoothest of all the SE razors.

Len

 

[gaz8]

Sorry to be a pain and sound silly but what should I clean them up with and can you recomend some blades for the Gillette ?

 

[Oldguy]

Sorry to be a pain and sound silly but what should I clean them up with and can you recomend some blades for the Gillette ?

Gary, I think you're from the UK. Right? In the US we start by using the foaming bathroom cleaner Scrubbing Bubbles. It will eliminate any soap scum and dirt on the razor plus it contains an antibacterial. When the foam turns to liquid scrub the razor with an old toothbrush all over. Then rinse with hot water. I then soak the razor in hot water and dish soap for about 15 minutes. It might be redundant but I think if further loosens any crud the bubbles didn't get. Then scrub with the toothbrush again. I then use a metal polish to clean up stains get the razor to look good. Make sure the polish says it is acceptable for nickel. You can also use toothpaste as a polish. Clean again in hot dish soap water and you're all set.
I don't know what blades are available to you. You will want a coated blade. I would recommend getting a sample pack of DE blades from westcoastshaving.com For the SE blades get Gem blades. They may be available from the drug store.

Len

 

[GMen]

Welcome to B&B!

 

[mdunn]

welcome aboard.

get some ted pella blades for the SE and a blade sampler pack for the DEs and then you'll be sitting pretty