Notched vs. un-notched?

[c0ry]

I've been into these old Gillettes for a while, but for the life of me I cannot figure out what is meant by the notched vs. un-notched Aristocrats. I've seen pictures of both and I don't think I see the difference... can someone show a picture showing the difference between them? Or at least explain? Thanks.

 

[Oldguy]

Look at the center bar.

View attachment 99440

The notch is used to hook a blade on the center bar to make it easier to insert.

This photo is a '47 Superspeed versus a '48 but it the same for all TTO Gillette's.

Len

 

[c0ry]

Look at the center bar.

View attachment 99440

The notch is used to hook a blade on the center bar to make it easier to insert.

This photo is a '47 Superspeed versus a '48 but it the same for all TTO Gillette's.

Len

Thanks, Len! That picture really helped me out. Now I can finally tell the difference between the two late 40's Aristocrats.

 

[dwestenk]

View attachment 99444

 

[michiganlover]

The notch is used to hook a blade on the center bar to make it easier to insert.

At this point in time, Schick was touting that their Injector could have it's blade installed with the user never having need to touch the blade.

Gillette couldn't be outdone by Schick, so they added the notch, along with a special blade dispenser that would allow for the same type of non handling of the blade.

The Superspeed was less about safety, and more about keeping up with the Jones's.

 

[c0ry]

At this point in time, Schick was touting that their Injector could have it's blade installed with the user never having need to touch the blade.

Gillette couldn't be outdone by Schick, so they added the notch, along with a special blade dispenser that would allow for the same type of non handling of the blade.

The Superspeed was less about safety, and more about keeping up with the Jones's.

Interesting bit of history there... thanks for that.

 

[Timbit]

I find it intriguing that the while the designers of the day were trying to create the ultimate in convenience and safety, we covet these old razors for just the opposite.

 

[Antonio]

I find it intriguing that the while the designers of the day were trying to create the ultimate in convenience and safety, we covet these old razors for just the opposite.

I wouldn't say we covet them for the opposite reasons (inconvenience, and danger). I would say we covet them differently. Personally it is much more convenient to wetshave with a DE because I will not be left with an irritating shave and razor burn. Safety? I guess there is the danger of nicking yourself but not unlike when I was shaving with a Fusion. Ultimately using a DE has become both convenient and very safe for me.

 

[Timbit]

I didn't really mean "inconvenience and danger" per se, more that the goal of the day was to make shaving as easy and foolproof as possible, eliminating the contact with the blade by adding a notch to the bar was an advance in this direction. The little wires that some cartridges have is a continuation of this mindset. It's a small thing in the design of these razors that many of us covet, a tick in the timeline from sharpened shells to the latest titanium electric.

I find that those few decades that the DE's were the pinnacle of shaving technology captured a perfect balance of utility and craft that stands out.

I want to handle the blade. I want to shave in a way that requires a small degree of skill and concentration (the opposite of an electric). Not because I want danger/cuts, but because I know that when I get a really good shave it is the result of many small things I have done:

I tried out a number of different blades in an number of different razors.
I have experimented with facial preps and lathering.
I continue to fine tune my shaving technique, and expect to do so for many years to come.

I get a satisfaction out of this, it's a nice way to start the day. I think I will eventually progress to a straight, but I'm in no hurry. I'm enjoying the journey with many thanks to the great folks at B&B.