One of the things that is really cool about the vintage Gillettes is that until about the late 1960s, they inevitably came in a specific box or case that was especially designed for that razor. In fact, the ones today that command the most impressive sales prices are those with new condition cases. These days, the Merkurs, Muhles and EJs come in cardboard boxes that are meant for shipping and long-term storing, perhaps. The 60s, especially, were characterized by the popularization of jet travel and the Gillette boxes were perfect to throw in the Dopp kit when you were taking Pan-Am to Rio in the Winter to check out 60s babes in bikinis while sipping a martini. I'm a big DE 89L fan and would love to have EJ construct an appropriate travel case for this sublime razor. I know that Muhle endorses a box for some of its razors, but I'm talking about a box that is specific to that particular razor. I would gladly pay extra to have the perfect travel partner for this legendary whisker whacker.
One of Many Things that the Old Gillette Got Right
- Thread starter DonLafontaine
- Start date
Yeah, when that Bostonian rises up from the case as it opens, you just know the shave is going to be good. 
Well, presentation is everything, they say.
Well, presentation is everything, they say.
- Thread starter
- #4
Yeah, when that Bostonian rises up from the case as it opens, you just know the shave is going to be good.
Well, presentation is everything, they say.
The sound of a thousand baby angels singing in perfect accompaniment with cherubs strumming an endless sea of lyres ...
yeah... I just realized I got stiffed with my Merkur Futur... $70 and a cardboard box.
Related question, do you keep your vintage razors in their respective cases in between uses? How does the soft lining on the inside of the cage hold up to getting wet?
I'd love to keep my #15 in its case, with a few weeks' worth of blades in the build-in holder, but I'm not sure how the case will react to the wet (even if you dry it off, there'll be water left in the head and stem) razor after use, and the generally moist atmosphere of the bathroom.
Any thoughts?
I'd love to keep my #15 in its case, with a few weeks' worth of blades in the build-in holder, but I'm not sure how the case will react to the wet (even if you dry it off, there'll be water left in the head and stem) razor after use, and the generally moist atmosphere of the bathroom.
Any thoughts?
Don't use the presentation case as storgae for a razor in current use. Wait till the razor goes out of rotation, has had the blade removed, has been cleaned and dried before it goes back in the case.
If it is still in use, keep it in the bathroom.
- Thread starter
- #8
I sent my post to EJ regarding cases and received the following response:
"Thank you for your email. This is quite topical at the moment as I have this morning seen a lovely new leather prototype case designed exclusively for the Edwin Jagger DE8 range of safety razors. We will be selling them on the site in due course but just at the moment not exactly sure when; on enquiring I was told within 3 months. It looks great so hope you can be patient and the wait will be worth it. There is also space in the small case for spare blades."
I am definitely looking forward to checking these out.
"Thank you for your email. This is quite topical at the moment as I have this morning seen a lovely new leather prototype case designed exclusively for the Edwin Jagger DE8 range of safety razors. We will be selling them on the site in due course but just at the moment not exactly sure when; on enquiring I was told within 3 months. It looks great so hope you can be patient and the wait will be worth it. There is also space in the small case for spare blades."
I am definitely looking forward to checking these out.
Oh wow, I better start saving money for when this rears it's quite possibly beautiful head
I feel the same way. I always look for the razor that still has the original
case in near perfect condition. Mine are all plastic, since they only go
back to the late 50's. I'm always sure to keep the "holder" intact on the newer ones (Atra, Sensor, Mach3, Quatro). The last real case I ever saw was for a recently purchased Atra with a metal handle. It is still a favorite
to use.
case in near perfect condition. Mine are all plastic, since they only go
back to the late 50's. I'm always sure to keep the "holder" intact on the newer ones (Atra, Sensor, Mach3, Quatro). The last real case I ever saw was for a recently purchased Atra with a metal handle. It is still a favorite
to use.
- Thread starter
- #11
My dream would be for EJ to do a retro upgrade of the case that the President came in, for example.
I do love the old cases and have bought a few razors that had them. I just wish I had the original boxes for my 1912 and Fatboy.
The EJ cases sound fantastic! I will absolutely be ordering as soon as they become available.
The EJ cases sound fantastic! I will absolutely be ordering as soon as they become available.
- Thread starter
- #13
I have the case that the Fatboy comes in and, while very retro, cool and perfect for the Fatboy, the 89 series would look sweet in a President style case.
but wait til you see what it does to the price of your next razor. 
When I bought a Weishi razor, the best thing about it was that it came with a serviceable little travel case. The razor itself may never get used again, but the case is just right for any of my Super Speeds, if I wanted to travel with one of those. Actually, the hinge broke, but I was able to fix it better than new.
My Parker 90R is not a great razor, but again, it came with a vinyl travel case which will work with any of my DE or SE razors, and the shorter handled injectors.
My vintage cases are mostly not what I'd pick to travel with, and the ones I've got are in fair condition at best, but I've got usable ones for a Gillette New and Gem Micromatic.
It's a shame that the better modern brands don't automatically include a travel case, even if it's just something simple and cheap. I guess if they catch on though, they'll get more money by selling them as after market accessories.
My Parker 90R is not a great razor, but again, it came with a vinyl travel case which will work with any of my DE or SE razors, and the shorter handled injectors.
My vintage cases are mostly not what I'd pick to travel with, and the ones I've got are in fair condition at best, but I've got usable ones for a Gillette New and Gem Micromatic.
It's a shame that the better modern brands don't automatically include a travel case, even if it's just something simple and cheap. I guess if they catch on though, they'll get more money by selling them as after market accessories.
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