Qustion about Gillette ABC sets

[kcb5150]

I put up a video below as it shows what I am getting at far more efficiently than I can type out, but is this threading issue common with these sets? This is the third complete set I have come across and they have all had very tenuous thread engagement between the handle and cap. The other two had warped handles and this one is straight as an arrow, plus the case was engraved which seemed novel, hence my taking a punt on it.

 

[elmerwood]

I haven't had that issure with any of mine but it looks like the hole is obviously to large in the handle before the threads were installed or the threads are worn in it. If it really bothersome you can probably put a threadsert into the handle but this would mean opening the hole size of the handle and tapping it another thread pitch.

This is a threadsert

 

[kcb5150]

Yeah, it may have been a tolerances issue from the get go. Even in the abc thread they don't look to be absolutely consistent handle to handle.

 

[ironfist]

With my pocket edition set, the last time i looked at it, when i screwed it all together, the handle was bent like the threading was off, ill try and picture it tomorrow.

 

[alex2363]

There has not been many complaints pertaining to this issue. I have just noticed this issue due to you bringing it out. I personally think that wear and tear on the razor has taken it's toll on the thread sections and unfortunately for some bizarre reason you have bought 3 of these in this condition.

I would wait on more member feedback and see if this may be an underlying issue that you may have brought to light and could possibly find an explanation or theory. Lets wait and see how many members too have had this issue.

 

[MacDaddy]

First, regarding your question at the very beginning of the video about the logo label being upside down, more than likely the whole headliner insert is in the lid upside down. I've seen plenty of sets where someone has stuck the lower tray insert back in the case backwards so that the handle sits in the rear instead of the front. It stands to reason that someone not paying enough attention could do the same thing to the headliner tray, too. You can just pop it out and glue it back in the right way around if it bugs you.

On the threads, yeah, I've seen plenty of cases like yours -- most aren't that far gone, but I've seen some worse. I don't know if it's just wear over time. My guess is that there was a little more play in the pieces from the start than was necessary, so any weakening of the threads becomes noticeable more quickly.

On the handles, I've got a one or two that are bent similar to what it sounds like you're describing. From the thickness of the casting it seems really unlikely to me that they got bent later in life. Seems like it'd take more force than just dropping it, for example, to do that. Also, it's more of a smooth wilting kind of bend, not something that looks like it was hit with a hammer, say.

 

[kcb5150]

Strange. I've seen dead threads on caps and handles before (which these look nothing like) and these always appear fine even when behaving this way.

 

[kcb5150]

I'm guessing the warping and the threads are a product of their early adventures in working with brass just like the split handles are..

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Don't feel bad i have 2 sets that are like this, They catch at the very end, I really paid no mind to it, as i just collect them and don't shave with them ) If i did they it may have been an issue for me. but i am good with it. Mine Catch at the Very End and once i put a blade in it its like Half of a Turn and its nice and tight. I guess one its losses that half of a turn then i would have to be tapped again /

Just Focus man just Focus

 

[kcb5150]

Sucks Bob isn't with us anymore.... This would have been right in his wheelhouse to fix...

 

[elmerwood]

Sucks Bob isn't with us anymore.... This would have been right in his wheelhouse to fix...

I'll find a crappy razor and install a threadsert just to see if it works and post my findings.

 

[kcb5150]

I hear you, but I buy to use and being an OC guy above all, I have coveted a stubby, rounded comb abc set for awhile.

Don't feel bad i have 2 sets that are like this, They catch at the very end, I really paid no mind to it, as i just collect them and don't shave with them ) If i did they it may have been an issue for me. but i am good with it. Mine Catch at the Very End and once i put a blade in it its like Half of a Turn and its nice and tight. I guess one its losses that half of a turn then i would have to be tapped again /

Just Focus man just Focus

 

[kcb5150]

BTW, I looked up the name engraved on the case based on proximity to where it came from.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=42077583

A real good possibility.

 

[Joezamboni]

I work on British cars for a living. Trust me, even though it seems intimidating the first time, a heli-coil or threaded insert is not difficult the first time if you're patient and take your time.

 

[kcb5150]

This household is not designed for anything involving patience, unfortunately.. I feel a bit better knowing this seems to be more common from this small cross section than anyone may have realized.

I work on British cars for a living. Trust me, even though it seems intimidating the first time, a heli-coil or threaded insert is not difficult the first time if you're patient and take your time.

 

[kcb5150]

Gave this a try today after making real sure it was secure. Fresh Polsilver SI (so right off the bat two variables as I have never used a SI before). Cella soap which I am familiar with. The rounded tooth comb on this abc feels a touch more aggressive to me than a normal old type comb. It is thin, highly maneuverable, and you always pretty much know where the blade is in relation to your face. The handle is excellent in that it has weight, isn't too long or short, has that inverted carrot shape (which I think for de is tops). and a lot of texture. I have a feeling this head would prefer a smoother blade. The Iridium sure didn't feel smooth out of the gate but it was very sharp. I think I will feed it an astra next. I should get a pack of carbon steel treets to try in this, I think that may be a money combo. The razor actually over-performed in the sense that changing more than one variable is usually asking for nicks. As it stands, I am a bit torn, it shaves well and looks great, but the handle issue is obnoxious. I'd say if you want one for a daily driver it feels like it is capable of it given the shave properties, just be careful about that issue...

 

[77TransAm]

BTW, I looked up the name engraved on the case based on proximity to where it came from.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=42077583

A real good possibility.

Now that's damn creepy. Maybe he should drop by with the razor for a visit?

 

[kcb5150]

You'd look the name up too if it were that spelled out on an antique you bought!!

 

[kcb5150]

He had good taste in razors...Had the right idea. If you have to do something that often, you might as well use classy tools.

 

[Haegar]

It is always interesting to dig the history of such old razors, and it's great when one finds something.

One of my ABCs has the same issue but it's not that bad (about 3 thread engaging). I'd like to mention that the handle of my ABC with this issue does not fit on my other ABC that behaves better. That said you might have a close look at the threaded post of the head. Does it nicely fit any standard nut you can find? If it doesn't you might check if a standard screw will fir reasonably well in the handle's threaded hole. Then decide which part to modify, or maybe both. My approach for restoring this little treasure would be to just bore out the threaded hole and fit a brass rod, gluing it in with Locite 601/603 (not the temperature resistant 620!) or thin slow curing epoxy, then tap a new threaded hole. Similarly I would file or turn off the threads on the head's post, press fit a brass tube (securing it with Loctite) and cut a new thread. These are things that are best done NOT on the kitchen table.

These ABCs are great performing razors but shaving is not much fun if one has to be afraid the razor head could fall off the handle. Well worth looking for someone who can restore this razor nicely to a near genuine state.