Razors similar to the Old type?

[Boganova]

Hey team

In the last several months since starting wet shaving with a safety razor, I have gathered up a small collection of DE razors. My favourite to use is my 1921 Gillette old type pocket edition, hands down. However im concerned that if I keep using it ill end up running it into the dirt and good quality old types are hard to come by here in NZ.

So what I'm asking is, are there any new razors available on the market that shave similar to the Old? I like the aggressive feel of it and the way I can really feel when its working.

To give you an idea of what I'm comparing it to heres my other razors. My favourite blades which I use with all of them are Wilkinson Sword.



:40s Gillette New type. Works ok, get just as good a shave but is so smooth I miss the tactile feedback the Old gives me.

:40s Service Tech. Does a fine job, probably my favourite closed comb. When I want a closed comb I often reach for this

:50s Tech. Dont like this one. Just gives me an average shave. least used of my razors.

:Mulhe R106. my first razor and easily my smoothest. I use this when I want something easy (E.G when hung over)


So yeah thats what I am currently working with. Something new that gives me a similar feel and shave to the Old type would be great. I love the old type but I feel like using the 91 year old razor till it wears out is a bit of a waste. And sadly not many turn up here. When they do theyre often well and truly seen better days, worn to brass etc

Would love to hear your opinions and feedback

 

[Viseguy]

I don't see how you could ever wear out an Old Type. Or, maybe, is the handle cracked or something?

Anyway, if you're seeking a modern razor that shaves similarly, consider a Fatip/Premax/Joris. It's about the same level of aggressiveness, only smoother (in my experience).

 

[Boganova]

I mean more just general wear and tear. Its in very good condition but the nickel is worn on the edges of the comb. Normally that wouldnt bother me but its such an awesome piece of history I sometimes feel bad just casually using it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Ill check em out. Was also looking at the Merkur 41 1904 open comb earlier, which has a very similar looking head. Anyone know how similar that is to the old type?

 

[Redzone]

Just picked up several from E-bay and had them shipped to NZ the 1965 Gillette Super Speed that arrived today was $47 US including shipping, in very good condition.The Fat Boys are over priced there though. Also some of the kind Gents here on the forum in the Buy/Sell/Trade section offer to ship International (it's obviously a hassle but some do offer)
Nice to see a fellow Kiwi gent on B&B !

 

[Galhatz]

You could always replate it. I only shaved with mine once, it was a good shave but i went slightly overboard with it. It is a bit aggressive razor.... why not try a single edge like a Gem 1912 ?

 

[coolbus18]

Hiya Boganova,

I have a 1921 pocket also and I luv to use it. I understand how you feel and when I think of what could I use in an OC instead, I come up blank(might be an aging thing) but it's such a great shaver. If I were going to , I'd give the new R-41 or the Little Bastone from Italian Barber or, or, I guess I'm stuck on Gillette.

 

[kingfisher]

FaTip.

 

[Boganova]

Nice to see a fellow Kiwi gent on B&B !

Thanks for the welcome!

I have marked several things on ebay as possible buys. Ill aslo look into the fatip, although theres no sellers in NZ that sell them, will see what I can find online.

cheers for teh advice so far guys, keep em coming

 

[amishmotorboat]

There isn't really any shortage of worn down old types. If you have one you want to keep nice, get one where the plating is already shot and use that.

 

[Mick]

You could always replate it.

+1

If the handle is in good shape you can get all of it replated.

If the head has not been dropped (bent combs) but the handle is cracked (most ball end old type handles are cracked) you can get just the head replated and use it on a new handle like the weber handle.

I have a replated old type head that I use on several handles.

They are a great efficient razor design and if you get it replated and pair it up with a nice handle you end up with a NICE razor

Here is my replated old type head on a BRW custom long deluxe bull mastiff handle.

 

[Boganova]

replating is tempting. this one is im great condition. One of the teeth is slightly off centre (not a corner tooth) and theres a slight scratch in the nickel on the handle. But other than that its perfect. No crack in the handles or anything. The unfortunate thing is I bought 2 of these, the other was also in great condition, and I gae it away as a gift. Had I known how great a shave it would be Id have happily had 2.