The Gillette Ranger Tech
Photo courtesy of Achim (mr razor)
Photo courtesy of Achim (mr razor)
This week I would like to take a look at and discuss the Gillette Ranger Tech.
The Gillette Ranger Tech originally went into production for the holiday season in 1941 right behind th Gold Milord. These where the first two razors Gillette produced with the now widely used bar guard. Production of these razors were canceled due to the outbreak of WWII. At that time Gillette went into wartime production of 3 piece techs and blades for the troops.
The first (1941) model of the Ranger has a the familiar diamond textured knurling on upper and lower handle, with a wide, smooth band just above the TTO knob. This model has the non-riveted carriers on the ends of the head, has no end caps and the center bar was not notched at this time. It sported the Gillette Diamond Logo and Made in the U.S.A. stamped on the underside of the razor however, there was no date code stamped on these razors.
The Bar guard concept was being implemented across all Gillette production lines at the beginning of WWII. These bar guards were not on considered more comfortable, durable and easier to clean, but the manufacture of razors with the bar guards simpler and considerably less expencive.
In 1946 Gillette geared up once again for civilian production and leading the way was the Aristocrat, Milord and a very small limited run of the Ranger Tech until the Super-Speed started its run in 1947. The 1946 Ranger Tech sported the same handle with the wide band however this model comes with end caps unlike the first Ranger Techs.
I have not shaved with my Ranger Tech for a very long time. I tried it out when I first received it but then put it up for show. I gave me a very nice smooth, clean comfortable shave. I will say that I found it to be a good deal more aggressive than my 40s style Super-Speed. I think its about time I pull it out and give it another go.
I would have to say, if you never tried a Ranger Tech you owe it to yourself to find one and enjoy it.
Any and all information about this razor is more than welcomed.
Back to Safety Razor of the Week.