Some great boxed sets of classic British razors

[Jake]

Don't you love it when you find a complete -- or almost complete set of an original release of a razor? Now some people want the 1st double ring, some the last of the mint Filarmonica straight, or a NOS FatBoy. Me? I'm so partial to the British Aristocrats from the 1930s - 1950s. Craftsmanship & class. Fit & finish. Pre-WWII and just afterwards -- there was skill and finesse not seen at the same level in the American sets. At least that's my opinion.

Like the OC rhodium plated #45 Popular:

Pretty mild shaver for an open comb, but what a beauty.

Shipper's not perfect, but the razor & case sure are.

Then the gold-plated #19:

Great leather case for this gold version of the rhodium-plated #15.

Could clean up the case a bit, but the razor is quite pristine.

And finally -- the amazingly effective Aristocrat Junior, released as the #53 set in its distinctive blue metal case.

When nickel plating looks as good as silver or rhodium plating. Especially when it's never been used.

Looks like the cardboard blade holder is still in the head assembly. This functional set is just waiting for some stubble to clear.

If you've got some you want to add to this display -- either on this thread or your own, please post away images of your full sets so we can all appreciate them.

 

[mdevine]

Beautiful razors Jake. I also find the British Aristocrats to be the pinnacle of DE razor design. They combine form and function in a way that has yet to be surpassed.

 

[AABCDS]

I always know the thread is going to have great pictures when I see the thread creator name is Jake.

 

[alex2363]

Thanks Jake for posting your razors, and for the added comments too.

 

[Leopold Bloom]

Holy.....really elegant, down to the understated features, to entice the middle aged bowler waering managment types one presumes, and not to scare them with the flashy yankee designs.

Is the Aristocrat Junior a rocket then?

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Holy.....really elegant, down to the understated features, to entice the middle aged bowler waering managment types one presumes, and not to scare them with the flashy yankee designs.

Is the Aristocrat Junior a rocket then?

No, on the surface yes and it can be considered to be a part of the family. The magical difference lies in the flat bottom plate that the English Aristocrats possess. Makes for a wonderful smooth but effective shave. It's also a bit heftier than the Rockets.

 

[Leopold Bloom]

No, on the surface yes and it can be considered to be a part of the family. The magical difference lies in the flat bottom plate that the English Aristocrats possess. Makes for a wonderful smooth but effective shave. It's also a bit heftier than the Rockets.

Thanks for the info, quite important difference there. I presume that an American Jr is just a Superspeed then? Does it have anything that makes it stand apart like the British Jr?

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Sweet looking razors!

 

[missingskin]

No, on the surface yes and it can be considered to be a part of the family. The magical difference lies in the flat bottom plate that the English Aristocrats possess. Makes for a wonderful smooth but effective shave. It's also a bit heftier than the Rockets.

Not all Aristocrats have the flat base plate as can be seen from the one in the picture below.

 

[whavens]

Amazing thread Jake. Those are some gorgeous razors and wonderful pictures.

 

[Mark1966]

I always know the thread is going to have great pictures when I see the thread creator name is Jake.

Yep - does it for me too.

Looking forward to being shown the source of all these finds mate!

 

[brother cavefish]

wow , you lucky man

 

[Konrad]

I wonder what razor Jake likes to shave with, out of all of his incredible collection. Jake, would you care to answer?

 

[IronHammer]

Why do I always get a sick feeling when I notice that Jake has started a new picture thread! I would consider myself fortunate to own even ONE of those great razors. Great photos and fabulous pieces, Jake, as always!

 

[Rasierhobel]

indeed very nice sets. your #19 looks like the little sister of my #15

 

[onotoman]

Indeed the English Gillette's are very well constructed. I had many but sold most of them to concentrate on collecting lesser known English Razors such as the Eclipse, Laurel, Darwin, Big Ben, Souplex etc, I have around 50 now....

 

[bluesbishop]

Gorgeous razors Jake...your collections are always impressive

 

[cwnidog]

And just when I thought I had my RAD under control, something new to lust after. Bless 'ee, Sir, they're gorgeous.

 

[Jake]

I wonder what razor Jake likes to shave with, out of all of his incredible collection. Jake, would you care to answer?

Yes, it is a challenge. But it's great to have some choices. I like the Jr. and the #77/#88 right now. But the aluminum based Rocket HD -- gold or nickel plated -- is a great light weight shaver when I have to shave many days in a row. The #15 when I really want to indulge myself. But what about you guys? What's your go to razor when you have the choice to select more than a couple?

 

[Jake]

indeed very nice sets. your #19 looks like the little sister of my #15

Why little sister? Maybe big brother? Or cousin...