The Scottish Davies Rythmic adjustable grail in da house!!

[Northstonehill]

Honestly I never ever thought I’d get me one of these - my holy grail razor. But here it is en route to the Northstonehill headquarters, still cannot believe it: Meet the Davies Rythmic adjustable razor.

This specimen appears to be in great original condition as is the gorgeous original bakelite case. Only things missing are the blade banks, but who is counting - this sucker is incredibly hard to find!

From what I know the Davies Rythmic was patented in 1937-38. British patent number 466228. And it was manufactured at the Davies Razor Co., Central Chambers, 93 Hope Street in Glasgow Scotland. Material AFAIK is nickel or chromed brass. The adjustability is infinite like a Gibbs or a L’Essor Le Supreme.

And yes, it does look like a freak but it is reportedly a mighty fine shaver. And it even takes standard blades. Below I attach some photos of the functionality in mounting the blade. The razor in those pictures belongs to my shaving friend Tom who has been fortunate to own one for a while. And who pointed me to this one, thanks Tom!!!

I am stoked! And now the long wait...

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Congratulations Peter, you have one amazing collection, I look forward to your review.

 

[nemo]

That's a beauty! Can't hardly believe it takes a standard blade. Amazing.

Hopefully you can get a mod to change the title for you. Unless they're all sotted.

 

[Northstonehill]

Haha, Doug, corrected, thanks. And thank you both for the kind words

 

[Clouds]

Congrats Peter.
Its an awesome razor, you are going to love it

 

[bkatbamna]

You know what they say: "If it isn't Scottish, it's rubbish"

 

[Northstonehill]

 

[Hobgoblin]

Nice , very nice . Beautiful razor great find

Glenn

 

[Haiku]

Congratulations! It's great to know that another one of these beauties will be in the hands of someone who appreciates it. I hope you enjoy it!

What the pictures do not show is how the movement of the bottom plate is poetry in motion. When you turn the bottom knob, the bottom plate lowers and turns allowing the blade to be inserted. I've wanted to make a video for years, but don't really have the wherewithal.

By the way, a few drops of 3-in-1 oil worked wonders on mine to ensure smooth movement. To oil the movement, which is something I pretty much never do, I removed the screw just over the Rythmic name and dripped some oil in there. That's the screw that fits into a groove in an inner rod that allows the blade to be inserted.

 

[Northstonehill]

Thanks, that is great guidance - appreciate it. Rarely have I looked so much forward to trying a new razor

 

[Haiku]

Thanks, that is great guidance - appreciate it. Rarely have I looked so much forward to trying a new razor

I know the feeling. That's how I felt waiting for mine to arrive. I've also got the bakelite box in perfect condition, but like you, no blade boxes. The bakelite box is very solid. It weighs as much as a compact car.

I generally never use oil on any razors, but that did the trick for me. Now that I think of it, I dripped some oil onto the shaft from the top as well.

If you take the screw out, be very careful with it. It's very small and easy to lose. Also, when you put it back in, make sure that you rotate the bottom knob so that the groove in the inner rod shows through the screw hole, then put the screw back in. You'll want the screw to fit into the groove in the inner rod. All this is hard to describe, but you'll know what I'm talking about the moment you see it. The inner rod has a "J" shaped groove cut out of it and when it rides against the screw the bottom plate moves up or down and it turns. Brilliant design. Simple, elegant and just brilliant.

Looking forward to hearing how you like the shave.

 

[Northstonehill]

Thanks again for the guidance! Will report back for sure once I get it in hand and try it on

 

[BigJ]

WOW!! Congratulations!!

 

[ajkel64]

Hopefully you can get a mod to change the title for you. Unless they're all sotted.

I'm sotted by the razor.

 

[Feather-man]

Thriftiness through superior design. Great Scot. I'll buy me some kilts if I ever take home a Rythmic.

 

[JCarr]

That looks dangerous! Be careful! Gotta love the Scots!

 

[Old Hippie]

Thriftiness through superior design. Great Scot. I'll buy me some kilts if I ever take home a Rythmic.

I realize gentlemen do not disclose price, but I strongly suspect that razor cost more than my best kilt.

Which, by the way is pure merino wool, Maple Leaf pattern (Canada's national tartan), pleated to the sett.

O.H.

 

[Northstonehill]

I realize gentlemen do not disclose price, but I strongly suspect that razor cost more than my best kilt.
Which, by the way is pure merino wool, Maple Leaf pattern (Canada's national tartan), pleated to the sett.
O.H.

Man, I think your kilt would be a matching set to this beauty

 

[dmshaver]

An absolutely beautiful razor, congratulations.

 

[Northstonehill]

Thanks again friends. I am checking the parcel tracking about twice an hour