Since joining B&B in 2014 I have had the pleasure to try many vintage Gillette’s, and would like to offer a summary of my impressions. I have added pictures to help members understand the general models I am talking about, and they can search specifics.
The Old types: What can I say? I firmly believe these are meant for older thicker blades. Using different top cops and shims I have had good to great shaves, but never find them enjoyable.
The New standard: An improvement to be sure, but aggressive and not very rigid IMO. Many beautiful sets.
The NEW’s: So many variations and too much to discuss. I would quickly rate them RFB=SC>Deluxe(both versions)>LC>Goodwill>others.
The Aristocrats: My favorite of the bunches, and a name reused across several decades. All of them are fantastic, both the British and American models. Many share the same heads on different handles, and the base plates were machined in England instead of stamped, making razors slightly different across the same range.
1st Gen OC> 46’ 47’ Aristocrat>1934 OC>3rd Gen SB>Executive(rhodium American barberpole)>2nd Gen SB>4th Gen SB> the rest.
The Adjustables: I prefer heavy razors, so I like them in order of release. Fatboy>Slim>Super.
The Techs: I like all of them, but have never tried the RFB Tech. I assume it would be my favorite, but the Pre war tech wins for now.
The Superspeeds: many different models here, too many to name. I prefer the Red tip due to looks and weight, but find them all to be a tad to mild. I add razors like the lady Gillette here as the heads are the same.
Final conclusion: I think the Aristocrats and NEWs were the cream of the crop when it came to Gillette razors. Would love to see others comparisons added below, I know many members have tried far more than I.
Top 5: Gillette Popular, 46’-47’ Aristocrat, Fatboy, RFB NEW, 1934 Aristocrat. I only kept the top 3.
The Old types: What can I say? I firmly believe these are meant for older thicker blades. Using different top cops and shims I have had good to great shaves, but never find them enjoyable.
The New standard: An improvement to be sure, but aggressive and not very rigid IMO. Many beautiful sets.
The NEW’s: So many variations and too much to discuss. I would quickly rate them RFB=SC>Deluxe(both versions)>LC>Goodwill>others.
The Aristocrats: My favorite of the bunches, and a name reused across several decades. All of them are fantastic, both the British and American models. Many share the same heads on different handles, and the base plates were machined in England instead of stamped, making razors slightly different across the same range.
1st Gen OC> 46’ 47’ Aristocrat>1934 OC>3rd Gen SB>Executive(rhodium American barberpole)>2nd Gen SB>4th Gen SB> the rest.
The Adjustables: I prefer heavy razors, so I like them in order of release. Fatboy>Slim>Super.
The Techs: I like all of them, but have never tried the RFB Tech. I assume it would be my favorite, but the Pre war tech wins for now.
The Superspeeds: many different models here, too many to name. I prefer the Red tip due to looks and weight, but find them all to be a tad to mild. I add razors like the lady Gillette here as the heads are the same.
Final conclusion: I think the Aristocrats and NEWs were the cream of the crop when it came to Gillette razors. Would love to see others comparisons added below, I know many members have tried far more than I.
Top 5: Gillette Popular, 46’-47’ Aristocrat, Fatboy, RFB NEW, 1934 Aristocrat. I only kept the top 3.
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