Upscale Atra handle

[Hairy Callahan]

Does anyone make an upscale handle that will take Atra blades? Metal handle, ivory, stag. I dunno... Something that really rocks. I've looked all over the internet and it seems like Gillette has abandoned this handle and only reluctantly supplies blades for it. The aftermarket blades from Walmart are cheap and readily available, yet the handles are scarce. Especially the really upscale ones.

 

[Bobtrumpet]

The only one I know of at retail is the Col. Conk one here (scroll down for "SWIVEL HEAD RAZOR #597") and here.

Member dridiot sells the inexpensive plastic handle Contour Plus and Vector handles (Gillette made for the south Asia market) on his eBay store. The handles are light, but work great.

And of course there's the Reed and Barton sliver-plated handles that come up on eBay from time to time. There are a number of original, but used, Atra handles on eBay right now.

 

[cvixx]

Atra handles are few and far between. probably 30 Trac-2 handles for each Arta, at least on the Bay. You might do a Google search for 'Atra handle' and see what shows up. I found some Wilkinson Bonded blades on a Craig's List oiut of the Midwest that way.

 

[glassmtn99]

Merkur also makes one: http://bestgroomingtools.com/merkur-twin-blade-razor-p-246.html

eric.

 

[MichaelG]

the Merkur handle uses a couple of Rube Goldberg-like plastic contraptions on the head to accommodate various cartridges (other than the Trac II). It's also balanced and angled really strangely.

Merkur also makes one: http://bestgroomingtools.com/merkur-twin-blade-razor-p-246.html

eric.

 

[L. Martino]

Does anyone make an upscale handle that will take Atra blades? Metal handle, ivory, stag. I dunno... Something that really rocks. I've looked all over the internet and it seems like Gillette has abandoned this handle and only reluctantly supplies blades for it. The aftermarket blades from Walmart are cheap and readily available, yet the handles are scarce. Especially the really upscale ones.

Hi there,

I've got a handle that might work for you. There's no Atra cartridge around for me to make sure, but I believe it's the same head design as the Gillette version. The action works well when the button's depressed.

Sorry for the poor pics...the gold looks much better in person........no plating loss anywhere and it's nice and shiny. This thing is heavier than the stock Atra handle, and is in overall very good shape. Oh, this handle has six sides.

If you like, I'd sell this for let's say.......$20 which includes US shipping. If for any reason it won't quite fit the Atra cartridge, then just send it back and I'll do a refund without a problem. I have a Gillette handle for a comparison and the two heads look the same.

Let me know if that interest you,

Martin

 

[shamus]

Sometimes you do see some upscale Atra Handles on E-Bay in Sterling Silver. They usually get bid up to $100 if they are in great condition.

If your looking for a vintage metal handle that is NEW old Stock....I think that PaulDog, a contributing member of the board, has one on E-Bay for sale. He might be your best source for finding a Metal or elaborate Atra Handle. Metal Atra handles are indeed very rare and hard to find. I guess people realize that these were the last of the "good" multi blade cartridges for shaving. Only two blades with a pivoting head.

 

[Hairy Callahan]

Thanks for the informative replies everyone. PM sent on that seriously cool gold razor. Mark me down as "interested"! I'm thinking Gillette wants to wash their hands of the Atra and saddle everyone with their expensive Mach/Fusion stuff. With the aftermarket Atra blades being so readily available (and affordable), they want the whole mess GONE from the market. Or so it seems after doing some internet searches for handles anyways.

 

[Slivovitz]

Thanks for the informative replies everyone. PM sent on that seriously cool gold razor. Mark me down as "interested"! I'm thinking Gillette wants to wash their hands of the Atra and saddle everyone with their expensive Mach/Fusion stuff. With the aftermarket Atra blades being so readily available (and affordable), they want the whole mess GONE from the market. Or so it seems after doing some internet searches for handles anyways.

I've got two Atra handles from, according to the date codes, 1985 and 1986. One is all metal, the other is mostly metal with a plastic grip. The only reason I have the second is that I once forgot to bring the first one on a trip with me. They both lasted fine with regular use until I started using a DE early last year. Better made, I think, than most current cartridge handles.

No, mine aren't for sale, but used handles and even NOS ones show up on eBay pretty often.

 

[Hairy Callahan]

Wow! L. Martino sent me a whooooopin' bad Atra handle!! Solid brass and HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY. Thanks much. Looking forward to clampin' one of those personna Atra carts in there and whuppin up somethin in the shave cup. Yikes! Thanks also for that sample blade for the DE. An unexpected surprise. An iridium super from Russia. Looks like my week is set, and I'm gonna be smoooooooth as the Utah salt flats. Whew.

This is a great forum...

 

[shamus]

Glad you got your Atra. Cheers!