Vintage TTO shaving tips (Aristocrat Jr/Ranger Tech)

[MikeyTX]

Having fallen victim to a case of RAD, I just picked up two vintage TTOs, a 1949 Aristocrat Jr and a 1941 Ranger Tech. Having shaved with each once now, it almost seems like I bought the same razor twice. Very close shave, but one nick and a couple of weepers each time.

I tried shaving the same way I do with my post-war Tech, shallow-ish but with way less pressure, because I can DEFINITELY feel the blade here, especially the Aristocrat. @Alum Ladd states that it is "Nicely assertive and very efficient." which may be an understatement!

I'm 1000% sure this is all due to lack of experience on my part, so does anyone out there have any tips for shaving with these beasties? And can anyone recommend a similar head geometry but milder (but not 60s slim/superspeed mild) vintage TTO that I can get and use for awhile to level up? I have a feeling that if I ease my way into these razors, they might be something special but for now they definitely aren't like my Tech that I can put on cruise control.

Thanks all!

 

[lasta]

I've never tried a 60s super speed, but for something slightly above Tech but below the Aristocrat Junior, try a Red Tip.

 

[creamgravy]

I can only dream of a Ranger Tech but the 49 AJ isn't that aggressive after you get used to it.
Although it does offer more range than other mainstream Gillettes due to the narrower guard, one of the razors unique selling points.
Just have fun playing around with angles, pressure and blades when you get the time (Dorco Prime Plats are my current favourite)

I love going really steep on the second pass with the AJ, it really suits my sensitive neck. They're steep shavers in general YMMV.

 

[fengcs]

You can try American aristocrats from 1948 to 1950

 

[Joezamboni]

Once you get to the English razors with the diamond baseplates and the 1948 and later superspeeds are generally just mild. I do like the American aristocrats (as already stated.) the heft adds to the experience and they’re pretty common.

 

[Alum Ladd]

Having fallen victim to a case of RAD, I just picked up two vintage TTOs, a 1949 Aristocrat Jr and a 1941 Ranger Tech. Having shaved with each once now, it almost seems like I bought the same razor twice. Very close shave, but one nick and a couple of weepers each time.

I tried shaving the same way I do with my post-war Tech, shallow-ish but with way less pressure, because I can DEFINITELY feel the blade here, especially the Aristocrat. @Alum Ladd states that it is "Nicely assertive and very efficient." which may be an understatement!

I'm 1000% sure this is all due to lack of experience on my part, so does anyone out there have any tips for shaving with these beasties? And can anyone recommend a similar head geometry but milder (but not 60s slim/superspeed mild) vintage TTO that I can get and use for awhile to level up? I have a feeling that if I ease my way into these razors, they might be something special but for now they definitely aren't like my Tech that I can put on cruise control.

Thanks all!

Maybe I understated it somewhat.

Is 'charmingly aggressive' a thing?

Seriously, my only experience with a 430 030 Aristocrat Junior is so far confined to the No. 48, which completely surprised me as to what Gillette TTO's were capable of and how varied the Gillette design actually was in terms of country of origin and performance. Its an aggressive, growly razor which has a lot of blade feel and and a gap which exceeds a 195 Adjustable on 9. But it's a fantastic fun razor when you get the hang of it.

Have fun with the 48-49 Aristocrat Juniors and the early Aristocrats proper. The 48 is like a Super Speed on steroids, but it delivers a fantastic result. The last of the classic barber shave English Gillettes. The Ranger Tech, Milord and pre war US Aristocrat and early post war US Aristos also have that lovely combination of angle openness, aggression and efficiency for my face.

If you have a 195 or a Slim crank it up to 8 for a good intro. This may replicate gap, but there is more blade feel with the earlier models you mention.

Anyway, heres' a couple of threads I started which may be helpful in this matter.
The British Gillette Aristocrat Junior 1948-1949. User Impressions And Comments Please. - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/the-british-gillette-aristocrat-junior-1948-1949-user-impressions-and-comments-please.647319/

The English Aristocrat Junior No.48. A Forgotten Masterpiece - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/the-english-aristocrat-junior-no-48-a-forgotten-masterpiece.648680/

They are good reads with a mass of info from B&B Brothers far more experienced than me in the subject.

Hope they help!

 

[Dirty Harry]

Hey Mikey,
I like your choice of razors. I'm a big fan of the Ranger Techs. I have 3 as well as a 47 Aristocrat junior. All four get used often.

You didn't mention your experience level with DE shaving. Technique plays a big role as well as confidence.

Blade choice may be another factor.

The first time I used the RT was not a pleasant one. It was a little on the rough side. Not knowing what to expect regarding the RT, I just let it be. I gave it a few more tries but never felt good about using it. My experience was similar to yours.
I looked it over and found that there was a small factory defect(?). The stamping at the lather slots was not done well and there were raised areas on both ends of the slots due to a dull die or something. I did manage to disassemble the razor enough to access the area for a few swipes with a sharpening stone and then it provided a great shave. Hard to believe that it had been this way since 41. No wonder it was in good shape. Someone more than likely got sick of it and threw it in the back of the sock drawer where it stayed for a time.
Since then I have found a 41 Milord and a 46 milord. They do take a little technique but they are now one of my favorites. I only used vintage razors.

I guess my point is that there can be issues with the razor itself. Don't rule it out.

If your looking for a similar razor that you can put on "cruise control" I would suggest the 40's style super speed which is the same as your 49 junior. I love the 40's style super speeds. I have a few and they mostly the 47-50 NDC models. Your Tech is another "cruise control" razor. I love the prewar version. Hard to beat a Tech in my opinion.

Apart from that I'd continue to spend time with these razors. Be assured that they can provide a great shave. I just used one this AM and it was great.

PS I started a group called FORT. Fans Of Ranger Techs. Check it out and post us some pics please.

 

[MikeyTX]

These are the blades I use (tried to find a decently priced non_Russian made blade, if there are any better, please say so):

I'm definitely not giving up on these razors. I'll do a week or two with each, starting with the Ranger. Just for grins, I also picked up a 50s Flair Tip and a pre-date code Superspeed last night at the auction site for less than $50 for both.

PS I started a group called FORT. Fans Of Ranger Techs. Check it out and post us some pics please.

I'll definitely take a couple of pics and post them in the thread. After all, I'm relying on the sellers identification that it is indeed a 41 Ranger Tech. If there are tips on shaving technique in the thread, so much the better.

 

[profusion]

I second the recommendation for a '40s-style Superspeed or 1948-50 Aristocrat, if you need a touch less aggression than from a Ranger Tech.

I happen to love those pre-1948 TTOs, though--possibly my favorite razors now.

The Lab Blue can be a bit harsh on the first three days. Try a smoother blade like a Dorco (easy to obtain) in either of your current TTOs before you judge those razors. My Russian-made Astras work great in all of my pre-1948 Gillette TTOs, but the current Indian-made Astras are supposedly a little sharper.

To me, the TTOs are far more forgiving of angles than the Tech. The easiest razors I own.

 

[MikeyTX]

I second the recommendation for a '40s-style Superspeed or 1948-50 Aristocrat, if you need a touch less aggression than from a Ranger Tech.

I happen to love those pre-1948 TTOs, though--possibly my favorite razors now.

The Lab Blue can be a bit harsh on the first three days. Try a smoother blade like a Dorco (easy to obtain) in either of your current TTOs before you judge those razors. My Russian-made Astras work great in all of my pre-1948 Gillette TTOs, but the current Indian-made Astras are supposedly a little sharper.

To me, the TTOs are far more forgiving of angles than the Tech. The easiest razors I own.

Thanks for the blade advice!

I tried the Ranger again today, but this time riding the cap as much as possible. The shave was not as good, I think I am going light for fear of getting bitten. Still got a few weepers.

Ordered some Dorco ST300 blades from Amazon, they will be here tomorrow. Until then, I may give my face a break and go back to the tech for a day or two.

 

[profusion]

Thanks for the blade advice!

I tried the Ranger again today, but this time riding the cap as much as possible. The shave was not as good, I think I am going light for fear of getting bitten. Still got a few weepers.

I shave fairly steep with my Gillette TTOs and prefer the results that way.

 

[DrStrange]

I use a 41 Ranger Tech,
but I hold any safety razor by the neck
between the tip of my thumb and the inside of the distal joint of my index finger.

The rest of my fingers wrap around the handle but don't grip it.

The way that razor heads tend to naturally pivot from holding them that way,
is what all of the pivoting and ball socket razors are trying to mimic.