waiting for a tech

[flight567]

hey guys, lol i'm waiting for a vintage gillette tech along with some blades. i can't wait lol this will be my second razor, (first is a merkur HD) and was wondering if there was a real change between the merker and a ball end tech?
ps. lol i'm really exited... lol how long would it take the USPS to get from Chicago to Ohio?

 

[Masterblaster]

I own a Vintage Tech. Mine came in the original box with some vintage Gillette blades.

Comparing it to my Merkur, I like the Merkur better. The Tech is just a little too mild in the agressiveness area to suit me.

I do still use it occasionally though.

 

[milkid]

I think you'll like it. Like the previous poster said, the Tech is MUCH milder. I actually started with a Merkur HD, picked up the Tech, and now am using the Tech everyday.

Haven't used the HD in quite a while. I actually prefer the Tech - and if you read the reviews, you'll see it's a solid, servicable razor.

USPS from Chicago to Ohio - shouldn't take too long. Do you have a tracking number?

 

[flight567]

no, but i do guess i could ask the person who sent it to me for it, thanks for the nputguys. and while we are here i might aswell try to turn this into a merkur HD vs. Tech thread... when i get it i'll post my views of it (i might wait until friday to use it... use it as my birthday razor ) and anyone else who wants to post a comment on the HD vs. the tech is welcome/incouraged to

 

[No Pressure]

I just picked up a Ball-End Tech from an antique store when I was on vacation in Tennessee over Memorial Day weekend (plus a vintage Ever-Ready boar brush). Just started using it last week, and I must say that I'm enjoying it already. It's my first 3-piece razor (I generally have been using TTOs). Can't make any comparisons to the Merkur HD, since I've never used or owned one, but I feel the Tech has enough weight/heft and is very easy to use.

Looking forward to loading it up with a Feather soon and seeing how that goes.

 

[flight567]

i havn't ever used a TTO, what's the deal there? is it better or worse or doesn't matter?

 

[FL shaver]

I have my first Tech on the way and my first razor was an HD, too. I also got a travel Tech a couple of weeks ago and I understand the head is similar. I used it a couple of times and found it to be less aggressive than the HD as others have noted. I'm hoping to clean the full size one up and give it to my dad.

 

[No Pressure]

i havn't ever used a TTO, what's the deal there? is it better or worse or doesn't matter?

As always, YMMV, but for me it's simply just a different piece of equipment and a different way of loading your razor.

I haven't been able to tell a difference performance-wise (unless your using an adjustable razor, which Techs and HDs are not), but there's something so smooth about those doors opening up (Cue the sound of angels ) and putting in a blade!

 

[flight567]

lol, sounds like i might want to go and try to get a fatboy... (dernit! you guys are going to put me intO RAD!!)

 

[Den]

I've only used a Tech, Fatboy and a Superspeed. The Tech is my fav!

 

[flight567]

that sounds good... how much milder is it?

 

[gaseousclay]

that sounds good... how much milder is it?

I think the term 'mild' is a bit misleading when describing the Tech. it's lighter than a lot of vintage Gillettes so it will naturally feel like you're getting a milder shave. I have quite a few heavier vintage Gillettes and a Merkur 33c but the fat handle Tech is my favorite because I almost never cut myself with it. either way, the Tech is a great razor

 

[steveclarkus]

I have two Techs and a Red Tip TTO. One of my Techs is pre-WWII and is a tad more aggressive than the post war Tech. I put a fat handle on it and it is an absolutely wonderful razor. I've read in other posts that the Tech with a Feather blade is the perfect razor. I've not tried that combination yet but will on my next blade purchase.

I prefer the three piece over the TTO. I don't like all that machinery on my razor. Maybe it's because I used a TTO for so many years but I much prefer the Tech.

 

[Rocketeer]

+1 on the Pre-WWII Techs being a little more aggressive than the post-war version. I love my pre-war Fat Handle Tech. My post-war (1955) Tech works well with an Astra blade, or any of the other blades that tend toward the "sharper" end of the spectrum.

As for TTO razors, it is simply a matter of the convenience of loading or changing blades. Obviously, they are mechanically more complex and therefor more expensive to manufacture.