Why Did Some Gillette Handles Crack?

[OV1kenobi]

I have several Old Types and NEWs. Some have cracks in the handles, others do not.

What caused this? Anyway to prevent it from happening to the others, aside from not using them?

This seems to happen with the ball-end handles.

Regards,

David

 

[T Rick]

I doubt it's use that causes the cracks. From what I've read, it's essentially a design flaw. They used a thin walled tubing, then press fit the head and ball end into it. At least that's my understanding.

 

[Greybeard]

I doubt it's use that causes the cracks. From what I've read, it's essentially a design flaw. They used a thin walled tubing, then press fit the head and ball end into it. At least that's my understanding.

You are correct. The brass used in the handle tube is probably cold formed. If it had been annealed then it would be much less likely to crack. The press fittings cause residual stress cracks.


- Peter

 

[**Bingo_Bob**]

Yes, I have found mint, NIB, *never been used* razors from the 20s and 30s that have hairline cracks in the handles... just design flaws. You see this flaw with razors made mostly in the window between WWI and when the first TTO was introduced in 1934. WWI critically increased manufacturing demand and quality control suffered.

 

[Oldguy]

Yes, I have found mint, NIB, *never been used* razors from the 20s and 30s that have hairline cracks in the handles... just design flaws. You see this flaw with razors made mostly in the window between WWI and when the first TTO was introduced in 1934. WWI critically increased manufacturing demand and quality control suffered.

I can't believe that Gillette didn't fix the problem right away. I understand some handles cracked before delivery to the customer. It's a real shame and Gillette's biggest goof.

Len