Wow, Gillette Old Type, what a great shaver

[cmannen]

I'm amazed! I have been DE shaving for like 8 months, started with a Merkur HD and then an EJ 89L, both gives great results and I'm happy with them.
I bought 2 Gillette ball end old type of the Swedish eBay for $4 to practices restoration, it went pretty well and today I decided to give it a try how they shave.

Didn't know what to expect given that the razor is like 90 years old but my god did it shave well, I got one of my best shaves ever and I think i'm in love with the open comb. If I will continue to get results like this I have a new favorite razor and this to a price 20 times cheaper then a brand new DE razor.

Picture is before restoration, they look quite a lot better now One will be kept for myself the other one goes as an X-mas gift.

 

[Bestarrkin]

Old is quality, old is way high above nowadays standards.

 

[høvel]

You shouid try a Tech as well, they are my favorite razors.

I have a Merkur HD and several TTO Gillettes, but the the Gillette 3-piece design is superior when it comes to the upper lip area because of the small heads.
My cheeks are somewhat puffy and with the TTOs and Merkur HD I have a much harder time getting a nice and clean shave in that particular area.

I'm not trying to say that this might be a problem for you as well, but the 3-piece Gillettes should not be overlooked! They are not just cheaper versions of the TTOs.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Although I primarily use single edge razors to shave with, when I do use a double edge most of the time it's an Old Type I reach for. Usually a Ball End like yours but the Single Rings are outstanding shavers as well. And they are really cool looking!

 

[Feraud]

Agreed these are great shavers.

 

[talibeard]

The old type is the nicest shaving Gillette in my arsenal. Beats the Tech by miles!

 

[Greglam]

While my razor of choice is "only" a 1949 Super Speed, I have to agree with you. I started with the HD, too, and got a couple of SS's off the bay a couple of months ago and really can't see myself going back to the HD. I may give 'er another go just for comparison's sake but most likely I will PIF the HD and some blades to my brother-in-law.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

Pre WWII Gillettes are by far the best shaving razors Gillette ever made.

DD

 

[surftile]

I am new to this, but in the last 2 months have collected around 50 razors including
8 Auto Strops.What has given me great pleasure has been to shave this week with a
94 year young- old type wow! I realy had to use a light hand.....smooth as silk.

 

[sandmountainslim]

The Old Type Gillette is my personal razor of choice.
Close shave with hardly any irritation and they just LOOK good!
Wp

 

[Pioneer]

Pre WWII Gillettes are by far the best shaving razors Gillette ever made.

DD

Maybe anything pre-adjustable - Love my New Standards and NEWs but also get some mighty fine shaves from my 40s SS & Aristocrat.

 

[IronHammer]

Maybe anything pre-adjustable - Love my New Standards and NEWs but also get some mighty fine shaves from my 40s SS & Aristocrat.

It's odd. As much hype as the adjustable gets, it seems most people prefer a non-adjustable razor. Maybe somebody should start a poll? That would be interesting. I don't have permissions to start polls yet or I would.

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

My experience as well - I have those very razors and they are great.

Do be careful changing blades though. Envelope the head in a washcloth as you unscrew the handle. Set the handle to the side and then, with the head laying flat disassemble and replace blade. Don't ask me why I do it this way now...

I will say that my open comb Segal is a good deal louder as I shave than my Gillette open comb for some reason.

 

[jtadmin]

Don't ask me why I do it this way now...

Oh I can imagine . I really love this razor as well but didn't think about using a washcloth to open and close the head. Nice tip! I may have to switch back up to my Old Timer as I really do love the shaves with it the most out of all my razors. Just don't like loading blades in it much because of the possibility of loosing a finger, but it is a pretty razor to look at!