Since you asked: I would go for one of each type!!
You need some of each after all!! I suggest you start with one Slim and one Tech!!
You need some of each after all!! I suggest you start with one Slim and one Tech!!
I used to see pictures of the Super Adjustables and invariably they looked inferior to the Fatboys and Slims: the black handle (usually looking scuffed); the exaggerated 70s style font for the numbers...I use my birth year Black Beauty. I love that thing, so I'm gonna vote for an adjustable.
Same here.Again, I have to agree with @BigJ .
I have both, a Slim and a post war Tech. Wouldn't give up either one of them!
The collector world needs more like you, who are users.I used to see pictures of the Super Adjustables and invariably they looked inferior to the Fatboys and Slims: the black handle (usually looking scuffed); the exaggerated 70s style font for the numbers...
Then I bought one, just to have a 70s vintage Gillette in my collection, and found that they look much more attractive in real life (if in good condition, which mine is), and are very, very nice to shave with. Mine is a true Black Beauty with the plastic base plate, and it's a very classy razor. I never expected to like it is much as I do. It's now firmly in my rotation.
My first razor was an adjustable slim my dad bought for me in 1964 and I used it until carts came out and it was a good razor as I recall. I lost it in a move about 25 years ago.It's the newbie again, but learning more every day. I now have a whole bunch of Gillette razors in my sites and my research tells me they are all good, so right now I'm a bit like a kid in a toy shop unable to decide! Saying that the razors I am currently considering are: -40s Tech Flat bottom.
-50s BallTech,
-Another Ball End Tech, but with what appears to be a flat bottom head on it. Is that possible that the head and handle are mismatched?
-50s Gillette Rocket (694093 Parat?)
-What I think is a 60s Super Speed flare tip, -60s or 70s Slim Twist (white handle)
-And a Fatboy.
Apart from the Fatboy, I'm pretty sure that all of the above are the "Made in England" models.
I'm sure that many of you are going to recommend the Fatboy, but I'm guessing that the bidding on that will go above my budget.
As for the others I guess my biggest dilemma is 3 piece razors vs TTO razors (and adjustable vs non-adjustable). I've read about the blades in the TTOs having "movement / chatter", and am curious if this is an issue or just a "feature" you get used to. And with adjustables, it seems people struggle finding the right adjustment?
Finally, since I'm sure other razors are going to come up for sale. Which Gillettes should I stay away from? So far my research tells me that late 60s and 70s Techs "aren't the best", and the Techmatic is a joke. Feel free to warn me away from any others.
Thank you for any guidance you can give this slightly overwhelmed individual!
I would respectfully slightly disagree with your assessment of the 195 Adjustable Richard.Many like the 195 Adjustable (Fatboy) and many do not - I think it is a dull, clumsy sledgehammer - over rated and over priced, I think the Slim is far superior. Many like like Rockets or Aristocrats or whatever - I find them a little uninspiring; my favourite Gillette razor is the English Goodwill. But..... none of that matters - you could get 100% universal approval for a razor, then buy it, and then hate it. If you have no idea what you like then it makes sense, to me at least, to go for something relatively inexpensive, with medium aggression, that the majority of people like, and very few people actively dislike. One that has been around for decades and is still used and loved by many - my answer is the Tech. Try it and see what you like and do not like about it - then go from there. You may decide it is the only razor you will ever need, many millions of men made the same decision from the 1930s until today. Tech for the win - good luck
Alum, let me encourage you to buy a post-77 109. I don’t think 84’s were made after ‘77 and the nylon base plate models are the best of the lot.I would respectfully slightly disagree with your assessment of the 195 Adjustable Richard.
I greatly enjoyed my 1968 N4 (last ever made) Slim, but while a superb shaver, I found the ergonomics slightly off, in terms of handle length. Very subjective, but I found it 'unbalanced' the shave. However, a beautiful razor aesthically. It is of the early 60's and in that sense is somewhat 'futuristic' in terms of looks.
I may pick up one of the post 68' adjustables, such as the short handled Super Adjustable 85 (?), although they seem rather scarce and costly in the market. Just for kicks. Again, a design of its time, also factoring in a considerable cheapening of parts and materials used sadly.
I rather enjoy the 195 for its relatively short handle, and its look which seems a signature of mid-1950's design. I rather like that. It is a razor of its time, and I rather appreciate it's looks. I find it shaves as well as the Slim, and compared to some modern monstrosities it is actually rather light weight and dare I say delicate. I find no issues with its rather elevated head shape. It is like a 40's Super Speed or a 1953 English Rocket or Red Tip in that respect. Just go slightly more 75 degrees rather than 180 degrees on the WTG first pass on the upper lip.
I deeply appreciate the classic Gillettes of the design and development arc that are eptomised by the period they were released in.
Again my vintage user 'mysticm' kicks in, but I try to appreciate the razor in its time, and what the zeitgeist in terms of style preferences were at that time, and tune my shave into that.
Totally agree in terms of your thoughts on the Tech!
My personal choice is (obviously) vintage TTO's. Not that I have a problem with 3-piece or 2-piece razors. I just happen to like the little magic trick where you twist the bottom of the handle and butterflies come out.
I agree. I have a 1950 aristocrat that I bought at an estate sale for $10. It was promoted to my daily driver. With a Nacet blade, it gives a close comfortable shave with no weepers. It could use a replate though.I enjoy both 3 piece and tto razors. I’d recommend getting a tech and a 1948-50 aristocrat