Since returning to DE shaving 4+ years ago I've been surprised that few of today's modern DE razors use the reliable and effective adjustment mechanism that was almost the standard in Gillette butterfly razors back in the 1960' through the early 1980's. This mechanism uses a platform with four bars (2 per side) that extend through holes in the base plate to adjust the blade gap. It worked well for me in the Gillette Super Adjustable "Black Beauty" that I started shaving with in my college days. Gillette filed a patent for this in 1955 that was approved in 1958.
Most of today's adjustable razors either do not also have a butterfly mechanism or, if they use a butterfly, use an often problematic central spring mechanism that per many reviews across brands and my experience (Ming Shi 3000s) result in an often tilted/uneven base plate that is challenging to shave with.
The one exception to this I'm currently aware of, is my recently purchased, is the Razorock Adjust/Baili BD191 (sold by Stirling) that uses a clone of this mechanism. Is anyone aware of any other modern, currently produced butterfly DE safety razors that also use this same type of adjustment mechanism? If so please post here as I suspect that many other B&Bers would be interested in a razor if this type.
Manufacturers don't share a lot of details on the razor mechanisms in their on-line listings. I didn't know my Razorock Adjust had this until I started using it. The mechanism works well allowing this razor to deliver great shaves just like my Super Adjustable. Had I known it had this mechanism I'd have purchased one a while ago.
I've attached a copy of the patent that includes diagrams for those who are curious. In the diagrams item #24 is an illustration of the platform with the 4 bars that extend through the base plate. In addition to the Gillette Super Adjustables of the 1970's and 1980's I've confirmed, via on-line photos, that the same mechanism was also used in the Gillette Slim Adjustable from the 1960's.
Most of today's adjustable razors either do not also have a butterfly mechanism or, if they use a butterfly, use an often problematic central spring mechanism that per many reviews across brands and my experience (Ming Shi 3000s) result in an often tilted/uneven base plate that is challenging to shave with.
The one exception to this I'm currently aware of, is my recently purchased, is the Razorock Adjust/Baili BD191 (sold by Stirling) that uses a clone of this mechanism. Is anyone aware of any other modern, currently produced butterfly DE safety razors that also use this same type of adjustment mechanism? If so please post here as I suspect that many other B&Bers would be interested in a razor if this type.
Manufacturers don't share a lot of details on the razor mechanisms in their on-line listings. I didn't know my Razorock Adjust had this until I started using it. The mechanism works well allowing this razor to deliver great shaves just like my Super Adjustable. Had I known it had this mechanism I'd have purchased one a while ago.
I've attached a copy of the patent that includes diagrams for those who are curious. In the diagrams item #24 is an illustration of the platform with the 4 bars that extend through the base plate. In addition to the Gillette Super Adjustables of the 1970's and 1980's I've confirmed, via on-line photos, that the same mechanism was also used in the Gillette Slim Adjustable from the 1960's.