Why is the Gillette "Tuckaway" an under appreciated razor?

[Antique Hoosier]

I have been picking up several Gillette "Tuckaway" razors on "The Bay" in the last month or so for very little money. They are nicely designed and have a pretty nice heft to them and shave quite well. They often come with their original Silver or Gold Plated cases and have blade boxes to match some of the time. Just wondering why they seem to not catch a whole lot of action in online auctions as they are a very high class travel razor (I wouldn't classify them as strictly a travel razor actually but perhaps that is what is holding them back). I have several now and will most likely not be bidding on any in the future so I don't feel I'm hurting my chances of acquiring more. Your thoughts?

[Dennis]

Dunno. Perhaps some guys are turned off by the open comb?

Dennis

[c white]

It's a combination of the open comb, and being a travel razor. They actually sell rather well compared to the other travel razors.

[norman931]

They seem to slip under the radar. I bid on one of those a couple of weeks ago, MIB, and someone sniped it. It only went for about $65!:frown:
How solid are the handles, Mike? :confused:

Norm

[Antique Hoosier]

Norman the handles are not as thin as the NEW STANDARD or Bostonian. They have a fairly significant weight to them. I'm just letting the cat outta the bag. Under $20.00 every member should try one.

[switters]

I got one off of the Bay the other day. I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I'm just glad that I snagged it before you let the cat out of the bag. Next week they will probably be going for what a minty Sticky does. :biggrin:

[norman931]

I want one! :001_tt1: I have a NEW Gillette with that same diamond pattern on the handle, and it is the most secure grip I have found. It is my favorite razor, aggressive enough to shave my coarse whiskers very close without tearing my face up in the process. The little Tuckaway looks like it would do as well or better. :thumbup1:

[norman931]

Well, it took a week, but I finally scored one of these off ebay. There doesn't seem to be much interest on this board, but there has been some fierce bidding over there! :mad: This will be my first "New Improved" Gillette. I'm wondering how the shave compares to the NEW Gillette. Anybody have both? :confused1

Norm :boat:

[Gemini]

I'm wondering how the shave compares to the NEW Gillette. Anybody have both? :confused1

Norm :boat:

I have quite a few of each and while the NEW is a fine razor, the NEW Improved with flat-milled guards are my favorites, and provide a great shave. Here is a 1929 mint Tuckaway that goes with me whenever I travel.

gemini

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=6653

[Antique Hoosier]

Beautiful Tuckaway Gemini. I have 2 gold ones and two silver ones and I can say that they are substantial quality shavers! I think every member should experience one as they will remain to be bargains. They are an excellent travel razor being so compact, but their build quality, fit and finish is like that of a full sized luxury razor. I have used mine before as a final pass "touch up" razor too. I noticed that Don (Taz) picked up a very clean Tuckaway too and I look forward to his review on it.

[norman931]

My gold one arrived yesterday, and a silver is on the way. I love the little case, and the handle is indeed heavy and has a nice feel. :thumbup1: An added bonus was the 60 year old blade left in the razor head. :mad: (If you add the price of a tetanus shot to the auction price, it's NOT a good deal.) No, I didn't cut myself, but I came close. I'll have to try this little jewel as soon as I get over my current affair with my (Thanks, Mike) NDC Super Speed!

Norm :boat:

[redbike]

I will be getting one of these soon as I won it in this auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270100248973&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=017#ebayphotohosting

I wonder if the shorter handle is perceived as a drawback.

jim

[Antique Hoosier]

Jim...in that particular suction obviously the Tuckaway is outside the case and a "NEW" is inside. You got a good deal..look forward to your review of it.

[redbike]

Jim...in that particular suction obviously the Tuckaway is outside the case and a "NEW" is inside. You got a good deal..look forward to your review of it.

Mike,

Yeah, and I already have a NEW, but wanted the Tuckaway and the other one enough to get the lot. I did ask the seller about cracks and he said there were no cracks on any of the razors. I'm going to need another drawer or shelf in my bathroom to accommodate the open comb razors I'm acquiring :blush:

Thanks for the tip.

jim

[redbike]

Well I finally tried the Tuckaway and I must say it gave me quite an aggressive shave - and I use a red tip regularly. Maybe I'm just not used to a shorter handled razor - it's shorter than any of my other razors, so maybe I had the blade angle too shallow. But, as others before me have commented, it has great heft for its size. Maybe I will use it regularly for a while to get more practiced with it. It's also the nicest looking razor I have.

Anyone know the dates Gillette made these?

Thanks for all the tips on this razor.

jim

[Antique Hoosier]

Jim, Check out your serial number on the razor and let us know we can narrow it down to a specific year...these razors were a part of the New Improved line and are listed in Krumholz's book.

[galpman]

Dunno. Perhaps some guys are turned off by the open comb?

Dennis

+1

[norman931]

First shave with a Tuckaway this morning, and I am impressed! All the good qualities of the NEW in a shorter package! The short handle takes some getting used to, but it balances well and is comfortable, even in my big hand. Very close shave with minimal irritation. I got this one for less than ten bucks shipped, with case and blade box. It is the silver colored version, and polished up nicely. According to Krumholz's serial # reference, this one was manufactured in 1921. Not bad! :biggrin:

Norm :boat:

[Antique Hoosier]

Norman..I believe you are correct...the BALANCE of the Tuckaway is superb..this is not some flimsy "Travel Razor"...I enjoy mine too.