What type of blade loading system do you prefer?

[Zephyr]

Just out of curiosity, what is the preferred Type of blade loading system around here?

Just got my first TTO and two-piece today, so I don't really have made an oppinion yet.

What do you think is best?

[DamnFineBob]

The TTO systems are fantastic when using blades that come in a plastic and tin dispenser cartridge. A push of the thumb sends the blade out just enough to hook the center piece of the TTO razor, then pull and the blade seats itself. BINGO! Razor's ready to go and I didn't even TOUCH the blade!!!:w00t:

OTOH, if I gotta play with the @&%# glued-on paper wrappings:sneaky2: of a Gillette 7 O'Clock, or Derby, I might as well handle the blade some more and put it in a 2 piece or 3 piece razor. Its actually less manipulation of a bare blade to load one of these then it is to unwrap the blade in the first place.

[talibeard]

I started with a TTO followed by 3- and 2-piece designs. I have fallen in love with the 3-piece; the simplicity and functionality of that design is unbeatable IMO.

[ouch]

I'll tell you which blade loading system I don't prefer- Ted Pella's injector cartridges.

[michiganlover]

I like the utter simplicity, and long lasting durability of a 3 piece. Quite literally nothing to wear out. :thumbup1:

[dpmtherrien]

I like the utter simplicity, and long lasting durability of a 3 piece. Quite literally nothing to wear out. :thumbup1:

I gotta go along with what John says. It may require a bit more fussing, but really, nothing here to really go wrong. :thumbup1: :w00t: :001_rolle

[BladeDE40]

I started with a TTO followed by 3- and 2-piece designs. I have fallen in love with the 3-piece; the simplicity and functionality of that design is unbeatable IMO.

+1....I'm also a fan of the 3 piece.

[InvictusManeo]

TTO>2piece>>3 piece. The three piece is just a little more work than the other, but none of the methods are problematic.

[Slivovitz]

Well, the question was evidently meant to be just for DE razors, so no fair mentioning injectors, I guess.

I'll say a TTO, , although it's no big deal one way or the other; what's really important is how it shaves. There's just something pleasing about watching a TTO mechanism operate. Yes, in theory a simple three piece (or two piece like some Merkurs, or four piece like a single ring) ought to last longer. In practice, these old Gillette TTOs are amazingly durable if you don't try to break them, or abuse them beyond reason.

[DE Shaver]

I prefer a two piece over a 3 piece for convenience but a 3 piece is nice to maintain.

[Dennard]

I own both; probably prefer the tto.

[Navig8tor]

TTO works fine for me. My red tip is over 50 years old and works great. I am not sure what I could do in the normal course of shaving to break it.

[auk1124]

I'll take the three piece.

Extra crispy, with mashed taters, gravy, and cole slaw.

[salisburyyates]

I don't mind any of them that much, though a TTO is always the easiest for me, but I have no TTO's at the moment. However, I'm sure RAD will take hold soon.

[danparker77]

Three piece :thumbup1:

[Crixus]

In addition to my three pieces, I have two Slims and a Fatboy. I love to look at, fiddle with, polish and show off my TTOs. When it's time to shave, the pragmatist in me heads for the three piece about 90% of the time.

Just as I really enjoy classic car shows at the summer picnics, when I need to make the most reliable and efficient trip somewhere and do it without worry, I take my relatively light and streamlined coupe.

[mdevine]

I have and use several of both. I would hate to give up my favorites of either but if I had to pick one to use, I would go with a TTO. As to durability, most vintage Gillettes and Gems are built like tanks. In the past two days, I shaved with a 1930s New and a 1940s SS. I suspect that will both be functioning well long after I am gone.

[Doric]

I'll tell you which blade loading system I don't prefer- Ted Pella's injector cartridges.

+ A million, although, the Schick brand injector blades are a pleasure to load.

[toes]

I only have a 64 Gillette blue star and a Merkur 23c. I prefer the Merkur for loading. But that may change depending on mood. :tongue_sm

[Zephyr]

Well, the question was evidently meant to be just for DE razors, so no fair mentioning injectors, I guess.


Because of my lack of knowledge to injector razors this was meant to be about DE's. Injectors didn't even stroke my mind when starting this thread, but you're all welcome to share opinions on the injectors as well.
(I didn't even know there were different ways to load an injector, so anyone that can educate me: You're welcome to do so!):thumbup1:

[Slivovitz]

. . .(I didn't even know there were different ways to load an injector, so anyone that can educate me: You're welcome to do so!):thumbup1:

Well, there are the really old style injectors, or magazine repeaters, where the magazine with spare blades is actually inside the handle rather than being a separate piece. What Doric and ouch were writing about, though, was the difference between different brands of injector cartridges. The way they're supposed to work is identical, but some aren't made as well.

[wulfgar1976]

I don't really prefer one or the other; the important thing to me is that they align the blade correctly. If I have to align the blade myself (in other words, when I use a Parker...) then it's certainly easier to do so with a TTO model.

[El Judio Bravo]

I own three each of TTO and two-piece razors. Three-piecers don't appeal to me.

Both types are fine for me. No preference, though a TTO is easier to load. Happiness is a razor that may be rinsed free of gunk. :thumbup1: Unlike the single-blade Bic disposables I used till this past winter. :thumbdown

[Saltchuck]

I prefer the TTO for ease of changing blades.

I usually prefer a 3-piece for shaving because the head is more compact and fits into tight places better. The 3-piece razors feel more agile in my hand.

Of the TTO's, I prefer the 40s SS and similar Rocket because of their relatively compact heads.

[GDCarrington]

I prefer TTO because if you have to change blades every couple of days, it really comes in handy.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Well, the question was evidently meant to be just for DE razors, so no fair mentioning injectors, I guess.

I'll say a TTO, , although it's no big deal one way or the other; what's really important is how it shaves. There's just something pleasing about watching a TTO mechanism operate. Yes, in theory a simple three piece (or two piece like some Merkurs, or four piece like a single ring) ought to last longer. In practice, these old Gillette TTOs are amazingly durable if you don't try to break them, or abuse them beyond reason.

I agree with Slivovitz :thumbup1:

I happen to love my 2010 Parker 99R TTO although I don't own a 2 or 3 peice Razor...so I could'nt really compare betwen the two. But I think most men (me included), with TTO Razors just really like to observe the 'doors' open and close (kind of reminds me of missle 'silo' doors), must be the mechanical / tool-man mentality in us (hey...don't we men have most or if not all of the tools in the house / garage?).

Also, with all TTO, 2 or 3 piece Razors regardless of the make, year, model & money spent, the most important thing is that the Razor evenly 'sets' the razor blade when tight (meaning the razor blade egde 'gap' on the 'cap' Razor Bar (straight, comb, ect...), is set evenly).

There is nothing worse than Razor that will not set a blade evenly. I've always wondered...what do you do with a Razor that won't 'set' a blade evenly? Trash :thumbdown Can-it?

Christopher :badger: