Newbie needs a little help: Gillette Atra Content

[mistermullens]

So, I've been dropping hints like crazy for a Merkur HD (my first DE razor) for Xmas, but in the mean time, I've been looking for a less expensive alternative to my Gillette Fusion. As the title states, I'm new to all these different shaving options, and since I've been shaving, I bowed to the Marketing Gods and bought the latest shaving technology available. So in my quest to try something "new" and save a little money at the same time, I dropped $5.00 on the Wilkinson Sword Tech 3 and I hate it. No matter how I shave, it just doesn't get as close as the Fusion. As you all know, the Atra and Trac II blades are very popular, but I can't find handles for them anywhere. I've checked eBay, and they seem to be going for more than the Merkur HD. Can you guys point me to a decent handle? It doesn't even have to be original, but I would like it to comfortable. That is one thing I like about the Tech 3, is the weight and style. Its heavier than my Fusion, and isn't painted like a low rider. Oh, any thoughts on the Vector Plus? Those seem to cheaper and hold an Atra blade/cartridge? Thanks!

[Kcaps]

You should post a want to buy (WTB) thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=94). I'm sure someone has a spare handle kicking around they would be willing to sell you.

[michiganlover]

Here is a metal Atra handle that looks to be substantially constructed. West Coast Shaving is a very well respected vendor on this board by the way.

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Col-Conk-Chrome-Swivel-Head-Razor_p_385.html

I am not a big fan of the Vector. The handle is very cheaply built, and weighs about as much as a typical disposable. The vintage Atra handles are way better built, and have more weight.

By the way, I shave frequently with both a Trac II, and an Atra and find them to give top notch shaves. They are some of the best cartridge razors ever made (the Sensor rounding out the class).

[john parker]

eBarbershop.com has some nice Atra handles, but on the expensive side.

[davegt666]

If you want to buy something on ebay you have to be patient. That's how you get the good deals. I got my original all metal atra handle for $15.00 shipped on ebay. You just got to give it time. However, that handle that michiganlover mentioned is nice haha.

[CraigarTA]

SystemRazors Zing Handle (http://systemrazors.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=60&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=212) is under $10
Schick ULTRA PLUS Razor (http://www.ecrater.com/p/9427253/schick-ultra-plus-razor-ft) is $10.50
Just do a search and there is way to much information.
For travel I use FaceBlade (http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=520018&Category_Code=) and whats nice it uses Atra and Sensor blades depending on what adapter you put on it.

[HoosierTrooper]

You can find the Personna Bump Fighter handle at CVS or from the online store at www.personna.com that will hold Trac II blades. I actually prefer it over the original Trac II handle, of which I have one that was made in 1980. Dollar General sell their brand of Trac II blades, 6 for $1.25. Several of us have found them to be very good, especially for the price.

[michiganlover]

Dollar General sell their brand of Trac II blades, 6 for $1.25. Several of us have found them to be very good, especially for the price.

+1

At roughly .21 cents each they can't be beat on price! I have found they give a perfectly acceptable shave. :thumbup1:

They are a very good alternative for someone trying to save money on shaving (:lol::lol:) who doesn't want to go down the DE road.

[Buford T. Justice]

SystemRazors Zing Handle (http://systemrazors.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=60&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=212) is under $10
Schick ULTRA PLUS Razor (http://www.ecrater.com/p/9427253/schick-ultra-plus-razor-ft) is $10.50
Just do a search and there is way to much information.
For travel I use FaceBlade (http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=520018&Category_Code=) and whats nice it uses Atra and Sensor blades depending on what adapter you put on it.

SystemRazors Black Beauty Handle (http://systemrazors.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=59&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=212&cid=10059) looks pretty nice and is advertised as being mid wight. I just sent them an e-mail inquiring about the weight in grams.

[media]

I just bought the Gillette vector off ebay. It uses atra carts which were like $12 for 10. Not a bad handle for what it does and will tide you over until you get a DE. I paid like $5 shipped.

[kingfisher]

You can find the Personna Bump Fighter handle at CVS or from the online store at www.personna.com that will hold Trac II blades. I actually prefer it over the original Trac II handle, of which I have one that was made in 1980.
+1. The Bump Fighter is a nice handle. Used it this morning, in fact. :thumbup1:

Dollar General sell their brand of Trac II blades, 6 for $1.25. Several of us have found them to be very good, especially for the price.

Buyer beware! Michiganlover was kind enough to PIF me these blades. The first one went right onto my Bump Fighter handle and gave me a few really nice shaves. Unfortunately, none of the other blades in the package would fit the Bump Fighter handle. They just slid right off. They were so loose, in fact, that gravity alone would remove them from the handle.

The Personna "Twin 2" blades, on the other hand, fit perfectly.

[gearchow]

Interesting, I never looked at these razors.

http://file.vintageadbrowser.com/yjpbjsym5voboq.jpg
(1973)

So these twin blades that can take the place of a single injector blade, would they work in any injector, like a E or G?

http://file.vintageadbrowser.com/v8fekc6qcl2w2z.jpg
(1973)

And the Atra was just a handle improvement?

http://file.vintageadbrowser.com/ieg2iq5ql965h7.jpg
(1980)

Might have to pick up one of these the next time I have a chance.

-jim

[Go West Young Man]

For about $5, you can get a vintage Tech and get a nice little head start on your DE shaving skills.

[Sledgehammer39]

As another poster mentioned you can post WTB section of this site. I would be patient and a decent Atra handle will come up. On ebay sometimes NOS Atra handles which are plastic do show up. Good Luck..

[onadraw]

Merry Christmas...

PM me your address and I'll hook you up. More than just an Atra handle. (but it will be a surprise)

Its a Christmas Miracle. Gratis.

[Buford T. Justice]

SystemRazors Black Beauty Handle (http://systemrazors.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=59&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=212&cid=10059) looks pretty nice and is advertised as being mid wight. I just sent them an e-mail inquiring about the weight in grams.

I e-mailed them and they said this handle weighs 60 g. I might order a few.

[lamina]

:thumbup1: for Atra!!

Xmas magic!!I bought yesterday a NOS Atra here.

[brg]

I just bought the Gillette vector off ebay. It uses atra carts which were like $12 for 10. Not a bad handle for what it does and will tide you over until you get a DE. I paid like $5 shipped.

That's not a bad price. I bought one of the last NOS Contour (= Atra) handles with 2 carts in a local store. This one was probably made around 2004, and is very similar, if not equal, to the Vector. And it cost me 6 Euros...

[mistermullens]

Merry Christmas...

PM me your address and I'll hook you up. More than just an Atra handle. (but it will be a surprise)

Its a Christmas Miracle. Gratis.
Thanks! The shaving bug as bitten me, and I'm pretty stoked about trying "new" stuff. Although, its tough being a newbie.

[onadraw]

Thanks! The shaving bug as bitten me, and I'm pretty stoked about trying "new" stuff. Although, its tough being a newbie.

Unscheduled PIF in progress.

Your Christmas Care package will be on the way, USPS, today.

[onadraw]

Did you get a chance to try your stuff yet?

[mistermullens]

Did you get a chance to try your stuff yet?
Haven't given the DEs a try yet, but I will today. Looking forward to it!