As a collector of fountain pens, I have noticed how many manufacturers in recent years have "reissued" models of pens they manufactured in the 1920's-1940's period. In some cases the internal mechanisms of the pens have been changed / updated (e.g., allowing for the use of a cartridge), but the exterior looks identical or very similar to the original pen (e.g., Parker's reissue of the 51). Similarly, some high-end watch manufacturers have done the same (e.g., TAG-Heuer's reissue of the Monaco).
I couldn't help thinking that Gillette has a great opportunity to do the same. Take a look at the prices people are paying for some mint antique Gillette razors on eBay (e.g., Aristocrats, English 66's), and it seems that there is interest. Earlier today I visited the Gillette web site and left the following note through their customer service portal:
Dear Sirs,
Over the last year I have become quite engaged in what has lately been referred to as 'wetshaving'. This is the label that has been applied to shaving activities that involve the use of traditional implements like badger hair shaving brushes and double edged (DE) razors and blades. You can learn more about this phenomenon at web sites like www.badgerandblade.com and www.shavemyface.com.
Although there are a few manufacturers of DE razors (i.e., the handles) still around (e.g., Merkur, Parker), most people pursuing 'wetshaving' end-up buying older models of Gillette DE razors. As I am sure you are aware, some of these razors actually sell for a considerable sum on eBay!
I am writing to you today to share an idea: Gillette should produce / re-introduce brand new DE razors based on your great designs of the past. These could be marketed as collectors items, limited edition anniversary reissues, etc. The wetshaving community is quite large and growing all the time: I am certain this would attract both notoriety and sales for you. Given that a 50 year old Gillette 'Fat Boy' in good shape can go for $50 on eBay - and a mint Gillette Aristocrat for more than $200 - the market for brand new Gillette DE razors could be quite exciting.
FYI, this very initiative has been followed by pen manufacturers. Virtually all of the key pen manufacturers (e.g., Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer) have introduced 'retro' fountain pens based on designs from the 1920's-1940's period.
I hope that I receive a reply from a representative of Gillette on this topic. I look forward to your thoughts.
Of course, I'll post any reply I receive into this thread. I am interested to learn what others think of this idea. Would you be interested in a brand new Fat Boy, Aristocrat, or Toggle?
Cheers,
I couldn't help thinking that Gillette has a great opportunity to do the same. Take a look at the prices people are paying for some mint antique Gillette razors on eBay (e.g., Aristocrats, English 66's), and it seems that there is interest. Earlier today I visited the Gillette web site and left the following note through their customer service portal:
Dear Sirs,
Over the last year I have become quite engaged in what has lately been referred to as 'wetshaving'. This is the label that has been applied to shaving activities that involve the use of traditional implements like badger hair shaving brushes and double edged (DE) razors and blades. You can learn more about this phenomenon at web sites like www.badgerandblade.com and www.shavemyface.com.
Although there are a few manufacturers of DE razors (i.e., the handles) still around (e.g., Merkur, Parker), most people pursuing 'wetshaving' end-up buying older models of Gillette DE razors. As I am sure you are aware, some of these razors actually sell for a considerable sum on eBay!
I am writing to you today to share an idea: Gillette should produce / re-introduce brand new DE razors based on your great designs of the past. These could be marketed as collectors items, limited edition anniversary reissues, etc. The wetshaving community is quite large and growing all the time: I am certain this would attract both notoriety and sales for you. Given that a 50 year old Gillette 'Fat Boy' in good shape can go for $50 on eBay - and a mint Gillette Aristocrat for more than $200 - the market for brand new Gillette DE razors could be quite exciting.
FYI, this very initiative has been followed by pen manufacturers. Virtually all of the key pen manufacturers (e.g., Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer) have introduced 'retro' fountain pens based on designs from the 1920's-1940's period.
I hope that I receive a reply from a representative of Gillette on this topic. I look forward to your thoughts.
Of course, I'll post any reply I receive into this thread. I am interested to learn what others think of this idea. Would you be interested in a brand new Fat Boy, Aristocrat, or Toggle?
Cheers,