Mix and match 3-piece'ers

**fatboyslimfast** · 09-09-2011, 02:50 AM

Hi all,

Forum newbie here, and relatively new DE shaver as well - around a month now.

I currently use a Boots own brand 3-piece DE razor (which I think is similar to the Gillette 7 O'clock), along with Boots/Tesco blades which I've read are rebadged Personas?.

I get a great shave from this, really close and comfortable, but the razor seems a little head-heavy in my hands - probably due to the cheapy plastic handle.

Does anyone know if handles from another razors would screw on? I like the shave that I get from it, just want it to be a little better balanced...

Cheers, Fatboyslimfast.

**HyzerFlip** · 09-09-2011, 04:11 AM

I'm curious about this as well. I've only got one 3 piece so I have no idea...

**Sledgehammer39** · 09-09-2011, 04:58 AM

If you have any spare Tech handles, you can test to see if the handle screws onto your razor. The Tech Fat Handle or Ball End might work.

**Wezard** · 09-09-2011, 06:15 AM

Sorry, don't know... but if you have to buy a different razor just to get the handle why not just get an EJ DE89? They're only about £20 and are fantastic with those blades. and you could always try the handle swap if you like :)

**Sunburst** · 09-09-2011, 04:18 PM

FWIW, the handle of my R89 works on my Tech. Try and have a go on the 'bay, there's some really nice deals from time to time on the UK ebay. Or check your local antique stores and car boots. I got a really nice '74 Gillette travel kit for 8 quid.

How do you like the Boots' razor otherwise? I grabbed the plastic Wilk instead to try.

**lancj1** · 09-11-2011, 03:58 AM

Done this.

The boots head has a standard thread and will fit a lord, Merkur and Gillette tech handle.
But if you buy a lord, Merkur or Gillette you will have the heads and handles too which will increase your neurosis !

What I would do is buy a lord l6. you will then have a Merkur style head, aluminium handle, tech style head off the boots razor and a plastic handle that you can use for travel, maybe ?

**singerman** · 09-11-2011, 04:28 AM

like wezard said, the edwin jagger is a lovely razor (to shave with, & looks gorgeous too) if ya wanna spend a bit more if you're enjoing DE shaving.

the boots/tesco blades are ok & i think you're right about personna making them. costing 20p each tho! you could pay half that for some derby extra blades online, & they're better than the tesco/boots ones. can last me up to 2 weeks too :) seems unreal after paying cartridge prices eh?

good luck m8

**michiganlover** · 09-11-2011, 04:44 AM

Originally Posted by lancj1

What I would do is buy a lord l6. you will then have a Merkur style head, aluminium handle, tech style head off the boots razor and a plastic handle that you can use for travel, maybe ?

+1

And the $10 Lord L6 is simply a great razor. It's as good (perhaps even better than) a Merkur but for far less cost.

**lancj1** · 09-11-2011, 04:56 AM

Agreed. I now only own the L6 and a spare still in the plastic. Brilliant kit

**fatboyslimfast** · 09-22-2011, 01:36 AM

Cheers for all the responses!

Well, after bagging a '74 Tech on ebay for £4, I can confirm that a Tech handle does indeed fit on the Boots head. However, having tried the tech head I find it gives less irritation than the Boots, and still provides a near BBS shave with little effort. Still using the Boots blades, as I've still got a stock. The Boots razor has now been delegated to a backup!

Oh, but I've learnt one thing. Avoid Laser blades from Wilkinsons (the shop not the brand). They are awful. But they were 40p for 5, so I'm guessing you get what you pay for.