Gillette made several models under the Tech name but this particular model, the fat handled Gillette Tech, is my all-time favourite DE-razor - I just love it
There is a little disagreement as to when it was produced. Some sources say 1938-1941 and others 1939-1942, but it really doesn't matter to me if it is one year to either side.
The model was produced in both the USA and England and offered in nickel or gold plating.
I know that some have been replated in chrome, but I am unsure if it was offered in chrome plating originally, so if anyone has this knowledge please let me know.
Below: The two on the left are English models and the two on the right American models
I don't know if this general or just a difference in the ones I've got, but the bottom of the handle is more rounded on the English (bottom) than on the American (top)
English on the left and American on the right
Despite having such a short life span, the model came in two designs of the head; one with straight holes in the base plate and one with sort of triangular holes in the base plate.
The safety bar has a very tight line pattern on the upper side.
What makes this model stand out to me is the design of the handle. It is nice and thick with a very distinctive pattern.
The upper 1/4 of the handle almost resembles the columns found on ancient temples with vertical smooth lines/grooves.
The lower 3/4 of the handle continues the lines/grooves but they have a special herring-bone or criss-cross pattern.
Despite for the sturdy looking handle, the razor isn't heavy as the handle is hollow. Some people who like a heavier handle, puts weight into the handle in form of sand, lead or other suitable material. One of the razors I've got, came with very small stones in the handle.
Why is this my favourite DE?
Because I really like the design of the handle which is quite special. Gillette also made a model with a thin handle in a similar pattern, but somehow it doesn't aesthetic has the same appeal to me. It is like the pattern doesn't fit the thin handle just as well.
The head gives a very nice and smooth shave and it is not fuzzy about which brand of blade goes into it, it will deliver a good shave every time - at least in my experience. It is a mild razor and I like that it isn't hard on the skin.
The balance of the razor is really good too and I like the weight it has per factory and has found no need to make it more heavy.
And just to elaborate on the shaving properties; I have made a direct comparison of this razor with Mühle's R41 (2011 head). Both razors where equipped with a new Feather blade and I then shaved one half of my face with the Tech and the other with the R41. The result was that both razors gave me a BBS, and neither razor shaved closer than the other in either of the passes, they where equal during the whole shave.
But after the shave I could feel the side the R41 had shaved (no irritation or razor burn), but I felt nothing on the side the Tech had shaved.
Should I mention a modern razor which would come close to this particular model of the Tech, it would be the Merkur 34 HD. It is heavier, but the handle size and balance is somewhat equal to the Tech and although it got a nice criss-cross pattern of the handle, it just isn't as appealing to me as the Fat Handled Tech.
