Double Base Plate OT

[BBrad]

We all get chuckles from off-the-wall eBay listings, and how those who don't "know" razors sometimes present them. Here's one that didn't hit me until I opened the box . . .

Recently, I picked up a lot of various three-piece razors. I hadn't noticed this exact configuration in the auction photo, but it certainly caught my eye when I unwrapped it!



An extra base plate neatly assembled with the razor. Now I like the weight bias toward the head . . . and boy does this make it head-heavy! I wondered how it would shave? Upon disassembly, I could see evidence that it may have been used in that configuration.



I'll clean it up and give it a try like this . . . inquiring minds want to know!!

[ERVARGASNY]

Looks interesting, let us know how it shaves, maybe we can catch up to gillettes 5 blade System? It's a start :o)

[inspiringK]

That looks like an Old Type head where the blade rests right on the guard bar, so I don't think that the lower blade would be exposed at all. Even if it were, the angle that a razor is usually used to shave with would keep the bottom guard bar (or combs) away from the face.

Though, I agree with you, that rusting would suggest the original owner had a blade on each base plate. Can't hurt to try it.....
I like your idea of simply using the extra base to add heft to the head, let us know how things pan out

[Intrigued]

I love it!

So, when you try it are you going to put the blade on the bottom base plate, the top base plate, or "Track II" it and put a blade on both?????

[BBrad]

Actually, I don't think it was used with two blades. The thickness of the lower plate would put the blades too far apart to work as a twin blade. The dried lather patterns between the top cap/first plate/second plate indicate that one blade was used, but that the complete assembly was shaved with.

[MacDaddy]

I have no words...

[celestino]

Excellent find! i had never thought of doing that to improve my shaves. You may just be able to market this to the honchos at Gillette! Hee hee.

[alex2363]

I have no words...

What? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we need you

[jtb]

Atra prototype

[Copierguy]

Thanks for sharing this Brad......looking forward to your recap of the shave.......

[Intrigued]

Thanks for sharing this Brad......looking forward to your recap of the shave.......

Two guards are one thing but two caps would be a just little odd, don't you think???

[Copierguy]

Two guards are one thing but two caps would be a just little odd, don't you think???

I guess I left myself open for that one......

[Ray Todd]

Now you can start the Brotherhood of the Double Open Comb!

[BBrad]

I have no words...

What? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we need you

I thought I felt a little shift in The Force yesterday . . . hard to believe Porter is speechless!!

[retturn2blades]

Just when you think it's safe to go back into the bathroom...

[morganjg]

"manscaping" razor? Head shaver for someone with thick, curly hair? Maybe the previous user needed the extra combing to really get through those tough patches of thick curl?

[BBrad]

I got the beast cleaned up and loaded with a fresh blade. Lathered up a Bald Frog, said a quick prayer, and commenced shaving.

Wow . . . not bad!

As expected, it is very head-heavy. So much, in fact, that by the end of the first pass I was feeling a bit tired. After my second pass, I needed another cup of coffee. My hand was cramped from holding the weight off my face! The performance, though, was far better than any OT I have ever shaved with!

I asked SWMBO how close to BBS the outcome was . . . all she could say was "Pretty Freakin' Smooth!" Zero blood, and Mr. Pinaud (by way of a splash of Clubman) indicated there was no irritation whatsoever!

I'm pretty sure I'll forgo my usual Sunday Straight and try this beast again tomorrow morning!