I have heard a lot about this razor but not much about the shave quality you get from it. I find it being sold for $90 right here in the shaving mall. Is it that good? Can anyone tell me from experience how good or otherwise this razor performs?
Gillette President
- Thread starter copperhead
- Start date
A President is nothing more than an Aristocrat that's nickel instead of gold plated (I don't believe it is rhodium plated like the British Aristocrats - correct me if I'm wrong). It will shave as well (or as poorly depending on your perspective ;-) as an Aristocrat. The price is generally higher than an Aristocrat for collectible reasons.
I personally like these razors. YMMV.
I personally like these razors. YMMV.
The Gillette President is not a silver Aristocrat! Look at the pictures:
1) Gillette President 1953 (Y3)
2) Gillette Executive 1953 (Y4)
3) Gillette Arisocrat 40th (no date code)
There is a little different inside and outside of the handle
Best regards Achim
1) Gillette President 1953 (Y3)
2) Gillette Executive 1953 (Y4)
3) Gillette Arisocrat 40th (no date code)
There is a little different inside and outside of the handle
Best regards Achim
Okay, I stand (or sit) corrected. There is some difference, but you say tomato and I say tomahto. 
Now the '40s Aristocrat is different from the '50s - the head design is a little different, but I don't think Gillette marketed a President in the 40s. But what the heck do I know? I just shave with the dag gum things.
Sorry Mark. I can't sell what I don't own.
Now the '40s Aristocrat is different from the '50s - the head design is a little different, but I don't think Gillette marketed a President in the 40s. But what the heck do I know? I just shave with the dag gum things.
Sorry Mark. I can't sell what I don't own.
Great photos. Thanks---though now I want a President...
Number 2 is a 50's style Aristocrat. At least that what mine was labeled with instructions that matched.
+1........now I want a President even more!
Wow...you mean I actually own a vintage Gillette that Leisureguy & Scott don't have? My ego is stroked
I got mine from Antique Hoosier/Mike and really like it. Similar to the HD Rocket - compact but hefty and solid. Got it for a great price too - definitley a keeper.
Anyone know if they were only made in 1953? It seems that everyone I have ever seen or read about has been a Y date code.
I got mine from Antique Hoosier/Mike and really like it. Similar to the HD Rocket - compact but hefty and solid. Got it for a great price too - definitley a keeper.
Anyone know if they were only made in 1953? It seems that everyone I have ever seen or read about has been a Y date code.
Mine is an A1
And whatever the plating on it, it sure doesn't look like any of the nickel razors I've seen. It doesn't seem like it's lacquered, is pretty corrosion resistant, and shines like the sun itself. Take a look at it next to a Slim, Krona, and '49 SuperSpeed... in some pretty bright winter sun
The shave's pretty nice, too. Not as foolproof of a shave as the SS or FatBoy on low, but very close and comfortable if the stars are in alignment. And I like my fatty dialed to 9, though I'd prefer it go up to 11
Antique Hoosier
“Aircooled”
On a Whim....I just won this one on the BAY moments ago....
eBay Auction # 200115966212
Hope she cleans up......
eBay Auction # 200115966212
Hope she cleans up......
nice score, I bet it cleans up fine - the razor looks to have weathered the years much better than the case
+1, +1
Geez-- great find! In the middle of the day too! I don't know how you did that, but thumbs up! Has it come yet? Pics?
If I remember this correctly, I think the President was rhodium plated. An extremely hard and wear-resistant plating, can hold a mirror finish without scratches, and has a slightly blue-white gleam in bright light. Or am I thinking of some other that just looks a lot like it?
The head has a slightly deeper, richer polish than the handle. The handle really sparkles in the light, albeit in a different way.
I know some of the nicer Brits used rhodium but not sure if any of the US models got it or not.
Some of us suspect it was used on the President though - it definitely has a different (& better) look/shine than any other silver Gillette I own,
Some of us suspect it was used on the President though - it definitely has a different (& better) look/shine than any other silver Gillette I own,
View attachment 9127
Antique Hoosier
“Aircooled”
The Prez came today...one of my best scores ever on the bay... great condition.... Cleaned but not detailed....
