1934 Aristocrat

[dmshaver]

After using & discussing the RFB 2 piece, RFB 3 piece, and the Goodwill #160, it's time to move on to the 1934 Aristocrat. This is the first tto one-piece razor Gillette came out with.

I'm writing these threads to get others opinions & thoughts on the razors, not just hear myself wax on. Although I do wax wonderfully!!!

The Aristocrat provides a different shave than the RFBs, of course. But I find the shave similar in that the smoothness with a shallow angle is delightful. It has a completely different head design (of course) yet the blade is securely clamped & the cutting angle is easily found. A steep angle provides a superb shave as well, but with considerably more blade feel.

I have read others who find the '34 Aristocrat the best razor from Gillette while others prefer the 2 or 3 piece RFB. I thought I liked the 2 piece RFB as #1, but after using the '34 'Crat, I'm not sure. But I always do this when I compare those two razors. They are both superb!

What are your thoughts?

 

[jesseix]

I’ve never actually used any of the Aristocrat models, but I’ve always thought that handle is just awesome looking.

 

[reformedshavr]

I have both a '34 Aristocrat and a 2 piece '31 RFB (British) - they are quite different animals .... I'll give the top place to the Aristocrat for it's smooth ride .... that RFB is pretty spicy but delivers a BBS in almost one pass. They are both so great!

 

[Doc Dan]

How does the Aristocrat compare to the Fat Boy in the way it behaves?

 

[Multum in parvo]

Mine is a damn fine shaver. Heresy I know, but Gillette could have stopped after that one
I use a steep angle and I like the efficiency of it and yes that handle is a piece of art.

 

[Valerius]

The 1934 Aristocrat is, in my opinion, one of the best razors Gillette has manufactured.

 

[BigJ]

Congratulations!! That’s one lovely razor, and a piece of history!!

 

[dmshaver]

After 6 shaves with a Nacet I changed the blade & put in a new Feather. I tried a shallow angle but found it hot. I switched to a steep angle & had a terrific shave. Smooth, efficient, drama-free!

 

[dmshaver]

How does the Aristocrat compare to the Fat Boy in the way it behaves?

Good question! The Fat Boy is adjustable, so it behaves (shaves) differently. I find the Aristocrat more nimble and maneuverable than the Fat Boy while also delivering a smoother, more efficient shave.

 

[DesertIguana]

Two Razor I chase closed Comb Aristocrat, and Ranger 1041.

Gold Razor above is, but open comb.

 

[profusion]

The 1934 Aristocrat is, in my opinion, one of the best razors Gillette has manufactured.

The 1934 Aristocrat is one of the best razors ANYONE has manufactured.

I have around 50 DE razors in my collection (mostly vintage, a few modern), and none combine maximum smoothness and efficiency the way my '34 Aristocrat does.

Gillette changed the head shape in 1936 to the "fatter" profile that their TTOs used until 1962. I'm not sure why. I don't have a 1936-40 Aristocrat to compare directly, but I do have a 1938-40 Senator, which is the Aristocrat head on a smaller handle. It's nice, but not as smooth as the '34 Aristocrat.

If I had to choose to keep only one, this'd be it.

 

[gpjoe]

What are your thoughts?

I don't own an open comb, but my thoughts are:

That razor is gorgeous. I've always thought that the Aristocrats were (are) the prettiest razors ever made by Gillette.

 

[reformedshavr]

How does the Aristocrat compare to the Fat Boy in the way it behaves?

I can dial in a Fatboy to mimick the results of my Aristocrat, but they do shave differently -- they are both wonderful machines and I enjoy them equally.

 

[dmshaver]

The 1934 Aristocrat is one of the best razors ANYONE has manufactured.

I have around 50 DE razors in my collection (mostly vintage, a few modern), and none combine maximum smoothness and efficiency the way my '34 Aristocrat does.

Gillette changed the head shape in 1936 to the "fatter" profile that their TTOs used until 1962. I'm not sure why. I don't have a 1936-40 Aristocrat to compare directly, but I do have a 1938-40 Senator, which is the Aristocrat head on a smaller handle. It's nice, but not as smooth as the '34 Aristocrat.

If I had to choose to keep only one, this'd be it.

Great observation on the head shape of the 1934 compared to the 1936. They are different, as you pointed out. I do have both razors. Here's a pic of the two side-by-side. The 1934 is on the left.

 

[emwolf]

I know there's models and such to differentiate, but I have always preferred the Aristocrats that have the flat base, as opposed to the diamond base.

 

[dmshaver]

I know there's models and such to differentiate, but I have always preferred the Aristocrats that have the flat base, as opposed to the diamond base.

Flat base meaning made in England & the diamond base made in USA.

 

[Bhugo]

I wonder how the 34 Aristocrat compares to the Sheraton razor? I have the Sheraton and love it. I have not invested in a nice Aristocrat, though. They are beautiful!

 

[emwolf]

Flat base meaning made in England & the diamond base made in USA.

Thank you! I guess i'm an Anglophile when it comes to Gillette.