THE GILLETTE ARISTOCRAT

[richards]

Gentlemen,

I have recently purchased an original Gillette Aristocrat Razor, which I believe dates from the early 1950s. I was extremely lucky to find it wrapped, in its orginal box, and as shimmeringly beautiful (it is solid brass with butterfly opening!) as the day it left the factory.

I am just interested if any other members of The Lounge have recollections of these razors, as its construction seems to suggest that it will be with me until the very last shave?.

It really does give the closest shave I have ever managed.

Kind regards,

Richards

[rip]

I learned to shave with one of those. I think it was that experience that led me to wear a beard for the next 30 odd years. Growing up during the 2nd World War, when razor blades were in scarce supply, I remember my father sharpening his Gillette double-edged blade by sliding it around inside a water glass. It seemed to work; I remember him getting at least a couple of weeks out of one blade.

[JLibourel]

Like Rip, I used Gillette razors of that type for the first 28 years of my shaving. I ceased doing so when I was having a romance with a very delightful lady who lived about 60 miles from me. Lacking my shaving gear, I tried purchased the cheap Gillette disposable "Good News" double bladed razor and immediately forsook my old classic Gillette safety razor and never looked back! I have been using the Mach 3 in recent years, which has been the best shaving instrument I have tried to date.

With the Gillette safety razors, I suspect I shed blood more times than not when I shaved with them!

I have always thought mastery of the straight razor would be an elegant masculine accomplishment although my one effort, when I was 21, was abortive. I didn't cut myself, but I just couldn't get a decent shave. Obviously, the art can be learned. As to whether it is worth the effort, I have seen mixed and varied opinions in the fora.

[richards]

With the Gillette safety razors, I suspect I shed blood more times than not when I shaved with them!

Thank you for you replies

I must admit that I often cut myself when using these razors. I do find, however, that given enough patience the shave comes off exceptionally well. Closer, infact, than when I have used a Mach 3 in the past.

It is all about ritual for myself - and the satisfaction of a job well done!

What I can't understand about Mach 3 and the like is the marketing campaign based on images of freshly shaven men standing next to cars. A 'Turbo' razor will certainly never appeal to me - ugh!. And a razor with batteries in it?????

I wonder perhaps, as my beard becomes tougher over the years, I will find myself in the same boat as yourself.

Kind regards,

Richards.

[Phil]

I have noticed some inconsistency in blade quality when using safety razors (particularly Merkur blades). Wilkinson and Gillette seem a bit more consistent but there is still the occasional dud blade. What I mean by this is that when I load a fresh blade, the first shave will either be nice and close or I, as another gentleman put it, shed blood (and a lot of it). I use an old style Merkur handle with safety rakes. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this oddity.

[richards]

[quote="Phil"]I have noticed some inconsistency in blade quality when using safety razors (particularly Merkur blades). Wilkinson and Gillette seem a bit more consistent but there is still the occasional dud blade.

Phil,

I have noticed this as well. In fact I rarely use Merkur blades (which are over priced in the uk anyway) because of this phenomonen.

In the UK I like to stick to Wilkinson Sword Classic or, if I can find any, the old Blue Gillette Blades which I managed to procure a few packets of recently.

Richards

[renoles]

On the topic of blade consistency I've noticed the same thing about Merkur blades. The blades I've switched to and use exclusively now are the Feather Platinum - I've gone thorough numerous packages and have yet to have a dud.

*edited* to correct spelling

[Phil]

I have been trying to get ahold of a pack of Feather Platinums but find they are not available in Toronto (if someone knows better, please advise me). I tried to order them through one of the gents shaving products web site, but unfortunately Canada Customs got ahold of the package and decided to charge me $60 duty on $35 worth of merchandise so I had no choice but to send the package back (there's an appeal process with customs but I'm told it takes 3 months).

I had a terrible experience with Astra razor blades. Very low quality. They have one good shave in them after which you might as well take a meat axe to your face as try a second shave.

[renoles]

Phil,

PM sent.

[DonB]

Hello all,

My first contribution to this forum is inspired by the total lack of classical design in shaving equipment these days. Not counting 'modern' design ofcourse.

A very fine company which combines modern technology with old-fashioned design is http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.co.uk. To illustrate the difference, I would like to illustrate the text with these two images:


The Mach3 Power from Gilette


One of the may Razors from The English Shaving Company

I have ordered their products myself and I really do feel that I can get modern results with a classical feel to it. I do hope that readers of this forum benefit from their excellent service.

Regards,
Don

Edit: Removed surname as my posts were appearing in search engines