Vintage pens & vintage razors

[silverlifter]

I was curious what the crossover was with people here.

For me, there are definite similarities: both involve well-engineered tools that last for decades. Both are refillable with a wide variety of options (inks/blades), and both offer something for collectors or just users.

I also see an alignment in a certain era of technological advancement, especially the late 1950's early 60s where Sheaffer developed the snorkel mechanism (the high point of design ingenuity) and Gillette introduced the adjustable safety: the Fatboy, what I consider the eqivalent of the PFM.

So, if you are into vintage pens, have you also indulged in vintage razors?

[Fermata]

I am for one, my daily shave is with a 1970s Gillette, using shaving soap and a non-badger shaving brush.

There is some parallel between DE shaving and pen use, taking the time to do something for yourself and caring about the result, especially when you eschew more modern alternatives.

[jar]

I have a fair number of bladed razors in just about all the different blade types.

But for the last year or so my go to is an Andis Electric.

[Lloyd]

I have a fair number of bladed razors in just about all the different blade types.

But for the last year or so my go to is an Andis Electric.
Why the switch? Which model?

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[Jon Szanto]

There is some parallel between DE shaving and pen use, taking the time to do something for yourself and caring about the result, especially when you eschew more modern alternatives.

Points for "eschew".

[FredRydr]

Last year I realized how annoyed I was by the increase in the cost of cartridges for my razor, so I returned to a double-edge safety razor. After a bit of experimenting, I settled on one brand of blade and bought 100 stainless steel blades in bulk for US$15. I re-learned how to shave, and I'm very pleased with the result. I suppose the same mind-set that accepts old writing instruments supports my respect for old razors. (I did try to shave with a straight razor, but being right-handed, I was unable to shave the left side of my face without injury.)

[silverlifter]

Last year I realized how annoyed I was by the increase in the cost of cartridges for my razor, so I returned to a double-edge safety razor. After a bit of experimenting, I settled on one brand of blade and bought 100 stainless steel blades in bulk for US$15. I re-learned how to shave, and I'm very pleased with the result. I suppose the same mind-set that accepts old writing instruments supports my respect for old razors. (I did try to shave with a straight razor, but being right-handed, I was unable to shave the left side of my face without injury.)

What brand of blades did you settle on Fred?

I was motivated by a similar urge; both the ridiculous cost of cartidges, but also all the plastic that comes with them. I considered a straight razor, but would prefer to go to work not looking like Norman Gunston. :p

[Lloyd]

I use Feather DE blades but in fairly modern razor.

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[Fermata]

I use Feather DE blades but in fairly modern razor.

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Feather blades are excellent, a second best is Dorco Titan. I use them in a mild razor but I would get a little nervous about their use in an adjustable razor with the dial on 11, or whatever is the maximum.

[silverlifter]

I'm yet to try Feathers. I have happily been using Astra Superiors, which are readily available down here. I've only just ordered some more samples to try some different blades, including Feathers.

Dorco are not available here either. I suppose I really should consider an order from an international supplier, but I do prefer to support local businesses where I can.

[Lloyd]

I use Feather DE blades but in fairly modern razor.

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Feather blades are excellent, a second best is Dorco Titan. I use them in a mild razor but I would get a little nervous about their use in an adjustable razor with the dial on 11, or whatever is the maximum.
I keep my Merkur Future at 5.

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[silverlifter]

I keep my Merkur Future at 5.

What finish is yours? I've always wondered if they were slippery: they look to be. Mind you, I'm just used to knurling.

[Fermata]

I use Feather DE blades but in fairly modern razor.

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Feather blades are excellent, a second best is Dorco Titan. I use them in a mild razor but I would get a little nervous about their use in an adjustable razor with the dial on 11, or whatever is the maximum.
I keep my Merkur Future at 5.

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Given that Feathers are respected as the sharpest blade you can buy and that the Merkur dial is 1-6 then #5 is pretty ballsy.

[FredRydr]

What brand of blades did you settle on Fred?...
Derby Extra (green pack). When I bought the razor I also bought a variety pack of blades which was surprisingly helpful. The differences were sometimes hard to discern. Feather blades were among them, which were more unforgiving than others. (Could this be a function of how far a blade's edges project outward?)

[Fermata]

What brand of blades did you settle on Fred?...
Derby Extra (green pack). When I bought the razor I also bought a variety pack of blades which was surprisingly helpful. The differences were sometimes hard to discern. Feather blades were among them, which were more unforgiving than others. (Could this be a function of how far a blade's edges project outward?)

Feather blades work well for me only in a mild razor but then what I want from a razor and blade combination is a reasonably smooth shave and no cuts, I have more aggressive razors than my Gillette Tech and they just don't get used.

Some people dull the edges of a Feather by running it through a piece of cork a few times, maybe they have a more aggressive razor.

[jar]

I have a fair number of bladed razors in just about all the different blade types.

But for the last year or so my go to is an Andis Electric.
Why the switch? Which model?

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No particular reason for switching. I switched between lots of different bladed razors as well and between lots of different brushes. Honestly I have way too many of both; my family were 'cummulators and so I ended up with an unbelievable selection of both true vintage shaving brushes and newer ones. The same goes for the razors; single edge, double edge, toothed and barred; twist to open, adjustable; if it was made there's a good chance I have an example.

But I ended up in the hospital for a fairly extended period about two years ago and so the normal ritual was impractical. The Andis TS-1 was cheap and only needed charging about once a week and honestly it shaves as close as any two pass bladed shave. Gotta admit it's butt fugly though. Makes a vintage Ronson look modern.

There is still a couple dozen brushes and half that many soaps and at least that many bladed razors in the bath room and I still use them but now simply for the ritual. Right now there is an old Gillette Tech with not sure what brand blade and a Valet Auto Stop early Type 1 with a Feather SE blade installed by the sink. The Valet also uses GEM blades with the guard removed as well.

AbE:

So went and looked to see just what was in the bathroom in bladed razors and right now there are 35 ranging from late 19th. century right up to ones made in the last few years. Slightly more double edged than single edged but a wide variety of both.


Some vintage Rooney's and Gillettes and an AutoStrop

[BoBo Olson]

I too looked at the price of fancy modern 5-20 bladed new Gillette razor packages. :crazy:
Electric had never done much, even if that was more dark ages.

When I retired and had the time, I looked into going straight razor. I spent weeks researching.
I could only find third class strops, no horsehide and linen backed, nor second class porpoise and linen. (Was using 1902 Sears as a reference to what had to be best.)

Couldn't quite afford a singing French razor....had decided on a horn handle.

In I didn't have a captive barber with his own hot towel chair, decided against Silver tip and thought super badger good enough for self shaving.
Shaving bowls and shuttles were 'cheap enough'.

Looking at second class for @ E-500....decided to grow a beard.

Neck is shaved with Wilkinson's double blade razors. Been using them since I switched away from Gillette Blue Blades back before Pong.

I was impressed by Jar's brush collection, I had seen on his site.

[Bold2013]

I was DE shaving for a while but recently just hacking it down electrically once every week or two.

Would love to try an old Gillette or a merkur Bakelite one day. Will teach my sons with DE.

[silverlifter]

What brand of blades did you settle on Fred?...
Derby Extra (green pack). When I bought the razor I also bought a variety pack of blades which was surprisingly helpful. The differences were sometimes hard to discern. Feather blades were among them, which were more unforgiving than others. (Could this be a function of how far a blade's edges project outward?)

Derby Extras are a nice blade. They have been in my rotation as they are available here, and very reasonably priced.

[Lloyd]

I use Feather DE blades but in fairly modern razor.

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Feather blades are excellent, a second best is Dorco Titan. I use them in a mild razor but I would get a little nervous about their use in an adjustable razor with the dial on 11, or whatever is the maximum.
I keep my Merkur Future at 5.

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Given that Feathers are respected as the sharpest blade you can buy and that the Merkur dial is 1-6 then #5 is pretty ballsy.
Here's a picture of mine
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/393c8d8d631f6d386eb99aef2e0346fb.jpg
However, here's my picture
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/59585ffa120cfd9ffdc26682b6a5c4b6.jpg


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[Lloyd]

Jar- I'm quite aware of your large shaving arsenal from your posts on FPN. That's why I asked. I was wondering what would make a guy with that collection/accumulation switch fully to an electric... and not one of the big 3 brands (Braun, Panasonic, Norelco/Phillips). I didn't know you were out of commission. Are you doing OK now?

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[jar]

Jar- I'm quite aware of your large shaving arsenal from your posts on FPN. That's why I asked. I was wondering what would make a guy with that collection/accumulation switch fully to an electric... and not one of the big 3 brands (Braun, Panasonic, Norelco/Phillips). I didn't know you were out of commission. Are you doing OK now?

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I'm doing fine considering I'm older than dirt. Growing old is a bitch. Had a shoe come off while getting off my bike not too long ago and took a tumble onto the grass. It took over a week to recover from something silly like that when it seems just yesterday it would have been forgotten in minutes.

I've used all of the brands you've mentioned and most likely have some of those around here as well, BUT honestly the Andis is far and away superior when it comes to simple daily shaving. It cannot trim or deal with longer hair but when it comes to the daily stubble it is hands down faster and better.

[Lloyd]

Jar- I'm quite aware of your large shaving arsenal from your posts on FPN. That's why I asked. I was wondering what would make a guy with that collection/accumulation switch fully to an electric... and not one of the big 3 brands (Braun, Panasonic, Norelco/Phillips). I didn't know you were out of commission. Are you doing OK now?

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I'm doing fine considering I'm older than dirt. Growing old is a bitch. Had a shoe come off while getting off my bike not too long ago and took a tumble onto the grass. It took over a week to recover from something silly like that when it seems just yesterday it would have been forgotten in minutes.

I've used all of the brands you've mentioned and most likely have some of those around here as well, BUT honestly the Andis is far and away superior when it comes to simple daily shaving. It cannot trim or deal with longer hair but when it comes to the daily stubble it is hands down faster and better.
I'm glad you're doing better.

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