Since I first starting reading the threads on double edged razors, I've become quite interested in them.
I started my adventure in D/E shaving with a Mercur 34c- an exceptionally well built piece! It shaved as good or better than the Gillette 5 bladed fuzion that cost more than I'd like to admit to refill. Well, I've been on the lookout for some of the older razors that other members here speak of- and I've found a few.
The first was a Ball end Gillette Tech produced somewhere between 1946-1950, according to the Badger and Blade wiki. I found it at a local antique/junk/collectible store. Using Feather blades, this thing is even better than the Mercur, but not as nice/easy to handle.
Today my wife and I went in search of a new coffee pot and happened into a few more antique/collectible/junk stores and found a Schick Krona and a Lady Gillette. For $8.00 (2 for the Lady Gillette and 6 for the Krona) At another store, we found an adjustable Gillette in quite good condition- I gave more for it than I'd have liked to, but it was in good shape and I wanted to give it a try.
I took them all home and gave them a bath in the ultra sonic cleaner with some Simple Green. After that, I soaked them in bleach (which proved to be a mistake).
I've only tried the Krona so far- and it seems to do a great job, maybe even better than the Ball End Gillette... As the days go by I'll get to know them better, but I doubt that I'll be disappointed.
But there's a problem- I still want more!?!?!?! Darn you, darn you all!!!!!
As for the old Ball End Gillette, I have a friend that does anodizing, and am hoping he can save the day.
I started my adventure in D/E shaving with a Mercur 34c- an exceptionally well built piece! It shaved as good or better than the Gillette 5 bladed fuzion that cost more than I'd like to admit to refill. Well, I've been on the lookout for some of the older razors that other members here speak of- and I've found a few.
The first was a Ball end Gillette Tech produced somewhere between 1946-1950, according to the Badger and Blade wiki. I found it at a local antique/junk/collectible store. Using Feather blades, this thing is even better than the Mercur, but not as nice/easy to handle.
Today my wife and I went in search of a new coffee pot and happened into a few more antique/collectible/junk stores and found a Schick Krona and a Lady Gillette. For $8.00 (2 for the Lady Gillette and 6 for the Krona) At another store, we found an adjustable Gillette in quite good condition- I gave more for it than I'd have liked to, but it was in good shape and I wanted to give it a try.
I took them all home and gave them a bath in the ultra sonic cleaner with some Simple Green. After that, I soaked them in bleach (which proved to be a mistake).
I've only tried the Krona so far- and it seems to do a great job, maybe even better than the Ball End Gillette... As the days go by I'll get to know them better, but I doubt that I'll be disappointed.
But there's a problem- I still want more!?!?!?! Darn you, darn you all!!!!!
As for the old Ball End Gillette, I have a friend that does anodizing, and am hoping he can save the day.