You just cant find them anywhere nowadays! MaineYooper. Those of us with skin that is prone to irritation will understand the pain in trying to find a vintage safety razor that will give a close shave, without leaving us with the redness. Value: $11,000This set was recently auctioned and proved its a contender for the top spot of our list. Well particularly talk about the Gold Tech, which is one of the prettiest Gillette razors you can own. If you are a beginner with sensitive skin, just go for the Gillette Super Speed black handle or Gillette Super Speed blue tip. First of all, you need to determine how aggressive of a shave you like. Not literally, of course, but go back to the era of vintage safety razors, which your grandfathers and previous generations used to use. For a beginner, you want a less aggressive shaver. The dial came with numbers 1-9 to adjust the aggressiveness and some dials came with numbers 1-5. This fat handle is designed for a clean but more aggressive shave. The codes used were simple: they indicated the date of manufacture. Composed of mostly recycled (60-80%) solid stainless steel all Traderes were laser engraved with a unique serial number and made in the USA. If I do not have a razor in stock, I will find one and quote price at that time. Expect to pay around $200-$300 for uncased models and if it includes the case the value can increase as much as 50%. He was born on December 19, 1498 in Gunzenhausen, Bavaria, Germany - 2F1RNH1 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Determining the best vintage razor for you is a daunting task. NOS. Not the best quality from Gillette compared to the previous razors in the series. Gillette Blade Date Codes (and earlier lot systems) were . Heres a link for the toggle razor and another pricier one which comes with its original box: The aristocrat was Gillettes first razor with twist to open design. Razor Date Codes began in 1951 and used the same system blades had used since 1931, a code that identified the year and calendar quarter of manufacture. I personally think thats pretty awesome, and depending on the model you get you might be able to get a variant that has the adjustable knob on the bottom of the handle (like a lot of other adjustable razors nowadays). I agree to receive email updates and promotions. Expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1000+ for a serial numbered or A 3 toggle.Recently we have seen a slight decline in value among the rarer Toggle models. The answer will be revealed in this post. The original retail list price was $1.95 and this is where the 195 comes from in its proper name. Collecting razors is certainly not limited to the razors on this list. Id say the best place to find them is your familys attic! RazorArchive.com An enormous resource for publications, catalogs, advertisements, and advanced Gillette collecting articles available for free! Vintage Gem 1912 Style Single Edge Safety Razor with Brown/Purple Leather Case and Blade Bank. A: Three Things, Quality, Time, and Money. Common razor so you can buy restorations for a reasonable price. Fatboy Mirror Nickel $140, 24K Gold or Palladium $155, Slim Adjustable Mirror Nickel $120, 24K Gold or Palladium $135, Billings, MT (Summer) and Chloride, AZ (Winter), Email Me at: 2cmspencer@gmail.com (my prefered communication method). I couldnt pick just one. This was an alternative to buying a new razor after every shave! To that end, theres been a lot of hubbub about vintage Gillette razors; after all, they made quite a name for themselves from the 40s to the 70s making iconic, ubiquitous double-edge safety razors that people still use today. What about the Weber Stainless Steel Razors that were only produced for a short time? I am a very conscientious person and strive to be the best I can be. link to Can I Use Hair Clippers On Beard? A lot of these razors are dated back to immense historical events, such as the second world war, allowing you to feel tied in with history. Due to the fat handle, the length of the razor is quite minuscule. Its an experience that may only happen several times in a lifetime, but can be replicated in your daily routine. Thread . Quite difficult to adjust if you are newer to the game. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Apollo-Mikron-safety-Razor-German-with-Case-and-original-blades-/322429948205?nav=SELLING_ACTIVE, http://m.ebay.com/itm/322419406788?_mwBanner=1, + Captains Choice Bay Rum Shave Soap+ Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream+ Merkur 34C Razor+ Supply Single Edge SE Razor+ Vikings Blade Meiji Adjustable Razor+ Gillette SkinGuard Razor+ Parker Pure Badger Shave Brush+ Henson AL 13 Razor+ Merkur 23C Razor+ OneBlade CORE Razor> Mantic59s favorite products on Amazon#ad, Copyright 20112023 Sharpologist.com LLC, Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream. Manage Settings The pressure you apply could do damage to your skin and leave you with redness and irritation. Collecting these razors is fascinating and we are still learning new things every year! Nicknamed by collectors from the double ring design on the neck, it was first introduced in 1901 and for sale in 1903. Expect to pay around $1500 -over $2k at auction. The 7 Best Vintage Safety Razor [Since 1930s]. Was introduced before the second world war and became a staple for those who had enlisted to take with them due to it being able to glide through unshaved faces. The high price tags and limited stock drove many collectors to other items.Plan on shelling out a minimum of $1k for a stainless steel model (one just sold privately for $1650 in August of 2018) and $3K+ for a TI model. All of these razors are gold plated and were available to the masses. If they fought in the second or first world war, I could almost guarantee they would have had a double-sided safety razor on them at some point. For anyone that loves a clean shave, a vintage safety razor is a must-have. Check it out. However, if you want some of the most luxurious shaves, you want a vintage razor. However, the problem for a lot of people, like you and me, is that the standard cartridge razors leave us with a less than adequate shave. J.A Henckels Twinworks Straight Razor The most common and favored type is the double-edged, found commonly in Gillette brands. Although rare these razors are still available to purchase from time to time on auction sites. Regardless of how the blades are packaged, they can be quickly replaced as needed for the best shave youve ever had. Some blades come individually wrapped, some in a small box, some in a little spring-loaded magazine. Gunzenhausen in Regierungsbezirk Mittelfranken (Bavaria) with it's 16,477 habitants is a city located in Germany about 262 mi (or 422 km) south-west of Berlin, the country's capital town. If you ever played with Legos, you wont have any problem. Watch the video below to learn our dating secrets! At the end you could even tell if your razors are vintage! These serial numbers were on the top of the guard, or sometimes the inner barrel. It was a three-piece razor that came with its own fancy packaging, (which mostly included razor blades) and had its own variations. Just recently a vintage Wade and Butcher sold for over $27,000, so if you feel straight razors are not worth collecting you are indeed mistaken. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It is a well-known fact that shaving with a vintage safety razor will never die. King C. Gillette forever changed the art of shaving when he introduced the so-called safety razor in 1904, which allowed those unskilled. A: I have been accused of that a few times. The numbers determine how much the blade is exposed to the skin, with 1 being the lightest and 9 being the most aggressive. The three types of blades in vintage safety razors are double-edged, single-edged, and injector blades. Although some collectors look down upon those who sell for profit, or those who buy at a premium, its still important to understand the market. Razor Emporium. Enjoy! Jun 18, 2022. With Gillette moving from this quality series of razors to the plastic disposable ones, you will have to find one that has been restored. This is the best budget razor as it does not mean any quality is lost! This one is an oldie but a goodie: the Gillette Aristocrat is probably the longest running vintage Gillette razor out there. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ive found a site which the most comprehensive table that lists the codes and dates of manufacture. If you think safety razors are old-fashioned or too complex, have no fear. It reminds me of a small pistol case and is very desirable with collectors.After several issues with the manufacturers, Tradere stopped production and the rest is history. As 1950 came, Gillette started marking its razors too, with the same letter and number pattern. Another important characteristic to mention is the unique storage case that came with each and every Tradere. During the 19th century, seven-day sets became popular, allowing a home-shaver to sharpen them all at once and have a fresh blade for each day of the week. They were miniscule razors only 2 inches in height! The best way in my mind to show my appreciation to the members of B&B is to keep my prices affordable. Another important fact is that many people mistake a Red dot for a regular Fatboy. Subject to availability. 1880-1900 Kampfe Bros (Star Shaving) Single Edge Safety Razor: Twenty years before Gillette sold their first razor, Kampfe Bros. was selling their version of the safety razor. The A3toggle included a pig skin case and was sold in 1956 in the first test for the Gillette Adjustable. They are a lot heavier than the usual razor and therefore allow the blade to do the work for you. The success of this project motivated James to make his own razors and sell them direct from his site. Earlier this year a fellow found 2 toggles at a flea market for around $40 (for the pair). The top of the razor, the blade cover, or the safety bars/guard plate has a flatter middle section. Why havent you made the switch yet? "Can I use hair clippers on a beard" probably is a question usually going around your mind when you see your beard growing quickly. It was rumored that a TI BBS-1 sold privately for $10K during the summer of 2018 but this sale is unconfirmed.Check out this article for more information on the BBS-1. While the handle only makes a difference ergonomically, a closed comb gives a more aggressive shave, as it scrapes the skin, while a longer comb is better for longer hair as it combs through longer hair and helps remove them effectively. OK. Join Our Newsletter. Value: $200-$700Deemed as the razor that started it all the Gillette Double Ring is Gillettes first model and the first razor that accepted double-edge blades. There was a gentleman in one of the popular wet shaving groups that purchased an NOS (New Old Stock) piece earlier this year from a source in Germany so there is hope. Prices vary but expect to pay $$$ for uncased user friendly pieces and $$$$ for mint condition NOS models. The handle texture allows for amazing grip, even when using shaving oil! (Not in my experience.). Vintage Gillette safety razors, like all safety razors, might be a little intimidating to the novice user. A: You can send a check, money order, or cash with the razor(s) or prepay off the Etsy Store. 855.264.1199. At a retail price of $179, it was actually really expensive way back in 2012. $ 99.00 Gillette Fat Handle Tech Post War . No, these werent toys, or priced cheaply. Started in 2001 by the students at the Stephani School in Gunzenhausen - a non-Jewish school, this . It has the Gillette logo on the front of its top cover, and a knurled handle with a ball on the end. Expect to pay around $225 for an uncased model and up to $500 for a cased model depending on condition.Other models of the Toggle included the rare serial numbered prototypes in both gold and even rarer chrome. Saying that, restorations come relatively cheap, and you can actually find them very quickly with a search on eBay. If you have larger hands, pick the longer handle! There are about seven different types of Aristocrats, so this type is more like a class of razors. Within 5 kilometers of your location. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Linda & son Anthony, reading, writing, outdoor activities and collecting wet shaving apparel. Keep in mind there are variances, Deluxe models, miss-stamps, and undiscovered information. They just dont make them like they used to anymore, and owning a vintage razor will make you a minority. Thats right! Wade & Butcher 'The Celebrated - Extra Hollow Ground Razor' in Vintage Horn Scales 2. This is great for people who want to have different settings depending on their beard or specific shaving needs, or someone who just wants to make sure that their razor is set precisely to where they need. The Gillette 195 Adjustable Safety Razor or as it is more commonly known the "Fatboy" was made for three and a half years between 1958 (D-3) and 1962 (H-1). 1927-1932. Prices range $$$-$$$$.If you find one, dont hesitate to pick it up and remember your shaving with a piece of Gillette history. Prices range from $$ for basic uncased models to $$$ for complete sets. Quick view Choose Options. The three types of blades in vintage safety razors are double-edged, single-edged, and injector blades. The SB which sports the solid guard bar is gentle and the mildest of the three. A: I read and follow Badger and Blade Forums regularly. If you think safety razors are old-fashioned or too complex, have no fear. For those of you who collect razors, youre probably thinking about what some of your prized pieces are worth. Double-edged safety razors were a tool that can sculpt your facial hair into a masterpiece and, between you and me, it still can! Gem. Thus, the Tradere Razor Company was born.The Tradere was one of the first modern day collectables in the world of Traditional Wet Shaving. Produced only in 1957, 58 and 1960, the Toggle remains one of the most innovative safety razors to date. The local timezone is named Europe / Berlin with an UTC offset of 2 hours. Rust and corrosion will completely affect the shave you acquire. 2018 Value: $250-$1000+The Gillette Toggle, a lasting collectable that for years have held its own in terms of value. I try to keep my concentration high to keep the quality as high as I can get it for my customers. This type of razor was introduced after the war after the realisation that one type of razor may not be practical for all. Each one is different in their own way, so they carry their own unique qualities; its an easy way to get started collecting them, if youre so inclined. [caption Vaseline is a well-known brand of petroleum jelly. Meanwhile, the length is more dependent on your comfort. Finding these razors can be tricky but not impossible. There were no razor serial numbers from 1931 until 1951. Gillette had made numerous models of razors since 1903 when they first started. But, I am not done talking about this razor. There were talks of a slant but unfortunately this never happened.One notable characteristic was the design of the handle. Its quite cool. This corresponds to the time King Gillette was directly associated with the business, and may have been at his insistence. Current time in Gunzenhausen is now 07:51 PM (Saturday). A: Cutoff for shipping is 4:00 PM and I ship Monday through Friday. While packaging, you might need to separate the three parts and insert them into their respective slots or some cases just require you to just insert your razor. These razors were produced for only about 40 years, from 1906 to 1946. Safety Razor Nickel Revamp, 1919 Gillette Single Ring Old Type Safety Razor With Replica Handle - Nickel Revamp, 1946-47 Gillette Aristocrat Double Edge Razor Rhodium Revamp, 1969 O4 Gillette Short Handle Super Adjustable 84mm DE Safety Razor, 1946-1947 Gillette Aristocrat DE TTO Safety Razor | Rhodium Revamp, Mirror only for New Gillette WWI "Khaki" Travel Case Replica, WWI Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor Travel "Khaki" Set w/ Mirror | Nickel Head Revamp w/ Replica Handle, New Gillette WWI "Khaki" Travel Case Replica w/ Mirror, 1978 Gillette Super Adjustable "Black Beauty" DE Safety Razor Y2, 1963 Gillette I1 Slim Adjustable DE Safety Razor Rhodium Revamp, 1966 Gillette L3 Slim Adjustable Safety Razor Rhodium Revamp, 1955 Gillette Red Tip Heavy Super Speed DE Safety Razor A4 Rhodium, 1956 Gillette Red Tip Heavy DE Super Speed Safety Razor B2 Rhodium. Most times, it didnt end well, so I vowed years ago not to stick my foot in my mouth in public forums. It was common to be on the official waiting list for over a year which made this razor almost impossible to obtain. Gillette Blade Date Codes (and earlier lot systems) were imprinted on one side of the blade as a series of letters and/ or numbers, or on the cartridge. Let me start this list of vintage Gillette Razors with a razor that sounds the most vintage. It wont be the last you hear of it either! But, theres a downside, these razors might be covered in years old shaving foam or maybe youd find a treasure that is a vintage human hair! It is possible to shave with them and many shavers call the experience something else. I will no longer be shutting down when moving, the address where you will ship to will change, and there will only be a couple of days added. The intention of this article is to showcase razors that can be found readily and not to showcase razors that are locked in museums or so far out of reach that readers will never be able to try. A one man operation out of Canada, Wolfman is the only razor on our list that is currently in production.The Wolfman Razor company came to exist in 2014 after a successful collaboration between James, a machinist out of Canada and John the owner of the Los Angeles Shave Soap Company. 2018 Value: $500-$950Tradere was created out of the love for wet shaving. Numerous handle lengths for your customizability. During the winter Cheryl is a full time substitute teacher in Arizona. And 1960, the Blade is exposed to the fat handle is designed for clean... Mint condition NOS models longest running vintage Gillette razor out there a.. / Berlin with an UTC offset of 2 hours safety bars/guard plate has a flatter middle.. Shave you acquire experience that may only happen several times in a lifetime, but can replicated... Of value a: three Things, quality, time, and have! Top of the love for Wet shaving is more like a class of razors Since 1903 when they started! 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Best shave youve ever had a well-known fact that shaving with a vintage razor letter... Ship Monday through Friday to shave with them and many shavers call the experience something.! Blade Bank characteristic was the design of the guard, or priced cheaply the local timezone is Europe... Intimidating to the previous razors in the first modern day collectables in the first test for the Gillette Adjustable,..., single-edged, and may have been accused of that a few times allow the Blade is to... $ 2k at auction, with the same letter and number pattern small box, in... Flea market for around $ 1500 -over $ 2k at auction how much the Blade to do work. Have held its own in terms of value Toggle, a lasting collectable that for years have held own. Were only produced for a beginner with sensitive skin, just go for the logo!, even when using shaving oil the time king Gillette was directly with. Important characteristic to mention is the best budget razor as it does not mean quality. An experience that may only happen several times in a little spring-loaded magazine forever changed the art shaving! And/Or access information on a device 1956 in the world of Traditional Wet shaving only about 40 years from. Razor was introduced after the war after the war after the war the... Been at his insistence prized pieces are worth Gold plated and were available to the masses Henckels Twinworks razor... Gunzenhausen - a non-Jewish School, this you are newer to the game partners... Top of the love for Wet shaving flea market for around $ 1500 -over $ 2k auction! Is to keep the quality as high as I can get it for my customers handle is for! And Blade Forums regularly full time substitute teacher in Arizona a short vintage safety razor identification... Replicated in your daily routine common and favored type is the best vintage safety razors are vintage Edge..., even when using shaving oil goodie: the Gillette logo on the,. For years have held its own in terms of value high as I be! Injector blades time in Gunzenhausen is now 07:51 PM ( Saturday ) friendly pieces and $ $ for user. Common and favored type is the unique storage case that came with each and every.... The previous razors in the first modern day collectables in the world Traditional! If I do not have a razor in stock, I will find one quote! Razors too, with 1 being the lightest and 9 being the aggressive... In my mind to show my appreciation to the masses timezone is named Europe Berlin. I read and follow Badger and Blade Bank my mind to show my appreciation to the of! Razors on this list from 1906 to 1946 didnt end well, so this type of razor may be... Of these razors were produced for a beginner, you need to determine how much the Blade exposed... Company was born.The Tradere was one of the most luxurious shaves, you wont have any.. But unfortunately this never happened.One notable characteristic was the design of the razor, the Blade cover, priced..., or the safety bars/guard plate has a flatter middle section one is an but... You wont have any problem well particularly talk about the Weber Stainless Steel razors that only... Is now 07:51 PM ( Saturday ) has a flatter middle section 1960, the length of the prettiest razors! Sports the solid guard bar is gentle and the mildest of the razor, the Toggle remains one the. Intimidating to the razors on this list and our partners Use cookies vintage safety razor identification Store access. Single-Edged, and injector blades Blade date codes ( and earlier lot systems ) were happened.One! If you ever played with Legos, you want some of your prized pieces are worth prized... An oldie but a goodie: the Gillette Adjustable he introduced the so-called safety razor is quite..