I knew my first question was going to be edgy

May 16, 2009 12:09 PM

Can anyone identify this Gillette DE razor I picked up at a flea market today?

There is a large Gillette logo on top of the head. On the underside of the head there is a small Gillette logo, and the words "MADE IN ENGLAND". No other markings or numbers are visible.

The handle feels lighter than the head, and is probably hollow. It is also looks somewhat duller, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually comes from a different razor.

As an extra question, I'm guessing this is not a priceless antique so I'd like to try using it. Any tips for proper sterilisation short of using an autoclave would be greatly appreciated.

posted by Dr Dracator to grab bag (9 comments total)

It looks just like my Merkur Classic, sandwich-style head and everything. I'd just boil it for 5min.
posted by rhizome at 12:36 PM on May 16

You can find out what model it is and when it was made by checking the serial number, date code, or absence thereof. Here's a guide.
posted by zsazsa at 12:52 PM on May 16

You might have better luck over at the Badger & Blade forum.
posted by cazoo at 1:00 PM on May 16

I'm pretty sure it's a UK Tech. As rhizome says, just boil it for a bit and you're good to go; and if you got any blades with it don't use them even if they look fine.
posted by bjrn at 1:06 PM on May 16

Not sure what type of razor it might be, but it's likely older than a Super Speed. I would suggest registering for an account at the Shave Den and asking there. The community is really helpful and I'm sure they could ID it in about 3 seconds.

As far as sterilization, I just cleaned up an old GEM Micromatic the other night, and I used some Scurbbing Bubbles and a toothbrush to clean it up, and then some warm soapy water, an alcohol soak and a rinse in warm water. I can't imagine much living through that, but if it's not gold, a boil would kill anything left! I wouldn't worry about it too much, but you could also pick up some Barbicide at a Beauty Supply shop and dunk it/store it in there.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 1:25 PM on May 16

Yeah, it's a Tech. I have a similar one with a slightly different handle, since those three-piece razors can be pretty mix-and-match.

Various cleaning options: boil in dilute vinegar, soak in scrubbing bubbles, or bung in an ultrasonic cleaner if you have one. A dip in Barbicide (cheap from any beauty supply place) then a good rinse.
posted by holgate at 1:46 PM on May 16

See one new old stock (in package) at Badger and Blade. I have one I got in a kit, but I don't think much of it. Too easy to irritate my skin. It's light, so you tend to try too hard and end up hurting yourself (at least, I did).

I found the Merkur travel razor much, much more comfortable. It can be found most places, such as West Coast Shaving (where I got mine) or Classic Shaving (see that link for a picture).
The Merkur collapses down to fit in its tiny pouch. It's just over two inches square!
posted by SirNovember at 3:32 PM on May 16

It looks like the internets have spoken, and the verdict is an aluminum handle British Tech: there are plenty of examples in the fora linked above.

Thanks for the help gentlemen, I am now waiting patiently until it's shaving time again.
posted by Dr Dracator at 6:38 AM on May 18

I can back up SirNovember's caveats about heft, especially by comparison to, say, a Merkur HD or a Gillette adjustable. On the upside, it's more nimble than a chunky-headed TTO model for shaving the top lip.

My Tech seems to work best with the scary-sharp Feather blades (B&B posters seem to agree) but you need a very light touch, so it's not ideal if you're coming straight from modern disposable-head razors. The Gillette-branded blades seem better suited for the sturdier models.
posted by holgate at 12:53 PM on May 18