Matthew Wild
Gillette Old Type Shave
I just wanted to show how this 1920’s Gillette Old Type fits perfectly into the hand.
It’s so well designed – great knurling on the handle, and a surprisingly tactile ball end. I have to admit, I’m one of those people that hold on to the end of the razor, and keep having to re-tighten twist-to-open designs.
These open comb old Gillettes (I’ve also got a NEW) are a revelation. They pre-date World War II, but the ergonomics and styling have not been beaten since.
Having said that, it does suffer from a design flaw – or perhaps a manufacturing error. These handles were made in three parts, press fitted together. Being different thicknesses, they contract at different rates, and are prone to crack. However, I’ve read that examples from before World War I are much less likely to come apart in this way, so perhaps it’s a manufacturing thing.
It doesn’t bother me, I’ve got some two-part epoxy that will stabilize this handle so it lasts another 80 years.
Get hold of me at Wild West Communications to ask about using my photography or my communications services.
Gillette Old Type Shave
I just wanted to show how this 1920’s Gillette Old Type fits perfectly into the hand.
It’s so well designed – great knurling on the handle, and a surprisingly tactile ball end. I have to admit, I’m one of those people that hold on to the end of the razor, and keep having to re-tighten twist-to-open designs.
These open comb old Gillettes (I’ve also got a NEW) are a revelation. They pre-date World War II, but the ergonomics and styling have not been beaten since.
Having said that, it does suffer from a design flaw – or perhaps a manufacturing error. These handles were made in three parts, press fitted together. Being different thicknesses, they contract at different rates, and are prone to crack. However, I’ve read that examples from before World War I are much less likely to come apart in this way, so perhaps it’s a manufacturing thing.
It doesn’t bother me, I’ve got some two-part epoxy that will stabilize this handle so it lasts another 80 years.
Get hold of me at Wild West Communications to ask about using my photography or my communications services.