Matthew Wild
Vintage Gillette NEW
It may look like gold, but it’s brass and copper really.
This vintage 1930’s Gillette NEW has been given a new lease of life by having what was left of the gold finish removed, and the underlying metal polished.
When it arrived it looked disgusting (pics here: www.flickr.com/photos/38722915@N04/5690158977/in/photostream, www.flickr.com/photos/38722915@N04/5690158423/in/photostr...
Personally, I prefer open comb razors, and I think Gillette really nailed it with the NEW. It’s a lot smoother than the Old Type which preceded it, and a touch less aggressive – for me, the perfect ratio of the two factors.
First thing I did was soak it in Tilex to remove soap scum from between the teeth. Then it got a couple of long, long soaks in Lysol, alternated with soaks in boiling water and dishwashing detergent (and scrubbing with a nail brush). I stripped off what remained of the finish by putting it in a jar of boiling vinegar and baking soda and leaving it to fester.
Next I sanded down the bottom and top of the razor, finishing with 2000-grit sandpaper – I should have taken the top down further, in retrospect. It’s still somewhat pitted, although that’s to be expected in a razor that’s getting on for 80 years old.
Then I got broke out the Brasso. And there you have it. A $6.50 Gillette brought back to life.
Get hold of me at Wild West Communications to ask about using my photography or my communications services.
Vintage Gillette NEW
It may look like gold, but it’s brass and copper really.
This vintage 1930’s Gillette NEW has been given a new lease of life by having what was left of the gold finish removed, and the underlying metal polished.
When it arrived it looked disgusting (pics here: www.flickr.com/photos/38722915@N04/5690158977/in/photostream, www.flickr.com/photos/38722915@N04/5690158423/in/photostr...
Personally, I prefer open comb razors, and I think Gillette really nailed it with the NEW. It’s a lot smoother than the Old Type which preceded it, and a touch less aggressive – for me, the perfect ratio of the two factors.
First thing I did was soak it in Tilex to remove soap scum from between the teeth. Then it got a couple of long, long soaks in Lysol, alternated with soaks in boiling water and dishwashing detergent (and scrubbing with a nail brush). I stripped off what remained of the finish by putting it in a jar of boiling vinegar and baking soda and leaving it to fester.
Next I sanded down the bottom and top of the razor, finishing with 2000-grit sandpaper – I should have taken the top down further, in retrospect. It’s still somewhat pitted, although that’s to be expected in a razor that’s getting on for 80 years old.
Then I got broke out the Brasso. And there you have it. A $6.50 Gillette brought back to life.
Get hold of me at Wild West Communications to ask about using my photography or my communications services.