Gillette NEW stripped and polished

Distressed Gillette NEWs have got to be the best value razors you will ever find. You’ll likely be the only bidder on eBay – so it’s difficult to break the $10 limit.

 

Here’s the thing: they are absolutely amazing shavers, and solidly built. The gold colour wash on these Depression era razors is lousy, but if you are prepared to take them down to the underlying brass and copper, they shine up a treat.

 

I got this for $6.50. 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...

 

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 boiling water and dishwashing detergent soaks (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 end 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 vintage razor that’s getting on for 80 years old.

 

Then I broke out the Brasso. I have a thing for Brasso. The current Mrs. Wild accuses me of drinking it.

 

And there you have it. A 1930s Gillette brought back to life.

 

I like a project, and you all love a story with a happy ending. (Apart from drinking Brasso, that is.)

 

It’s easiest to reach me at Wild West Communications if you want to use my photography or talk about my writing and editing work.

Done