Thread: 1953 Gillette?

I am looking for a 1953 Gillette razor. The date code reads to be Y-3, which should be 1953. However, there is also a Y-3 that is a 1978. Of the 2 pictures below are they both a 1953, or is is possible that one is a 1953 and the other a 1978?

You probably already found this:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gi...ng_Information

Gibbs,

Looking at the below, I would suspect that the black anodised/(painted ?) handle was later than the 'all silver' handled razor, so would suppose that it is the 1978 version.

mr-razor solid guard bar

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Edit : It seems that these black handled Gillette razors were made from ca 1966 - 1986

Gentlemen,

Yes, I agree with my friend Russ. The black handled Gillette is from a much later date, the 1970s.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks Obie, Russ Tony !! I was looking for a birth year and the silver would be it then. Much appreicated. However it would be something to buy a year razor and walk into your bathroom with it, lather up and whatever year you had, you would walk back out of the bathroom in that year. A time machine razor set. Sounds like the beginning of a sci-fi movie. "The man with the timely razors". LOL

I'd watch it. Might get a little dicey with my Wade & Butcher with the VR stamping. Would take me back to somewhere between 1837 and 1901. Could be fun though.

Originally Posted by Gibbs

Thanks Obie, Russ Tony !! I was looking for a birth year and the silver would be it then. Much appreicated. However it would be something to buy a year razor and walk into your bathroom with it, lather up and whatever year you had, you would walk back out of the bathroom in that year. A time machine razor set. Sounds like the beginning of a sci-fi movie. "The man with the timely razors". LOL

Hello, Gibs:

That black-handled Gillette is one of the last of the great little razors. I have that one and find it sweet and mild. It's light in weight, too, if you like lightweight razors. A good razor, and, yes, it comes with history, as do all the Gillettes.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by Gibbs

Thanks Obie, Russ Tony !! I was looking for a birth year and the silver would be it then. Much appreicated. However it would be something to buy a year razor and walk into your bathroom with it, lather up and whatever year you had, you would walk back out of the bathroom in that year. A time machine razor set. Sounds like the beginning of a sci-fi movie. "The man with the timely razors". LOL

I have my Dad's '60 'Fatboy' (left) in it's original packaging... it's well used... but I also have my Grandfather's '63 SuperSpeed that he used for 9 blades out of the original paper 10 blade package before his passing in late '63. The 10th blade, rusted, is still in the box. The razor and it's original plastic case are like new and I use it once a month (right).

Even his new razor can't hold a candle to the shave I get with his well worn Larkin straight (bottom). I shaved with it 4 hours ago.



I hope you find your 'birthday' razor... but I believe I've got you.

To the topic of the thread...
The black plastic handled razor is the later dated Y razor...and a Super Speed Flare Tip.

The other razor is the earlier one and is simply a Super Speed. - Nice little razors, I've had several of them, both flare tip and non-flare tip...though none as late as the plastic handled one.

Originally Posted by tonycraigo

I have my Dad's '60 'Fatboy' (left) in it's original packaging... it's well used... but I also have my Grandfather's '63 SuperSpeed that he used for 9 blades out of the original paper 10 blade package before his passing in late '63. The 10th blade, rusted, is still in the box. The razor and it's original plastic case are like new and I use it once a month (right).

Even his new razor can't hold a candle to the shave I get with his well worn Larkin straight (bottom). I shaved with it 4 hours ago.



I hope you find your 'birthday' razor... but I believe I've got you.

I think I posted this before, but I have that same cup and used it for the same purpose when I first started straight shaving. Also, FWIW the razor on the right is not a Super Speed; it's a Gillette Slim Adjustable. I have one of each and they're good little shavers (though I'm a big fan of my straights over my DE's).

Peace,

Well, I have a 1953 coming soon. Just like the one with the all stainless handle. I look forward to giving it a go with one of my blades. I have several different "makes" of blades now and most of them, especially the Feather, can beat the straight razor for close shave 14 ways to Sunday. I love my straights, but wish there was a way to hone and strop them to the same sharpness level of these DE blades, like Feather, Astra, Israeli Persona Platinum, Russan Rapira or one I have not tried yet, the Voskhod blade. I have heard many nice things about teh Voskhod blades and hope to try a few sometime.