My Top 6 Vintage Gillette Razors

My top 6 vintage Gillette razors. 2021 Edition.

[@erniefay8644]

My favourite razor is my fatboy I’ve been using since 1960. A gift from my girlfriend for my 16th birthday in 1960. Still shaving with it. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@chris-8597]

Wow that’s amazing

[@jefife750]

Well I cannot match that story, but I added an E1 Fatboy to my collection six months ago and it is tied for first place. I don’t think there is a better razor for any price. And it’s 65 years old! Built the same year as me! Amazing quality by even today’s standards. There is however another Great vintage Gillette that doesn’t seem to get the love it deserves and that would be the 1937 open-comb Gold Sheridan. Very smooth efficient shave. Paired with a Wikinson Sword Classic or other very sharp blade, will Easily handles a 3-4 day beard.

[@Tristin471]

I hope that you married that girl, that’s a wonderful gift!

[@acfnugget7880]

Loving this series of vids. My favourite Gillette is my US Red Tip, followed by the Fatboy. Whatever anybody chooses you're always guaranteed a smooth shave. Wishing you and yours all the best from across the Tay! 👍👍👍💈

[@bradleycred99]

Howdy Cap’n Kevy! Nice collection my friend. I only have current era DE razors, but if I did acquire one it would be from my birth year of 1963. Cheers to you, the missus and Riley.

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Kevy- Great Vintage Gillette video; thank you! My razors closely match yours, except I have the short Black Beauty and I don’t have a Slim Twist, but I do have an Aristocrat. Beautiful condition on your razors, too! My favorites are the Red Tip, and the Black Beauty. I hope you have a great week ahead. Take good care and be safe and be well. Best regards, as always, Kevy!

[@jonnytesillo1142]

Hey Kevy !!!!!! Undoubtedly, pieces that have a huge tradition and a great history, I all like them are timeless safety razors, a very nice collection only to be used in special situations, personally I keep a Gillette 1922 open comb !!! It is a beauty that was inherited to me and I hope to continue the tradition. Because good things never get old, they only become CLASSIC ........... Cheers 💯⚔️👍🏻

[@alexdeleon7135]

An impressive, wonderful collection of vintage Gillettes! I wish I had that Slim Adjustable. That razor is one month away from my birth month and year. Perhaps I will find a May 1964 razor tohave and enjoy. Thanks for this, Kev. I'm surprised your Aristocrat wasn't among these top six. Cheers.

[@christopherthompson3313]

Great top 6, Kevy! I started my DE journey with my Dad's 1960 SS Flare Tip and love it. I hope to one day acquire one of the vintage Gillette adjustables, but not sure which one to go with. I'll just have to keep rewatching this one to do more homework. 🤓

[@OG_Jack]

Nice list! I have 5 of your six. I enjoy all of them.

[@EasyTarget82]

Funny enough I have looked at vintage Gillettes at times specifically milder razors like a Tech, Blue Tip, or a Slim Adjustable. I remember seeing an old safety razor a decade ago in one bathroom that may have belonged to my Grandfathers but unfortunately it was thrown out when clearing out the cabinets. Great list Kevy!

[@badsnake]

Great vid - thanks for sharing! I’ve got a Tech and a ‘56 Flare Tip. Took a while to get used to the latter but with the right blade it gives a great shave! Just before the world went crazy last year I was due to visit my parents in South Africa who’ve been holding onto my late grandad’s ‘59 Fatboy for me. Sounds daft but I don’t want to risk it getting lost in transit by post/courier, so I’ll just look forward to being able to collect it (and see my folks!😂) in person....

[@SIGSOLO]

Great pick there, Kevy!! A part for a Ball end Tech missing I agree on your list!! Stay Safe!!

[@eronavbj]

The Red Tip is the “heavy” version of the Gillette trio that came out in the 50s-Light, Regular, Heavy. They had varying blade angles, exposure, and weight. Cost $1 each. When the adjustable came out later, they were advertised as the Gillette 195, since they sold for $1.95 here in the States. John Wayne and his son Patrick did a commercial for it, which can be seen here on KZbin. I also have a Gillette Tech, circa 1944, which was the razor my father taught me to shave with. It’s a very mild razor.

[@alspencer2794]

I have a Slim adjustable with date code G4. That’s 1961 Great video

[@martinwild9192]

What can I say except, "An excellent selection of razors". I'm intrigued by your No.1 pick and I'm gonna try to find one. I love twist-to-open razors and I can't fathom why some folk prefer to dismantle a razor just to change a blade. I shave mostly with a D2 Flair-Tip (1958) even though the results are nothing special . . . but its never cut me and it's TTO action is still crisp. Is like an old friend :-)

[@mishima666]

I have my dad’s old Red Tip from 1955. It’s well-worn - the chrome is all gone from the doors - but it is still fully functional. My dad died in 1976 and the razor has been retired since then. Today I use a Merkur. Your Red Tip was likely made in 1955 or 1956. Interestingly, around here (Oregon, USA) most of the stores no longer sell DE blades. Fortunately a few still do.

[@melchurch3019]

Hi Kevy, I have to say the Gillette Tech with a Feather blade is still my favorite. Next would be a Canadian New long comb. I own a Slim, Super Speeds, the Old and none can beat the Tech for smooth enjoyable shaves. My brother loves his Fatboy like you do so will have to give it a try after the pandemic.

[@robertlarkham2428]

From the 50s I have a blue tip, flair tip, red tip, black tip, slim adjustable and fat boy. I also have a ball end tech from the 40s. Love them all.

[@stevek4622]

Out of my three vintage Gillette razors, pre war Tech, super speed and slim, I prefer the slim. Thanks Kevy

[@unitedscum]

Great collection.

[@BartBuzz]

Very nice vintage Gillette collection. There must be a lot of jealous wet shavers out there. I will have to live vicariously through your collection.

[@terrym1065]

Nice "6" Kevy, the English versions are interesting as they're much harder to obtain here in the US. Most of the earlier Gillette razors from the 40's into the 50's were more aggressive than later versions. The Black Beauty though is more aggressive IMO. Great video. Enjoy!

[@gunner9010]

I have an early 70's Black Beauty from my birth year.

[@user-nk9oi7bc4d]

Interesting top, Kevy ✋☺️👍💈 thanks!

[@magnoliamike]

I just got a Rocket yesterday. I have the one on the red case! But mine isn’t the HD version I absolutely love it and going to shave with it tonight for the first time

[@johnmeyer8098]

Hey Kevy. I have several vintage Gillette razors. Hard to choose favorite. I like the adjustable ones best but also like the TTO and non adjustable.

[@magnoliamike]

Love when you do these videos!!!! #TEAMVINTAGE

[@eddiebanks7525]

Good vedio kevy top 6 parker razors would be interesting have nice day👌

[@viningscircle]

I also have a J4 Slim Adjustable, as that's my birth year and quarter. I have numerous J4s in the collection such as the Travel Tech, the Flare Tip, and even the Lady Gillette in blue! (The latter has a good handle length and shaves great). Got a Slim Twist with blue handle, and seems to be much less common than the cream colored one. I figured on the Black Beauty being on your list. The Techs (both ball handle and fat handle) are mild but get superb close shaves. 👍

[@dinodaniel2237]

I find your videos dead brilliant! May you have continued success

[@dinodaniel2237]

Fatip Rules

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thank you Dino 👍

[@razormichl2004]

nice list, Kevy !!

[@rdmeenach]

I love the black tip. Not rare, not fancy, but always a great great shave. Mine has the steel handle.

[@kostasintzes9958]

Hi Kevy!!! I hope you are well. I didn't have video from you and I missed your presentations. Looking forward to your next post!!! 🧐🧐🧐

[@lanceberry867]

Agree the one and two, having the same. Next on wish list is the Black beauty, not too fussed about non adjustable though. The adjuster on my Fatguy doesn’t “click” through the middle numbers. It is still in the box ☹️, great vid Kevy greetings from Gibraltar

[@callumcraig3664]

Got 5 of the 6 .. don’t have red tip .. I’d put the black beauty at number 2 and fat boy my favourite .. my slim twist is gold version with black handle and 2 colours really go together for me

[@DrRonP]

Gorgeous razors Kevy! I love my Fat Boy and my Slim! Someday I’m going to pick up a Gibbs adjustable. It’s not a Gillette obviously but a remarkable razor. They’re also very pricey when you can find one.

[@vincentseth7960]

instaBlaster...

[@Juraberg]

Great show-off. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@matthewsmith22]

Cheers kevy! Now I'll be after a vintage razor, at least it'll distract me from soaps for w while 😂

[@davidcrowe3486]

The fatboy is a great razor and would be up near the top of my list, but number 1 would have to be the black beauty for me. It has the most adjustability and it looks great, better than all the others, IMO. I also have a super speed flare tip but never bothered with the red or blue tip after I got an adjustable.

[@melromero3269]

Great, great video Kevy! Have a fat boy and a slim and which one is number one? Haven't been able to figure it out yet as just when I switch to a different blade, cream or soap I say ok this has got to be my number one. Then I try the other one, same process, same result. I may just have to content with they are both great shavers. I totally agree with you on Fatboy heft and could probably have it as number one if it were not for the slim being more maneuverable for me - particularly under the nose. The next two that are right up there for me are the Gillette Ambassador and Diplomat. Just have to love the old fashioned craftsmanship. Side bar - although my Merkur Futur is not vintage it shares almost the same relationship I have with my Gillette Red Tip. I love to hate them or hate to love them.

[@dh7314]

Recently obtained a '55 flare tip which I love, hoping to find a nice Y1 1978 Black Beauty

[@pansikake]

Hey Kevy!! I have the same Gillete Rocket HD as you have. the dates from this model are not possible to find, but this ones were made between 1947 and 1951 :)

[@PaulHFilms]

Some great choices Kevy :-)

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers 👍

[@DragonBlue68]

The only Gillette I own is a 1966(?) Black Super Speed TTO in very good condition. I chanced upon it at a local thrift store for $5. Not too bad a shave, but not as good as my Mercur 34C. Back in the day, one could find vintage DE razors and shaving brushes all over at garage/estate sales and thrift stores... Now it is a rarity as they have become collectible.

[@oliverheim2044]

Hi Kevy, again a good video, these old Gillette razors are my favourites, here is my list: 1. Slim Adj 2. Flare Tip 3. Rocket 4. Black Beauty 5. Fat Boy 6. Slim Twist with the fat, blue handle

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@stricklandpropane86]

Absolute classics

[@Foxtrot-jr5qu]

I can't say which one of my vintage Gillette razor is my absolute favorite, but I like these equally. Super Adjustable 109 NEW LC 4th gen British Aristocrat I also have a RFB and 3rd gen Aristocrat both being British models on their way and I might add them as well.

[@markdiluciano8432]

Great pics Kevy, now you need to add a Toggle

[@kevyshaves4109]

👌

[@philwood4121]

Great video Kevy! For me the slim pips the fatboy to the top spot. As the slim head is thinner and easier to use under my nose. I also like thicker handle on the fatboy but it is s little short for me. I sold my SA109 black beauty as I hardly used it and it a also felt like a cheaper copy of the slim.

[@BareumKim]

Vale la pena comprar una del 41, ranger tech? Buen video👍

[@piusroussel8611]

I have the same Gillette Rocket. Mine was made in England. With a wilkinson swords in it 👌🏽

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Nice collection. I’m thinking about buying a vintage from Rex Supply company.

[@juliusu6615]

Oh boy, never knew red tips were also made in england. U always learn something new!

[@georgemakuca8870]

There was on aution last week on ebay sold for 90£ !

[@talega1]

Very nice razors, all in outstanding condition!!! Now the one I drool for.....that Red Tip..... I have the USA version which is OK but nothing outstanding (have 3). Cheers, now put a Nacet and shave w the FatBoy..... It's amazing how good these razors are after such a long time.......doubt the newer copies will last 1/2

[@Cheekeemunkey]

I have a pristine slim and fatboy. Love them both. I have a slim 24k aristocrat cased with instructions and another slim in mint condition with case, blades and instructions. Those 2 are put away. I think the other vintage gillette I have is a tech but not sure.

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

Slim Twist is great. 😁👍🏼

[@Marc_Shaves78]

Just got my 59' Fatboy back from Razor Emporium yesterday. Had a tune-up service done. Haven't used it yet. Looking forward to a shave this evening. I'm going to try a setting 3 since I don't like an aggressive shave. Great video as always Kevy. Cheers. 👍💈

[@eminusipi]

I hear that they do great work. Did you get the Fatboy from ebay or some other source? I remember those razors in the stores in the '70s. I wish that I'd bought one and kept it! Maybe it wasn't a FatBoy but it came in a similar package and was adjustable with the lens over the adjustment dial.

[@Marc_Shaves78]

@@eminusipi They did a fantastic job on my razor. I bought my fatboy off eBay. They have really good deals on there sometimes.

[@eminusipi]

@@Marc_Shaves78 Sounds great! I'd like to get a vintage Gillette razor. I'll keep looking!

[@Marc_Shaves78]

@@eminusipi You'll get one. Best of luck to you though. 👍💈

[@profesam8457]

All from the same vein. Most adjustable and all twist to open. No Tech heads or ball-end razors? (Por los gustos hay colores.)

[@DCPorter71]

Haha love it. I have 3 out of the 6. Fatboy black beauty and slim twist. Looking for a rocket atm

[@stricklandpropane86]

Never used any of these, but like the red tip. :)

[@Bob-Horse]

I’ve got ten years on you mate, born in 59. I remember my father using the slim twist version. I have never tried a Gillette DE razor myself, I’ve only been using DE razors about ten years. Before that, I used Gillette cartridge razors. DE razors so far have been a couple of Merkur models, the 1906 model and the 34C HD. My favourite at the moment is the Edwin Jagger 3One6, stainless steel with knurled handle, it gives a dream shave. I also have a modern Art Deco inspired DE razor by Wilde & Harte, London. Have you tried their razors?👍

[@kevyshaves4109]

I've seen their razors but I'm yet to try one. Kevy 👍

[@JimWillShave]

I'm after a case for my 1959 Fatboy. I also have an English made Tech.

[@toddf9321]

Happy Sunday Kevy! That is a great list. The Gillette Red Tip super speed is from the late 1950's. I have/had all but one of those razors. Those Rocket HD razors are not often seen. Is you example the one that weighs 70 g? My vintage Gillette list is different. Mine would include the 1930 NEW SC and Deluxe Razors. I love my 1955 Red Tip. I agree with the Super Adjustable, I have the short handle version. The Slim is my birth razor, H1 date code. I have a 1924 New Improved Bostonian. That razor is a bit aggressive, yet a true beauty. Finally, the 1937 Sheraton. That would be my list. Off topic question: The Scottish Perma-Sharp blades; how many shaves do you get out of one before binning it?

[@kevyshaves4109]

Usually 3 shaves from those blades Todd. Kevy 👍

[@toddf9321]

@@kevyshaves4109 Okay, great. I get 4 to 6 shaves. I didn't want to bin any blade before its time, there are rare!

[@johnflynn4923]

Ironically after it took the face off me at the start, my '71 BB is now my favourite after many cheek miles.

[@davidparker4797]

I have 5 of your 6 razors but I've been told that my 1953 gold Milord is the same as your Rocket. Also when you are done shaving with any of your adjustable razors do not twist the end knob the last 1/4 turn, that compresses the spring in the handle and can cause it to remain slightly compressed after awhile. My top six Gilllette razors are: 1. 1958 Fat Boy 2. 1970 Black Beauty long handle 3. 1946 Gold Aristocrat 4. 1956 Red Tip 5. 1964 Blue Lady Gillette (very mild with a nice long handle) 6. 1912 Silver Single Ring (oldest DE razor I own)

[@kevyshaves4109]

Great list David and thanks for the tip. Kevy 👍

[@telekon8066]

Thanks Kevy 👍🏻🪒🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@silverwiskers7371]

I am from the USA and use a Gillette razor 100 years old, its still going strong

[@kevyshaves4109]

Yes, the razors back then were built to last. Kevy 😀

[@ernienanos1957]

Kevy, Great review of the Gillette Razors. Are any of these razors stainless steel? You have a great collection. The Gillette Razors you have are in great condition. The best to you, Mrs. Kevy and Riley.

[@kevyshaves4109]

None of these are stainless steel. Kevy 👍

[@saigonfrontiers8617]

Hey I just got one of these it has a black metal handle that screws into the top and bottom part where the razor would go, it came in this nice black case lined in blue, I was wondering if someone who actually knows anything on these could tell me what kind it could be?

[@MrJimJD]

I've got 2 old Gillette razors - Tech and Travel Tech.

[@T-R.e.x]

I would like also a top6 artisan shave soaps and creams. Mine: 1. Kaizen 2. CK-6 3. Milksteak 4. Excelsior 5. Southern Witchcrafts 6. Wickham

[@kevyshaves4109]

That's a fancy list George 👌👍

[@nilanthaabeyrathne6109]

I got a Gillette tech date code N4. Currently I am disinfecting it using 91% alcohol. I like Gillette Tech. You seems to like twist to open vintage razors.

[@clayb.6077]

So far I've only got two vintage A 1958 D4 fatboy and a 1963 I3 Slim .

[@JT-nf9tk]

I have a 59 Fatboy and 61 Fatboy, a 68 slim and a 55 Red tip. My fav is the 59 Fatboy.

[@georgewashington3012]

Nice collection. I’ll have to dip my toe in those waters at some point.

[@CBShaves]

Great top 6 Kevy... I'm still on the look out for a fatboy for the right price. Take care mate and stay safe;-)

[@dougiesshavin1627]

Great video, just so you know, your red tip should have a date code on it. You might need your glasses. Your '64 slim is highly sought after as it was featured in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger. And your Fatboy is also highly sought after as in '58 3rd quarter was the first time the Fatboy was available to the public. They did not release them in the first 2 quarters of '58.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks for the info Douglas.I'll have a look for a date code. Kevy 👍

[@tonyhicks2503]

My red tip has B2 - 2nd quarter of 1956 - but its a made in USA model. Not one of my English-made Gillettes has a date code. They didn’t seem to use them as far as I can see. But I’m definitely no expert.

[@georgemakuca8870]

In your list i only have not two items they are; 'rocket and redtip'!

[@lucapnz2980]

Hi Kevy, I recently bought a Slim Adjustable and can't wait to try it (I'm struggling to find barbicide to sanitise it), can I ask if the last 1/4 turn is complete when the vertical lines on the handle align with those on the TTO knob? Cheers!

[@ivermec-tin666]

Any beauty or barber supply store will have barbicide. Or you can make do with isopropyl alcohol.

[@lucapnz2980]

Thanks! I found a few places online but they only seem to sell to professionals... Do you know any website where they sell the half litre bottle?

[@ivermec-tin666]

@@lucapnz2980 Try ebay or amazon. In a pinch, even hard liquor can be used as a sanitizer, everclear or vodka, 80 proof or higher. All you need to do is to thoroughly clean the used razor with dishwashing detergent, hot water, and a soft bristled brush; dry it thoroughly, and then sanitize it with your microbe killing liquid of choice. I don't think that fungus is much of a concern with razors. That is the only benefit of barbicide over alcohol. Direct sunlight or UV radiation is an excellent sterilant as well. It will kill pathogens quite effectively (it denatures proteins), but it must be direct and of sufficient duration, a full day or two depending upon the latitude and season. Personally, I use Dawn dishwashing soap. Soak the razor for a day, scrub it with a soft nylon bristled knuckle brush, rinse, pat dry, leave overnight to air dry, then sanitize in 90% isopropyl alcohol for a couple of minutes the next day. IMO, sanitizing of razors is only important if the item is shared or newly acquired. It is unlikely that you are going to infect yourself from the use of a device that only you have access to. If you did, that would be a re-infection. Barbicide is intended for professionals who use the same hardware on multiple clients. For the home user it is not essential.

[@mawangdwei3866]

Shave Nation sells Barbicide.

[@mawangdwei3866]

It's out of stock now though.

[@WolfRanger2008]

I don't rank them but among my vintage college, A.. Gillette Slim 1969 B. Gillette Lady Bluestar C. Gillette Super Speed Black Diamond 1983 D. Gillette Knack E. Gillette Super Adjustable 109 Black Base Plate ver 1977 F. Gillette Contract Tech Fat Handle Gold 1946

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice list 👍

[@rajansharmaadv]

Hello, Kevy I have got only one Gillette Black Beauty razor that shaves very nice but too aggressive and not comfortable for me, Sir if possible can you please make a comparison video of the Merkur 34c and a Feather Popular razor, as I like TTO razors very much, your comparison videos are of a great help for wet shaving lovers, thanks and regards from INDIA 🙏🙏🙏👍👍

[@kevyshaves4109]

I'm afraid I dont own a Feather popular razor at the moment Rajan. Kevy 🙂

[@rajansharmaadv]

@@kevyshaves4109 Kevy I recommend it easily available over AMAZON just for ten to twelve pounds, a must try razor.

[@ezshmee59]

My black beauty is seized up. It opens but no longer adjustable.

[@dimitrisvars9867]

😍😍😍

[@Blue_3rd]

I have just come across a silver Gillette razor blade case, containg 5 wrapped Super Platinum blades, made in Spain. I believe they were made in the 70s. There isn’t much info on line, does anyone know about them? Cheers!

[@kevyshaves4109]

I've not heard of Spanish Gillette blades. Kevy 🙂👍

[@thumbthumbs4968]

Kevy!

[@WSF176]

Gillette sensor, Mach 3, and the fusion. They’re so vintage I don’t see a need for them anymore.

[@eminusipi]

?

[@WSF176]

@@eminusipi just a joke my friend.

[@eminusipi]

@@WSF176 I'm usually not that slow!

[@magnoliamike]

J-4 is 1964 cause I have a slim Adjustable with that date code

[@stanborg4755]

You find the 1969 adjustable razor aggressive?

[@kevyshaves4109]

I do, especially on the higher settings. Quite a bit of blade feel for me. Kevy 😃

[@gohabs365]

I have a slim, fat boy and tech. I prefer modern razors.

[@eminusipi]

I'd like to have one just to collect it. I don't think that it would be better than my Rockwell 6S.

[@dapperdave2865]

I now have a drawer full of old Gillette’s. Since I got the 6S I never use em.

[@eminusipi]

@@dapperdave2865 I get that. I use my 6S almost every time I shave. Would like to have one of those old Gillette razors though. I tried a few others down the road but the Rockwell is my go to. Before I got the 6S I used the 6C, no complaints about that. It give the same great shave.

[@RichardE62]

You're the same age as my Baby Brother.

[@josegrillet4949]

The code of my RAZOR is R2. WHAT IS THE YEAR???

[@kevyshaves4109]

2nd quarter of 1972.

[@josegrillet4949]

@@kevyshaves4109 THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GREETINGS FROM VENEZUELA

[@chucksshavingchannel3101]

U was born in 69?so was i

[@kevyshaves4109]

A vintage year for sure! 😂

[@ajgYT09]

Gillette Tech 3 piece beats them all. Simplicity and ease of maintenance, no moving parts to gunk up inside. Especially when you put the diamond plate in a Rex Envoy. Had all these but traded them for modern 316L gear. TTO just isn't for me.

[@speedypc9973]

Scottish old fart don’t forget, what’s your top 6 favourite aftershave and your top 6 fragrance for Spring, Summer and Autumn, Winter season.

[@nphilly420]

Kevy love the channel! I just bought a fatboy from razor emporium and a gold aristocrat I found on another online store we ll see how it is when it gets here. Best wishes from PA 215

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers. Enjoy your new razor 🙂