Razor Archive Series: Gillette Tech Double Edge Safety Razor

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I’m Matt Pisarcik, founder of Razor Emporium, welcome to our channel!
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[@edwardmiles6513]

Honestly, the Tech has never gone out of production. After ending the U.S. manufacture of Techs, Gillette began making a simplified handle version of the Tech overseas, which it still makes today in India under the name "7 O'clock Stirling." I have compared the Stirling Head to that of a 1960s Ball Handle Tech with a magnifying glass, and I cannot tell the difference at all, even to the sub-millimeter level. The Stirling's a very cheap way to get the Tech experience. I'm sorry that time limitations didn't permit mention of the Bakelite handle Techs from the early 50s, which I really love, or the Ball Handle Techs of the 50s and 60s, one of which my father owned. (He never used it. I think he bought it for my mother and she didn't like it, deciding stick with her 40s Star knock off of the Tech.) Anyway, FWIW. Best wishes.

[@d0nj03]

I think that's the same one also being made in China today by YingJili under the name "Gillette Super Blue", still with plastic/bakelite handle, and with "Gillette" engraved on the top cap.

[@edwardmiles6513]

​@@d0nj03 I have several Ying Jilis, and they are not absolutely identical to the Gillette Techs/Sterlings, but they are close, and anyway shave well.

[@JohnHartConductor]

One thing I love about this series is getting to see the presentation cases. I don’t always find the razors cased in the wild, so it’s nice to see what I’m aiming to pair them up with.

[@dalecrummie5818]

My dad got his in the PX in 1945, they had a little kit in a draw string bag that they sold for S.75, and he was still grumbling about in 1975 when he taught me to shave.

[@eronavbj]

I have a bronze fat-handle tech, circa 1940-ish. It’s identical to the one my father used to teach me to shave. I find it a mild razor. I don’t know if he was issued that razor when he went into the Army in 1943, but he had it all through the 1950s. On a related note: I enlisted in the Air Force in 1962, and one of the first things they issued us was our first pay. Then we were taken to the Base Exchange and told to BUY our toiletries-razor, shaving cream, soap, etc. (I bought a Gillette Adjustable), so we were definitely NOT issued a razor.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

I have a gold tech that was a giveaway for Pan Am's Presidential New York to London 1st class flights from the early 1950s. It comes in a brass tube with a tube of Ipana toothpaste and a tube of Gillette shave cream. Great shave!!

[@JMac.]

I have a 1954 Canadian Tech.... probably one of the best shaving razors I own. No matter what blade I put in it, I know it’s going to give a great shave. Great video series Matt, I’m really enjoying these.

[@GeorgeKanatas]

The Tech can be one of the most common Gillettes, but I think that we have to mention two more variations of it, which are upper in the rarity scale. I am talking about the famous 'psycho' Tech with the key, which was for using at prisons and mental institutions, and the (made in England) hybrid Tech with the raised flat bottom, also known as 'RFB Tech.' This particular razor is probably the best shaver in the Tech family.

[@unalomerecords8078]

I've got about 18 Psychos but sadly just one original key :)

[@gakali123]

Just used my new to me tech for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. I might even say it was perfect for me. Easy to get caught up with more expensive razors but function wise these basic models are great. Thanks for these informative videos!

[@WynterKA]

Best shave ever. I have a few, Rockwell etc. I bought a vintage one last week. Followed your cleaning videos and bam, best shave I’ve had and it’s older than me

[@alexmitros4959]

Best head ever made

[@ricjefferson1493]

Thanks for all the history! Keep 'em coming. 💈💈

[@gogostyle33]

You have a beautiful vintage collection. I love the history lessons.

[@bigdave3847]

Thanks for your informative videos, Matt. I used a 1947-51 fat handle gold Tech this morning. It's one of my favorite razors.

[@andrewkoster8895]

Great video Matt. I love these history lesson videos; gives you a perspective on what life was like back in those days. Speaking of your Rex ambassador, I am eagerly waiting for one to arrive; looking forward to it! Have a great weekend!

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for this excellent video. I do have a few Gillette Tech Ball End razors in a collection passed on to me by my uncle. One of these is at Razor Emporium right now, in fact, for the revamp service. My (late) grandfather was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. He was drafted and was in combat zones from approximately early 1943. He was wounded in action and I believe he was extremely proud of his service and record during that War. He must have been issued with a Gillette Tech. I wish and wish that I knew what he did with his Army uniform and the personal toiletries he was issued during the war. For all I know, he had stuffed them in a box and tossed that in an attic....and perhaps my grandmother tossed it all into the landfill after his death. Anyhow, it is said in the family that my grandfather served in the Pacific, so he might have had a version of the Gillette razor that could resist rusting. I guess he had to use blades promptly or else they would rust. I remember him very well and I know that each and every morning he would shave. He shaved himself very well and could do this with just a bowl of hot water. I *imagine* that he had a double edge razor, but perhaps he used a straight razor....I'm not sure. He shaved in the late afternoons as well, if he was expecting visitors or was planning to visit others. I never once saw him with anything approaching a stubble. For him, shaving was as necessary as breathing.

[@Shaverboy516]

Loved the video Matt, going back into the history of the old Gillette razors is always interesting to me. I have to venture out into thrift shops to find some old razors. Love the t-shirt:)

[@toddf9321]

Good morning Matt! Thanks for the educational video. I have a 1939-1941 Fat Handle Tech. It is a great shaving razor. I appreciate all the hard work you do to make these videos.

[@myblueskynight]

I love the refurbished Fat Handle Tech I bought from your store! Smooth, perfect, comfortable shave!👍👍👍

[@generalpatzer6893]

I just found an H2 1962 ball end Tech and almost new date code W2 1951 ball end Tech with the original box. I know they're not rare since millions were made but it's nice to use something from that era. Thanks for the video!

[@guitarzz24]

Love my 54 tech! One of my favorite shavers in my collection so far. So happy to see a video on these. Hope to win that awesome t shirt!!

[@albertcastro409]

You give out a lot of good information

[@packtray6569]

"Contract" versions came in a lot of forms. Brass -was- used for components if available, bakelite when brass wasn't available. Contracts were issued and administered by the Jefferson Depot. Cases tended to be bakelite. You'll see a mix of handle/head combinations. The military bought these sets all the way up through the 70s, though the Tech in the later sets was aluminum vice brass.

[@MichaelSpotts1]

Always learn something from these videos.

[@koosk41]

Thanks again Matt. Informative as ever. So common it seems you didn't give it the FULL "IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM"😂

[@rayr5950]

I shaved with my pre-war fat handle Tech yesterday. Mine has a gold base plate and the cap and handle are red brass because all the gold plating wore away. Looks cool all polished up.

[@jeronimomacias481]

Great video Matt. I love my tech.

[@Gojira76]

My 1940s gold fat handle Tech is my preferred travel razor. I use an Altoids tin from Frugal Shave to carry it.

[@DavidLeBlanc]

My favorite razor and I have several. Mild and I get a BBS every time. I have one from the year I was born in gold and I use it every February as a bit of celebration of my birth month.

[@DhrJay]

Amazing video, really like your channel!

[@terrym1065]

Another great video Matt👍 Interesting Gillette made the Tech for so long, obviously the war extended the production but they kept on producing after(surplus). Kind of figured it wasn't so rare. Thanks for the history lesson. Enjoy!

[@thedirk123]

Thanks for the informative video - i have recently found some Gillette Techs at some antique shops and now i have a better idea what year they were from - thanks again

[@DoubleJ1203]

I have two 1939-45 Tech's. One from each Grandpa. I also have a Black Beauty that was my Grandpa's as well.

[@odysseusjak]

The first razor I bought at a rummage sale was a Gillette Tech. I didn't know it at the time (I checked your website when I got home) but I got the '39-'46 Tech with the triangle slots. I don't remember what I paid for it but it's been a solid razor. I know own a gold, ball-end Tech, too. Both are solid, easy to manage, efficient razors. I don't think anyone would go wrong with getting one of these when starting out with wet shaving.

[@michaelweigel4822]

Great Video Matt!!! I love my 46-51 Tech!!! It was a $10 thrift shop find and is a great little razor!!!

[@meatsmudge5349]

Michael Weigel I have one also from that era that I found for $10 at an antique store a few months ago. The gold plating is worn off the cap but in good shape everywhere else. It is one of my favorite shavers. I think if you’re going to have a small collection, this is definitely one to have.

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

I like that gold and black contract. Looks nice. : )

[@paulstewart238]

Excellent video

[@johnwachter6975]

Nice video Matt.

[@brianjohnson6021]

Love my tech great video as usual

[@TypewriterASMR23]

Great video Matt.. You didn't mention the Thin Handle Tech. I have only found one.

[@jsaun6684]

I found a ball end contract tech a few weeks ago. Awesome shave. It was definitely a user though. I wonder who I could send it in to for some TLC lol

[@travislupum]

I just picked up a old itinirette gold tech set with original blade in the case and all but the tooth paste powder and shave cream

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I have a few in my collection.

[@danaemans566]

Great video , I have a couple of techs , good shavers . Thats sure a nice shirt 😉👍

[@stephensmoot8874]

Great video

[@ratchetz]

Any vids of the progression of Gillette blades, and/or dispenser?

[@muratc.1790]

mr-razor.com/Rasierklingen/Rasierklingen.htm

[@airdbreck]

Another great video love these vintage Gillette razors you have a great collection Very informative and interesting definitely a 1 😂😂😂

[@gabrielcote4874]

I just bought the black handle contract tech with it’s box for five bucks, I plan on using it tomorrow. 😁

[@clontstable1]

Those early 20th Century open comb Old Types & Single Rings are, IMHO, are the most aggressive...I speak from experience!

[@Warren.I]

Thanks for the info, Matt. I have two Fat Handle Techs. One is nickel plated and has the four triangular slots you showed on all your models. The other must have been gold plated. Stripped down, it's made of copper (red) and yellow brass (yellow in the guard and upper part of the handle) and has four straight slots, not triangular. (When you picked up the Gold Tech I was surprised to see triangles.) Also the two stabilizer bars on the center of the inside of the cap are longer in the model with triangular slots than in the one with the straight slots. Do you happen to know when Gillette changed the slots' shapes and the length of the stabilizer bars? By the way, my previous go-to razor was the AS-D2, which is a spitting image of the Tech except for its wider head (to eliminate overhang, which never really bothered me). I've found the Techs to be more maneuverable, and after seeing how you engineered the Ambassador I wondered why Feather didn't do the same, i.e., taper the cap and guard inward at the business ends of the blade.

[@borys2767]

The tech hasn't caught my eye as far as my collection goes other razors of that gillette era not only give me a great shave but are pleasant to look at but the tech for me doesn't have that same visual satisfaction. At least not yet.

[@michaelz7683]

I got a gold tech in box for 20. Sadly it didnt last long as the cap threading broke off when I was rinsing it. (Luckily)

[@ollyhalleux6278]

Hey Matt, really enjoy your historical videos. Please keep them coming. I have a Tech (black cap, plastic handle and triangular slots) with red cardboard box. "Gift of American People Thru the American Red Cross". Any idea of era and context was distributed? Given to foreign troops? Civilians? Found in New Zealand. There was US troops based in NZ during WW2. Cheers Olly

[@RazorEmporium]

Send pics and I can try to help date. Thx

[@WolfRanger2008]

I am like Sgt Schultz,,,"I know nothing...." :D But I did enjoy the show.

[@thevman6499]

Hey Matt, can you tell me what kind of razor is in the blue and yellow box that is out front on your left? There is one of this on EBay but the razor in the box has a black handle with the gold head. Is that the correct razor? Thanks so much.

[@mikerose51]

Hey Matt I just won a PIF in the Shave Den Fourm !! In the box was also a 1957 SuperSpeed (regular) and the tech is a made in Canada one fat handle

[@RazorEmporium]

awesome- congrats!

[@magnoliamike]

I just found out recently I won a shirt from you !!! I sent u an email with my info !! Thanks again!!! 💈😁✌️💈

[@siguie2355]

Wow a little surprised that you wouldn't call Techs the "mildest" of all Gillette razors. Maybe a slim on 1 is milder ... "maybe" ... However, it is a very nice razor though I prefer the STAR knock off because it is very slightly more aggressive and has the cool handle. But as always great video and thanxz for all you do!

[@billiamtaylor3509]

Hi. I know this video was a while ago, but someone might read this. I have a fat handle tech, chrome coloured, triangle slots etc. It’s very shiny, almost like new, though there are a few minor scratches on the underside of the too cap. Am I likely to have a replated razor, or are there so many of these around that there are still pristine razors out there. It’s not a massive issue at all, I bought it to use, and I love it, but it would be nice to know more. Thank you to anyone who replies. Be safe, be well.

[@MC90pastel]

Hi Matt, thank you for the video. I’m planning to get a Tech from you soon. Do they all shave the same or the different eras will differ somehow in terms of head design?

[@RazorEmporium]

If there was a difference- Gillette never talked about it and all the parts look identical. I think people love to analyze razors with a microscope today, it was not so decades ago.

[@MC90pastel]

@@RazorEmporium appreciate the clear and fast answer!

[@charlestait5303]

Nascar folks call that "triangle" a tri-oval!

[@traiser1998]

I just got a gillette tech where the handle And the baseplate are made of bakelite and i would love to know how old it is. Could anyone help me?

[@daledoughty7181]

At some point the Tech switched from the ridge blade center mechanism in to 4 corner tabs. Was the reason cost? My 1964 seems to work well

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes the later models you are describing are actually cast zinc rather than stamped brass

[@d0nj03]

Solid guard? So original Techs were essentially "no-comb"? Most modern clones I've seen have grooves in the safety bar, some shallow, some pretty deep (older Baili models currently being phased out). Are you saying the groove/comb designs were never found in the original Techs from Gillette?

[@RazorEmporium]

There are little grooves on the tech guard.

[@edwardmiles6513]

Thanks for the dates of the triangular guard plate gaps. I'd wondered what they were exactly. Question: I've always wondered how Gillette attaches the threaded bolt of a Tech to the razor cap, particularly because the value of the Tech to Gillette is that its parts can be stamped out quickly from blanks. Please advise. (The curiosity is nagging me.) I don't believe the Tech has ever really gone out of production, with Gillette still making (or having made for Gillette) the 7 O'clock Stirling razor in India. The handle is long thin plastic, decidedly un-Techish looking, but I cannot see a difference between the razor's head and a mid-1960s ball handle Tech, even with a magnifying glass. These are still available on E-Bay, and I recall having seen one on sale in Charlottesville, Va., ca. 2000, so Gillette does seem to have maintained some continuity of production, albeit overseas. FWIW, I have a contract Tech that's all Bakelite, except for an anodized aluminum cap. It looks as ugly as nuclear reactor waste, but performs very nicely. Thanks again for the information in these videos.

[@RazorEmporium]

Not sure 100% but I think the process is called "staking"

[@ivancorea]

If only the new King C by Gillette had that kind of head. They used a pretty standard modern head, should have stick to their own timeless, nostalgic design :/

[@malvinas78]

Hi, I recently purchased a fat handle tech nickel plated with triangular slots and noticed that the top cap and handle most likely may be brass but the actual base plate has the high pitch sound and is magnetized. Are Aluminum parts poorer quality meaning will it rust or break compared to brass?

[@Chrislav7]

Neither brass or aluminum are magnetic. Did you ever figure out what it was?

[@malvinas78]

Christian MacCready No answer but great shaver. My guess is probably steel.

[@gomezokpala7956]

Please what is the average blade gap of a traditional Gillette tech razor?

[@RazorEmporium]

.0300"

[@bluezzer1]

Where would you say the Tech is on the Slim 1-9 scale? Again thanks for the history!

[@charlesbaker709]

I have Tech's, and a Slim. I think the Tech would be 2-3. I keep coming back to the Tech. I like the small head. My Slim was Dad's, so it is very special to me.

[@RazorEmporium]

3-4

[@COwens-el4kr]

I always wondered why they used the term "Tech"?

[@mikerose51]

Chad Owens idunno maby technical or Technique

[@jacobskovolsen9099]

👕👍💈

[@jedknouse7053]

Interesting to find out the fat handled techs were from the 40's, always thought they were more modern examples.

[@ben6089]

me too

[@warrenburch6545]

Techs are nice, but I prefer the 1940's Super Speed.

[@CrotchRocket78]

I have my granpas 1947 super speed. I try not to use it often, great shave, just dont use a feather blade with it. You will look like you got into a fight with a cat.

[@SharpsBox]

Gillette still Ames the Tech! It is in China and called the Super Blue.

[@JeffRydman]

I like to give the fat handle to noobies to get them on the wet shaving train.

[@albertomolina3868]

Tech razors give fantastic shaves. Just find the right blades for your skin type. The beauty is ones made today are super cheap. Great bang for buck.