The Gillette Adjustable Buying Guide and Advanced Wetshaving History

This is a video we've been excited to make since our visit to Proctor and Gamble's archives in 2016. There are still mysteries surrounding these wonderful collectors items but hopefully this makes the picture clearer for anyone who's interested!
Buying Gillette Adjustables can be confusing with the large range of options and prices. If you have further questions please comment below or visit our website to shop!
Thank you for watching and please subscribe for weekly videos on all things history, technique, and insights from the Razor Emporium team!
Shop here: www.razoremporium.com
Think you know Gillette?! Let me share a secret with you if you love collecting Gillette...
We have a sister site with a ton of free resources called Razor Archive, and I guarantee you will learn something new! Don't just take our word for it... www.razorarchive.com/
#wetshaving #shaving #doubleedgerazor #shavelikeyourgrandpa #razoremporium

[@michaelwelch70]

I've watched this a few times over the years and every time I learn more. There is so much in this 20 minutes.

[@Tmanaz480]

I can feel myself drawn into the vintage razor rabbit hole just like i did with fountain pens.

[@johnjames218]

I reckon most of us watching this vid are drooling over each and every model lol

[@RazorEmporium]

John James many have passed through our hands and these are a few we have kept

[@chris.struwe]

I actually was shocked by the price!

[@srpk_khin]

@@chris.struwe you no need to buy the adjustable one.. Buy the 3 pieces of gillette tech.. which is cheap in Ebay.. or even in razor emporium.

[@NoblenessDee]

Question ... I have a (1970 Men's Gillette Safety Razor Super Speed Black Handle) and the date code is just "P" ... there is NO other number anywhere. .. aaaa, what does this mean ? , and is there a difference in value ? Thanks for all the great info R.Emmporium.

[@prashantkrishnankutty6038]

Nope

[@stanborg4755]

I was lucky to save a 1966 slim adjustable destine for the dump in 1976. Dads coworker died at a young age, 53. A ww2 vet. Saved a bunch of stuff. Also got a schick krona tto. The early one with a case. That has .030 blade exposure like gillette red flare tip.

[@PerroneFord]

Matt, this is FANTASTIC!! I am looking to buy my first Gillette vintage razor and your site was the first place I checked. My faith was well placed!

[@bienn007]

Thank you Matt for doing the research and sharing it with us!

[@glennconti6585]

Matt, you have put together such a nice video. As a collector and specialist in this area of Gillette razors, I love it when new information surfaces and is made public such as now. Anything that can be saved from this golden era is a wonderful bonus. Thank you for your efforts.

[@RazorEmporium]

Glenn Conti glad you approve! Inspired by your webpage

[@Tmanaz480]

The slimmed-down aesthetic was from the same era as the iconic Cross Pen/pencil sets.

[@jeffmohr7375]

I am just getting into safety razors. I found this video very informative and useful. Thank you for making and sharing it.

[@azbikerider49]

How cool, I was trying to figure out what razor that I've been using that was my dad's many years ago. All I knew was it was a Gillette. Now I know it's the Slim. Thanks for the great info and help. Probably will send it in for a re-con.

[@danoliver9197]

Your videos are great! I am just getting into safety razors and your videos have been so helpful. I'm old enough to remember when safety razors were still on the market and cartridges only had 2 blades! Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

[@RazorEmporium]

thanks!

[@christopherach4402]

Fabulous history on Gillette adjustable razors. Very much needed. Thank You Matt. Always a pleasure to watch Your fantastic videos.

[@RazorEmporium]

Christopher Ach thank you for the kind words!

[@polpan1973]

Excellent presentation and yes, you did make me drool over most of the items you talked about. Keep up the good job and you will hear from me soon. Salutayions from a Greek fellow, living in Qatar - it is a small world after all :)

[@magnoliamike]

Not going to lie I watched this video about 20 times! 💈😁👌💈

[@PatriceSimon]

Very informative on the progression of Gillette razors for that time period. Thank you very much

[@rapwedinger]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. It is a fascinating period in Gillette's history.

[@toddpop1]

I'm new to wet shaving, but not new to vintage collection (I'm a fountain pen buff as well)- I appreciate the well done overview. Nice to know the pitfalls of certain models as I'm shopping.

[@user-eg4fp1dy5q]

Lovely, very informative. I have already ordered a revamped one. Looking forward to receiving it with excitement

[@viningscircle]

A superb historical general overview of these Gillette legendary razors👍

[@richardcreger3093]

Thanks for doing these Matt. Good info!

[@brucethomas5257]

I just ordered a $ 1.95 Friday from your company so Excited great job on your videos

[@joeblow6591]

Thank you , a very well researched, and crafted video presentation.

[@davidpackkard3354]

I really love the history lesson that I get from your vlogs! Keep them coming please.

[@davidpackkard3354]

You did an epic job on my Gillette Slim K2 (You put a rhodium finish on it).

[@RazorEmporium]

David glad we could help!!

[@JonasHyldgaard]

Awesome video. I just received an aristocrat H3 I bought on ebay, and I honestly think that I will never buy another razor. Thanks for the information

[@f.s8954]

I have now used the made to order slim adjustable that I ordered from you guys for about a moth. I'm so happy for that razor. Top notch work!

[@RazorEmporium]

frank strömberg great to hear thank you for that feedback!

[@williammunny7505]

The same razor 007 used in Goldfinger!

[@azshooter348]

I have a multitude of Gillette Techs. They all shave amazingly close and smooth with a variety of blades. I also have several Slim Adjustables and Super Adjustables. The magic happens with that extra 1/4 turn handle twist - it tightly secures the blade unlike any of Gillettes' previous razors. All those many blades that shave so well with my Techs shave just a little smoother & closer in my Adjustables.

[@stylzMX]

I got the G4 Slim from my Grandfather. Still my favourite Razor and such a beautiful one too!

[@jaimecunningham1057]

Awesome video packed full of great information, Just makes me want more razors ☺💈

[@matthewhoover6154]

i just got an adjustable slim from an antique store to add to my collection, and it seems to work very well and is in physically good shape. I used to shave with an SS but it seemed a hair too aggressive, so switched to a modern Merkur safety razor. I hope I like the shave of the slim adjustable and am excited to have one finally.

[@jasonh1767]

I enjoyed this tutorial very much and I learned that one of the razors I inherited from my father is a Super 84.

[@mayurpatel2901]

One of the greatest messages of our time.

[@toddf9321]

Good evening Matt. This was an interesting and informative video...just awesome! I have an H1 Slim and a P3 Super 84. The Slim is my birth razor and wins the favorite nod by default. However, the Super 84 delivers a closer, more comfortable, shave. You do excellent work and the two-tone Aristocrat you returned to me is admired by many...and used only by me. lol. Thanks for offering these services!

[@RazorEmporium]

Todd F no problem we are here to help! Enjoy your custom razor :)

[@Cheekeemunkey]

Great video. Looking forward to receiving my slim adjustable in case with instructions I just bought from you.

[@joshreszke6871]

Great detail on the history of these razors.

[@romansroad2007]

Great video Matt , lot of great information about razors..Thanks 777

[@tonymarinelli7303]

Absolutely fantastic video.

[@byrnedes]

Definitely going to buy one of these.... great vid.

[@carlcurtis]

When my father died, I rummaged through the drawers of the bathroom and found a Gillette adjustable razor. It was only today, after watching this video, that I got it out and noticed the red dot. Not in great shape but a classic.

[@panzerkiller13]

ylYou ought to send it to razor emporium to get it refinished!

[@trueblu8]

Fascinating! Very informative.

[@jetblack4715]

Hi Matt, nice review. Black beauty is probably my favorite vintage Gillette- good grip, great balance, close shaves. The one I have is a late 1974 version, a bit worn out, but I like it that way, elegantly aged. I wish it could talk, I am sure it has some stories to tell. Sergei from Russia.

[@WingMane52]

Thank you Matt! Great informative video, those are some great razors for sure.

[@RazorEmporium]

Neptune51 thanks for watching! Share with your circles

[@patrickmoses7609]

Wow, just a superb video, Matt! Thank you, great job!!!

[@RazorEmporium]

Pat Moses no problem we love sharing this razor history!

[@secaII]

Absolutely love my 195 revamped by Razor Emporium!

[@RazorEmporium]

happy to hear it!

[@saxman7131]

Hello from Florida Matt. I bought my first adjustable today. I would call it fair condition. I believe it’s a “Slim Adjustable” judging by the pictures in the video. I may need to send it in for a tune up I enjoy the channel.

[@overunder47]

I always feel like Im steping back in time just a litte, when ever I have an old school shave with my fat boy razor .Its kind of nice even if it only for ten minuts in the morning.Thanks for the history lesson.Great info.

[@MiguelTorres-hg1kn]

Thanks Matt. Great information.

[@nicetna2010]

Great video, Matt. Again, I notice those clear plastic razor head protectors. Wish they were available today for vintage razor collectors like myself, to help better preserve the tto razors Gillette once made.

[@pompeydan3]

Superb Video, thanks!

[@axlpam]

Great review! Thanks!

[@bronovalter391]

Waiting for delivery on my slim adjustable that I won in an online auction. Looks like I chose, or more correctly, blundered into the right model.

[@Crackers2549]

Matt, love your videos, very informative and well done...! Excellent... Just bought a slim line adjustable and everything I read, it was supposed to be an improvement over the fat boy with longer handle and the more compact head for shaving under the nose etc. No wonder that is your favorite... Actually of my 10 razors, (Edwin Jagger, Merkurs, Muhles, RazoRock and various Gillette's) my favorites are the Gillette's... Hard to beat the super speeds, love the red tip, justgreat razors you can drop a blade in close the doors and your ready...! Again great video... Greg

[@ZeroColdx911]

Should make more videos like these!

[@bradleycred99]

Howdy Matt! Great overview - thanks!

[@user-zd7fi1fh6r]

Great job. Thank you.

[@harryballs333]

found out my razor my Dad gave me was made in Great Britain..don't say Made In USA anywhere...its ina brass scrolled case with the razor, and blade holder..gave it to my son as a family heirloom!

[@LockButcherShop]

great video! I just got done using my 1961 195 adjustable you guys recently tuned up. haha. you do amazing work! I have a 1980 109 I'm going to have you guys do next. look at me using all kinds of new Gillette lingo I just learned hahahahaha.

[@RazorEmporium]

LockButcherShop thank you! Now you are in the "know"! Enjoy the shaves!

[@stevied8855]

Superb Matt. I love my Slim Adjustable. Steve in Scotland.

[@RazorEmporium]

Stevie D they are pretty great!

[@mikerose51]

The slim adjustable is most people’s most favorite classic vintage gillette

[@Skelenator-Rev9]

Great Video on the Adjustable history!!! I have a Fat Boy and Slim Adjustable that are both in good condition, need to be re-plated.

[@Trinidadthedestroyer]

One of the best videos.

[@mikeyfelley]

Brilliant Video Well Done

[@Tracks777]

Brilliant work! Keep it up!

[@RazorEmporium]

MisterBassBoost absolutely!

[@DavidV4444]

Outstanding!

[@jello022170]

Appreciate the vlog😀

[@robertpapps5383]

Great video!

[@viningscircle]

Just bought on Etsy a J4 Slim Adjustable, and this is in the time frame of my birth. Cannot wait to get it, so I can look at options for getting it in like new shape if feasible.

[@magnoliamike]

Jeff Wilkins are you from the South Jersey area?

[@Tracks777]

Quite good video, awesome!

[@michaelwelch70]

Good job Matt. Awesome.

[@RazorEmporium]

Michael Welch thank you! It was a long time in the making

[@ordinaryk]

Fantastic video, tons of good info. I own a Fat Boy, Slim Adjustable (which has been serviced by you) and a Black Beauty. I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for a Toggle, but sadly, everybody who has one for sale knows what it's worth 🙃

[@redarrowsmk3]

Thanks Matt! More info: the first Slims sold for $1.50 and increased in the mid-60s to $1.79. The G3s were produced in conjunction with the Fatboys, a rare overlap that makes them more collectible.

[@Tristin471]

Imagine being able to buy a Gillette Slim for $1.79 (even adjusted for inflation, which is like $10 or so)

[@Underboss1968]

Just ordered a Fatboy from you guys...Super excited to receive it!

[@bradleycred99]

I’m looking forward to getting my Prospector.

[@stefanosimoncelli8310]

Great video, thank you!

[@RazorEmporium]

My pleasure!

[@DispatchGod]

I have a 66 Slim Adjustable, gonna send it in for a revamp after watching this video.

[@LukeFromUranus]

BEST.VIDEO.EVER. thank you, Matt

[@RazorEmporium]

Luca Noris we wanted a video they covered them all - researching this required us looking at 5 different websites along with materials acquired from P&G in person. Now it's as easy for someone just to watch this video and know what we know!

[@LukeFromUranus]

Appreciate your work and effort, Matt. Hopefully, I will call in your shop in the near future

[@caesardifranco3648]

EXCELLENT !!

[@brianfuller5868]

I really enjoy your videos. This video had very good informstiom. I'm glad that a store like Razor Emporium exists. Where are you located in Phoenix?

[@RazorEmporium]

Downtown Phoenix!

[@mountaindave01]

I got a slim and I love it.

[@joshmclain3411]

great video matt i love my gillette slim adjustable i wish gillette still made razors like these today

[@RazorEmporium]

Joshua Mclain well if they did you wouldn't see all the other great brands we have!

[@joshmclain3411]

that is very true the one y'all did on proaso was awesome i only have the green line the soap and aftershave splash

[@sbfteague]

Hi Matt, Thank you for this great video. I just bought a G3 slim. It was really "gunky" but seems to be mechanically sound. I gave it a clean up. The finish is a bit faded. Would it be okay to shave with? Also there is another very similar one back at the same antique shop, similarly dirty but also seems sound. Should I jump on it or are they a dime a dozen? I also bought what appears to be a "Made in Canada" Gillette New. ~Shane

[@johnrv501]

Mat, That's just sick! in a cool sick way

[@RazorEmporium]

johnrv501 the sickest ;)

[@goldensteeltv8546]

Another interesting fact is that the Fatboy originally came with Gillette Blue blades but later on it came with Super Blue Blades sometime in 1960. Similar thing went with the Slim which originally came with Super Blue blades but were replaced with Stainless blades in 1964. The Super Adjustable also initially came with Stainless blades, but later on in 1969 or 1970 were replaced by Platinum Plus which were default blades with the Black Beauty for more years to come.

[@RazorEmporium]

GoldenSteelTV great info thx!

[@TheSparky750]

All that’s missing from this video is a few more air quotes lol cracking information though

[@2010stoof]

I had a slim that just came in that didn't have the 1/4 turn. Not because of tolerances. But because it was locked up inside. Filling dawn in the hole in the top and soaking in hot soapy water did fix it. Then ran it through ultrasonic once I got it freed and all the gunk came out. Finished with repainting the numbers (80% of the time paint on numbers is gone after ultrasonic) and some mineral oil in the bottom hole and she's like new. Well almost. She's a little wiggly everywhere but for all intents and purposes she's good to go and shaves great!!!

[@archiepreston6503]

I love my 1965 slim adjustable

[@pittsburghwetshaver007]

Thanks Matt for the informative video. Didn't the super 109 also came in gold from 1969 to 1970 (O4 to P4)? I believe it was released around Christmas at that time much like other Aristocrat holiday models.

[@620john620]

Pittsburgh Wetshaver007 I have a super 109 in gold

[@petervernelen6784]

Great informative video 👌 I've been looking for a Fatboy or slim in mint condition unfortunately they are pretty hard to find here in Europe (Belgium) please let me know where I could find one 😉

[@Vconti52]

What about the weird blade lock systems like the diamond ones, I remember a video you said something about it then I happened to get one now I can’t find the video!

[@brandonmunger8113]

Great video, always wondered, are you supposed to loosen the bottom knob before changing the adjustment?

[@RazorEmporium]

It's easier on the mechanism, yes.

[@Al-zv9br]

Hey Matt, saving up for one of your fixed up fat boys. Can't wait to have one. Keep up the good work! Take care.

[@magnoliamike]

Allan M did you ever pull the trigger and get a ReVamped FatBoy? 💈😁✌️💈

[@jarethill5240]

Great video Matt. Still loving the revamp you did on my Fat Boy.

[@RazorEmporium]

Jaret Hill glad we could help

[@orthicon9]

About that "last 1/4 turn" thing - I have an L4 Slim Adjustable that had a sort of "click" for the last 1/4 turn, where it would briefly be easier to torque down, then you feel it definitely stop. Then one day I dropped it on the floor, and forever after that, instead of a click it just got harder to turn. Absolutely no difference in the open/close mechanism or the shave quality though.

[@raimom3179]

My favorite razors. I cycle the slim, fatboy, and the super adjustable for my shaves.

[@steve_o379]

I've just bought a 1969 O4 date code super adjustable 84 is it more reliable and less problems than the 109??

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

do you have to oil them? what type of oil? where?

[@ibsoarin]

Matt, Does the standard G-3 through N-4 Gillette Slim Adjustable razors only have brass handles with nickel plating or did any of that era Slim Adjustables have an aluminum handle? I am only interested in getting a razor with a brass base metal. Thank you for these excellent and informative videos.

[@RazorEmporium]

All brass

[@anthonyderosa9569]

Good morning, I have a quick question. I was gifted 2 razors by my uncle. Based on my initial research off the Razor Emporium website, one seems to be a Gillette Super Adjustable 109 date code R3 and the second actually a Gillette Rocket made in England. My question is regarding the the Rocket is there a way to accurately date this razor? My uncle said he purchased it in the 50’s . It needs a good cleaning but still trying to figure out which model Rocket it is . Thank you any info you may have

[@alirezaetezadi7469]

Your videos are all great and I like the way you go through everything in the subject. However, I am not yet convinced why I should let go of my modern Proshield razor for a safety one after watching so many videos. It is just so much easy and comfortable to shave even a sensitive skin with modern razors especially with a flexball technology. No need to worry about the angles or the contours of the face. I just don't get it.

[@PrentissYeates]

I have a black beauty, date code R R, is the handle aluminum? And was there a weight difference in the black beauty? My R R seem lighter than my 1970 P 1

[@CocoboloCowboy]

I am dumbo should have kept my USMC ISSUED GILLETTE ADJUSTABLE.🥶 Like a dummy I lost mine, and did not buy new replacement. Disposable razors cost too much, and are not any good. Love your history lesson.