Thank you for helping me pin down when my Grandfather's razor was made. It turns out to be right when my father and uncle were born after a couple of sisters. In those times (1947 to 1951) it might have been a big deal, so we imagine he bought a new razor to celebrate. It also shaves better than my two recently manufactured safety razors by not catching me on the nostril while getting at those hairs under the nose.
Thank you for posting this excellent video. It is fascinating to see the different razors that were made over the last 100+ years and wonder what my great-grandfathers and grandfathers shaved with. This is a wonderful documentary of Gillette's offerings in the USA.
I purchased a Gillet Safety Razor several years ago, on ebay . I have been using it ever since. While watching this video, I looked at the razor, and as near as I can figure , the date code is U - 1 Except for the period that I was in the military, I have always used Gillet Safety razors.
I pulled the trigger on a 1957 Gillette C-4 Super Speed Flair Tip last night. I purchased it for $23.50 in excellent condition. I was born in December 1957 so this was a special purchase for me.
some times we did not catch what quorter we were in and forgot to change the code, and or would mix up the letters from what machine they came off of, but that was mostly the disposable lines, they went from a to l think y, and it was on the cartridge, sensor only had 2 machines for the handles aram1 and aram2, but also had hand assemblers for a while, each machine made about 50k in a 12 hour shift, at the south boston plant,
Wow! Absolutely awesome video, loaded with efficiently-presented information/history about a topic not often discussed. After watching your video, I have now positively identified my WWII-type Gillette razor! Thank you!
Just purchased my first vintage Razor while on vacation in CA. Thank you so much for this video. Can’t wait to come see your shop when back in Phoenix. Love learning history and knowledge of man tools from our past!
All I could think about at about 5 to 6 minutes in during the discussion was the replacement Queen song that entered my mind as you spoke... "Flat-bottom knurled, you make shavin' world go round...." Could be a good Gillette jingle maybe.
Me thinks I just picked up a 1946 Gillette Aristocrat for $10 at the antique shop. Superb shave!! It could use a little TLC. Might have to send it in to you for service after I get a few more shaves.
Matt the aristocrat open comb in your hand is not a 1934 one but a late 30s one. The first TTO open comb razor had a slimmer head while the later had a dome shaped head which became a standard head for the TTO over the years till the slim adjustable. You have the late 30s aristocrat which is kinda similar to the Sheraton and senator head.
I just bought a old vintage Gillette TTO with the notch on it… I think Matt said it’s a 2nd Gen milord, but it’s nickel so I think it’s just a notched TTO Superspeed. So it would be July 1947 to 1966 latest. No date code… got it for $20 with a pack of *Super Blue blades both in great condition!* The Super Blue blades and case look almost brand new. The razor case it came with is older than the razor (definitely from another razor) looks like a *WWI Ever Ready*… It’s army dark olive green, has a picture of an American eagle 🦅 with an American flag in the eagles belly… not sure though. If I had a magnifying glass I could read the numbers on the blades. These vintage Gillette Super Blue blades look amazing with the dark Blue tint on the blades… I almost think I could shave with one?! I just called an antique store and asked if they had any vintage safety razors and he said I got one so I drove 15min away and I grabbed it. I’m not sure if it’s worth $20 I paid but it’s my first vintage razor and it’s in *Excellent/Great condition* if I was to sell it on EBay… no rust spots at all. Washed it with Dawn soap and a tooth brush and then soaked it in alcohol to sterilize the razor and dry it. So cool, I just called all the antique dealers in my area and they took my name down and will call if they get any vintage razors. They said they come across them occasionally. Nice to know the date was around 1947- to 1966 at the latest I think? I might do a short video of it cleaned up. I know a notched nickel plated super speed TTO is probably a common vintage but the feeling I got when he showed it to me and said $20 and it’s yours with the vintage pack of *Super Blue blades* and *WWI razor case*. I feel like one of those 49ers in the gold rush days like I found a piece of gold. I just can’t believe the condition and the TTO mechanism is so smooth… compared to my $20 as seen on Tv Micro Touch One safety razor I bought in 2013 that started me wet shaving. It was advertised by Rick from PawnStars. They really don’t make them like they used to is an understatement… and now I feel old for saying it but it’s so true!
I just bought on the marketplace a Gillette A-3 TTO / Tech blue tip 1955 in very good condition for $ 30 Canadian dollars. It is perfect with Astra 9 Green and Gillette 7 O'clock blades. With my sensitive skin, it's perfect!
I inherited--from a neighbor whose husband died in '92 or so--a Gillette--travel razor. It is a 3 piece, has a date code of M 1. The handle is 2" handle and appears to be either nickel or chrome plated. I also have a black plastic handled, brass-head adjustable Gillette razor with a date code of O 4. Any ideas on ages?
Great video! I have a ball end Old Type and NEW and bar handle NEW as well as a Slim Adjustable but I generally use my grandpa's 40s Super Speed loaded w Astra SP or Personna Reds. Perfect shave.
SUPERSPEED-HELPFUL! I'm quite impressed that this video, was as long as it is - it shows the wealth of knowledge that you have gained from years of work, and it shows the "tentpoles" of the Gillette product stream for all we scavenging shaving enthusiasts. Question - do all flare tips that have no colored tip, actually fall into the category of 4-5-6 "aggressivity" of the Gillette razor? My flare tips in the 1960's - Z3 - has no color on the tip. A 4-5-6 aggressive scaled razor?
Thanks Andrew! I would go out on a limb and say yes- though it was marketed like this outside of the Trio series. However Gillette referred to most of their razors as "normal aggressiveness"
Hi Matt Thanks. I'm always struggling with a very sensitive skin. Thus, I'm seriously thinking of starting to use a DE razor. Chasing a DE Gillette on eBay and some online stores that feature in South Africa. I am loving this new 'discoveries' of a time period and a razor that I know my dad used. Great channel. Great info. Super excited. Thanks again.
I just bought a 1951 Canadian Fat Handle Tech with date code W2. It also has "1932" stamped on it. Not sure what 1932 signifies but it's not a patent #.
+RazorEmporium thanks for the response. Since there was a 6 or 7 year time frame from when the fat handles were made, and it was during the war, I thought they might have used different metals because of metal shortages.
Thank you so much for this video... I bought yet another razor from eBay and didn't know what it was or what year I watched through your old razors series and saw some that were similar to it but not exact. I was to the point of contacting you to send pics of it to help identify the razor but now I know what it is! A fat handle tech from between 1947-1951 I paid $6.95 plus $5.65 shipping but the case and the razor needs a good cleaning. You have a service for that right?
I have a Gillette and no serial number it's has a tin case brass razor and razor blade holder and bottom is made in America with a stamp that says star would you know anything about it
Hi, What about the 3 and 4 digit numbers on the bottom of blades such as 231 or 232 and others with 2348 (blades not razor). They are in the single green King Gillette packages, made in the U.S.A. without patent numbers. The blades have 3 round holes in the center. Is there is a chart to determine the manufacture dates or do these numbers refer to something else? Thanks!
Thanks! Every time we get an email / question, we ask ourselves, "can we make a video to answer this before it's even asked again?" and this video is certainly a long time coming! We hope it becomes a reference that people point at when online and someone asks when is something from.
Is there much market for these? I have a used one looks like a 1910 model much like the first one you showed. Serial B451877. I also have the metal box it came in that has a metal peg in it the handle hole goes into. It shows Gillette on the bottom with patent dates for multiple countries. The box is pretty beat up and doesn't have any material inside, just the metal. Looks like the box 2nd from the left in front at 0:19 seconds into the video.
I recently got a Gillette Old Type Single Ring with the date code of 837191 from what I have found I believe this is from 1906 or 1907, does this sound right?
Matt, thanks as always for the informative videos ! I just ordered the King G shaving cream from you, and can't wait to receive it ! I have been wet shaving for about four years now, and will never go back to multi-blades again. If I may ask a question... Why is it so hard to find DE Gillette razors from the late 70's and '80's ? Is it because of the Area and Trac II taking over ? Thanks for the great work on the vids. I really enjoyed the DE sampler video that I just watched. Take care, Rob
I recently found my Dad's collection of vintage razors. He spent years buying them at flea markets and yard sales. Let me know if anyone is interested. Here are the photos: share.icloud.com/photos/0wpjRG6RVjdvfU4W2aJhGwatg
Thank you for helping me pin down when my Grandfather's razor was made. It turns out to be right when my father and uncle were born after a couple of sisters. In those times (1947 to 1951) it might have been a big deal, so we imagine he bought a new razor to celebrate. It also shaves better than my two recently manufactured safety razors by not catching me on the nostril while getting at those hairs under the nose.
Thank you for posting this excellent video. It is fascinating to see the different razors that were made over the last 100+ years and wonder what my great-grandfathers and grandfathers shaved with. This is a wonderful documentary of Gillette's offerings in the USA.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I purchased a Gillet Safety Razor several years ago, on ebay . I have been using it ever since.
While watching this video, I looked at the razor, and as near as I can figure , the date code is U - 1
Except for the period that I was in the military, I have always used Gillet Safety razors.
I pulled the trigger on a 1957 Gillette C-4 Super Speed Flair Tip last night. I purchased it for $23.50 in excellent condition. I was born in December 1957 so this was a special purchase for me.
Thanks so much. you helped me identify my Gillette 1939 - 1947 tech guard.
some times we did not catch what quorter we were in and forgot to change the code, and or would mix up the letters from what machine they came off of, but that was mostly the disposable lines, they went from a to l think y, and it was on the cartridge, sensor only had 2 machines for the handles aram1 and aram2, but also had hand assemblers for a while, each machine made about 50k in a 12 hour shift, at the south boston plant,
Wow! Absolutely awesome video, loaded with efficiently-presented information/history about a topic not often discussed. After watching your video, I have now positively identified my WWII-type Gillette razor! Thank you!
Just purchased my first vintage Razor while on vacation in CA. Thank you so much for this video. Can’t wait to come see your shop when back in Phoenix. Love learning history and knowledge of man tools from our past!
Thanks for taking the time to do this, really helpful.
All I could think about at about 5 to 6 minutes in during the discussion was the replacement Queen song that entered my mind as you spoke... "Flat-bottom knurled, you make shavin' world go round...."
Could be a good Gillette jingle maybe.
I just found a 1915 gold plated gillete with initials etched into the top. Thanks for the info.
Thanks! I picked up a Gillette Tech, Red Cross issue. Has the X letter code.:) 1952!:)
those are harder to find!
Wow! Thanks for this info!:) I feel quite fortunate now.:) I thought perhaps I acquired a razor that was a bit more common.:) Excellent!:)
Matt You are amazing Grandmaster of knowledge . Thank You for this fantastic video about Gillette. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THEN YOU!!!!!
Christopher Ach thank you for the kind words!
Me thinks I just picked up a 1946 Gillette Aristocrat for $10 at the antique shop. Superb shave!! It could use a little TLC. Might have to send it in to you for service after I get a few more shaves.
I have my grandfathers slim adjustable dated 1964 4th quarter best shaving razor I've ever had in my life glad I made the switch years ago.
Amazing collection!
Excellent presentation Sir!
Congrats!
Greetings from Athens 🇬🇷
thank you!
Matt the aristocrat open comb in your hand is not a 1934 one but a late 30s one. The first TTO open comb razor had a slimmer head while the later had a dome shaped head which became a standard head for the TTO over the years till the slim adjustable. You have the late 30s aristocrat which is kinda similar to the Sheraton and senator head.
I just bought a old vintage Gillette TTO with the notch on it… I think Matt said it’s a 2nd Gen milord, but it’s nickel so I think it’s just a notched TTO Superspeed. So it would be July 1947 to 1966 latest. No date code… got it for $20 with a pack of *Super Blue blades both in great condition!* The Super Blue blades and case look almost brand new. The razor case it came with is older than the razor (definitely from another razor) looks like a *WWI Ever Ready*… It’s army dark olive green, has a picture of an American eagle 🦅 with an American flag in the eagles belly… not sure though. If I had a magnifying glass I could read the numbers on the blades. These vintage Gillette Super Blue blades look amazing with the dark Blue tint on the blades… I almost think I could shave with one?! I just called an antique store and asked if they had any vintage safety razors and he said I got one so I drove 15min away and I grabbed it. I’m not sure if it’s worth $20 I paid but it’s my first vintage razor and it’s in *Excellent/Great condition* if I was to sell it on EBay… no rust spots at all. Washed it with Dawn soap and a tooth brush and then soaked it in alcohol to sterilize the razor and dry it. So cool, I just called all the antique dealers in my area and they took my name down and will call if they get any vintage razors. They said they come across them occasionally. Nice to know the date was around 1947- to 1966 at the latest I think? I might do a short video of it cleaned up. I know a notched nickel plated super speed TTO is probably a common vintage but the feeling I got when he showed it to me and said $20 and it’s yours with the vintage pack of *Super Blue blades* and *WWI razor case*. I feel like one of those 49ers in the gold rush days like I found a piece of gold. I just can’t believe the condition and the TTO mechanism is so smooth… compared to my $20 as seen on Tv Micro Touch One safety razor I bought in 2013 that started me wet shaving. It was advertised by Rick from PawnStars. They really don’t make them like they used to is an understatement… and now I feel old for saying it but it’s so true!
I just bought on the marketplace a Gillette A-3 TTO / Tech blue tip 1955 in very good condition for $ 30 Canadian dollars. It is perfect with Astra 9 Green and Gillette 7 O'clock blades. With my sensitive skin, it's perfect!
Thanks. I learned a few new pieces of information about vintage Gillette's.
You need to write a book about all Gillette models. 🙃
Very informative. Thank you so much
I inherited--from a neighbor whose husband died in '92 or so--a Gillette--travel razor. It is a 3 piece, has a date code of M 1. The handle is 2" handle and appears to be either nickel or chrome plated. I also have a black plastic handled, brass-head adjustable Gillette razor with a date code of O 4. Any ideas on ages?
I have one of these. Will I notice an advantage in new modern designs or not enough to warrant a new purchase?
Great video! I have a ball end Old Type and NEW and bar handle NEW as well as a Slim Adjustable but I generally use my grandpa's 40s Super Speed loaded w Astra SP or Personna Reds. Perfect shave.
I just watched a 20 minute video about razors.
Good video...thanks!
bloody great watch team. keep them coming!
blake hazell absolutely!
Very Informative Thank You Matt 😊😀😎
Very very good job!!!👌👌👌👌thank you very much master!!😊🙏🙏🙏
Another super cool video! Thanks!
SUPERSPEED-HELPFUL! I'm quite impressed that this video, was as long as it is - it shows the wealth of knowledge that you have gained from years of work, and it shows the "tentpoles" of the Gillette product stream for all we scavenging shaving enthusiasts. Question - do all flare tips that have no colored tip, actually fall into the category of 4-5-6 "aggressivity" of the Gillette razor? My flare tips in the 1960's - Z3 - has no color on the tip. A 4-5-6 aggressive scaled razor?
Thanks Andrew! I would go out on a limb and say yes- though it was marketed like this outside of the Trio series. However Gillette referred to most of their razors as "normal aggressiveness"
Excellent work Matt! I enjoyed this and will be trying to date my Super Speed.. I am falling fast for this hobby!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado
Hi Matt
Thanks. I'm always struggling with a very sensitive skin. Thus, I'm seriously thinking of starting to use a DE razor.
Chasing a DE Gillette on eBay and some online stores that feature in South Africa.
I am loving this new 'discoveries' of a time period and a razor that I know my dad used.
Great channel. Great info. Super excited.
Thanks again.
How do I get a copy of your chart ?
Many online date code descramblers, but would really love an actual chart I could frame for the collection.
I thought the notched bar began on the Super-Speed in 1949.
No. There are ads from July 1947 showing a dispenser hooking the blade onto the center bar.
Thanks for this Matt. You are rock star good. Great video, super helpful, great production quality. Just great.
Lonce Bailey thank you we are glad to help!
I really enjoyed this vlog. Great information!
Thanks Matt!
David no prob thank you!
Exceptional video!!! Great info and very well presented. This was awesome and thanks for the help! What a lesson!
Probably worth mention that a Canadian Fat Tech stamped with 1932 under the plate was not made in 1932; but some time in the mid 40s.
Mayur Patel great info thx!
I just bought a 1951 Canadian Fat Handle Tech with date code W2. It also has "1932" stamped on it. Not sure what 1932 signifies but it's not a patent #.
Did gillette ever make 3 piece razors with the 1947 style guard in the brass color?
No.
Nice video. Do you know if Gillette was using a different kind of metal during the war with the Fat Handle Tech (triangle slots)?
Earl Victorine they are brass for the most part. Plated in nickel. There are some aluminum ones / they are anodized black.
+RazorEmporium thanks for the response. Since there was a 6 or 7 year time frame from when the fat handles were made, and it was during the war, I thought they might have used different metals because of metal shortages.
Purchased a 1957 Tech, and a 1920 Gillette today, very nice. How can I get a price for refurbish from you? Thank you
Great video
Thank you so much for this video... I bought yet another razor from eBay and didn't know what it was or what year I watched through your old razors series and saw some that were similar to it but not exact. I was to the point of contacting you to send pics of it to help identify the razor but now I know what it is! A fat handle tech from between 1947-1951 I paid $6.95 plus $5.65 shipping but the case and the razor needs a good cleaning. You have a service for that right?
Www.razortuneup.com
@@RazorEmporium thanks
How can we distinguish between various first generations adjustable razors ?
Features. Watch our other videos
I have a Gillette and no serial number it's has a tin case brass razor and razor blade holder and bottom is made in America with a stamp that says star would you know anything about it
Hi, What about the 3 and 4 digit numbers on the bottom of blades such as 231 or 232 and others with 2348 (blades not razor). They are in the single green King Gillette packages, made in the U.S.A. without patent numbers. The blades have 3 round holes in the center. Is there is a chart to determine the manufacture dates or do these numbers refer to something else? Thanks!
Great video very informative. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Super video, Great content. Thanks Matt!
Thanks! Every time we get an email / question, we ask ourselves, "can we make a video to answer this before it's even asked again?" and this video is certainly a long time coming! We hope it becomes a reference that people point at when online and someone asks when is something from.
Is there much market for these? I have a used one looks like a 1910 model much like the first one you showed. Serial B451877. I also have the metal box it came in that has a metal peg in it the handle hole goes into. It shows Gillette on the bottom with patent dates for multiple countries. The box is pretty beat up and doesn't have any material inside, just the metal. Looks like the box 2nd from the left in front at 0:19 seconds into the video.
I have my Dad's old Argentina made Gillette razor but it doesn't have a patent number or any number. It is in a velvet red box
Send us a picture! Would love to help date it.
I'll send you a couple of pictures Thanks
Is it same for England blades.
Not sure
i have a gillette saftey razor in the case but made in canada, how can i date it?
Hi Matt i have 19753D razor vintage gellite .do i sale ?thank you.
Send me an email help@razoremporium.com
I've never tried to date one of my razors, but I guess it would be pretty sharp... 😶😎
I recently got a Gillette Old Type Single Ring with the date code of 837191 from what I have found I believe this is from 1906 or 1907, does this sound right?
Matt, thanks as always for the informative videos ! I just ordered the King G shaving cream from you, and can't wait to receive it !
I have been wet shaving for about four years now, and will never go back to multi-blades again. If I may ask a question... Why is it so hard to find DE Gillette razors from the late 70's and '80's ? Is it because of the Area and Trac II taking over ? Thanks for the great work on the vids. I really enjoyed the DE sampler video that I just watched. Take care,
Rob
I meant to say "Atra"....
No worries thanks! How are you liking the King R?
I am confused on the Lady Gillette code, I just won a bid and one of them was a Lady Gillette Code P1. Is that 1970?
do the travel razors with date codes on them use the same chart?
Eloise Miller yes! If it says Made In USA it uses this chart no matter what. Thx
What about Canadians fat handle tech ones ? Thanks .
I figured out that the current date code is M. M would literally translate to 1967, 1992 and 2017
GoldenSteelTV that is correct! Hence knowing the overall era helps narrow down which year is correct
What if my tech razor has the date code b 1 the seller said it was from 56 but who knows
My Gillette slim adjustable knob is stuck. How do I get it unstuck? Please help!!!
Jonathan Chuck without the razor in our hands we couldn't be sure. Sending it in for a tune up would safely address this and much more. Thx
I got it unstuck. Thanks anyway.
What is your address? I'd like your address just in case I need to send my razor in for a tune up. Thanks
check out www.razortuneup.com for instructions. thx!
Hi.Matt.can you help me identify my razor .couldnt find the anywhere. Number for my Gillete is K395703 top and PAT.NOV.15;04 on handle..Thank you.
1919
For future use: www.razoremporium.com/gillette-date-codes-serial-numbers/
I just watched a 20 minute video about razors.
I recently found my Dad's collection of vintage razors. He spent years buying them at flea markets and yard sales.
Let me know if anyone is interested. Here are the photos: share.icloud.com/photos/0wpjRG6RVjdvfU4W2aJhGwatg