I have a schick pivot. Same type of razor. I had it since 1979. No problem finding blades for it in Thailand. I use it for trimming around my nose after the saftey razor shave.
They sent me one of those for free on my 18th birthday in 1986. Seems like it wasn't too long after that the Mach 3 came out. I used that until I switched to DE razors.
I still use an Atra Plus. I bought out the entire stock of cartridges when they went on clearance at the local Walmart about 10 years ago. Just about out now.
I started shaving in the mid-80s with Bic disposables because that's what my brother used. I do remember watching the Atra commercials on TV. I then used the Sensor and Sensor Excel razors when they came out. Didn't like them much as they irritated my skin. Then I switched to various electric razors. About 8 years ago I saw a news segment on TV about safety razors. I bought a Merkur Progress and tried it out. Fell in love with safety razors and bought a few more, and bought some vintage razors, too. My first was a Gillette Black Beauty like my step-father used until the late 80s when he switched to an Atra Plus because he had a hard time finding DE blades. Then several years ago he convinced me to try the Atra. And I did. I actually enjoy using it. So I bought a Trac II as well and enjoy using that too.
My Dad switched to the Atra in 79. He has the older aluminum handle. He switched from a Gillette Super Adjustable. Then from the Atra he went to a Sensor Excel. Me personally I love shaving with the Atra. I use my Dad's handle with new Atra Plus cartridges and also Vector Plus cartridges. It's not a Safety razor for sure, but it also doesn't feel anything like a modern cartridge razor. It's as tuggy feeling but it's still a comfortable shave. I usually do two passes with the Atra and I'm good to go.
Started with Schick injector then switched to the Atra when I had trouble finding injector blades. Went through the add a blade until there was 5 in the cartridge head. Tried a DE for fun about 10 years ago..... that was the end of cartridges.
Atra was also Contour and Slalom in other parts the world. Atra and Contour were available in the USA. Contour was available in the US in the 90's thru early 2000's
I think it was the trac II that I started on but first day of University they were handing out free razors and that is where I got my Mach 3 - still have the handle somewhere but later they had a weird vibrating version - that actually seemed to work better for me - right now though I keep switching between my Henson AL13 and a Gillette Fathandle - soooo much better than that old Mach 3! Pretty sure my wife won't change over though - maybe you need a special video on leg/underarm shaving for the ladies?
I'm guessing in the commercial, they advertised the free razor with 5 blades since people were used to DE blades being cheap and the razors being expensive. They pulled the ol switcheroo
Great to see you review the Atra, it was my first non-electric shave after high school and stuck with it a couple decades until I started traditional shaving 8 years ago!
I shaved with an Atra when it came out. I switched to the Sensor when it came out. Then, I switched to the Mach 3. I tried a Fusion, but took it back and used the Mach 3 until I switched back to traditional wet shaving in 2011. I found an Atra at the flea market and bought it. I have a bunch of Atra blades, but I don't use it. It is just part of my collection now.
Hey Matt. Great video today. It brought back a lot of memories. My wife saw these in the grocery store and thought I might like to try them. I sent her to get me some more DE blades and this is what she got me. this was back in the mis '70s. I stay with the cartridges then went with electric razors for many years. Then I found my old Gillette Slim again. I never looked back. Blades were hard to find, untill recently. Boy am I glad wet shaving came back into vogue.
The first cartridge razor I used was a TRAC II that my father had bought. The first razors i used were a Flair Tip Super Speed and a Schick Injector. Cartridge razors were the reason I began to hate shaving, so I returned to DE and SE razors exclusively. So much better.
I originally started with a hand me down DE razor in the mid 70’s, I was too impatient to master the technique…Did the Trac2, Atra et al, for dozens of years and then got back to DE ten years ago - Couldn’t be happier! Cheers!
I switched to the Atra when I couldn't get blades for my Shick injector any more. I was not a fan of the Atra. I liked the Sensor/Sensor XL better. I used both the two blade and tree blade cartridges in the Sensor. It seems like the Mach 3 came next for me. For me, the Mach 3 was a step up from the Atra and the Sensor. I am back to using a Shick Injector and DE razors. Oddly enough, I never owned a DE razor until 2008 when I stated looking around for better and cheaper shaves.
Hi Matt, I was born in '57 and joined the army in '75 and was ordered to wet shave! Tried the Atra with Gillette Lemon and Lime foamy and it was a one pass shave for sure. Wet shaving was a must then as we had to shave 'in the field' and with cold water. Back at camp though and getting ready to hit the town on a Saturday night and the maybe a chance to hit the dance floors with the local girls, it was a very different SOP. Namely, a Gillette black handled slim adjustable, with Old Spice shaving soap and aftershave. The rest is history!
Wasn’t the issue clogging and price per cartridge. I loved my TracII, my Atra Plus and my Mach3, but I swore off and use my heirloom Gillette DE razors. Less than 10 cents per blade, 4 shaves per blade and it rinses clean.
Yes, Gillette actually sent me a free Trac II sample when I turned 16 I think. I used that razor for a long time although my beard and stash were very mild to non existent!
Hi Matt, my Dad taught me how to shave with a Track II. As the years went by I moved onto the Atra, then a few I don’t even remember. HAHAHAHA. My last cartridge razor was the Sensor. I used it for years while all of these crazy cartridge razors with too many blades arrived. Then I discovered Double edge...YES! All thanks to the One Touch DE razor I saw at the drug store. I bought it just for fun, tried it, and Loved it! Then I thought what did my Dad use when he was young. Then I discovered Vintage Gillette DE razors on EBay. Now I have a pretty big Vintage Gillette collection. My favorite daily razor is a 1964 Super Speed. It perfect for my face. Fun stuff! 😊👍
Never used an Atra or Tech…. Don’t think I would ever now. I started with a Mach 3 and used an electric razor and also was a part of Dollar shave club. I don’t think I will ever go back to electric or cartridges again.
Matt, you’re fully responsible for getting me into this madness. Within just a month of watching your videos, I finally purchased my dream Razor, the D1 Toggle. It’s in excellent original condition, looking forward to comparing it to my Ambassador.
I was given a golden handled razor for trac II blades. Found some cartridges at Wally. It’s not the worst thing ever. Definitely better than the Bic disposables! Still would prefer the sensor.
I am old enough to have started shaving with a Fat Boy before going to the Techmatic followed by the Atra Plus. The Atra Plus was a huge improvement over the Techmatic. I used every Gillettee cartridge and few Schicks since then until I became a born again DE shaver about three years
Hey Matt! The Atra and Trac II were my first razors as a junior in high school. Believe it or not, I still own the original handles from both! Mine were manufactured in the mid eighties. In the nineties, I graduated to the Mach 3, then the Fusion. In all honesty, I hated shaving. I had to due to a job I had where facial hair was prohibited. I now and have been for many years, use DE and single edge. I can actually get a BBS shave! It is a big difference! So happy that I switched! I have a mass collection of vintage and modern razors, brushes, etc. This way of shaving is cost effective, but be careful, it can empty your pockets with the wonderful gear available!!🤣🤣 I convinced my best friend to convert. He loves how cheap the blades can be!! I started him off with a simple TTO razor. He quit using those Schick disposables. I do use an occasional cartridge for the back of my neck and shoulder area for clean up purposes. Thanks for going down memory row for us!! It's good to see where we came from to where we can be now. Thanks as always for the videos!! Jim
@@dappershaves It would have to be my new old stock, Gillette Adjustable Gold Fatboy!! On ebay they go for $500+ in just good condition. I paid only $90+$9 shipping!!!! Mine is flawless! I could easily sell it for $800+!! I wouldn't sell it, but that's what I could get for it easily.
The Atra was my first razor back around 1980. I remember it was an OK razor but not great. I used an Atra up until the Mach 3 had been out for a couple of years. I switched because my Atra handle broke and I'd been wanting to try the Mach 3.
I remember my dad using one of those in the 70’s! My first experience was a Mach 3. I’m loving the barbershop, element 47 and the citrus soaps and balms!!! 👍🏻🪒🧼
Techmatic was my first razor then Trac II and then Atra. TV ads were compelling and I had no idea that my dad's FatBoy (or was it a Slim Adjustable?) was the better way to go.
Started off with a sensor. Moved on to a sensor excel. Then due to blades cost moved to Track ii and Atra. They have aftermarket blades that will work on both Track ii and Atra razors. But as you know Matt - I am loving my Safety Razors (blades are far better and far cheaper)!
I've had two Atra's. One with a black handle, one with a wood looking brown handle. One was called Atra invitation. It was lighter than the other. I don't remember which one was which. (I have trouble remembering 40 days ago, let alone 40yrs!) I do remember getting refills that had "one push cleaning." A button on the back pushed a plastic bar out between the blades. So, Gillette was saying "It's gonna clog, guaranteed!"
Matt, shaved with multiple double blade razors. (I'm old) I keep returning to my single edge Everreadys and my collection of DE's. Still have my cartrige razors but they are in a draw and I use my antiques more and like them best. Great video!
Atra is my favorite carry on travel razor. I have several of the vintage aluminum handle ones - regular aluminum and black accent art deco like. The Gillette Atra/Contor cartridges from Europe are the best. I used these in the 1970’s. It was my first cartridge razor. I stated with and still use Schick injectors.
The genetic cartridges made by Personna and sold under many different names are not good. I prefer the Gillette/Contour from Europe. The Indian ones with cleaning thingy are ok.
Never used this one, when I started it was right before the Gillette Fusion. These were pretty good with 3 blades but hated when they went away and more blade cartridges replaced them
This looks so familiar, but not in pink, and I'm pretty sure I probably used this. It's in the right year range. Recently switched to wet shaving. Have used so many cartridge razors over the last forty-some years I can't recall them all, but now realize what a ding in my wallet it has been.
Born in 1959. I think my first razor was a Trac 2. Although I now use a DE razor, my favourite cartridge razor (if I have to use one) is a Mach 3. All these new 5 or more modern cartridges are for the birds. For a cartridge razor, 3 blades are optimal. Any more blades are a waste of time.
My first razor was a Atra that I got in. I think Christmas of 76. I used it all throughout college and high school. I found it to be a good razor, but very tugging with more than a days growth. It seem to fill up with detritus with any longer beard being shaved it was quite tedious with three or four days growth after hunting season. In fact, I will still haul out my Atra once in a while now. Your experience with this particular razor must mean that is lost some of its edge in the 40 semi gears it’s been stored. These were very good razors in their day and still are. Get some Chinese cartridges off of eBay or Amazon and they will transform it into a very nice shaver
Hi Matt, I started shaving with my big brother's Black Beauty in the early 80's and when it was time to buy my own I went with the Atra. I used it until the Sunday New York Times home delivery paper included a free Mach 3 handle with blade. That was probably in 2000 or so. I recently picked up a lot of barber junk that included a couple of packs of Schick refills that fit the Atra, they have this spring loaded plastic do-dad on the back of the head you push that cleans out the gunk from in between the two blades. I passed them on to a relative who still uses an Atra.
That brings back memories lol. I guess I'm not surprised people want them repaired. My dad visited recently and I noticed he was still using his sensor after all these years. I didn't even know they still sold the cartridges for them 🤣
Hi Matt, Well in 1977 I was 17 and up to that point I had been using one of my dad's old Gem razors. But in the summer of 77 my Girlfriend and I were walking downtown and we stopped in Gibson's Department store, on one of the displays I spotted THE NEW GILLETTE ATRA razor and I just had to have it. Years later my Girlfriend and I got Married, through all the 18 years we were together my Atra was with us. Well today my Atra is still with me today we use Personna blades. I still use my Gem and my other Gillette razors but when I feel like going back to 1977 I get out out my Atra. Oh, just a side note back in those days CB radios were all the thing and my CB Handle was Pink Panther so if you want to sell that Pink Atra let me know, DJ has my info.
Oh man, this gives me flashbacks. The beauty of the cartridge razors for me was I had the clogged cartridges, dulling blades and the nicks while feeling like my face has just been dragged on asphalt for miles.
Good morning! I did have a Atra! Mine was black though! Lol 😂 I started shaving when I was around 13 and a half a way back in mid 1972! I started with a Gillette single edge razor that was my dad's from the early 1950's, with Wilkinson blades! Then I remember using the Trac 2 razor when it came out. I've used so many different cartridge razors through the years, but was never really satisfied. Now I've been shaving with the Supply Pro single edge razor for about a year and I'm pretty happy with it. I enjoy watching your videos a lot, I've learned some good tips and suggestions. Thanks so much for your TH-cam channel and keep up the great work!
Started shaving in 1980 when I was 15 years old. Still own my old atra handle. Now own a DE and 3 straight razors. Nothing beats a single blade on the skin.
They were called the Gillette Contour in Australia. It was my first razor and worked very well. Mine had a metal handle. I always updated with the latest technology until it got to 5 blades. Now that's ridiculous.
The Atra is my favorite cartridge razor. I've amassed quite a collection of handles. I use both Gillette and Personna blades. Normally I do three passes. Thanks for the vid.
First cart was a Gillette Trac II Plus in 1989. Never liked the Atra because of it's pivot point. Definitely don't miss the zits and ingrown hairs those things gave me back then.
I was born in 1968. I think these were razors I learned to shave with. The Gillette Sensor was next. I recently switched to the Leaf from the Sensor. I tried going directly to DE shaving from the Sensor but I decided I needed the Leaf to bridge the gap. I find that shaving takes me longer now, but it's gone from being a chore to something I actually enjoy so I don't mind.
I was born in 1960, and I started shaving around 1976 or 1977. I probably started with a Trac 2 and moved onto the Atra a couple of years later. When I switched to the Mach 3, I found something that worked well until I went to a DE razor about 2 years ago. I seem to remember the Atra as being a little harder to use than the Mach3 because of the limited flex. At the time at age 19 or so it was much better than the disposable Bic razors that were popular then...
That pre-shave bar is the best. I don't wash it off afterwards. I wipe my face off with towel. All the razors in my collection now shave better as well. Gillette sensor was my first razor and I used it up until I switched to de about 5 years ago.
I loved the original Atra. If Big Daddy Gillette had not stopped making them, I never would have used anything else. Great observation on the nature of the ‘actual pivot’ as opposed to the newer ‘flop back’ stuff. I hated the slime strip plus versions and never knew shave irritation until I was forced to use a Mach3. Gave that up and went electric. Shaving is great now, but it took decades to find out how. The current Atra is inferior to the Original. The cartridge head on the original was very small and the pivot against blade positions perfectly balanced.
I was issued double edge Gillette in USMC bootcamp and I have razors from the 1920's to present. I got a TRAC 2 when they first came out in 1971 and I still shave with it on occasion and I got the when it came out. I prefer the TRAC 2 but I get a smooth shave with either and have never had any problems with ingrown hairs. I have pretty much all the cartridge razors and they are ok if you are in a hurry but I still prefer the Gillette Black Beauty or my Gillette Super Speed.( I do like the trimmer on the Gillette Fusion 5 though) The TRAC 2 and Atra give very good shaves and I, personally, have had very good results.
At least you had half a decent shave when you picked up the DE razor, the Atra was my first razor, I can’t remember how it shaved but it was probably better than the razors that came out after it. Great video Matt:)
I started shaving with the Atra in the 80's as that was what was what Dad used at the time. I recently found a vintage Atra razor online and tried it. I found it was too aggressive. The Sensor is a better option for a vintage cartridge razor.
I was born in 1946, and I started with a double edged super speed Gillette, Then I tried various injector razors. I had a personna injector razor, it was OK. Then I got a Gillette Atra, I thought that was pretty good, but double edged, and injector blades were hard to find.The best was the Super Speed Gillette. As I remember the Atra razor was an anadized aluminum handle. Wish I still had it but as I remember it broke. Then I used an electric Norelco shaver. I really like shaving with Noxema cold cream for preshave, a brush, Cella shave soap, and of course one of my doble edged razors finished with an alum block, and Ice Blue Aqua Velva. Nice burn.
Moin from northern Germany!!! this was my first razor in the very early 80's (born in 1967). He is still in service (sometimes) 😀 In Europe sold as Gillette Contour Greetings Stephen 😎😎😎
My first shave was with a Super Speed in 1976. Several years later I fell victim to Gillette advertising and bought an Atra Plus. But it wasn't pink haha! I upgraded to each new Gillette cartridge for years before returning to DE shaving. I don't know what happened to my first razor but I do have my dad's black handle Super Speed.
I have two Atras in their plastic cases my Dad bought in the 70s. He used them for years. Then he finally switched to the Mach 3 in the 90s. I have them in my display case with all my other vintage Gillette DE razors. I occasionally shave with one. Has such a weird feel compared to a DE.
Haha, I started out shaving with an Atra in 1982, then went to a Sensor, and then a Mach 3. Finally, at age 57, transitioning to safety razors, very interesting so far.. I appreciate the video, sir.
@RazorEmporium I know that I'm just starting out with safety razors, but I'm intrigued by the restored Gillette Super Speed on your website. It's my understanding that the Super Speed is great to use for someone starting out with wetshaving, and I'm thinking about buying one of your restored versions. Would this be wise for me to do, or should I proceed with a Henson AL13 instead? I would appreciate your thoughts and any advice you may have on the matter.
Yeah, I don’t really remember using an Atra, but I’m reasonably sure I did. After all, I started with Gillette Blue blades in 1961 when I joined the Army. Though, I probably could have shaved five out of six with no blade and the drill Sgt. wouldn’t have known the difference. The main reason I am sure I used the Atra is that I tried almost every brand, Shick, Wilkinson Sword Blades, and almost every other brand and gadget to comedown the pike. So why would I have skipped the Atra. Though, i never had a pink one.
I had an Atra for YEARS back in the 90's and into the 2000's until I couldn't find the blades for them at Walmart anymore...so I ditched the razor in favor of the Mach 3. But the Mach 3 blades are SO expensive. Just a few days ago I saw where you could still buy on Amazon not only the Atra blades but the off brand blades which worked as good for half the price (which is what I was previously buying at Walmart) So.....I did a search on Ebay and found someone selling NOS Atra razor handles....OMG. I purchased it and got it today....I'm reunited with Atra...Woo Hoo!
I used a cartridge like a year ago in a pinch (I had already begun my DE journey at this point) and the experience was so bad that it just reinforced my love for wet shaving, DE shaving, etc. The cartridges just simply cannot give you the same quality of shave.
The Atra+ was my first razor. I had used an electric until this came in a "personal care package" in my dorm room when I moved in to college. Ingenious marketing--I have stuck with Gillete 35+ years later. Time to try my hand at a DE razor--but it will still be Gillette. 😂
The Atra was my first razor and it was better than the Atra Plus. I used it for about 8-9 years. I would not go back but as a first Razor, not too bad as I remember but what do you have to compare it. Would prefer not to go back or to just about any cartridge razor for that matter. However I still own a Harry's but use it very sparingly. You have shown me a far better shaving way...since I met you at your original store on Peoria Ave. Thank you for your videos and products.
I definitely used Atra razors and can remember nothing about using them other than shaving was a chore rather than a treat as it is now with DE and SE razors. I think that Wilkinson actually made the first cartridge system, the Bonded blade system in 1970. I own one of these single edge system razors and they are actually really good. I'd love to see you try one.
Yes, it was the third or fourth cartridge style I’d tried. I thought blades were expensive for all and did not shave as well as my Slim Adjustable. It was getting harder to find double edge blades so, I tried alternative razors.
@dapper shaves Oh I've gone down the rabbit hole of DE shaving, have been for almost 10 yrs now. Got Vintage Gillette razors all the way back to the 1920's. New modern day razors by the handful.
I mysteriously woke up at 5am and now I know why. A new RE vid has dropped! Anyone want to place bets Matt ends up with some ingrowns after this shave? 😂 I love the look of those vintage cartridge razors. I couldn’t be bothered to ever give them a try since switching to a DE has been life changing, but nonetheless very cool to see and hear your thoughts.
Born April 1958 (D-2). I started with a two head Norelco electric, went to Bic single disposables, Black Beauty 1-9, then a Mach 3 before returning to DE shaving. I just bought a Fat Boy from you guys. I use the Slim adjustable more, though. I want to buy a polishing cloth. Shoot me a promo email!
I've never used an Atra, but I have used other twin blade cartridge razors. It's a hit and miss kinda shave. Your soaps and brushes are awesome by the way.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo! Cart police notified, be on lookout. One for the archives, good go. Well, what can I say?, we were all sucked in to the cart world back in the day. Luckily it only lasted a short time for me, I went back to DE shaving quite quickly. Didn't like the feel of cheap plastic and the weird blade feel. Thanks for another chilling episode.
Here in the UK it was marketed as the Gillette Contour and was my first razor. Then the Contour Plus with the silver coloured handle. I used it for many years and rarely had a problem. But my DE is so much better.
My first razor was a Gillette Contour. I believe it was the Australian version of the Atra. It had a full metal handle. The original came with Contour blades no lubricating strip. After a few years the lubricating strip was added. I used it for years. The Sensor Excel is very similar and can still be bought in Australia very cheaply
Here in Thailand we have a razor almost exactly the same as that, called the Vector. It is a whole world cheaper than the 7-100 blade monstrosities that lead the market.
I learned how to shave with an Atra back in the early 90s and I really liked it, but then the blades just got so expensive because Gillette wanted to force people onto their new multi-blade systems. So I switched to cheap disposable razors until I eventually gave up and just grew my beard out. Nowadays I use DE razors but there was something to be said for the simplicity of the old one- and two-blade cartridges.
Glad I went from electric to DE. Is there a comparable DE to Merkur? Bought some from Amazon and current supply is good for 1 and previous blades were good for 3-5 shaves. Thanks for the video Matt.
Wouldn't work for me at all. Remembering how the sensor excel was pulling my beard hairs and butchered my skin. The Mach 3 was definitely better. But since a long time only DE (and since a short time as well SE/Twig) for me...🙂. Thanks, good to watch this video!
I used and Atra exclusively in the 80's. Probably the reason I stopped shaving my face in the 90's! Despite guys my age learning to shave with safety razors, cartridge razor propaganda convinced us they were barbaric. But when the time came for me to shave my dome so I wouldn't look like Ben Franklin, my 88 year old barber told me safety razors were the ONLY way to fly. That was nearly 30 years ago and I haven't looked back!
A Gillette New for touchups?!? That's really aggressive. Isn't that a little overkill? The only cartridge razor I'd willingly use is a Trac II (which Gillette makes even yet in India) because the head doesn't pivot, so it shaves more controllably, like a DE.
I absolutely used Atra! Still have the razor!
I have a schick pivot. Same type of razor. I had it since 1979. No problem finding blades for it in Thailand. I use it for trimming around my nose after the saftey razor shave.
I didn't start shaving until I went to boot camp. Was issued a single blade bic razor.
thats a bit before my time (born 1980). i think i went through gilette sensor, sensor excel, still have a mach 3 for travel purposes
They sent me one of those for free on my 18th birthday in 1986. Seems like it wasn't too long after that the Mach 3 came out. I used that until I switched to DE razors.
I love these memory trips lol. Yes, I remember how I thought the Altra was the cat's meow back in the day. Thanks! Stan
I still use an Atra Plus. I bought out the entire stock of cartridges when they went on clearance at the local Walmart about 10 years ago. Just about out now.
I started shaving in the mid-80s with Bic disposables because that's what my brother used. I do remember watching the Atra commercials on TV. I then used the Sensor and Sensor Excel razors when they came out. Didn't like them much as they irritated my skin. Then I switched to various electric razors. About 8 years ago I saw a news segment on TV about safety razors. I bought a Merkur Progress and tried it out. Fell in love with safety razors and bought a few more, and bought some vintage razors, too. My first was a Gillette Black Beauty like my step-father used until the late 80s when he switched to an Atra Plus because he had a hard time finding DE blades. Then several years ago he convinced me to try the Atra. And I did. I actually enjoy using it. So I bought a Trac II as well and enjoy using that too.
I remember my dad having this razor!
Thnx Matt for another great video!
My Dad switched to the Atra in 79. He has the older aluminum handle. He switched from a Gillette Super Adjustable. Then from the Atra he went to a Sensor Excel.
Me personally I love shaving with the Atra. I use my Dad's handle with new Atra Plus cartridges and also Vector Plus cartridges. It's not a Safety razor for sure, but it also doesn't feel anything like a modern cartridge razor. It's as tuggy feeling but it's still a comfortable shave.
I usually do two passes with the Atra and I'm good to go.
Started with Schick injector then switched to the Atra when I had trouble finding injector blades. Went through the add a blade until there was 5 in the cartridge head. Tried a DE for fun about 10 years ago..... that was the end of cartridges.
Atra was also Contour and Slalom in other parts the world. Atra and Contour were available in the USA. Contour was available in the US in the 90's thru early 2000's
I think it was the trac II that I started on but first day of University they were handing out free razors and that is where I got my Mach 3 - still have the handle somewhere but later they had a weird vibrating version - that actually seemed to work better for me - right now though I keep switching between my Henson AL13 and a Gillette Fathandle - soooo much better than that old Mach 3! Pretty sure my wife won't change over though - maybe you need a special video on leg/underarm shaving for the ladies?
I'm guessing in the commercial, they advertised the free razor with 5 blades since people were used to DE blades being cheap and the razors being expensive. They pulled the ol switcheroo
My first razor was a fat handled Wilkinson Sword travel razor with an insert that held three bladed in the handle. After that it was a sensor excel.
Born in 1960. Started shaving in mid 1970s. Earliest razor I remember was the Gillette Trac II.
My first shaving was with my dad's Trac II. My own version was a Sensor. I did get my dad's Trac II recently, along with his Schick Injector.
Great to see you review the Atra, it was my first non-electric shave after high school and stuck with it a couple decades until I started traditional shaving 8 years ago!
I shaved with an Atra when it came out. I switched to the Sensor when it came out. Then, I switched to the Mach 3. I tried a Fusion, but took it back and used the Mach 3 until I switched back to traditional wet shaving in 2011. I found an Atra at the flea market and bought it. I have a bunch of Atra blades, but I don't use it. It is just part of my collection now.
Yes they still make and sell the blades. They have them at my local Walmart.
Hey Matt. Great video today. It brought back a lot of memories. My wife saw these in the grocery store and thought I might like to try them. I sent her to get me some more DE blades and this is what she got me. this was back in the mis '70s. I stay with the cartridges then went with electric razors for many years. Then I found my old Gillette Slim again. I never looked back. Blades were hard to find, untill recently. Boy am I glad wet shaving came back into vogue.
Yes, I have used an Atra Razor. Using it and several other cartridge razors makes me so much more appreciative of the Merkur I use now.
The first cartridge razor I used was a TRAC II that my father had bought. The first razors i used were a Flair Tip Super Speed and a Schick Injector. Cartridge razors were the reason I began to hate shaving, so I returned to DE and SE razors exclusively. So much better.
I originally started with a hand me down DE razor in the mid 70’s, I was too impatient to master the technique…Did the Trac2, Atra et al, for dozens of years and then got back to DE ten years ago - Couldn’t be happier! Cheers!
I used a new Atra, aluminium handle when I started shaving. And now I found it again and use it sometimes. Great razor. I had never seen a pink one.
I switched to the Atra when I couldn't get blades for my Shick injector any more. I was not a fan of the Atra. I liked the Sensor/Sensor XL better. I used both the two blade and tree blade cartridges in the Sensor. It seems like the Mach 3 came next for me. For me, the Mach 3 was a step up from the Atra and the Sensor. I am back to using a Shick Injector and DE razors. Oddly enough, I never owned a DE razor until 2008 when I stated looking around for better and cheaper shaves.
Hi Matt, I was born in '57 and joined the army in '75 and was ordered to wet shave! Tried the Atra with Gillette Lemon and Lime foamy and it was a one pass shave for sure. Wet shaving was a must then as we had to shave 'in the field' and with cold water. Back at camp though and getting ready to hit the town on a Saturday night and the maybe a chance to hit the dance floors with the local girls, it was a very different SOP. Namely, a Gillette black handled slim adjustable, with Old Spice shaving soap and aftershave. The rest is history!
Wasn’t the issue clogging and price per cartridge. I loved my TracII, my Atra Plus and my Mach3, but I swore off and use my heirloom Gillette DE razors. Less than 10 cents per blade, 4 shaves per blade and it rinses clean.
That is a beautiful pink Matt! You should wear a matching pink shirt 😂. Awesome video as usual dude!
Yes, Gillette actually sent me a free Trac II sample when I turned 16 I think. I used that razor for a long time although my beard and stash were very mild to non existent!
That Atra ad proves that the money maker of cartridge razors is the replacement blades!
Hi Matt, my Dad taught me how to shave with a Track II. As the years went by I moved onto the Atra, then a few I don’t even remember. HAHAHAHA. My last cartridge razor was the Sensor. I used it for years while all of these crazy cartridge razors with too many blades arrived. Then I discovered Double edge...YES! All thanks to the One Touch DE razor I saw at the drug store. I bought it just for fun, tried it, and Loved it! Then I thought what did my Dad use when he was young. Then I discovered Vintage Gillette DE razors on EBay. Now I have a pretty big Vintage Gillette collection. My favorite daily razor is a 1964 Super Speed. It perfect for my face. Fun stuff! 😊👍
Never used an Atra or Tech…. Don’t think I would ever now. I started with a Mach 3 and used an electric razor and also was a part of Dollar shave club. I don’t think I will ever go back to electric or cartridges again.
Matt, you’re fully responsible for getting me into this madness. Within just a month of watching your videos, I finally purchased my dream Razor, the D1 Toggle. It’s in excellent original condition, looking forward to comparing it to my Ambassador.
I blame Matt, Douglass, and Fran for my wet shaving madness. 😁
I was given a golden handled razor for trac II blades. Found some cartridges at Wally. It’s not the worst thing ever. Definitely better than the Bic disposables! Still would prefer the sensor.
I am old enough to have started shaving with a Fat Boy before going to the Techmatic followed by the Atra Plus. The Atra Plus was a huge improvement over the Techmatic. I used every Gillettee cartridge and few Schicks since then until I became a born again DE shaver about three years
Hey Matt! The Atra and Trac II were my first razors as a junior in high school. Believe it or not, I still own the original handles from both! Mine were manufactured in the mid eighties. In the nineties, I graduated to the Mach 3, then the Fusion. In all honesty, I hated shaving. I had to due to a job I had where facial hair was prohibited. I now and have been for many years, use DE and single edge. I can actually get a BBS shave! It is a big difference! So happy that I switched! I have a mass collection of vintage and modern razors, brushes, etc. This way of shaving is cost effective, but be careful, it can empty your pockets with the wonderful gear available!!🤣🤣 I convinced my best friend to convert. He loves how cheap the blades can be!! I started him off with a simple TTO razor. He quit using those Schick disposables. I do use an occasional cartridge for the back of my neck and shoulder area for clean up purposes. Thanks for going down memory row for us!! It's good to see where we came from to where we can be now. Thanks as always for the videos!! Jim
that’s incredible still having the handle. which is you favourite razor out the entire collection? regards dapper shaves
@@dappershaves It would have to be my new old stock, Gillette Adjustable Gold Fatboy!! On ebay they go for $500+ in just good condition. I paid only $90+$9 shipping!!!! Mine is flawless! I could easily sell it for $800+!! I wouldn't sell it, but that's what I could get for it easily.
The Atra was my first razor back around 1980. I remember it was an OK razor but not great. I used an Atra up until the Mach 3 had been out for a couple of years. I switched because my Atra handle broke and I'd been wanting to try the Mach 3.
I remember my dad using one of those in the 70’s! My first experience was a Mach 3. I’m loving the barbershop, element 47 and the citrus soaps and balms!!! 👍🏻🪒🧼
Techmatic was my first razor then Trac II and then Atra. TV ads were compelling and I had no idea that my dad's FatBoy (or was it a Slim Adjustable?) was the better way to go.
Started off with a sensor. Moved on to a sensor excel. Then due to blades cost moved to Track ii and Atra. They have aftermarket blades that will work on both Track ii and Atra razors. But as you know Matt - I am loving my Safety Razors (blades are far better and far cheaper)!
I've had two Atra's. One with a black handle, one with a wood looking brown handle. One was called Atra invitation. It was lighter than the other. I don't remember which one was which. (I have trouble remembering 40 days ago, let alone 40yrs!) I do remember getting refills that had "one push cleaning." A button on the back pushed a plastic bar out between the blades. So, Gillette was saying "It's gonna clog, guaranteed!"
Matt, shaved with multiple double blade razors. (I'm old) I keep returning to my single edge Everreadys and my collection of DE's. Still have my cartrige razors but they are in a draw and I use my antiques more and like them best. Great video!
Atra is my favorite carry on travel razor. I have several of the vintage aluminum handle ones - regular aluminum and black accent art deco like. The Gillette Atra/Contor cartridges from Europe are the best. I used these in the 1970’s. It was my first cartridge razor. I stated with and still use Schick injectors.
The genetic cartridges made by Personna and sold under many different names are not good. I prefer the Gillette/Contour from Europe. The Indian ones with cleaning thingy are ok.
@@Mvendrel I totally agree
I used an atra before and like you said it's one an done.
agreed, regards dapper shaves
Never used this one, when I started it was right before the Gillette Fusion. These were pretty good with 3 blades but hated when they went away and more blade cartridges replaced them
This looks so familiar, but not in pink, and I'm pretty sure I probably used this. It's in the right year range. Recently switched to wet shaving. Have used so many cartridge razors over the last forty-some years I can't recall them all, but now realize what a ding in my wallet it has been.
Born in 1959. I think my first razor was a Trac 2. Although I now use a DE razor, my favourite cartridge razor (if I have to use one) is a Mach 3. All these new 5 or more modern cartridges are for the birds. For a cartridge razor, 3 blades are optimal. Any more blades are a waste of time.
My first razor was a Atra that I got in. I think Christmas of 76. I used it all throughout college and high school. I found it to be a good razor, but very tugging with more than a days growth. It seem to fill up with detritus with any longer beard being shaved it was quite tedious with three or four days growth after hunting season. In fact, I will still haul out my Atra once in a while now.
Your experience with this particular razor must mean that is lost some of its edge in the 40 semi gears it’s been stored. These were very good razors in their day and still are. Get some Chinese cartridges off of eBay or Amazon and they will transform it into a very nice shaver
My first razor was a Gillette contour plus back in the 1990s, and I still use one on occasions of laziness and nostalgia.
Hi Matt, I started shaving with my big brother's Black Beauty in the early 80's and when it was time to buy my own I went with the Atra. I used it until the Sunday New York Times home delivery paper included a free Mach 3 handle with blade. That was probably in 2000 or so. I recently picked up a lot of barber junk that included a couple of packs of Schick refills that fit the Atra, they have this spring loaded plastic do-dad on the back of the head you push that cleans out the gunk from in between the two blades. I passed them on to a relative who still uses an Atra.
That brings back memories lol. I guess I'm not surprised people want them repaired. My dad visited recently and I noticed he was still using his sensor after all these years. I didn't even know they still sold the cartridges for them 🤣
Hi Matt, Well in 1977 I was 17 and up to that point I had been using one of my dad's old Gem razors. But in the summer of 77 my Girlfriend and I were walking downtown and we stopped in Gibson's Department store, on one of the displays I spotted THE NEW GILLETTE ATRA razor and I just had to have it. Years later my Girlfriend and I got Married, through all the 18 years we were together my Atra was with us. Well today my Atra is still with me today we use Personna blades. I still use my Gem and my other Gillette razors but when I feel like going back to 1977 I get out out my Atra. Oh, just a side note back in those days CB radios were all the thing and my CB Handle was Pink Panther so if you want to sell that Pink Atra let me know, DJ has my info.
Oh man, this gives me flashbacks. The beauty of the cartridge razors for me was I had the clogged cartridges, dulling blades and the nicks while feeling like my face has just been dragged on asphalt for miles.
All depends on preparation I think
Good morning! I did have a Atra! Mine was black though! Lol 😂
I started shaving when I was around 13 and a half a way back in mid 1972!
I started with a Gillette single edge razor that was my dad's from the early 1950's, with Wilkinson blades! Then I remember using the Trac 2 razor when it came out. I've used so many different cartridge razors through the years, but was never really satisfied. Now I've been shaving with the Supply Pro single edge razor for about a year and I'm pretty happy with it.
I enjoy watching your videos a lot, I've learned some good tips and suggestions. Thanks so much for your TH-cam channel and keep up the great work!
Started shaving in 1980 when I was 15 years old. Still own my old atra handle. Now own a DE and 3 straight razors. Nothing beats a single blade on the skin.
They were called the Gillette Contour in Australia. It was my first razor and worked very well.
Mine had a metal handle.
I always updated with the latest technology until it got to 5 blades. Now that's ridiculous.
Funny thing is, I went the opposite direction lol. My first razor was a Fusion Proglide Power (5 blades) and Now, I use DE and SE razors. Much better!
It was my first razor too. It did the job for me for many years
@@saevans63 I didn’t try the Atra until this past year. While it shaved good, it gave me razor burn.
The Atra is my favorite cartridge razor. I've amassed quite a collection of handles. I use both Gillette and Personna blades. Normally I do three passes. Thanks for the vid.
First cart was a Gillette Trac II Plus in 1989. Never liked the Atra because of it's pivot point. Definitely don't miss the zits and ingrown hairs those things gave me back then.
I was born in 1968. I think these were razors I learned to shave with. The Gillette Sensor was next. I recently switched to the Leaf from the Sensor. I tried going directly to DE shaving from the Sensor but I decided I needed the Leaf to bridge the gap.
I find that shaving takes me longer now, but it's gone from being a chore to something I actually enjoy so I don't mind.
wetshaving is such a relaxing activity, it’s difficult not to love or enjoy and the results are wonderful, regards dapper shaves
I was born in 1960, and I started shaving around 1976 or 1977. I probably started with a Trac 2 and moved onto the Atra a couple of years later. When I switched to the Mach 3, I found something that worked well until I went to a DE razor about 2 years ago. I seem to remember the Atra as being a little harder to use than the Mach3 because of the limited flex. At the time at age 19 or so it was much better than the disposable Bic razors that were popular then...
I've used my metal Atra since 1979. With Gillette Atra Plus blades that are currently made it is my smoothest head shaver.
I'm digging it
That pre-shave bar is the best. I don't wash it off afterwards. I wipe my face off with towel. All the razors in my collection now shave better as well. Gillette sensor was my first razor and I used it up until I switched to de about 5 years ago.
I loved the original Atra. If Big Daddy Gillette had not stopped making them, I never would have used anything else.
Great observation on the nature of the ‘actual pivot’ as opposed to the newer ‘flop back’ stuff.
I hated the slime strip plus versions and never knew shave irritation until I was forced to use a Mach3. Gave that up and went electric.
Shaving is great now, but it took decades to find out how.
The current Atra is inferior to the Original. The cartridge head on the original was very small and the pivot against blade positions perfectly balanced.
I totally agree. I'm stocked up for life I think
Can you make video about gillete labs. is it really that good or is it hype?
I was issued double edge Gillette in USMC bootcamp and I have razors from the 1920's to present. I got a TRAC 2 when they first came out in 1971 and I still shave with it on occasion and I got the when it came out. I prefer the TRAC 2 but I get a smooth shave with either and have never had any problems with ingrown hairs. I have pretty much all the cartridge razors and they are ok if you are in a hurry but I still prefer the Gillette Black Beauty or my Gillette Super Speed.( I do like the trimmer on the Gillette Fusion 5 though) The TRAC 2 and Atra give very good shaves and I, personally, have had very good results.
Got a free Atra razor in a gift box when I moved into the dorm in 1980.
At least you had half a decent shave when you picked up the DE razor, the Atra was my first razor, I can’t remember how it shaved but it was probably better than the razors that came out after it. Great video Matt:)
I started shaving with the Atra in the 80's as that was what was what Dad used at the time. I recently found a vintage Atra razor online and tried it. I found it was too aggressive. The Sensor is a better option for a vintage cartridge razor.
I was born in 1946, and I started with a double edged super speed Gillette, Then I tried various injector razors. I had a personna injector razor, it was OK. Then I got a Gillette Atra, I thought that was pretty good, but double edged, and injector blades were hard to find.The best was the Super Speed Gillette. As I remember the Atra razor was an anadized aluminum handle. Wish I still had it but as I remember it broke. Then I used an electric Norelco shaver. I really like shaving with Noxema cold cream for preshave, a brush, Cella shave soap, and of course one of my doble edged razors finished with an alum block, and Ice Blue Aqua Velva. Nice burn.
Moin from northern Germany!!!
this was my first razor in the very early 80's (born in 1967).
He is still in service (sometimes) 😀
In Europe sold as Gillette Contour
Greetings
Stephen 😎😎😎
My first shave was with a Super Speed in 1976. Several years later I fell victim to Gillette advertising and bought an Atra Plus. But it wasn't pink haha! I upgraded to each new Gillette cartridge for years before returning to DE shaving. I don't know what happened to my first razor but I do have my dad's black handle Super Speed.
I have two Atras in their plastic cases my Dad bought in the 70s. He used them for years. Then he finally switched to the Mach 3 in the 90s. I have them in my display case with all my other vintage Gillette DE razors. I occasionally shave with one. Has such a weird feel compared to a DE.
Haha, I started out shaving with an Atra in 1982, then went to a Sensor, and then a Mach 3. Finally, at age 57, transitioning to safety razors, very interesting so far.. I appreciate the video, sir.
Thanks for sharing!
@RazorEmporium I know that I'm just starting out with safety razors, but I'm intrigued by the restored Gillette Super Speed on your website. It's my understanding that the Super Speed is great to use for someone starting out with wetshaving, and I'm thinking about buying one of your restored versions. Would this be wise for me to do, or should I proceed with a Henson AL13 instead? I would appreciate your thoughts and any advice you may have on the matter.
Yeah, I don’t really remember using an Atra, but I’m reasonably sure I did. After all, I started with Gillette Blue blades in 1961 when I joined the Army. Though, I probably could have shaved five out of six with no blade and the drill Sgt. wouldn’t have known the difference. The main reason I am sure I used the Atra is that I tried almost every brand, Shick, Wilkinson Sword Blades, and almost every other brand and gadget to comedown the pike. So why would I have skipped the Atra. Though, i never had a pink one.
I had an Atra for YEARS back in the 90's and into the 2000's until I couldn't find the blades for them at Walmart anymore...so I ditched the razor in favor of the Mach 3. But the Mach 3 blades are SO expensive. Just a few days ago I saw where you could still buy on Amazon not only the Atra blades but the off brand blades which worked as good for half the price (which is what I was previously buying at Walmart) So.....I did a search on Ebay and found someone selling NOS Atra razor handles....OMG. I purchased it and got it today....I'm reunited with Atra...Woo Hoo!
I used a cartridge like a year ago in a pinch (I had already begun my DE journey at this point) and the experience was so bad that it just reinforced my love for wet shaving, DE shaving, etc. The cartridges just simply cannot give you the same quality of shave.
The Atra+ was my first razor. I had used an electric until this came in a "personal care package" in my dorm room when I moved in to college. Ingenious marketing--I have stuck with Gillete 35+ years later. Time to try my hand at a DE razor--but it will still be Gillette. 😂
The Atra was my first razor and it was better than the Atra Plus. I used it for about 8-9 years. I would not go back but as a first Razor, not too bad as I remember but what do you have to compare it. Would prefer not to go back or to just about any cartridge razor for that matter. However I still own a Harry's but use it very sparingly. You have shown me a far better shaving way...since I met you at your original store on Peoria Ave. Thank you for your videos and products.
I definitely used Atra razors and can remember nothing about using them other than shaving was a chore rather than a treat as it is now with DE and SE razors. I think that Wilkinson actually made the first cartridge system, the Bonded blade system in 1970. I own one of these single edge system razors and they are actually really good. I'd love to see you try one.
Yes, it was the third or fourth cartridge style I’d tried. I thought blades were expensive for all and did not shave as well as my Slim Adjustable. It was getting harder to find double edge blades so, I tried alternative razors.
I shaved or I should say I survived a dollar tree 1.25 DE razor shave. You should give it a try!!
So im new to wet shaving, i just want to say thank you! Your videos are amazing!
Thanks for risking your face for our entertainment, Matt!
I started shaving in the Gillette Sensor Era.
wow, what are you currently using? regards dapper shaves
@dapper shaves Oh I've gone down the rabbit hole of DE shaving, have been for almost 10 yrs now. Got Vintage Gillette razors all the way back to the 1920's. New modern day razors by the handful.
I mysteriously woke up at 5am and now I know why. A new RE vid has dropped! Anyone want to place bets Matt ends up with some ingrowns after this shave? 😂 I love the look of those vintage cartridge razors. I couldn’t be bothered to ever give them a try since switching to a DE has been life changing, but nonetheless very cool to see and hear your thoughts.
Born April 1958 (D-2). I started with a two head Norelco electric, went to Bic single disposables, Black Beauty 1-9, then a Mach 3 before returning to DE shaving. I just bought a Fat Boy from you guys. I use the Slim adjustable more, though. I want to buy a polishing cloth. Shoot me a promo email!
I've never used an Atra, but I have used other twin blade cartridge razors. It's a hit and miss kinda shave. Your soaps and brushes are awesome by the way.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo! Cart police notified, be on lookout. One for the archives, good go. Well, what can I say?, we were all sucked in to the cart world back in the day. Luckily it only lasted a short time for me, I went back to DE shaving quite quickly. Didn't like the feel of cheap plastic and the weird blade feel. Thanks for another chilling episode.
😂😂😂 well said, regards dapper shaves
I can say I have Never, Ever, used a pink razor of any sort.🤣😂
pink shave closer 😂😂😂 regards dapper shaves
Here in the UK it was marketed as the Gillette Contour and was my first razor. Then the Contour Plus with the silver coloured handle. I used it for many years and rarely had a problem. But my DE is so much better.
My first razor was a Gillette Contour. I believe it was the Australian version of the Atra. It had a full metal handle. The original came with Contour blades no lubricating strip. After a few years the lubricating strip was added. I used it for years. The Sensor Excel is very similar and can still be bought in Australia very cheaply
thanks for sharing more info, regards dapper shaves
Here in Thailand we have a razor almost exactly the same as that, called the Vector. It is a whole world cheaper than the 7-100 blade monstrosities that lead the market.
I learned how to shave with an Atra back in the early 90s and I really liked it, but then the blades just got so expensive because Gillette wanted to force people onto their new multi-blade systems. So I switched to cheap disposable razors until I eventually gave up and just grew my beard out. Nowadays I use DE razors but there was something to be said for the simplicity of the old one- and two-blade cartridges.
Glad I went from electric to DE. Is there a comparable DE to Merkur? Bought some from Amazon and current supply is good for 1 and previous blades were good for 3-5 shaves.
Thanks for the video Matt.
Wouldn't work for me at all. Remembering how the sensor excel was pulling my beard hairs and butchered my skin. The Mach 3 was definitely better. But since a long time only DE (and since a short time as well SE/Twig) for me...🙂.
Thanks, good to watch this video!
Can you still get Gillette Altra blades?
I used and Atra exclusively in the 80's. Probably the reason I stopped shaving my face in the 90's! Despite guys my age learning to shave with safety razors, cartridge razor propaganda convinced us they were barbaric. But when the time came for me to shave my dome so I wouldn't look like Ben Franklin, my 88 year old barber told me safety razors were the ONLY way to fly. That was nearly 30 years ago and I haven't looked back!
A Gillette New for touchups?!? That's really aggressive. Isn't that a little overkill? The only cartridge razor I'd willingly use is a Trac II (which Gillette makes even yet in India) because the head doesn't pivot, so it shaves more controllably, like a DE.