Several years ago I got an old junk ball end with a severe handle crack. It shaved nicely, so I nickeled a brass tube and assembled the old handle ends on it. I like longer handles, so I made the tube longer. It shaves great with every blade I put into it, unlike many vintage Gillettes that work best only with a specific blade. It' nothing fancy, but it is among my top 5 favorite vintage razors.
My grandfather shaved with one of these. He had ground the guard teeth off essentially making it a DEvette. Makes sense for him coming from using a straight razor, he must have seen the teeth as unnecessary or in the way lol. I still have it and it shaves wonderfully with a light touch. I plan on having it replated by back roads gold.
I have a 1918 opencomb in a case ordered on ebay it cost €51 and it's set to arrive by August 10th looks good in the pictures cracks mentioned in the descriptions but I don't care as long as I can shave with it. Also a gold plated 1920 opencomb €42
I fortunately obtained one with no cracks in the handle. And it has the same case "Made In England" in a burgundy faux grain case, as shown in the photo in this video (in black at 7:34).
Just bought a Gillette Ball End for $10. I cleaned it up today and can't wait to give it a test drive. Great to know the history. I also have 2 flair tips, but with Mekurs, I prefer open comb. I predict my Merkur razors will be gathering dust!
I have a 1950's gilette ball end that belonged to my father and it gives the best shave I've ever gotten off a razor and very gentle I'd easaly recommend it to someone starting to shave it's so good
I own three of those service sets, and they are a beauty. Two are broken in my eyes since the latches don't work correctly. However, one of them is in excellent condition, opens well, and the open comb razor that was in it didn't have any cracks or bent teeth. It's in your revamp service right now, and I'm excited to shave with it when it arrives. Also, does that crack form if I use it with modern blades? If so, I might put it back in the case and not use it. Anyways great video. I love watching the content that comes out.
Thanks Matt. It’s always interesting to learn about the old razors. I’ve tried these and they are on the aggressive side, like you say. Would they have been that aggressive with the old, thicker blades they made back then?
As the definitive expert on this brand and technology, it's a long time coming to get the "official" voice for the details and the prices of the most common Gillette found in auction site and antique shops. Helpful to know what to look for and how much is the right price.
Of course, like everything else, the condition of the razor is everything. The condition of the plating, they came in nickel or gold plated, and the condition of the comb teeth. It can be pretty hard to find a handle with no cracks at all, you see everything from hardly noticeable hairline cracks to a complete blowout all the way down the barrel. I've seen cracked handles on other models like single rings, I even have one Gillette New common bar handle with a crack.
What a great video, very informative and perfect timing for me as I just happened to acquire one of these razors (the gold version) a few days ago and was trying to figure out the date of it.
I have a 1918 Gillette open comb razor F series meaning that it was a civilian issue razor whereas the military had the J series that I purchased from Razor Emporium with their Khaki set. I love the new handle made by R. E. to replace the original since most of them were cracked as Matt said. The comb guard has on one side a bent outer tooth and soon after I got it I accidentally dropped the guard and I might have bent it slightly more but I can’t really tell, also the top cap seems to be a little thicker than the one shown in the video probably not the original cap more than likely one that was produced around the 1920s they may have had in stock. I would like to know if there is anyway to repair the bent tooth so that it is back to it’s original condition. Any idea's Matt?
Old video, but I was wondering about the splitting on the handles of the press fitted Gillettes. If I were to buy one that is NOT split at the time of purchase, how likely is it that it will split over time with use? Note I am not intending to drop them or twist them around or anything.
I know this is an old video, but just in case somebody checks... Are all of the gold-looking ones gold plated, or is it more common for them to just be bare brass? I want to know what type of polish I should get for one I ordered off eBay.
The thin cap version is so damn aggressive always cuts me up contrast to the thick cap version which is smooth. Any tips on using the thin cap more effectively?
I just filled mine with epoxy, with the crack clamped shut. Put in one end, filled it to the level of the bottom of the ball end, pressed in the ball end, wiped up the epoxy that squeezed out, and let it cure. Voila, one piece handle.
Hello Matt. Thanks for the video. I have a Question. Are there German made ball ends too? I found one, with a crack, on ebay. But it has a closed comb. And not the two stabiliser pins. Only one in the middle? Do do you know Something about it? Ah, they say it is Aluminium... Greetings, Jens from Germany
Please Matt, would you be so kind to check the DM I sent on Instagram yesterday? I noticed the case I have featured in this video. The ball end of the Made in Canada I sent pictures of, has no knurling. The barrel is solid with no cracks, and going by the serial number, and using your date chart, my one would come in at 1905. Really looking forward to your thoughts on the pictures I sent you.
Love this series. But it is very slow. The old type should have ended by now. Would love to see the new improved, New etc. very soon. Not being a prick.
That's very cool, there is a lot to cover for sure. Matt, when you're done covering the Gillette razors then maybe you can cover the vintage GEM/Ever-Ready/Star razors too. :-)
Several years ago I got an old junk ball end with a severe handle crack. It shaved nicely, so I nickeled a brass tube and assembled the old handle ends on it. I like longer handles, so I made the tube longer. It shaves great with every blade I put into it, unlike many vintage Gillettes that work best only with a specific blade. It' nothing fancy, but it is among my top 5 favorite vintage razors.
My grandfather shaved with one of these. He had ground the guard teeth off essentially making it a DEvette. Makes sense for him coming from using a straight razor, he must have seen the teeth as unnecessary or in the way lol. I still have it and it shaves wonderfully with a light touch. I plan on having it replated by back roads gold.
notice how you got no HEART like because of "back roads gold" Matt don't like that at all 😡
Shaving with my great grandfather's battle worn set right now. I love it.
I have a 1918 opencomb in a case ordered on ebay it cost €51 and it's set to arrive by August 10th looks good in the pictures cracks mentioned in the descriptions but I don't care as long as I can shave with it.
Also a gold plated 1920 opencomb €42
I have one that actually has the hollow handle and NO cracks! And a couple original gillette blades in the case
I fortunately obtained one with no cracks in the handle. And it has the same case "Made In England" in a burgundy faux grain case, as shown in the photo in this video (in black at 7:34).
I got one with only a minor crack that I had to look to find for $8 and after my first shave i love it.
My daily shaver is a thick cap Old Type with the ball end handle replaced with a Ericsson hex handle. Wonderful razor.
Wow, I never knew that the cracks were in the handle when the razor was sold. I always thought that the cracks came from overtightening the handle.
Hi Matt- Thanks very much for another great video in this series! These videos are always quite informative. All the best!
Just bought a Gillette Ball End for $10. I cleaned it up today and can't wait to give it a test drive. Great to know the history. I also have 2 flair tips, but with Mekurs, I prefer open comb. I predict my Merkur razors will be gathering dust!
I have a 1950's gilette ball end that belonged to my father and it gives the best shave I've ever gotten off a razor and very gentle I'd easaly recommend it to someone starting to shave it's so good
Mine still shaves beautifully, lol. Love the thing.
I’ve got one that is nickel and doesn’t seem to have a serial code. Says made in USA, so not a Khaki set but clearly more from the 20s/30s
I have a khaki set that you seem to never show, it’s an 89¢ ball end and says “property of the US army”
I own three of those service sets, and they are a beauty. Two are broken in my eyes since the latches don't work correctly. However, one of them is in excellent condition, opens well, and the open comb razor that was in it didn't have any cracks or bent teeth. It's in your revamp service right now, and I'm excited to shave with it when it arrives. Also, does that crack form if I use it with modern blades? If so, I might put it back in the case and not use it. Anyways great video. I love watching the content that comes out.
I have two without cracks but the heads and base plate look different than yours do
i have a NOS palmolive in the box with the blade and NO crack in the handle 4sale, what is the value ???
Very informative. Thank you Matt for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks Matt. It’s always interesting to learn about the old razors. I’ve tried these and they are on the aggressive side, like you say. Would they have been that aggressive with the old, thicker blades they made back then?
Leo Dodier yes and even more so because sharpening has only gotten better.
Hi Matt! This series is informative, so thank you for doing it. A great resource for Gillette enthusiasts!
Excellent video. Thanks for the information.
As the definitive expert on this brand and technology, it's a long time coming to get the "official" voice for the details and the prices of the most common Gillette found in auction site and antique shops. Helpful to know what to look for and how much is the right price.
Of course, like everything else, the condition of the razor is everything. The condition of the plating, they came in nickel or gold plated, and the condition of the comb teeth. It can be pretty hard to find a handle with no cracks at all, you see everything from hardly noticeable hairline cracks to a complete blowout all the way down the barrel. I've seen cracked handles on other models like single rings, I even have one Gillette New common bar handle with a crack.
Andrew Sicari thank you sir.
What a great video, very informative and perfect timing for me as I just happened to acquire one of these razors (the gold version) a few days ago and was trying to figure out the date of it.
I have a 1918 Gillette open comb razor F series meaning that it was a civilian issue razor whereas the military had the J series that I purchased from Razor Emporium with their Khaki set. I love the new handle made by R. E. to replace the original since most of them were cracked as Matt said. The comb guard has on one side a bent outer tooth and soon after I got it I accidentally dropped the guard and I might have bent it slightly more but I can’t really tell, also the top cap seems to be a little thicker than the one shown in the video probably not the original cap more than likely one that was produced around the 1920s they may have had in stock. I would like to know if there is anyway to repair the bent tooth so that it is back to it’s original condition.
Any idea's Matt?
You can try using a penny or dime and nudge it over. Many times they crack off however so proceed with caution.
Can the crack in the razor handle be filled with JB Weld and then sanded smooth and then be buffed out.
You'll always see it.
Old video, but I was wondering about the splitting on the handles of the press fitted Gillettes. If I were to buy one that is NOT split at the time of purchase, how likely is it that it will split over time with use? Note I am not intending to drop them or twist them around or anything.
Yep have it and still use it
I know this is an old video, but just in case somebody checks... Are all of the gold-looking ones gold plated, or is it more common for them to just be bare brass? I want to know what type of polish I should get for one I ordered off eBay.
Another great video, Matt! So helpful. 👍🏻
The thin cap version is so damn aggressive always cuts me up contrast to the thick cap version which is smooth. Any tips on using the thin cap more effectively?
Again, very interesting! Thanks, Matt. 👍🏼
My bank teller just gave me one from 1918 with no crack.
Hi Matt! Great videos! Any info on gillette new red and black set, 1930-32 I think?
I just filled mine with epoxy, with the crack clamped shut. Put in one end, filled it to the level of the bottom of the ball end, pressed in the ball end, wiped up the epoxy that squeezed out, and let it cure. Voila, one piece handle.
Do the original gold hollow ball-end handles have a protective lacquer coating?
The teens no. 30's yes.
Maybe the best razor!!
Love the videos, never disappointed.
Indiana was the dog’s name!
Hello Matt. Thanks for the video. I have a Question. Are there German made ball ends too? I found one, with a crack, on ebay. But it has a closed comb. And not the two stabiliser pins. Only one in the middle? Do do you know Something about it? Ah, they say it is Aluminium...
Greetings,
Jens from Germany
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.at%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F372371125480
I know this is a late reply, but as no one has answered you; this is the Gillette Tech.
👍🏻💈great information Matt.
Very informative
How rare would an Army issue khaki be with the original paper box be?
Pretty rare
Awesome, the one I purchased had the paper box with it. The condition it’s in I would assume it was never used.
Very Nice !
Do they still function with the crack?
Yes
@@RazorEmporium thanks!
Please Matt, would you be so kind to check the DM I sent on Instagram yesterday? I noticed the case I have featured in this video. The ball end of the Made in Canada I sent pictures of, has no knurling. The barrel is solid with no cracks, and going by the serial number, and using your date chart, my one would come in at 1905. Really looking forward to your thoughts on the pictures I sent you.
I have a good condition khaki set that is not cracked
Привет !Очень интересно !
Love this series. But it is very slow. The old type should have ended by now. Would love to see the new improved, New etc. very soon. Not being a prick.
neil dsouza we are doing every razor gillette made in USA. It’s going to take a while :) but nothing like this exists on TH-cam but it will now. :)
That's very cool, there is a lot to cover for sure. Matt, when you're done covering the Gillette razors then maybe you can cover the vintage GEM/Ever-Ready/Star razors too. :-)