I recently got an aluminum handle Atra and the head/body joint is a little loose. Do you have any idea how I could fix it? I was thinking of putting a small amount of solder or epoxy where the head meets to keep it from moving but I wanted to see if there was a better solution out there. Great video!
On those razors I frankly consider them junk and throw them out. There really isn’t much you can do about it without either making it worse or making the razor look bad. The GOOD news is it’s not easy to create that kinda play in the head/body. That’s usually the result of a razor that’s been BADLY abused. If you find one that does NOT do that, and be fairly gentle with it and don’t drop it a lot, it should last you a long time. Or if the play in the head isn’t that bad and you can’t bring yourself to toss it away, then I’d just ignore it and keep on using it.
@@soapthing I have another one in great condition so I’m going to bubba this one up and see how long it’ll last. I guess this can be my travel Atra. I know I have a brown plastic handle one as well but I’m not sure where it is unfortunately.
@@soapthing Update: I used epoxy and with a toothpick I carefully applied it to the joint. It actually turned out very well! I wiped up any excess with a slightly damp paper towel and you can’t even tell it’s there since it dries clear. You really just have to let gravity do the work without globing a ton on and go slow. I let a little fall in the joint and tapped the side of the razor to get the epoxy to flow. I’m going to use this as my travel razor and we’ll see how long it lasts. At the moment it seems very solid.
I'm going to take you on a little trip back to 1977. Back in 1977 I was 17 years old. One Saturday my then girl friend and I were walking down Main St. here in our home town and we went into our Gibson's Dep. store. As we were looking around I saw the new Gillette Atra razor, and that being the Summer of Star Wars that razor to me had a very SI-Fi look. Up till that point I had been using one of my Dad's old Gem Razors which was fine but this was the first razor that I bought just for me. Now if my memory serves me right I think I spent $4.95 for the razor and another $4.00 or so for the the bottle of Cody Musk for men. In the 90s the blades for my Atra had gotten so expensive that I started using those throw away things. Now some time back I decided I wanted to go back to the old way of shaving so I found a vintage Gillette DE razor, then I found another one. then another, then another. Before I knew it I was down the rabbit hole. I now have well over 50 Gillette, Gem SE and even modern DE razors. However back about a year ago some told me I could get Personna blades for my old Atra, so I ordered 500 blades. Now my 1977 Atra is hanging on my bathroom mirror my Old Spice mug and my Ever-Ready brush are on a barbers towel just below. It's nice to have my old Atra. I have no idea what happened to the Girl friend. Oh Well.
Nice shave. I have an Atra from 1988. I recently used it because of watching your videos. I have several cartridge razors and this is one of my favorites.
I found one of those brown bakelite handles at an antique store for just $10!! Its in great condition! I agree, the Atra was a fabulous cartridge razor. I still have mine from high school in 1987!! It works perfectly like it did brand new! Mine is the aluminum one with the black stripe. I have all the versions, and they are all good! Thanks for doing these series videos! JimG
They don’t make razors like they used to. They Atra can take a fair beating and it’ll be fine. Can’t say that about some newer razors. Thanks for watching!
Great video again Ben ! Contributing to algorithm, people need to see this series! I agree with you, this was definitely an evolution in shaving and a good razor. However, in my opinion, this is also when the Marketing department took over Gillette from the engineers. In my opinion, the Marketing department gimmicks started with the lubrication strip. It's above the blades, so makes little sense unless you are going over and over your face with water only perhaps. The lubrication strip isn't going to work at all dry. You are shaving with lubrication with water, soaps, creams, and even gels. I agree with you, gels aren't bad for your face, but quality soaps definitely improve the feel and health of your skin. In fact, the difference using quality soaps over gels is dramatically better for your skin. When I started using quality soaps and creams my skin immediately became healthier, softer, and even looked better.
The pivoting head in the Atra is an iconic innovation by Gillette, IMO one of the best modern razor innovations. Like you said some canned goo can work surprisingly well if we ignore the "bad for skin" and environmentally unfriendly stuff, it's more about the razor technique, it's possible to shave with just soapy water if our technique is up to scratch (even without lube strips). I don't mind the lube strips but not the over active ones that leave goo strings dripping off the razor and face that actually end up interfering with the shaving process, however, as a "Wet" shaver they are not needed for me.🤟🤠🤟
My father has used an atra for my entire life (24 next month) and I bought my own atra. I love it due to it being simple and not an absolute monster. Usually use foam or gel doesn’t matter. Cartridges are getting a little hard to find, if I can’t find them in the store I order them online in bulk. We both use the metal handle
Personna make Atra compatible cartridges that are easier to find and cheaper, just be sure to do your homework and make sure you’re buying the right ones.
I wasn't old enough to shave until after the Sensor was out, but I grew up hearing Atra my whole life up until then. My dad was one of those lucky people who could use Bics, I tried them but they never seemed sharp enough for me.
For me I like the lubricating strip because I find it leaves behind a nice slick runway after the first pass that I personally find make the razor run a lot smoother on more strokes, I also go with the grain in my neck on the first pass and the lube strip leaves it slick enough that I go a second pass against the grain and don’t have to apply more shaving cream. If I tried that without a lube strip (I have) it doesn’t go so smooth. I use Trac 2 plus cartridges and love them.
I have always had the same question about the location of the lubricating strip. Even using some kind of soap or cream it just seems like it would make more sense on the bottom, and especially if it's supposed to function as a substitute for soap. But what do I know, I'm not a razor engineer, I'm just some dumb trucker that just happens to have a face that periodically needs mowed.
It might have something to do with the strip effecting how close you can shave. Maybe it blocked the blades from being able to make contact with your face. Who knows…
I think they added the lubrication strip just because they had internally in the company a value they placed on innovation and wanting to change and improve things, and this strip was a way to satisfy that even if it was mostly a P-R gesture, just like going from two to three to four to five blades could be marketed as 'new and improved' even it really it was actually just 'new'. Great series Ben!
It’s possible. I think there was a deeper reason for why they chose that technology. Large companies didn’t make surface level gimmicky design choices like they do today. There used to be more thought put into it.
I have both a Dorco handle and a Gillette Vector handle that use Atra cartridges. The Dorco doesn't seem to hold the cartridges very securely and sometimes they fall off, and in general the attachment system with the two claws just doesn't inspire as much confidence as I remember from my Sensor days. I haven't shaved with the Vector yet but it looks a lot like the later plastic Atra you showed, except it has a soft rubbery coating that feels really nice in the hand.
For the Atra (also work on a Trac II) I recommend the Schick II Ultrex blades, the ones with the button to push out clogged hairs. I just bought some NOS from eBay and they are quite sharp blades that give a great shave!
Awesome video,and shave! Your series inspired me pick up a trac 2( 7 O'clock p2),and I found a vintage New Old Stock plastic atra with 5 carts with out the lube strip on eBay. I'm confused about the date code It has a 2 on one side but no letter on the other on the other side. Thanks and have a good one!
If it’s an actual Atra, then I can’t explain the missing letter for the date code. Could’ve warn off over the years. They are really hard to see, even when things are going well.
My dad had the metal handle with knurling. I think it came out in 1990. That’s the most coveted atra. eBay has them for around $190. To steep for my taste. Atra is my favorite Gillette cart for nostalgia. However sensor excel & skinguard I find more comfortable
I have that exact Atra from 1990. I bought mine from eBay for around 30 bucks. Until after I bought it, I didn’t realize that it was different than the metal Atra that came out in 1977.
@@soapthing I have a atra with the metal handle and a plastic one with a college logo on it. Along with the wind up blade (forgot the name) all came from my father in law.
I get them on Amazon and they come in Gillette’s blister pack with all the correct markings. Just buy them from reputable suppliers and you’ll be fine.
I looked on Amazon for some of the Atra blades, and the one I looked at are made in China. I guess it doesn’t mean they are not good, however I don’t really like that they are made in China. What are your thoughts?
I have several handles in my collection. A few metal variants, the black plastic and the brown Bakelite. They were inexpensive a few years back but it sounds like the prices have gone way up.
In addition, don't forget that the Atra handle will also fit Schick's Slim Twim cartridge system blades, and the Slim Twin Handle will also fit Atra blades.
Nice shave. Stupendous effort creating this series. Do consider a special feature on Gillette guard - a single blade cartridge razor available here in India. It is outstanding, in my opinion and experience.
Hey I was at a drug store today and noticed there are two kinds of 'Afta' balm; the original one and another in a blue container called 'Fresh'. I'd only ever seen the original one before so just sharing in case that is news for you too. Cheers.
I use DEs exclusively when at home which is most of the time but when travelling I am using a 'Harrys' cartidge razor just because it is fast easy good enough and mainly because I don't think you can cut yourself with it. I haven't anyway. Maybe you could try a Harrys vs other Gillette razors at some point just for fun. Like Harry vs Fusion? Just an idea.
I think it depends how it’s used. I’ve never tried it on an Atra but I’ve used a Mach 3 with just the lubricating strip and it worked mostly fine. There’s probably just a certain way you I’ve to go about it.
I agree that Gillette Foamy smelled awesome until they changed it and now it smells horrible. PAA actually did a scent called Sun Down which was a tribute to Gillette’s Sun Up aftershave which had the same scent as the Gillette Foamy regular shave foam. The scent wasn’t close to the Gillette in my opinion.
I have a couple cans stashed away, the old scent is so much better. I started using atra razors due to my dad. I was safety razor shaving for a while but due to lack of space the atra has been easier and won’t tear me to pieces
I just came across this video. I agree, the old scent of gillette foamy was very good and it was what I started shaving with a long time ago!! Great news though, according to a discussion on Badger and Blade, Gillette has brought back the old scent. You have to look for a certain date code or higher on the bottom of the can. Sorry, I can’t recall the number at this moment but I bought a new can and it smells like the good ole stuff.
@@deandebellis9132 you’re welcome! I looked it up, the date code has to be higher than 3191 on the bottom of the can. It’s the first 4 numbers that have to be greater than 3191.
@@soapthingI'm just waiting for my order for the atra metal handle like yours Over here in the UK we call the Atra "The Gillette Contour" even the British package is named Contour plus.
@@soapthing when I bought a replica handle that Taconic company made, I got with it was a twin Persona blades, but the cartridge is a lot bigger then the actual Gillette kind, but the personna blades of the twin I think they are sharper then the Gillette blades of the atra/Contour. But I like the contour blades better because with it being a smaller cartridge blade I can get right up here the nose area to cut the hairs area
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZbsSDRrmXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I recently got an aluminum handle Atra and the head/body joint is a little loose. Do you have any idea how I could fix it? I was thinking of putting a small amount of solder or epoxy where the head meets to keep it from moving but I wanted to see if there was a better solution out there. Great video!
On those razors I frankly consider them junk and throw them out. There really isn’t much you can do about it without either making it worse or making the razor look bad. The GOOD news is it’s not easy to create that kinda play in the head/body. That’s usually the result of a razor that’s been BADLY abused. If you find one that does NOT do that, and be fairly gentle with it and don’t drop it a lot, it should last you a long time.
Or if the play in the head isn’t that bad and you can’t bring yourself to toss it away, then I’d just ignore it and keep on using it.
@@soapthing I have another one in great condition so I’m going to bubba this one up and see how long it’ll last. I guess this can be my travel Atra. I know I have a brown plastic handle one as well but I’m not sure where it is unfortunately.
@@soapthing Update: I used epoxy and with a toothpick I carefully applied it to the joint. It actually turned out very well! I wiped up any excess with a slightly damp paper towel and you can’t even tell it’s there since it dries clear. You really just have to let gravity do the work without globing a ton on and go slow. I let a little fall in the joint and tapped the side of the razor to get the epoxy to flow. I’m going to use this as my travel razor and we’ll see how long it lasts. At the moment it seems very solid.
I'm going to take you on a little trip back to 1977. Back in 1977 I was 17 years old. One Saturday my then girl friend and I were walking down Main St. here in our home town and we went into our Gibson's Dep. store. As we were looking around I saw the new Gillette Atra razor, and that being the Summer of Star Wars that razor to me had a very SI-Fi look. Up till that point I had been using one of my Dad's old Gem Razors which was fine but this was the first razor that I bought just for me. Now if my memory serves me right I think I spent $4.95 for the razor and another $4.00 or so for the the bottle of Cody Musk for men.
In the 90s the blades for my Atra had gotten so expensive that I started using those throw away things.
Now some time back I decided I wanted to go back to the old way of shaving so I found a vintage Gillette DE razor, then I found another one. then another, then another. Before I knew it I was down the rabbit hole. I now have well over 50 Gillette, Gem SE and even modern DE razors.
However back about a year ago some told me I could get Personna blades for my old Atra, so I ordered 500 blades. Now my 1977 Atra is hanging on my bathroom mirror my Old Spice mug and my Ever-Ready brush are on a barbers towel just below. It's nice to have my old Atra. I have no idea what happened to the Girl friend. Oh Well.
Unlike the girl, the Atra stuck with you through thick and thin! Thanks for the story!
Nice shave. I have an Atra from 1988. I recently used it because of watching your videos. I have several cartridge razors and this is one of my favorites.
Yeah I think we forget that Gillette have been doing great razors for a long time. Some of these older cartridge razors get forgotten about.
I found one of those brown bakelite handles at an antique store for just $10!! Its in great condition! I agree, the Atra was a fabulous cartridge razor. I still have mine from high school in 1987!! It works perfectly like it did brand new! Mine is the aluminum one with the black stripe. I have all the versions, and they are all good! Thanks for doing these series videos! JimG
They don’t make razors like they used to. They Atra can take a fair beating and it’ll be fine. Can’t say that about some newer razors. Thanks for watching!
Although I have now switched to a double edge razor, I guess you could say my “favourite” Gillette cartridge razor by far is the Mach 3.
Great video again Ben ! Contributing to algorithm, people need to see this series! I agree with you, this was definitely an evolution in shaving and a good razor. However, in my opinion, this is also when the Marketing department took over Gillette from the engineers. In my opinion, the Marketing department gimmicks started with the lubrication strip. It's above the blades, so makes little sense unless you are going over and over your face with water only perhaps. The lubrication strip isn't going to work at all dry. You are shaving with lubrication with water, soaps, creams, and even gels. I agree with you, gels aren't bad for your face, but quality soaps definitely improve the feel and health of your skin. In fact, the difference using quality soaps over gels is dramatically better for your skin. When I started using quality soaps and creams my skin immediately became healthier, softer, and even looked better.
The pivoting head in the Atra is an iconic innovation by Gillette, IMO one of the best modern razor innovations. Like you said some canned goo can work surprisingly well if we ignore the "bad for skin" and environmentally unfriendly stuff, it's more about the razor technique, it's possible to shave with just soapy water if our technique is up to scratch (even without lube strips). I don't mind the lube strips but not the over active ones that leave goo strings dripping off the razor and face that actually end up interfering with the shaving process, however, as a "Wet" shaver they are not needed for me.🤟🤠🤟
Yeah those goo strings are disgusting. I don’t understand why it needs to be that crazy. Plus it just feels slimy and nasty haha 😆.
My father has used an atra for my entire life (24 next month) and I bought my own atra. I love it due to it being simple and not an absolute monster. Usually use foam or gel doesn’t matter. Cartridges are getting a little hard to find, if I can’t find them in the store I order them online in bulk. We both use the metal handle
Personna make Atra compatible cartridges that are easier to find and cheaper, just be sure to do your homework and make sure you’re buying the right ones.
I wasn't old enough to shave until after the Sensor was out, but I grew up hearing Atra my whole life up until then. My dad was one of those lucky people who could use Bics, I tried them but they never seemed sharp enough for me.
Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but I really dig seeing those old ads. Brings back memories. Nice job brotha👍
Yeah Gillette doesn’t do commercials like they used to.
For me I like the lubricating strip because I find it leaves behind a nice slick runway after the first pass that I personally find make the razor run a lot smoother on more strokes, I also go with the grain in my neck on the first pass and the lube strip leaves it slick enough that I go a second pass against the grain and don’t have to apply more shaving cream. If I tried that without a lube strip (I have) it doesn’t go so smooth. I use Trac 2 plus cartridges and love them.
I have always had the same question about the location of the lubricating strip. Even using some kind of soap or cream it just seems like it would make more sense on the bottom, and especially if it's supposed to function as a substitute for soap. But what do I know, I'm not a razor engineer, I'm just some dumb trucker that just happens to have a face that periodically needs mowed.
It might have something to do with the strip effecting how close you can shave. Maybe it blocked the blades from being able to make contact with your face. Who knows…
Your all metal one is my exact birth month and quarter. Very hard to find anything from 1987 from my searches.
Probably because I have them all 😂. I think all three of my metal Atras are 87s.
I think they added the lubrication strip just because they had internally in the company a value they placed on innovation and wanting to change and improve things, and this strip was a way to satisfy that even if it was mostly a P-R gesture, just like going from two to three to four to five blades could be marketed as 'new and improved' even it really it was actually just 'new'. Great series Ben!
It’s possible. I think there was a deeper reason for why they chose that technology. Large companies didn’t make surface level gimmicky design choices like they do today. There used to be more thought put into it.
The Atra with the wood handle is called the Atra elite razor. I have one still in the case. So how much would you pay?
Send me an email and we can talk, it’s in the description of the video.
I have both a Dorco handle and a Gillette Vector handle that use Atra cartridges. The Dorco doesn't seem to hold the cartridges very securely and sometimes they fall off, and in general the attachment system with the two claws just doesn't inspire as much confidence as I remember from my Sensor days. I haven't shaved with the Vector yet but it looks a lot like the later plastic Atra you showed, except it has a soft rubbery coating that feels really nice in the hand.
For the Atra (also work on a Trac II) I recommend the Schick II Ultrex blades, the ones with the button to push out clogged hairs. I just bought some NOS from eBay and they are quite sharp blades that give a great shave!
I’ll take a closer look!
@@soapthing I was able to score 28 of them for $20. Compared to the Gillette blades, that is a steal.
Awesome video,and shave! Your series inspired me pick up a trac 2( 7 O'clock p2),and I found a vintage New Old Stock plastic atra with 5 carts with out the lube strip on eBay. I'm confused about the date code It has a 2 on one side but no letter on the other on the other side. Thanks and have a good one!
If it’s an actual Atra, then I can’t explain the missing letter for the date code. Could’ve warn off over the years. They are really hard to see, even when things are going well.
My dad had the metal handle with knurling. I think it came out in 1990. That’s the most coveted atra. eBay has them for around $190. To steep for my taste. Atra is my favorite Gillette cart for nostalgia. However sensor excel & skinguard I find more comfortable
I have that exact Atra from 1990. I bought mine from eBay for around 30 bucks. Until after I bought it, I didn’t realize that it was different than the metal Atra that came out in 1977.
I have a couple of those razors. Now I have to go look at them. Nice shave Ben!
Yes, look at them, appreciate them, revere them haha 😆.
@@soapthing I have a atra with the metal handle and a plastic one with a college logo on it. Along with the wind up blade (forgot the name) all came from my father in law.
I saw a bakelite atra on ebay just now for $40.
one brand new in the tube for 65 on ebay
I’ll have to investigate.
@@shanedoyle5056 gonna take a look!
How do you know you are getting real Atra blades? EBay sellers sell them with no packaging which leads me to believe they are knock offs.
I get them on Amazon and they come in Gillette’s blister pack with all the correct markings. Just buy them from reputable suppliers and you’ll be fine.
I looked on Amazon for some of the Atra blades, and the one I looked at are made in China. I guess it doesn’t mean they are not good, however I don’t really like that they are made in China. What are your thoughts?
Great video Ben
Thanks for watching!
I have several handles in my collection. A few metal variants, the black plastic and the brown Bakelite. They were inexpensive a few years back but it sounds like the prices have gone way up.
Yeah it seems like a lot of people are collecting old cartridge razors all of a sudden. Oh well, at least they’re getting some appreciation again.
Nice video with history along with the cool retro ads. On to the next…
Thanks for watching!
In addition, don't forget that the Atra handle will also fit Schick's Slim Twim cartridge system blades, and the Slim Twin Handle will also fit Atra blades.
Nice shave. Stupendous effort creating this series. Do consider a special feature on Gillette guard - a single blade cartridge razor available here in India. It is outstanding, in my opinion and experience.
If I can find one I might do a video on it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before.
@@soapthing Maggard Razors has them.
Looked like a pretty good shave from here. Have a great weekend Eh!
Thanks Justin, I hope you’re doing well!
@@soapthing you’re welcome Ben, and thank you… doing pretty ok I reckon!
Hey I was at a drug store today and noticed there are two kinds of 'Afta' balm; the original one and another in a blue container called 'Fresh'. I'd only ever seen the original one before so just sharing in case that is news for you too. Cheers.
I actually have never seen the Fresh variety. Just the regular. I’ve seen people talk about it a lot, but I’ve never tried it.
I use DEs exclusively when at home which is most of the time but when travelling I am using a 'Harrys' cartidge razor just because it is fast easy good enough and mainly because I don't think you can cut yourself with it. I haven't anyway. Maybe you could try a Harrys vs other Gillette razors at some point just for fun. Like Harry vs Fusion? Just an idea.
Yeah that’s an interesting idea. Noted.
My uncle has been using Gillette Sensitive Foamy FOREVER and he looks younger than he is for sure.
The strip never was good enough to be able to use the razor without shave cream.
I think it depends how it’s used. I’ve never tried it on an Atra but I’ve used a Mach 3 with just the lubricating strip and it worked mostly fine. There’s probably just a certain way you I’ve to go about it.
I agree that Gillette Foamy smelled awesome until they changed it and now it smells horrible. PAA actually did a scent called Sun Down which was a tribute to Gillette’s Sun Up aftershave which had the same scent as the Gillette Foamy regular shave foam. The scent wasn’t close to the Gillette in my opinion.
I have a couple cans stashed away, the old scent is so much better. I started using atra razors due to my dad. I was safety razor shaving for a while but due to lack of space the atra has been easier and won’t tear me to pieces
Interesting. I have a couple pucks of PAA Sun Down. Love that scent.
I just came across this video. I agree, the old scent of gillette foamy was very good and it was what I started shaving with a long time ago!! Great news though, according to a discussion on Badger and Blade, Gillette has brought back the old scent. You have to look for a certain date code or higher on the bottom of the can. Sorry, I can’t recall the number at this moment but I bought a new can and it smells like the good ole stuff.
@@Johnwall810
Wow that’s great news thank for sharing
@@deandebellis9132 you’re welcome! I looked it up, the date code has to be higher than 3191 on the bottom of the can. It’s the first 4 numbers that have to be greater than 3191.
👌👌👍
👍🏻
The thing is, all foam gels etc aren't good for your skin,
The fact is can foam/gels actually drys your skin out unlike shaving soap 🧼
I’m afraid we will have to disagree on this one.
@@soapthingI'm just waiting for my order for the atra metal handle like yours
Over here in the UK we call the Atra "The Gillette Contour" even the British package is named Contour plus.
@@scottfowler50421 I have a Contour hiding in a drawer somewhere. I think the biggest difference is the handle just doesn’t say Atra on it.
@@soapthing when I bought a replica handle that Taconic company made, I got with it was a twin Persona blades, but the cartridge is a lot bigger then the actual Gillette kind, but the personna blades of the twin I think they are sharper then the Gillette blades of the atra/Contour.
But I like the contour blades better because with it being a smaller cartridge blade I can get right up here the nose area to cut the hairs area