Several months back, I picked up a 1928 Gold New & Improved with the original case for $35.00 in a local Antique Store here in Cottonwood, AZ. Great find & a great shaver!
I went from Mach 3, to a Safety Razor, to a straight razor. When I first started using a straight razor I noticed how much more comfortable the shave was and never looked back. I don’t think it shaves any closer than any other razor it’s just more comfortable for me. I do a two pass shave and make sure my beard prep is on point.
I always remove the blade after shaving. I have a little magnet stuck on the bottom of the mirror in my bathroom that holds the blade till next time. I then wipe the razor dry with a microfiber cloth. Keeps everything in titp top shape. I've brought a couple of vintage Gillette's with tea staining on the nickle plating, it has always cleaned off for me. Got them cheap too as others probably thought they were rusty.
Ive definitely gave up the 3 pass shave. I switched to a with the grain and against the grain with touch ups. Just that alone got rid of a noticeable amount of irritation.
For my first DE safety razor i bought a 1957 Gillette Fatboy and am using Astra Platinum blades and am having a great close BBS shave nearly every time. For my second DE razor bought a Parker 87R but have yet to unbox it since im waiting for my wet shaving kit to come in so i can use all my new shaving products with the Parker DE. Great video as always.
Those are fantastic razors! Very efficient yet super smooth. After trying 30+ different modern and vintage razors I was shocked how great those new improved razors are. It's hard to believe how well they perform especially when you realise that they were designed and manufactured nearly 100 years ago.
Hi Matt. Avid viewer of your educational video here and this one was of great interest. I have a New Improved Bostonian...I will say it delivers a very satisfying shave; close and comfortable. I am really wishing your REX razor came in the Richwood box! I will agree that chasing BBS is one the leading causes of irritation. My Grandfather (b. 1908) shaved once a week before church and maybe another day if there was a special occasion (usually there was not). If memory serves, he was a one pass and done type of man...and his face was clean looking but a little rough to touch. Personally, due to my military service, it has to feel smooth. My face can take it...other faces can not. In Barber college I learn that one pass with the grain and a clean up pass across the grain is all one should do to maximize closeness and limit irritation. Looking forward to the New Improved series. Lastly, is there a reason why you switched from PolSilver blades to Perma-Sharp blades?
Todd - as always thanks for the great comments and feedback. I really love PolSilver but we have had trouble with supply from our distributor. They recommended perma sharp and I've come to like them nearly equally as well. Great hearing about your grand dad!
Hi Matt- Great shave and explanation of the new improved razor; thank you! I also have a coarse and beard but sensitive skin, and I was surprised, but pleased to hear you say that the open comb was mild. I usually avoid open comb razors, but will definitely think about using this razor. Thanks again and all the best!
I have two Tuckaways and two New Improved. Love them all. I do three passes with light pressure. I just enjoy the brushes too much. Why deprive myself with a short shave. Thanks for the vid.
Lately I've been using a 1961 Gillette Fat Boy and have been liking it. Fat Boy+ Feather blades+ Oleo Soapworks canard based soaps seems to be a great combo for me.
Awesome. I still haven’t gotten my hands on a New Improved, and I’ve always imagined those beefed-up teeth would make a difference. I’m glad to hear they tone it down from the Old Type. Now I must snag one!
The New Improved seems harder to come by and the prices can get high on the more ornate models. I bought my poor mans 1929 gold plated ball end New Improved last year, beautiful and well made.
Matt you talked about the guy in the video. I've seen all lot of people doing 3 or 4 passes. For me it all depends on the razor. If the razor is mild you can do wtg, xtg from both the sides and maybe even atg. The basic idea of a safety razor is to reduce stuble. If a 1 pass takes down most of it then you don't need more passes. With a mild razor 3 passes us fine but as you go up the aggressive scale you need to reduce the passes. I have an ATT H2. A 1 pass in it almost takes everything. So I don't over do. Buy when I use my milder razor I do a 3 or 2 pass depending on the time or mood.
I've an OC EVD (Swedish Made) safteyrazor I think it's based out of the Gillette Old Type or something like that, I put a trig silver edge blade in there and just WOW, blew my mind. :) And it is not aggressive either, which I thought OC razors was because the talk kind of lean that way. :)
Thanks Matt, another great video! I would like to learn more about the “New Improved”. I am thrilled with the Revamped Fat Handle Tech I bought from your store! WOW, what a great smooth shave! It is my first 3 piece. I think my collection and interest in Vintage Gillette’s is now going beyond the Super Speeds....HAHAHAHA !
I believe I think I am that fella laugh out loud!!! Using Rex ambassador with Matts shave strategy totally worked out for me and all ill effects of wet shaving like razor bumps ingrown hairs and irritation is seriously a thing of the past.
Awesome shave Matt! I have heard a lot of talk and read articles about how aggressive open combs are. To hear you say you got a mild shave from one has me thinking about trying out a new improved for myself. I always thought they looked cool but kind of intimidatingly agressive. Have a great day!
Came back from Poland last week and had a chance to check out their equivalent (Rossmann) to our CVS . Cartridge gillette's have a monopoly there too along with the shaving creams. The ONLY DE razors they had were Wilkinson Sword brand!!! I thought I was going to find some cheaper (than here) Polsilver blades but forget about it. I think those are made for export only, bummer!! Thanks for all you do Matt!!!
I recently acquired a New open long comb and i must agree, this razor hits the bullseye combination of upper-mild aggressiveness with good efficiency. One pass with buffing equals bbs with no irritation. So far this razor bests everything in my collection, now my daily driver. One caveat: the handle is cracked. Is that something which could be fixed in a revamp?
I have tried 4 DE razors so far, with a number of blades. No one comes close to the Rockwell 6S. The Edwin Jagger is nice, the Gillette Slim Adjustable is also better than expected, the Razorock Mamba is ok, but requires you to pay attention to the exact angle of attack. As said the Rockwell 6S is supreme IMHO.
Matt, I love my 1920's single ring. Is it 1921 - 1928? I'm sorry I can't quite remember. It was my first Gillette razor and my first proper double edged razor; I had a Parker razor before that but the blade never sat straight. For a long time, the only razor I used was my Gillette single ring and I really got to know it. Still today, some years on, I get a great shave from it and it's comfortable. Top razor! Cheers buddy.
Sorry Matt, I made a mistake. I have a 102A. I thought they were still a Single Ring but it's the one with the thicker head cap, rather than the 102. Mine has no serial number so I believe it dates between Oct 1927 and Aug 1928.
Hey Matt, I just watched this video and WOW. I purchased that razor from you 5 days after this video on 10/17/18!! Awesome Richwood case and your Nickel plating is like new. I have shaved with it twice and it gives an excellent shave. I plan to send in 2 New Improved razors to get replated in Rhodium and 24K Gold. p.s. my t-shirt size is XL. ;-) and I promise to wear it at the next Big Shave West that you have in Los Angeles. hopefully you can find a new location in LA. Cheers, Mark
Thanks for another great video, Matt ! I was lucky enough to be the only bidder on a Gillette Bostonian set several months ago. I like to use a Gillette Silver Blue blade in it, and it delivers a wonderful, irritation-free shave. Take care :-) Rob
Congrats FenderFan1964 - you're the winner of the Weekly T-Shirt give-away! Please contact us at help@razoremporium.com with your address and size and we will get it shipped out right away! Thanks everyone! Stay tuned next week for another giveaway! - Razor Emporium Team
Cheers Matt. Always interesting to hear the view from someone who quite simply tells it like it is. As you put it ;why cause yourself grief and irritation trying to achieve the BBS Holy Grail of shaves.
I’ve never tried alcohol, not a bad idea tho. I just rinse with warm water, maybe a soft toothbrush and towel dry everything. Wipe the blade of water and that’s it. I don’t have coarse hair, so i can get quiet a few shaves out of one blade. : )
Matt I have a question buddy!! I love the videos and plus I am about to send my grandfathers slim for a tune up. Sorry question is.. Are you trying razors you get yourself or razors that people don’t claim from your services like ok I forgot type thing??
We are the largest buyer / seller of safety razors in the world. We buy / sell / service / razors for both our own internal inventory and customer service work.
E-Bay sees to carry many Ball Handle Olds and New Long Combs, but relatively few New Improveds, despite the New and New Improveds being marketed for about a decade each. Does anyone know why this discrepancy?
Great video. I have went back and watched a bunch of your older videos and a lot of other razor videos on youtube and I have one suggestion to the razor community based upon my experience: I actually have been using a DE for a couple of years. The other day I went back to my Mach 3 and got the best shave. I did a single pass and it did every bit as good as 3 passes from a DE. I think the wet shaving community needs to quit being such snobs against the cartridge. I see videos and reviews where the DE snobs act like the cartridge is going to rip your face clean off. While watching the reviews I am not sure if these people are using a cartridge or shaving with a rock. I say use what you like, but don't act like the cartridge is some sort of turd with glass hanging out of it that will rip your face to shreds. Just use what you like. If a DE is fine, then go for that.
Several months back, I picked up a 1928 Gold New & Improved with the original case for $35.00 in a local Antique Store here in Cottonwood, AZ. Great find & a great shaver!
I went from Mach 3, to a Safety Razor, to a straight razor. When I first started using a straight razor I noticed how much more comfortable the shave was and never looked back. I don’t think it shaves any closer than any other razor it’s just more comfortable for me. I do a two pass shave and make sure my beard prep is on point.
I always remove the blade after shaving. I have a little magnet stuck on the bottom of the mirror in my bathroom that holds the blade till next time. I then wipe the razor dry with a microfiber cloth. Keeps everything in titp top shape.
I've brought a couple of vintage Gillette's with tea staining on the nickle plating, it has always cleaned off for me. Got them cheap too as others probably thought they were rusty.
Ive definitely gave up the 3 pass shave. I switched to a with the grain and against the grain with touch ups. Just that alone got rid of a noticeable amount of irritation.
excellent advice!
For my first DE safety razor i bought a 1957 Gillette Fatboy and am using Astra Platinum blades and am having a great close BBS shave nearly every time. For my second DE razor bought a Parker 87R but have yet to unbox it since im waiting for my wet shaving kit to come in so i can use all my new shaving products with the Parker DE. Great video as always.
I agree with you. I do a two pass cold water shave with the grain and I get a great shave with zero irritation.
CONGRATS! You are this week's T-Shirt winner! Please email us help@razoremporium.com with your shirt size and address. Thanks all!
Whoo whoo. Thanks guys.
Another awesome video Matt. Keep these videos coming I love em.
Those are fantastic razors!
Very efficient yet super smooth.
After trying 30+ different modern and vintage razors I was shocked how great those new improved razors are. It's hard to believe how well they perform especially when you realise that they were designed and manufactured nearly 100 years ago.
I just picked up a New Improved New Standard, and I completely agree with you. Its so smooth! Excellent shaver.
Hi Matt. Avid viewer of your educational video here and this one was of great interest. I have a New Improved Bostonian...I will say it delivers a very satisfying shave; close and comfortable. I am really wishing your REX razor came in the Richwood box! I will agree that chasing BBS is one the leading causes of irritation. My Grandfather (b. 1908) shaved once a week before church and maybe another day if there was a special occasion (usually there was not). If memory serves, he was a one pass and done type of man...and his face was clean looking but a little rough to touch. Personally, due to my military service, it has to feel smooth. My face can take it...other faces can not. In Barber college I learn that one pass with the grain and a clean up pass across the grain is all one should do to maximize closeness and limit irritation. Looking forward to the New Improved series. Lastly, is there a reason why you switched from PolSilver blades to Perma-Sharp blades?
Todd - as always thanks for the great comments and feedback. I really love PolSilver but we have had trouble with supply from our distributor. They recommended perma sharp and I've come to like them nearly equally as well. Great hearing about your grand dad!
Great video. I agree. Since I shave daily for work I need to get as close as I can with fewest passes and the least of irritation.
Nice shave and thanks for the tip. I usually dry and store everything separately.
I absolutely love the Bostonian. It's a great shave and it looks beautiful.
Hi Matt- Great shave and explanation of the new improved razor; thank you! I also have a coarse and beard but sensitive skin, and I was surprised, but pleased to hear you say that the open comb was mild. I usually avoid open comb razors, but will definitely think about using this razor. Thanks again and all the best!
Great video Matt. Many of us who enjoy wet shaving have sensitive skin, these are great tips and great products!
Great shave Matt! I look forward to your videos
I have two Tuckaways and two New Improved. Love them all. I do three passes with light pressure. I just enjoy the brushes too much. Why deprive myself with a short shave. Thanks for the vid.
Lately I've been using a 1961 Gillette Fat Boy and have been liking it. Fat Boy+ Feather blades+ Oleo Soapworks canard based soaps seems to be a great combo for me.
Love the Richwood box. Great video.
Awesome. I still haven’t gotten my hands on a New Improved, and I’ve always imagined those beefed-up teeth would make a difference. I’m glad to hear they tone it down from the Old Type. Now I must snag one!
The New Improved seems harder to come by and the prices can get high on the more ornate models. I bought my poor mans 1929 gold plated ball end New Improved last year, beautiful and well made.
Matt you talked about the guy in the video. I've seen all lot of people doing 3 or 4 passes. For me it all depends on the razor. If the razor is mild you can do wtg, xtg from both the sides and maybe even atg. The basic idea of a safety razor is to reduce stuble. If a 1 pass takes down most of it then you don't need more passes. With a mild razor 3 passes us fine but as you go up the aggressive scale you need to reduce the passes. I have an ATT H2. A 1 pass in it almost takes everything. So I don't over do. Buy when I use my milder razor I do a 3 or 2 pass depending on the time or mood.
I'm very happy to hear that it's working for you! Great tips.
I've an OC EVD (Swedish Made) safteyrazor I think it's based out of the Gillette Old Type or something like that, I put a trig silver edge blade in there and just WOW, blew my mind. :) And it is not aggressive either, which I thought OC razors was because the talk kind of lean that way. :)
Amazing video Matt and I love the look of that vintage razor!!! Cheers!!
Thanks Matt, another great video! I would like to learn more about the “New Improved”. I am thrilled with the Revamped Fat Handle Tech I bought from your store! WOW, what a great smooth shave! It is my first 3 piece. I think my collection and interest in Vintage Gillette’s is now going beyond the Super Speeds....HAHAHAHA !
Lovely video, Matt. Thank you. Comfort and irritation free, that's what I'm into 👍
I believe I think I am that fella laugh out loud!!! Using Rex ambassador with Matts shave strategy totally worked out for me and all ill effects of wet shaving like razor bumps ingrown hairs and irritation is seriously a thing of the past.
so glad to hear it's working for you too!
Great video, as always. I will start venting my Parker razor from now on! Thanks!
Awesome shave Matt! I have heard a lot of talk and read articles about how aggressive open combs are. To hear you say you got a mild shave from one has me thinking about trying out a new improved for myself. I always thought they looked cool but kind of intimidatingly agressive. Have a great day!
Came back from Poland last week and had a chance to check out their equivalent (Rossmann) to our CVS . Cartridge gillette's have a monopoly there too along with the shaving creams. The ONLY DE razors they had were Wilkinson Sword brand!!! I thought I was going to find some cheaper (than here) Polsilver blades but forget about it. I think those are made for export only, bummer!! Thanks for all you do Matt!!!
I recently acquired a New open long comb and i must agree, this razor hits the bullseye combination of upper-mild aggressiveness with good efficiency. One pass with buffing equals bbs with no irritation. So far this razor bests everything in my collection, now my daily driver. One caveat: the handle is cracked. Is that something which could be fixed in a revamp?
We sell replacement replica handles.
@@RazorEmporium I've just located where on your website. I will be purchasing one in the future. Thank you.
Thanks Matt... Good tip on venting your three piece safety razor... Gonna use it!
I have tried 4 DE razors so far, with a number of blades. No one comes close to the Rockwell 6S. The Edwin Jagger is nice, the Gillette Slim Adjustable is also better than expected, the Razorock Mamba is ok, but requires you to pay attention to the exact angle of attack. As said the Rockwell 6S is supreme IMHO.
Matt, I love my 1920's single ring. Is it 1921 - 1928? I'm sorry I can't quite remember. It was my first Gillette razor and my first proper double edged razor; I had a Parker razor before that but the blade never sat straight. For a long time, the only razor I used was my Gillette single ring and I really got to know it. Still today, some years on, I get a great shave from it and it's comfortable. Top razor! Cheers buddy.
Single Rings went from like 1906-1919. We have a video all about them!
Sorry Matt, I made a mistake. I have a 102A. I thought they were still a Single Ring but it's the one with the thicker head cap, rather than the 102. Mine has no serial number so I believe it dates between Oct 1927 and Aug 1928.
Awesome video Matt.
You should do some blade reviews in the segment.. eg. How permasharp compares to polsilver,astras etc
Hey Matt, I just watched this video and WOW. I purchased that razor from you 5 days after this video on 10/17/18!! Awesome Richwood case and your Nickel plating is like new. I have shaved with it twice and it gives an excellent shave. I plan to send in 2 New Improved razors to get replated in Rhodium and 24K Gold. p.s. my t-shirt size is XL. ;-) and I promise to wear it at the next Big Shave West that you have in Los Angeles. hopefully you can find a new location in LA. Cheers, Mark
Great another razor I've got to try. Keep up the great work.
I like to get a BBS shave but you are right . I still get razor burn because of this . I need to just get a good shave and save my face .
Thanks for another great video, Matt ! I was lucky enough to be the only bidder on a Gillette Bostonian set several months ago. I like to use a Gillette Silver Blue blade in it, and it delivers a wonderful, irritation-free shave. Take care :-)
Rob
Happy that you love the shaves it delivers as well!
Congrats FenderFan1964 - you're the winner of the Weekly T-Shirt give-away! Please contact us at help@razoremporium.com with your address and size and we will get it shipped out right away! Thanks everyone! Stay tuned next week for another giveaway! - Razor Emporium Team
Cheers Matt. Always interesting to hear the view from someone who quite simply tells it like it is. As you put it ;why cause yourself grief and irritation trying to achieve the BBS Holy Grail of shaves.
glad you agree!
Can’t wait until you get to the New. Would also really like you to compare the short vs long combs versions.
Hi, I love your Videos! Keep going :) What watch are you wearing? It looks so nice.
Best regards
Seiko
Very nice razor. I’m kind of a clean freak and i like my stuff to last. After a shave i take apart and clean my razors before storing them. 👍🏼
Fight Night At The Joe Way to go! I also like to rinse the razor head with 70% IPA (70:30 isopropanol/water).
I’ve never tried alcohol, not a bad idea tho. I just rinse with warm water, maybe a soft toothbrush and towel dry everything. Wipe the blade of water and that’s it. I don’t have coarse hair, so i can get quiet a few shaves out of one blade. : )
Matt I have a question buddy!! I love the videos and plus I am about to send my grandfathers slim for a tune up. Sorry question is.. Are you trying razors you get yourself or razors that people don’t claim from your services like ok I forgot type thing??
We are the largest buyer / seller of safety razors in the world. We buy / sell / service / razors for both our own internal inventory and customer service work.
Is the new improved the same as the new standard? Thanks!
Yes
E-Bay sees to carry many Ball Handle Olds and New Long Combs, but relatively few New Improveds, despite the New and New Improveds being marketed for about a decade each. Does anyone know why this discrepancy?
more valuable and people hold onto them.
Great video Matt! Which brush did you use in the video ?
Simpson Berkeley
Nice. I like a 2pass shave myself. By the way, when is your straight razor coming out?
As soon as we can catch up on Ambassador orders!
Great info Matt
Nice shave!
Ok, I never thought to take the puck of soap out of the plastic tub and lather up that way. Savage.
Nice shave
Matt please try to do a review on Pearl safety razors
Great vid as always, Matt. Can't wait to learn more History from you in a week or two or three! lol Hope you have a great weekend!!💈💈
Im a bit weird but I break my 3 piece down and scrub with a tooth brush after each shave.
That's not weird it's OCD but certainly a great practice!
LOL, yeah I call it "protecting my investment"
Matt as always looking handsome my man is that razor considered a mild razor or semi aggressive?
A t-shirt you say. I thought you wanted to give away some refurbished slim or super adjustable 🤪🤓🤗
I wanna see the valet Autostrop featured
I want the shirt but I hope you have them in big guy sizes :)
up to XXXL
So that's what the overhang in razors is for.... Now I know.
Nice shave great info 3 pass is too much
I'll have to find one now
Great video. I have went back and watched a bunch of your older videos and a lot of other razor videos on youtube and I have one suggestion to the razor community based upon my experience:
I actually have been using a DE for a couple of years. The other day I went back to my Mach 3 and got the best shave. I did a single pass and it did every bit as good as 3 passes from a DE. I think the wet shaving community needs to quit being such snobs against the cartridge. I see videos and reviews where the DE snobs act like the cartridge is going to rip your face clean off. While watching the reviews I am not sure if these people are using a cartridge or shaving with a rock. I say use what you like, but don't act like the cartridge is some sort of turd with glass hanging out of it that will rip your face to shreds. Just use what you like. If a DE is fine, then go for that.
I agree 100% - if you can get a great shave from a cartridge- awesome! I happen to be someone who can't without irritation issues days later...
Thank god I don't have sensitive skin I can go against the grain without any problem
I also have very course beard on my neck. I really like a close shave, but it’s not worth it below the jaw
I remove my blade after every shave and leave razor open to air dry.
OCtober