Gillette Slim handled Tech

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271
Hello
I have the pleasure of doing the first razor review in this section of the website.
This razor was given to me by a work colleague.
Its really pretty to look at. Its slimmer than a slim adjustable.
This is a three piece razor. With an Astra blade its shaves beautifully. Very smooth. Very mild.
This is the razor I turn to when I want to be nice to my face.
 

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Just to expand on the Tech as travel razor theme: they're light, (especially the aluminium version), break down into three bits which would rattle around in a Swan vesta box, and comparatively expendable. One of these has a permanent place in my wash bag along with a pack of Feathers. I've savaged myself with those blades in some other razors, but they seem to be a perfect match for a Tech. Slipping off topic somewhat, here's a couple of other ultra portable options to consider:

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<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://connaughtshaving.com/merkur933.html">http://connaughtshaving.com/merkur933.html</a><!-- m -->
 
I think this is what I got as part of a travel set. It's a lovely little razor, very light but easy to control with a nicely turned handle that refuses to slip despite being so stubby. I haven't managed to get too close with mine yet, but I haven't got my technique down and I've only used it with Wilkinsons so far but it seems like a fairly easy razor to get along with.

sml1_cr.jpg


sml3_cr.jpg


sml8_cr.jpg
 
quattrojames said:
I've just got one of these from Sunbury, and am very pleased with it.

Are the slim handled Tech and the aluminium Tech one and the same?

Hi there,

I recall using a few different aluminum versions years ago, and the heavier US made Techs were a bit different than the lighter aluminum ones. Oh, I'm guessing the 'slim handle' ones you mentioned are the heavier US made ball end razor.

The Tech you have really isn't quite like most others in that group. There's a big difference in weight to start with. That means different balance and technique. Plus, you have a Tech with a head design that's not all that similar to most other Tech versions. It's obvious to see with pics what I'm talking about.

Best thing is to use the amazing resource that Achim so graciously shares with us Take a look at the evolution of the Tech heads. The Tech you have will shave differently than most others and you should really try both. I'm not saying one's better than the other, since that would be for you to decide. Heh, that means you're gonna have to sample a different Tech sometime.

Martin

Oh hell, I should maybe edit this: I looked closer at the pic in this thread and it's possible the head is an older version. Doesn't seem to have any bevel on the head from what I can see. Sadly, I just can't tell for sure. Sheesh.
 
This site refers to a slim version of the Fat Handle :

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My understanding of Techs therefore is :

Fat Handle
Slim Handle
Ball end
Alu Ball end
Diamond pattern Alu

Then of course all the Bakelite and service issues also.
 
Thanks guys, I would appear to have a catchily titled diamond pattern aluminum Tech!

dodgy said:
Best thing is to use the amazing resource that Achim so graciously shares with us Take a look at the evolution of the Tech heads. The Tech you have will shave differently than most others and you should really try both. I'm not saying one's better than the other, since that would be for you to decide. Heh, that means you're gonna have to sample a different Tech sometime.

I've started already, picked up what looks like a ball end Tech rather cheap from ebay yesterday, will know more when it comes ;)
 
quattrojames said:
Thanks guys, I would appear to have a catchily titled diamond pattern aluminum Tech!

dodgy said:
Best thing is to use the amazing resource that Achim so graciously shares with us Take a look at the evolution of the Tech heads. The Tech you have will shave differently than most others and you should really try both. I'm not saying one's better than the other, since that would be for you to decide. Heh, that means you're gonna have to sample a different Tech sometime.

I've started already, picked up what looks like a ball end Tech rather cheap from ebay yesterday, will know more when it comes ;)

I'll be interested in what you think. I have what I think is an alu ball end and It rather shocked me when I tried it for the first time.
 
quattrojames said:
Quite pleased with the new arrival. Seems to be a 1950's Ball end Tech with (I think) an aluminium handle.

razor2-1.jpg


Razor1-1.jpg


And with Slim Handled Tech.

razor3.jpg

Hi James,

I can't say I've ever tried a UK made ball end, but the US ones are usually on the heavy side. There's a few later US aluminum models, but most would be brass and plated with whatever.

I have that same razor as you and it weighs 59 grams. The fat handle version is 10 grams less and the aluminum ones are even lighter. Do you notice a difference between the two you have? Does one seem heavier at all? I can't imagine your ball end being made of aluminum, but who knows. I'd also be curious if you notice a difference in shaving performance.

I thought the one I have was undated and from the 1940s-50s, but this one turned out to be an F3 (1960).

Good luck with the new addition to your shaving arsenal,

Martin

Oh James, before I forget. There really isn't something called a slim handled Tech. That would actually be the ball end version.
 

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dodgy said:
Do you notice a difference between the two you have? Does one seem heavier at all? I can't imagine your ball end being made of aluminum, but who knows. I'd also be curious if you notice a difference in shaving performance.


Oh James, before I forget. There really isn't something called a slim handled Tech. That would actually be the ball end version.

Hi Martin, I was only basing that comment on the title of this very thread being "Slim handled Tech".

I can't tell if it's made of aluminium or not, it does feel like it is but I'll investigate further, and read HERE in more detail. I've not used the ball end yet, but I'll certainly keep the thread updated as to how the two compare.
 
quattrojames said:
Quite pleased with the new arrival. Seems to be a 1950's Ball end Tech with (I think) an aluminium handle.

razor2-1.jpg


Razor1-1.jpg


And with Slim Handled Tech.

razor3.jpg

Hi James, I think I have the same 2 razors in my stash. The Ball End has an aluminium handle and weighs 30g inc blade and the Slim Handled Tech also has an aluminium handle and weighs 29g.
Both made in England , B.E has Gillette on head inside a diamond shape and S.H. just has Gillette on head.
I am using the S.H. Tech as my daily razor at the moment......... :shave
Both very light but seem to be good shavers when you get used to the weight...........or lack of it ??
Steve.
 
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