Oh Sweet Aristocrat

[Obie]

Gentlemen,
The Gillette Aristocrat is the most beautiful safety razor ever made. To me, anyway. The razor is joy to shave with. A jewel in the hand. The only negatives are the exposed blade tabs. But then what’s life without a little sin?
This is my 1949 Gillette British Aristocrat. Oh how sweet.

 

[UKRob]

I agree - here’s mine in gold.

 

[R181]

Yes, I always thought that they were the nicest made Gillette razors.

Bob

 

[Obie]

I own a gold and a chrome Aristocrat, too, and I find the British made version to be the most aggressive in the group.

 

[Groathillgrump]

I love my British Aristocrat (No.16 Set)

It doesn't get as much use as it should as I tend to reach for my modern razors these days. However, this thread has inspired me to have a shave with it next week.

 

[UKRob]

My razor - above - is USA make and I see that the knurling is different to the photos of the British razor - straight as opposed to barber pole. Is that the way to tell the difference or are there other variations?

 

[Groathillgrump]

My razor - above - is USA make and I see that the knurling is different to the photos of the British razor - straight as opposed to barber pole. Is that the way to tell the difference or are there other variations?

@UKRob I'm no expert on Aristocrat variations but the attached link is a good pictorial resource.

mr-razor solid guard bar

 

[Obie]

@UKRob I'm no expert on Aristocrat variations but the attached link is a good pictorial resource.

mr-razor solid guard bar

Thank you for the link. I believe mine is similar to this razor, from 1949.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/One-Piece%20solid%20guard%20bar/1950s%20British%20Aristcrat.jpg

 

[Obie]

Of note is the inscription on the metal box of my Aristocrat:

 

[Gairdner]

I love my British Aristocrat (No.16 Set)

It doesn't get as much use as it should as I tend to reach for my modern razors these days. However, this thread has inspired me to have a shave with it next week.

View attachment 130733

I have the same one and adore it. Your case is vastly better than mine though.

 

[Obie]

I have the same one and adore it. Your case is vastly better than mine though.

My box is in superb shape. I must say I am intrigued about this person who received the Aristocrat as a gift. Who was he? What did he do? The year was 1949 and the war was over. As a Vietnam veteran, I am curious about these circumstance. Indeed, who was he?

 

[Gairdner]

My box is in superb shape. I must say I am intrigued about this person who received the Aristocrat as a gift. Who was he? What did he do? The year was 1949 and the war was over. As a Vietnam veteran, I am curious about these circumstance. Indeed, who was he?

It is a wonderfully intriguing, thought provoking addition. Who was he, how did he live? It adds a real human element to the razor instead of us objectifying it. The engraving is lovely work too.

 

[Mike Smart]

Gentlemen,
The Gillette Aristocrat is the most beautiful safety razor ever made. To me, anyway. The razor is joy to shave with. A jewel in the hand. The only negatives are the exposed blade tabs. But then what’s life without a little sin?
This is my 1949 Gillette British Aristocrat. Oh how sweet.
View attachment 130684

This Was my last shave
It’s actually a Vintage Japanese Razor made by Hitachi,
I often wonder if it’s an Aristocrat Clone

 

[Gairdner]

This Was my last shave
It’s actually a Vintage Japanese Razor made by Hitachi,
I often wonder if it’s an Aristocrat Clone View attachment 130740

It just has to be, doesn’t it? So very similar but without seeing it in the flesh it’s difficult to compare the quality of each razor. It’s a cracker, Mike. 🪒

 

[Obie]

This Was my last shave
It’s actually a Vintage Japanese Razor made by Hitachi,
I often wonder if it’s an Aristocrat Clone View attachment 130740

I am not familiar with this razor, it it does look like a clone.