Among my recent acquisitions is a Gillette ball end Tech open comb, and an early 60's Schick Injector. Since it had been many years since I last shaved with an injector, and have never shaved with an open comb, I was anxious to give both a try. Following some cleaning and polishing, I decided to do a simultaneous test, using each razor on one side of my face. I should add that I began shaving in the mid 60's with a Schick injector, and used an injector of one type or another until Gillette introduced the Trac II. So, I certainly had familiarity with the Schick, but not so much the open comb Tech. I do have a regular Tech that I use from time to time, and it is a razor that I like, so I did feel comfortable with both.
Here is the Tale of the Tape:
Gillette Tech, open comb
Schick Injector
20140428_155431.jpg
I employed my usual routine: showered with a good face wash, applied a pre-shave layer of Noxzema, and face lathered with Stirling Tea Tree soap. I used the Gillette on the right side of my face, and the Schick on the left. I should add that I am right handed, and do not switch hands for each side of my face. I performed a two pass shave: WTG, then ATG. After the first pass with each razor, I rinsed with warm water, and re-lathered for the second pass. I did not do any additional passes or touch ups, as I felt I would be better able to feel remaining stubble, etc. with just two passes.
So, here are my impressions. First of all, both razors were very comfortable, with no pulling or discomfort in the least. I was a bit concerned about the Schick blade, having never used one from China before, but I have to say it was sharp and comfortable. I exercised a little more caution with the Gillette, having had no prior experience with an open comb, but any concerns that I had vanished quickly. The lightness of the Schick was quite obvious, and its long length and ribbed plastic handle provided an excellent feel and touch. It also had a noticeably better audible feedback than the Gillette. After the first pass, I could not feel a difference in the result between the two.
The second pass went just as well, with both razors performing well with no issues. After a warm water rinse, I noted that the left (Schick) side seemed to have slightly less stubble, and a marginally closer shave. This surprised me, as I always have a bit more difficulty with the left side of my face because it requires more attention to maintain the proper razor angle using my right hand. So this result indicated to me that the Shick gave me a better shave by a very small margin. I did note one small nick, and wouldn't you know it was right in the center of my chin, so I don't which razor caused it. It could have been either.
The bottom line is that I believe I could get a very good shave with either razor, using the same technique, and same amount of effort. Perhaps my old routine from years ago with an injector plays a part, but I did like the lightness of the Schick, its feel in the hand, and its easy maneuverability.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Matt
Here is the Tale of the Tape:
Gillette Tech, open comb
- Old type, no serial number, probably a #102, 1921-1929 date of manufacture
- Overall length - 83 mm
- Weight - 50.3 grams
- Armed with a new Personna Lab Blue, my daily blade of choice
Schick Injector
- Type J-1, date of manufacture 1959-1964
- Overall length - 120 mm
- Weight - 28.3 grams
- Armed with a new Shick Injector blade, made in China
20140428_155431.jpg
I employed my usual routine: showered with a good face wash, applied a pre-shave layer of Noxzema, and face lathered with Stirling Tea Tree soap. I used the Gillette on the right side of my face, and the Schick on the left. I should add that I am right handed, and do not switch hands for each side of my face. I performed a two pass shave: WTG, then ATG. After the first pass with each razor, I rinsed with warm water, and re-lathered for the second pass. I did not do any additional passes or touch ups, as I felt I would be better able to feel remaining stubble, etc. with just two passes.
So, here are my impressions. First of all, both razors were very comfortable, with no pulling or discomfort in the least. I was a bit concerned about the Schick blade, having never used one from China before, but I have to say it was sharp and comfortable. I exercised a little more caution with the Gillette, having had no prior experience with an open comb, but any concerns that I had vanished quickly. The lightness of the Schick was quite obvious, and its long length and ribbed plastic handle provided an excellent feel and touch. It also had a noticeably better audible feedback than the Gillette. After the first pass, I could not feel a difference in the result between the two.
The second pass went just as well, with both razors performing well with no issues. After a warm water rinse, I noted that the left (Schick) side seemed to have slightly less stubble, and a marginally closer shave. This surprised me, as I always have a bit more difficulty with the left side of my face because it requires more attention to maintain the proper razor angle using my right hand. So this result indicated to me that the Shick gave me a better shave by a very small margin. I did note one small nick, and wouldn't you know it was right in the center of my chin, so I don't which razor caused it. It could have been either.
The bottom line is that I believe I could get a very good shave with either razor, using the same technique, and same amount of effort. Perhaps my old routine from years ago with an injector plays a part, but I did like the lightness of the Schick, its feel in the hand, and its easy maneuverability.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Matt
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