Gillette 20s Old Type

This is my 1920's Gillette Old Type with a ball end handle. As best as I can tell, the head on mine suggests that it was made in the 1921-28 period. Its predecessors were the double ring and single ring razors. They had the handle attached to the base plate. The top had a long screw attached to the center that was tightened down with a long nut device that went up through the handle. In the late 10's Gillette started making the ball end handle. The head had a short screw, about 1/4 inch, that screwed into the handle. This is that razor. It is what is referred to as an open comb razor. The head design hearkens back to the original 1904 model. These can be fairly "aggressive." The blade looks like it is sitting directly on the combs. The original blades for this razor were thicker and shaped differently. These three hole blades were made up through 1929,

This is what it looked like when it came to live with me.

I have had no mishaps with this razor, but I have taken my shaves slowly, learning the correct angle. It also requires a light touch. It provides a close, comfortable shave if you are not in a hurry.

There appears to be no gap between the base plate and the blade.