The notch was introduced to Gillette razors in 1948 along with the Gillette blade dispenser. This was sort of an answer to the Schick injector. It made loading blades a hands free experience. The center bars are fixed, but in 1948 the notch was added such that when the blade was advanced from the dispenser, it could be hooked on the notch and then drawn from the dispenser without handling the blade. The notch continued to be a feature on all future Gillette twist to open razors.
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Here are the directions for the 1948 Improved Super Speed with New Double-Duty Dispenser.
1. Twist... It's open. Twist the handle to the left and the head of the razor opens to receive the blade.
2. Zip! Thrust blade out with thumb. Hook slot of the half-ejected blade (A) over notch in positioning bar (B) and withdraw dispenser. Blade will drop in place.
3. Twist...It's closed. With the blade properly seated, twist the handle to the right and...presto...you're ready to shave.
Thanks for putting this up! Now I know what it means with notched and un-notched bars.
ReplyDeleteDo you still shave with your 1940's Gillette Super Speed, Jayaruh? I just got finished shaving with mine that has a notched bar and it was a flawless shave.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do still shave with it. Usually during the week of my birthday. It is a fine shaver.
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