[RJ007]

I really appreciate the enthusiastic welcome I've received here.

I am a 23 year old Chemistry graduate student who, about two years ago, began enthusiastically collecting American pocket watches after buying my 7j Elgin.

In that time, I've begun to specialize in early American watches(~1870 and earlier is where I focus), high grade American, and in particular Waltham products(especially the 18 size 1857 and 1892 models). I've also recently taken more of an interest in Illinois and Hamilton products, although to be honest I will buy most anything if it catches my eye.

I repair my own watches, and can occasionally be convinced to repair them for other people. About 8 months ago, I bought a lifelong collection of tools and parts from an 83-year old friend who had decided to get out of the business. I was fortunate in that to get a bench, a complete Boley lathe, a Levin staking set, and about two pickup truck loads of other tools and parts.

Thanks again for the welcome.

Fantastic!

That was one of my goals in starting this forum.

I finally got to meet my mentor today and we were discussing how
"cool" is timeless.
I think there is a whole new generation out there who
understands the beauty and artistic form that went into these vintage
timepieces...
Great to see guys like you Ben, enjoy the hunt for great
watches:thumbup1:

 

[Valtyr]

Wearing my new Benrus for the day. First time in public and man it is beautiful!!!

 

[GeneJockey]

Wearing my new Benrus for the day. First time in public and man it is beautiful!!!

This Post Is Useless Without Pictures!

 

[Gladiator]

This Post Is Useless Without Pictures!

Not totally. I can 'picture' how proud/happy he is. Thats good enough for me.

Knowing some one is happy, is a good feeling.

"Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone"
-GLADIATOR - 20 May 2011

 

[GeneJockey]

Not totally. I can 'picture' how proud/happy he is. Thats good enough for me.

Knowing some one is happy, is a good feeling.

"Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone"
-GLADIATOR - 20 May 2011

I guess my imagination is not as good as yours. And as a Scientist I'm trained to want to see the data! :lol:

 

[Gladiator]

I guess my imagination is not as good as yours. And as a Scientist I'm trained to want to see the data! :lol:

LOL
As a business man for 35+ yrs I was trained to 'read the signs' :scared:

 

[BrianG]

I think there was a detour there somewhere. Getting back to Ben and his mentor. I guess the old guy could see something there in you mate otherwise you wouldn't have scored the shop. What a gift and how much fun are going to have. Good Luck and happy Horology. Have you restored any pieces yet??
Brian.

 

[Valtyr]

Made in America!

Made Proudly in America

A few of my favorite things. Just got a new Fat Boy adjustable safety razor from Gillette. It's so cool! 9 positions that it can put your razor blade at for the optimal shave. Original case, papers, and razor blades! I don't intend on starting a new collection and actually trying to use it today.

Spider, Beau Monde, Fat Boy

Few interesting pics

 

[NOLA]

I really want a safety razor and a long list of other things lol very cool!

 

[Time King]

Everything old becomes "new" again!

 

[Valtyr]

If you need help with the razor, let me know NOLA, I might be able to help you. I've got a lot of stuff invested in the highest possible safe shave I can have.

 

[NOLA]

Where did you get yours? ebay?

 

[Valtyr]

I got the Merkur on Amazon, and the Gillette on eBay.

 

[RJ007]

Jeff...
Those are So cool! :thumbup1:
I love how they were considered "Safety" razors at the time.
I guess, compared to a straight edge hand held, they were!

 

[Valtyr]

You're so right G. I think it made for a safer shave where the razor holds the blade at the optimal angle so you can just guide it rather than line it up and pull skin.

It made for one of the best shaves I've ever had, it is so cool and proudly made in America!

 

[Ham X Guy]

You're so right G. I think it made for a safer shave where the razor holds the blade at the optimal angle so you can just guide it rather than line it up and pull skin.

It made for one of the best shaves I've ever had, it is so cool and proudly made in America!

Wow, I'm surprised to hear that actually. I thought that modern Mach 3's and other multiple razors on the market were much better. They really do shave you very closely leaving your face very smooth.

I'm curious, how do you compare the modern razors with older safety razors? I ask because I am always interested in a closer more comfortable shave...

 

[Valtyr]

I'm glad you ask, the mach 3 and fusion razors are very much designed for a fast shave. More blades = more irritation but quicker speed. The fusion is a much improved version of the Mach 3 which is a very terrible razor. I take 4 passes at my face and really pamper it.

What I do is go down with the grain, then from the ear to the nose, then from the nose to the ear, then finally (if necessary) I'll go against the grain.

When you get used to a proper shave and take your time with it you will find that your whiskers don't come back as quickly and your facial skin and beard are much healthier. The safety razor exfoliates skin as well as makes for the closest possible shave (aside from straight razor).

My trick is either shaving in the hot shower, or putting a steaming towel on my face for a few moments, opens up the pores. Then I do a pre-shave lotion make the hair stick up and tighten the skin (also makes the razor glide) never use alcohol!!!, then I use a badger hair brush in Art of Shaving shaving cream (no aerosol the chemicals and propellants dry skin) and apply it on my face in a circular motion (helps hair stand and also exfoliates). Make my 4 passes as mentioned and then cool off with a nice splash of cold water to close the pores. Put a post shave balm on (Also Art of Shaving) and use a styptic pen for any nicks. I'd say shaving is now one of my favorite things to do and it makes for an extremely close and comfortable shave when you get used to it!

Sheesh (that was a lot)!

 

[Ham X Guy]

I've been kind of happy with my Mach III, but maybe I should try the safety razor. Sounds like a nice shave. Although as with any shave, it really depends on the preperation as you noted. A rushed shave with little or no prep never leads to a good shave, just bumps, cuts and irritation!

I know I shouldn't admit this but for daily use, I use an electric razor, a Norelco Triple Header to be exact with an alchoholic type pre-shave - sacriledge, I know! I only use the Mach III for dressing up and going out.

 

[timeliz]

Valtyr, I am very surprised to find someone of your age using these old razors but am proud to say that I have been contemplating going back to using the old double-sided razor for two reasons:

1. I've never been comfortable using disposable razors with all the plastic waste it produces

2. The very limited lifetime of the disposable blade.

I still have a couple of my old razors and as soon as I find blades for them I will start using them again.

I see that Amazon sells blades (mostly made in Russia) by Gillette
and the Feather platinum coated brand made in Japan. Which do you use and prefer?

Congrats on your NOS vintage find! :thumbup1:

 

[Valtyr]

Hi Liz!! Thanks for noticing and I'm happy to know that you want to go back to a better quality blade. I've tried crummy Dorco blades that are great for beginners, the shave isn't very close at all but it makes for a nice welcome into safety razor shaving. I also got a few Merkur blades with the razor and they're the worst I've ever used. Average sharpness but they ripped the crap out of my face. I was literally missing chunks of skin when I used it. To me.... There is NOTHING better than a Feather Platinum. They're worth the cost, they hold the used razors in a fully recyclable container post usage too. To me and my skin Feather is the finest blade (and undoubtedly the sharpest blade) in the world! Amazon has some sampler packs too so you can get a feel for the right ones, but most people find the blade they like 2 or 3 boxes in and throw the rest away!

As for the ones you have there, what is the adjustable one? Is it a fatboy too???

Ham X Guy!!! Noooooooooooooooooooo :001_tt2: I'd love for you to try a safety razor and give it some time to adjust! I think if you have a little time in the mornings or when you get off of work you'll really enjoy what you experience. Check on eBay for Gillette Aristocrat, President, Fat Boy (mine, its cool because you adjust it for your beard). I also have a modern one called a Merkur something or other but it isn't nearly as great as the Fat Boy... I think the Gillette President is the grail of most razors and are pretty rare, but the Aristocrat is a gold plated version of the President that is more common.