So a while ago I picked up a NOS Gillette from the classifieds, and the knowledgeable gents over on the ‘Nook tentatively identified it as a airplane give-away kit. Which makes sense given the fact that it came with just two blades. For simplicities sake I’ll refer to it as the Airline Tech in this post.

One of the first things to look for on a vintage Gillette is the date code. Or, in the case of this razor, the lack of a date code. Which is okay, since the internet tells me that a lot of British Techs didn’t have them, and this razor is clearly made in England.

The box and carrier

The razor comes in a handy cardboard sleeve, wrapped around a injection moulded plastic carrier. Which is bright yellow, by the way.

The packaging is interesting. While it does take more space than it strictly speaking need, it is very flat and provides plenty of printable surfaces. So it makes sense as a promotional item.

The kit

The Airline Tech comes with almost everything you need for a few shaves. In addition to the razor, there is a small tube of brushless cream and a couple of blades.

The tube feels pretty hard, and I suspect the cream is long since dried up and perished. The only scent left is a weak soapy smell.

The blades are still sealed up, and since they are stainless they probably still would shave well. The blade carrier has a patent number listed, but British patent 694,333¹ was granted in 1953 and long predates the likely date on the razor. There might be a date code on the blades, but… the seal is still intact. I really don’t feel like opening it up.

The handle is aluminium and feels very light. The pattern of interlocking spirals are pressed into the metal and not machined. This is clearly visible in the closeup, as there is no machining marks of any kind to be seen. If I were to guess, I would say rollers were used to emboss the metal.

The head has all the markings I can find on this razor. Although “all” might not be the best word, when the markings consists of the embossed logo and the words “Made in England”. And that is all there is. Interestingly the head is remarkable similar to another razor I own. The head of the TGR razor is clearly a copy of the late Tech.²

The whole thing clocks in at 32 grams³ without a blade. Not a heavy razor, but it feels nicely balanced.

Wrap up

Based on the limited information I got, I assume this kit is from the sixties or early seventies. There is no date code, which makes it a little harder. But comparing the shape and pattern of the handle with the images on Mr Razor’s website,⁴ I am fairly confident this razor is a little older than me.

I am very much looking forward to taking the Airline Tech out for a spin… when they finish renovating my bathroom. Until then I have to make do with the stuff in my GoBag.

Footnotes

1. “Improvements in blade dispenser“, for a dispenser having separate chambers for new and old blades.
2. And the TGR razor is almost the same weight too, just two grams more
3. 1.13 oz, for my friends across the pond. Or 1.25 millifirkins, if you prefer the FFF-system.
4. Such as this blade package from ’65, and this ’63 aluminium handle English Tech.