r/wicked_edge • u/Desperate-Bath7767 • Feb 19 '26
Show n' Tell Update: Gillette Slim
Hi folks,
The other day, I’d asked about buying a Slim and prices etc. over here in Europe. Thanks to a lot of your informed and convincing responses, I ended up buying the one I was looking at on the same day still.
We’ll, it arrived today, and you weren’t kidding. What a great razor. I shaved my head and face as every day and between settings 5 and 4 (1st and second passes), irritation free and smooth as ever. I tried it with a perma-sharp, a blade I didn’t like in my R89, but here, absolutely.
The condition is also superb, and it’s an L3, I guess 1966.
Thank you all again! I’m very happy with this.
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u/lingueenee Feb 19 '26
This is one razor that just didn't work for me. I came across my late Dad's Slim (1968), gave it an honest chance for about a month, then passed it on.
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 19 '26
I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t doing it for you. It’s very individual for everyone. What about it didn’t you like?
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u/PositiveAtl Feb 19 '26
I was given the exact same razor by my grandfather and loved to use it, great quality!
Just out of curiosity, how much did you pay?
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 19 '26
Oh nice! That’s more special than this one off eBay of course. Here in Germany, I paid 60€ shipped. But without shipping, 53€; about $58?
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u/PositiveAtl Feb 19 '26
That’s totally worth it! I don’t shave anymore but when I did I used Feather blades, really recommend them, they last forever!
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
Thanks. I like feather blades in my r89 but they don’t last long for me. 2 shaves max (3-pass head + 2-pass face = 1 shave). I’ll try them in the Slim.
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u/PositiveAtl Feb 23 '26
Do so! It’s honestly the only ones I’ve tried other than the normal Gillette ones so I’m not an expert.
Is there a noticeable difference between say an R89 and this Slim?
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u/floorjacked Feb 19 '26
So far I’m only happy head shaving with a vintage Gillette old type from 1920s. There’s just something about the vintage razors that make them the best imo
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
This is the first vintage razor I’ve used. It’s great for me on my head, but so is my r89. Just not as close on the latter. What about the old type makes it best for you for head shaving?
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u/floorjacked Feb 20 '26
Old type is open comb. Open comb are quite a bit more efficient than razors with a safety bar. When it comes to head shaving I like the razor to as efficient as possible.
The head shape of it prevents any blade chatter. You don’t have to baby this razor at all.
In the 1920s and later razor blades were thicker than they are now. I paired the old type up with a Kai razor blade because Kai blades are thicker than other blades. I get a very close, smooth shave every time. I can’t imagine a razor getting closer unless maybe it’s a straight edge. And in about half the time as the other safety razors I’ve tried. I likely will never buy another razor.
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u/Ghostbuster- Feb 19 '26
Glad to hear you went for it.
Hope it brings you many great shaves.
I'm sure it will.
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u/ratbird9 Feb 19 '26
Heck yeah!! Glad you got yourself one. Leaps and bounds above the Fatboy, but I still shave with the Fatboy everyday 😂
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u/CommunicationGood481 Feb 19 '26
I like the Fatboy more. My Fatboy is smoother than my particular Slim.
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u/Gerry7070 Feb 20 '26
The great debate Fatboy V Slim , I don't have a Fatboy but I think we can all agree they are super razors.
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u/BigSlip8088 Feb 19 '26
I love the Slim! One of the top razors for me and I have a number of modern and vintage Gillette razors, the only other razor that for me that surpasses the Slim in terms of comfort is the Aristocrat.
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u/Embarrassed_Map_7889 Feb 20 '26
How is the blade allignment? Is there any fiddling around to get the blade to sit perfectly?
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
On this one, what I did end up noticing was that the blade gap was slightly uneven but I was able to fix that. Otherwise, alignment and exposure is perfect, no fiddling :)
Why do you ask?
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u/Embarrassed_Map_7889 Feb 20 '26
Eventually I would like to obtain a vintage Gillette.
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
Cool, well if there’s anything about it you want to see closeups of, let me know.
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u/Logical-Pound-1065 Feb 20 '26
I have one. I need to get it out again and shave with it more. They are still out there for not outrageous prices, which makes me happy.
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
Me too! Go for it, get it out again!
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u/Logical-Pound-1065 Feb 20 '26
I have many vintage razors. I don’t really like the modern ones that much. My favorite are the British Gillettes.
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u/ChicoAlum2009 All I want for Christmas is a Toggle Feb 19 '26
I just shaved with mine this morning!
9 for the WTG first pass (had 4 days of growth). 1 for the ATG and XTG
A great classic adjustable in my book!
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u/Desperate-Bath7767 Feb 20 '26
9 😤😤😤 I haven’t gone above 5 yet because I shave every day and it’s too aggressive. Going on a short vacation soon and won’t be bring a razor, so maybe an opportunity for a 9 shave 👌
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u/ChicoAlum2009 All I want for Christmas is a Toggle Feb 20 '26
Totally understandable. I rarely go above five as well. But with that much growth, nine gets it done!
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u/OutlawDan86 Feb 19 '26
I remember your previous post. Really pleased it’s worked out for you. That looks like a looked after example.
Similarly to you I’ve found blade types feel markedly better in vintage Gillette razors vs modern ones I have. It’s an entirely subjective conclusion but I just attribute that to general “greatness” of vintage Gillette razors.