Vintage 3 piece adjustable razor anyone?

Saw this on the Bay and made an offer. Didn't know anything about it and the seller only listed it as a vintage razor. Received today and went to remove the old blade to start cleaning it up. Thought if anything it would be a nice display piece or the handle would be cool on another head.

I took it apart and at first glance thought it had 2 blades in it. Closer look showed it was attached to the base plate. Flipped plate over and saw it had markings. Looked at the handle, saw the arrow, and it hit me what it was. The shim acts as a tensioner and you turn the handle using the arrow to point to a mark to adjust the aggression level. I've never seen one like it before. Just wanted to share for others that haven't either. If anyone is familiar and has any info they can share that would be much appreciated!

I have seen it but i forget what it is. I remember years ago wanting one because it was mentioned somewhere and I forgot about it. I Dave in KY or JMUDRICK might know


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(02-22-2022, 05:14 PM)Jorvaljr Wrote: I have seen it but i forget what it is. I remember years ago wanting one because it was mentioned somewhere and I forgot about it. I Dave in KY or JMUDRICK might know


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I would definitely like to find out more about it. I've got it all cleaned and polished up now. Gonna give it a run in the AM.

This is a very interesting razor you have here. A built in shim. I love it! Would love to know more of its history. Enjoy the shave. Looking forward to your update.

Amazing this technology did not stick around.  Thanks for sharing!

(02-23-2022, 05:07 AM)Chappy Wrote: Amazing this technology did not stick around.  Thanks for sharing!

Agreed and you're welcome. I can see a potential with the shim coming off if someone was a little hard on the razor. Even then I'm sure it would still be functional, just running on the mild side of the spectrum.

That is a cool looking razor.  Love the art deco style. And I'm curious too how it'll shave.  Thanks for the share.

Curious how it shaves.  Good looking razor!

Is that a detachable shim?

(02-23-2022, 03:40 PM)Shaun Wrote: Is that a detachable shim?

It appears attached. I gently worked with it to see if it just popped off and it wouldn't. Seems pretty firm to the base plate. Wasn't going to try and force it and cause any damage.

Got it cleaned up, sanitized, and gave it a run this morning. I'm still toying with it and playing with the adjustment. I started at mild and as I shaved I slowly gave it more aggression. I would equate the levels to that of a slim or Fat boy through the dial range from 1 to 9. The shave was very audible but no issue with blade chatter or alignment.

I'll continue to use it and see if I can find a for me sweet spot with it. All in all I'm very happy with it! Gave me a smooth and effortless 3 pass shave with no issues using a Wilkinson Sword blade. The weight and feel in hand make it very comfortable and the knurling on the handle provides a slip free shave. 

It's an adjustable which the plate allows (Not really a shim but an adjuster plate). The arrow on the handle will let you gauge where you want it and keep track somewhat. I had this one but sold it @ a year ago. Berkeley Shave Selector from about 1946

See what did I tell you? I knew good old Dave would know.


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(02-23-2022, 05:43 PM)Dave in KY Wrote: It's an adjustable which the plate allows (Not really a shim but an adjuster plate). The arrow on the handle will let you gauge where you want it and keep track somewhat. I had this one but sold it @ a year ago. Berkeley Shave Selector from about 1946

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Definitely glad to get some history on it. The one I now have is the first time I ever seen one.

Cool. Thanks Dave!

(02-23-2022, 06:13 PM)FreddieP318ti Wrote:

(02-23-2022, 05:43 PM)Dave in KY Wrote: It's an adjustable which the plate allows (Not really a shim but an adjuster plate). The arrow on the handle will let you gauge where you want it and keep track somewhat. I had this one but sold it @ a year ago. Berkeley Shave Selector from about 1946

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Definitely glad to get some history on it. The one I now have is the first time I ever seen one.

Here's the Cooper branded version which is the one I've got.



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(02-23-2022, 06:23 PM)jmudrick Wrote:

(02-23-2022, 06:13 PM)FreddieP318ti Wrote:

(02-23-2022, 05:43 PM)Dave in KY Wrote: It's an adjustable which the plate allows (Not really a shim but an adjuster plate). The arrow on the handle will let you gauge where you want it and keep track somewhat. I had this one but sold it @ a year ago. Berkeley Shave Selector from about 1946

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Definitely glad to get some history on it. The one I now have is the first time I ever seen one.

Here's the Cooper branded version which is the one I've got.



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Thank you!

Interesting razor and fun.  Thanks for this.

(02-23-2022, 06:11 PM)Jorvaljr Wrote: See what did I tell you? I knew good old Dave would know.


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Thanks Jorge, I'm not on here much anymore but was directed over from another forum. Take care !

(02-23-2022, 06:13 PM)FreddieP318ti Wrote:

(02-23-2022, 05:43 PM)Dave in KY Wrote: It's an adjustable which the plate allows (Not really a shim but an adjuster plate). The arrow on the handle will let you gauge where you want it and keep track somewhat. I had this one but sold it @ a year ago. Berkeley Shave Selector from about 1946

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Definitely glad to get some history on it. The one I now have is the first time I ever seen one.

(02-23-2022, 06:18 PM)chazt Wrote: Cool. Thanks Dave!

You guys are welcome and it's a great piece of history that is rarely seen. Sold mine in a weak moment and wish I kept it in my collection. Enjoy !