02-08-2023, 01:24 PM
So I was browsing the local classified website, and I found an offer that was just too good to pass up on. So I bought it, but I'm not sure what I bought. So I figured I ask y'all what I just spent a little bit of money on... I'm pretty certain it is a Tech, likely from the 60's, but I'm sure you'll let me know if I'm wrong 

![[Image: 397_1551922610.jpg]](https://images.finncdn.no/dynamic/1600w/2023/1/vertical-0/01/7/286/095/397_1551922610.jpg)
02-08-2023, 07:07 PM
Have a couple/three of those. Affectionately known as 'spiral techs'.
Prices are all over the place. In the US they sold for under a dollar originally. I've seen NOS listed for over 50 USD on the 'bay - but none as complete as yours above.
There are others here that know more than I do, but from my experience -
the finish is decent - cap is said to be zamak - but that's fine - the plating will hold if not abused. All mine have the 'Gillette' stamped into the cap like yours above. Handles are said to be Aluminum.
Alignment is perfect - uses the 4 'bumps' under the cap like the NEW. No raised slot on the cap - its that 'triangle' cap design. The plate is mainly flat, leaving the bending of the blade to the cap. This works better than it sounds.
There are at least 2 handle variants - 3 if you consider weight/material a 'variant'. The 'flat bottom' handle type here, and another with a similar pattern with a more 'old type ball end' looking handle.
Of the 3 I have handy, the weights differ.
S 4 (1972) - IND BRASILEIRA - easily the lightest - likely one of the lightest razors I own.
O 4 (1969) - MARCUS REGS - with the 'ball end' - MARCUS REGS is Spanish, but no country of manufacture apparent. Mexico maybe?
O 1 (1969)- MADE IN ENGLAND - stamped on the inside of the plate, not underneath. The O 1 is underneath on the diamond. Easily the heaviest. Not as heavy as an all brass 40's tech, but heavy compared to the other 2. I suspect the handle on this one is not Aluminum because the weight difference is really very noticeable. It's also shinier, meaning it may be plated zamak (or brass) as well.
The good news - they all shave very well. I actually like them better than the all brass 40s ball end techs I have, and put as sharp a blade in them as I can find - Gillette Platinum Blues, Feathers, Wizamets...
England on left. Marcus Regs middle. Brasileira on right.
Prices are all over the place. In the US they sold for under a dollar originally. I've seen NOS listed for over 50 USD on the 'bay - but none as complete as yours above.
There are others here that know more than I do, but from my experience -
the finish is decent - cap is said to be zamak - but that's fine - the plating will hold if not abused. All mine have the 'Gillette' stamped into the cap like yours above. Handles are said to be Aluminum.
Alignment is perfect - uses the 4 'bumps' under the cap like the NEW. No raised slot on the cap - its that 'triangle' cap design. The plate is mainly flat, leaving the bending of the blade to the cap. This works better than it sounds.
There are at least 2 handle variants - 3 if you consider weight/material a 'variant'. The 'flat bottom' handle type here, and another with a similar pattern with a more 'old type ball end' looking handle.
Of the 3 I have handy, the weights differ.
S 4 (1972) - IND BRASILEIRA - easily the lightest - likely one of the lightest razors I own.
O 4 (1969) - MARCUS REGS - with the 'ball end' - MARCUS REGS is Spanish, but no country of manufacture apparent. Mexico maybe?
O 1 (1969)- MADE IN ENGLAND - stamped on the inside of the plate, not underneath. The O 1 is underneath on the diamond. Easily the heaviest. Not as heavy as an all brass 40's tech, but heavy compared to the other 2. I suspect the handle on this one is not Aluminum because the weight difference is really very noticeable. It's also shinier, meaning it may be plated zamak (or brass) as well.
The good news - they all shave very well. I actually like them better than the all brass 40s ball end techs I have, and put as sharp a blade in them as I can find - Gillette Platinum Blues, Feathers, Wizamets...
England on left. Marcus Regs middle. Brasileira on right.
![[Image: t9B4JqF.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/t9B4JqF.jpg)
02-08-2023, 07:38 PM
Hans, you got yourself a heckuva find there! Enjoy using it 
I have a NDC English tech with a similar handle, but an older logo, etched top cap. It’s an excellent shave tool. The handle on mine is not aluminum. Rather, it seems to be plated brass. Very unusual for the basket weave handles.

I have a NDC English tech with a similar handle, but an older logo, etched top cap. It’s an excellent shave tool. The handle on mine is not aluminum. Rather, it seems to be plated brass. Very unusual for the basket weave handles.
02-08-2023, 09:22 PM
Looks to me like an aeroplane travel set customer give-away on high-end flights. Going by the blades (only 2 in the dispenser), I’m thinking 1964, or a bit earlier.
Looks superb, and the Tech is a great shaver. I have seen them in this style in both all brass and all aluminium. What is this example?
Looks superb, and the Tech is a great shaver. I have seen them in this style in both all brass and all aluminium. What is this example?
02-09-2023, 02:38 AM
I'll give you 11 dollars for it.
Seriously though - these look like the last Techs made. The handles don't indicate location - since there were English made that have the ball end and all aluminum handle too - some with an all smooth (no Gillette stamp) on the cap. Those seem to have been made in the UK for the US military.
Also - I have heard that all Techs made after the 50s have zamak caps. However these are constructed, they shave very well.
Seriously though - these look like the last Techs made. The handles don't indicate location - since there were English made that have the ball end and all aluminum handle too - some with an all smooth (no Gillette stamp) on the cap. Those seem to have been made in the UK for the US military.
Also - I have heard that all Techs made after the 50s have zamak caps. However these are constructed, they shave very well.
Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)