The Atra...

[omegapd]

Funny enough, when cleaning out a top shelf in my bathroom closest today, I found a small box that belonged to my wife shoved way in the back. Inside, was her grandfather's old slim adjustable and an Atra cart. razor. Of course, I can't just let it sit there unused, so ran to Wally World and was pleasantly surprised to see a 10 pack of Personna's for a whole $3.54.

Gonna try it out in the morning. At least everything on the razor body is metal. That's one plus for it if nothing else. Nice heft and feels good in the hand. We'll see how it works out...

[Wishoot]

I loved the old Atra's and got an excellent shave from them. The last time I tried to go back to the Atra, I got a very average shave. The price of the cartridge's was not worth it. I tried the Persona cartridges and got the same average shave from them.

It just makes me think that I am much better off with my DE's.

[crackstar]

I cannot find the Atra razor I supposedly have.

[bravefish]

The Atra is still sold as the Vector in places like India. They come with new nifty handles. I wonder if the cartridges -probably made in India- are better than what we find here.

[omegapd]

The Atra is still sold as the Vector in places like India. They come with new nifty handles.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out. I'll be honest, if this was just some plastic thing, I would have dumped it- but the handle and design just appeal to me. Simple...which is a good thing for me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/omegapd/other%20collections/shaving031.jpg

[bravefish]

The all metal handle of those early models are pretty nice.
The new models have been "updated" for today's market. Some have a rubberized handle that look alright. Others just look cheap. But the head and neck are still the same.

The question is whether the the Indian cartridges are any good. Maybe a local Desi store might carry them.

[RocketMan]

That looks like a late 80's razor. They are date stamped under the head. What year is it?

Those are quite nice ones when the black paint/enamel remains in good shape. That one looks pretty good.

Gillette still markets Atra Plus blades in Canada and they are quite a decent quality.

[omegapd]

tried it out this morning with the Personna's and TSD's Vetiver shave stick. Everything clicked perfectly. Soap worked well, razor worked well, and in 2 passes I was done. Like all cart. razors I've tried before, though, it'll take a few days for me to see how it'll affect my face. Should be better than the 3+ blade razors, though...

Oh yeah, it was made in '89. Thanks for the tip on the date code, Rocketman.

[jbcohen]

Would you please post a picture of it. I have been waiting to see what an Atra looks like for sometime.

[ClubmanRob]

The Vector carts sold overseas are much sharper than the Gillette Atra carts made now. The Personna version is probably as good as you can get in the US barring being able to find some vintage, non lube strip Gillette Atras off Ebay.

[RocketMan]

Would you please post a picture of it. I have been waiting to see what an Atra looks like for sometime.

Here is that exact razor in a splashy 1989 TV commercial on Youtube (boyextraordinaire pointed this out in another thread)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgdnJM13bE8&NR=1

[jbcohen]

Tanx will see that when I get home. My office will not allow anything from youtube. Don't know why I did not think about going to youtube for this sort of thing.

[RocketMan]

Tanx will see that when I get home. My office will not allow anything from youtube. Don't know why I did not think about going to youtube for this sort of thing.

Well, probably not that many good Gillette ATra short films anyway!!!! :D

[blazkowicz]

Gillette Vector Plus as sold in India is same as the Atra Plus with an additional button to release any trapped hair between the blades. Unlike the Atra, the Vector Plus handle is partly made of plastic. The handle accepts Vector/Atra Plus, Atra or Trac II cartridges.

[shavingidiot savant]

Hiya,

A loooong time ago, I won a bunch(7-8) of assorted NOS cartridge razors on ebay. Heh, maybe I figured I'd shave with em sometime....who knows. Reading this thread made me take a few minutes and dig these out. I doubt they're worth much at all, but I'll mention em here anyway.

These are all Schick products, with two different types of razors and blade systems. Some are the versions where the cartridge slides into the head, and some are similar to the Atra version where a button on top is pushed.

The more interesting ones are those like the Atra handle.......these have the blue ribbed rubber coated metal handles. Although I haven't opened the packages, they feel like there's some weight to the razors. Those are called Ultrex Plus models, which have a pivoting action and a push button cleaning bar. The other one is the nicest looking though. It's also an Ultrex, but a Japanese version with no English writing at all on the box. This has a matte black handle and head, and really looks pretty good. Oh, there's also two US made razors that look the same. One's the Slim Twin set that offers the option of a pivot or fixed head, plus the easy cleaning bar. The other looks like the Japanese version(no English writing) which is called the Advantage. They're both silver handle and black head design.......futuristic looking.

Sigh, man I'm sorry I can't post pics. Anyway, just thought I'd bring up my little stash..........heh. I think actually shaving with one is pretty far fetched at this point, but I'm still glad I bought em. I guessing most or all of these will be from the late 80's period, but I'm not positive. I'm not gonna open one to see if they're dated.

Martin

[michiganlover]

Gillette Vector Plus as sold in India is same as the Atra Plus with an additional button to release any trapped hair between the blades. Unlike the Atra, the Vector Plus handle is partly made of plastic. The handle accepts Vector/Atra Plus, Atra or Trac II cartridges.

You are right, that the Vector Plus handle will hold the Vector, Atra Plus, and Atra cartridges (A Trac II cart will not work on a Vector, the mechanism to attach the cartridge is entirely different) but the similarities between the Vector, and Atra stop there.

The Vector Plus handle is very cheaply made, and actually rattles. It looks, and feels like a cheaply made dollar store toy. It's nothing like the higher quality Atra handles of old. It also weighs next to nothing. Some disposable weigh more!!

Prior to starting the transition to DE, I ordered a Gillette Vector from Singapore with 15 additional blades: I was shocked to find just how poorly made the Vector is, especially for a product that Gillette promotes as being superior to a DE razor! Shortly after that, I found a NOS 1970's Vintage Atra handle (thankfully). :D

[Pauldog]

I have an Indian Vector, and the maximum price Gillette printed on it in big digits is 44 rupees, which, at the current exchange rate, is less than $1.

In Japan, the Atra is called the Actas. It looks like the metal version, but it's actually chrome-plated plastic.
http://www.gillette-jp.com/men/ap_g2.html

The metal Atras usually sell for a lot on eBay, even if used. I lucked into a bunch, and I'm selling them off slowly on eBay.

Contour was the name used for this razor in Europe and possibly elsewhere. It originally had the same metal handle as the original Atra, but the last version had the plastic handle, just like the last Atra.

The Schick Slim Twin is very similar, but not all blades that fit the Slim Twin will fit a conventional Atra, and vice versa.

Merkur makes a bunch of plastic adapters that allow a Trac II to use Atra, Sensor, (Schick) Protector, and possibly some other blades. I don't think there's one for the Schick Tracer/FX blade, though.

[boyextraordinare]

I need a Vector. My GF's sister's currently in Dubai and bringing back some goodies. I'll have to add this to the list.

[Pauldog]

The Vector is one of the cheapest-made Atra compatible razors. If you want something nice for Atra blades, the Schick Ultra Plus is probably going to be quite a bit better.

That "Ultra Plus" name is a lot like saying, "Our amp goes to 11."

[Sabre]

I have a Metal Atra, a GII , an Ultra Plus, an Ultrex Plus (really cheap and nasty plastic). In the UK Sainsbury's sell a Dorco which isn't listed on the Dorco website which is a lot nicer than the Atra copies sold by Boots and Hema. Compares favorably with the Ultra Plus still sold in Germany and Japan.

[Pauldog]

This Sainsbury's model is a great lead, because metal Atras are so expensive.

Do you know what kind of razor is equivalent to the Sainsbury's triple blade model?
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/shopping/details/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1249965465738

[Sabre]

The Sainsbury's Triple blade is a Dorco Nano, this is also sold at Superdrug, Kruidvat and Trekpleister. The Xpec Nano is a slightly different handle design but takes the same blades and is available from Etos and Albert Heijn.
The blades and connection are proprietary and do not accept other blades.
It is a satisfactory razor when compared to the Mach 3, but Dorco's Pace 6 is probably the best cartridge razor.

[Pauldog]

Dorco's Pace 6 is probably the best cartridge razor.

With 6 blades??? And here I hadn't considered trying anything with more than 3 blades, and was wishing for a source for the original Wilkinson bonded blades, with exactly one blade, of incredible longevity.

I don't think this Dorco is available in the USA. K-Mart has some Dorco stuff under their own brand, but not the 6. At least not yet.

[hunnymonster]

I saw that 6 blade thing in Sainsbury's tonight when I was on a top secret mission. I had to stifle a laugh.

[Sabre]

With 6 blades??? And here I hadn't considered trying anything with more than 3 blades, and was wishing for a source for the original Wilkinson bonded blades, with exactly one blade, of incredible longevity.

I don't think this Dorco is available in the USA. K-Mart has some Dorco stuff under their own brand, but not the 6. At least not yet.


They are available under the Pace Shave brand in the US and Walmart etc may stock them.

[Sabre]

I saw that 6 blade thing in Sainsbury's tonight when I was on a top secret mission. I had to stifle a laugh.

Does it shave as good or better than an a Trac II/GII, Contour/Atra, Sensor, Mach 3, Fusion, Ultra Plus, Protector, FX, Quattro. Yes.

Is it a lot less expensive that a Fusion, Yes.

Will you do four passes with it as with a DE and a Feather blade, er NO.

So if your in a hurry, travelling, or what ever reason are not into shaving with a DE/SE I think it's the best available :D.

[Pauldog]

Dridiot of Singapore sells the Pace 6 on eBay with a bunch of blades, but it's not cheap.

[Pauldog]

Hunnymonster was kind enough to send me some Sainsbury's twin blade razors. My first impression wasn't as favorable as Sabre's, who thinks it's nicer than the Schick Ultra Plus, which I haven't seen in person, but which I hoped was better than the Vector. It's more attractive than the version from Boots, but overall it doesn't seem much better. None of these compares all that well with the all metal Atra. But Sainsbury's charges barely over $3, when the metal Atra was selling for quite a bit more 10 years ago.

[By the way, the head on the Atra with the plastic handle is very similar, but not the same, as the head on the all metal version. There's a hunk of plastic on the cheaper version's head that affects the pivot of some cartridges.]

The Sainsbury's razor is made by Dorco, and the blade holder is labeled "Dorco." It's completely silver-colored plastic on the outside, with two pieces of metal protruding that hold the blade. There's more metal within as part of the cartridge release mechanism.

The weight of the handle in my hand seems pretty good, but the pivoting seems a bit uneven, thought not uneven enough to scare me off from trying it out.

After seeing this razor, I've become more interested in trying a Schick Ultra Plus.

[Sabre]

Hunnymonster was kind enough to send me some Sainsbury's twin blade razors. My first impression wasn't as favorable as Sabre's, who thinks it's nicer than the Schick Ultra Plus, which I haven't seen but which I hoped was better than the Vector. It's more attractive than the version from Boots, but overall it doesn't seem much better. None of these compares all that well with the all metal Atra. But Sainsbury's charges barely over $3, when the metal Atra was selling for quite a bit more 10 years ago.

[By the way, the head on the Atra with the plastic handle is very similar, but not the same, as the head on the all metal version. There's a hunk of plastic on the cheaper version's head that affects the pivot of some cartridges.]

The Sainsbury's razor is made by Dorco, and the blade holder is labeled "Dorco." It's completely silver-colored plastic on the outside, with two pieces of metal protruding that hold the blade. There's more metal within as part of the cartridge release mechanism.

The weight of the handle in my hand seems pretty good, but the pivoting seems a bit uneven, thought not uneven enough to scare me off from trying it out.

After seeing this razor, I've become more interested in trying a Schick Ultra Plus.

I think it's comparable to a Schick Ultra/Contact Plus not better but that is factoring the cost to the disadvantages (if any). But considering it costs 1.93 GBP and frequently on special offer - I think I paid 1.25 GBP for it. I do think it is better than the Boots/Hema and either Laser or Zorrik copies I have seen. The Vector is the only Gillette razor I haven't got, but I did pay for a Metal Atra off eBay for $40.00 so I don't think I am missing much. I also have an Ultra Plus which I think still retails for around 6-8 Euros (only available in Japan and Germany as far as I am aware)

http://www.wilkinson.de/Mann/start_mann_frame_l1.php?dat=2d43eefc&jump=start_mann_uebersicht&ll=10&l=0&lll=780g438g20g780g41ag0g0g780g365&PHPSESSID=08638d37e976c072d699da502ce8be54

The above Contact Plus (Ultra Plus) has a black plastic handle, the black blade release knob is plastic and I think the Chrome looking parts are plastic too!

[Sabre]

It would be nice if Gillette still made an Atra/Contour that is similar to the current Sensor, rather than the cheap Vectors - but they have been made for the developing markets of India, South East Asia and not North America and Western Europe.

There is or was a Russian version............

[Sabre]

A better photo courtesy of the Japanese site.

[Sabre]

I have just looked on the bay and found an Exacta 2 which looks like a modern Ultrex Plus, and will fit the Ultra Plus

[Pauldog]

The build of that Exacta looks a lot like the Vector.

Several years ago, Kai sold an Atra-type razor under the Old Spice brand in the USA that came with a triple blade cartridge. I bought one out of curiosity, and that one sees pretty nice.

Now all the non-disposable razors at Kai's website look like variations on the head design of the Mach 3 and Fusion.
http://www.kai-ind.co.jp/en/

I've never used an Atra very much, so I don't know how the tightness or irregularity of the pivot affects the shave. All I'm going by is the look and heft of the razor and how the pivot feels when I wiggle the blade.

[Sabre]

Here is a Gillette Metral Atra/Contour, Schick Ultrex Plus, Schick Ultra Plus, and Sainsbury Twin blade by Dorco

[Pauldog]

What does the Ultra Plus look like on the other side, and how is the pivot? (And does your camera have a macro setting to allow for clearer closeups?)

And I suppose we don't know yet if the chrome on the Ultra Plus is covering metal or plastic? I bet you could tell by balancing the handle on a thread to find the center of gravity along the length of the handle.

Another way could be to weigh all the razors. The Vector and the Sainsbury's would weight the least. If the Ultra Plus weighed noticeably more than that, it would almost certainly have a metal head.

I'm less likely to want to bother buying it if it has a plastic head, unless the balance and pivot are good. I'm trying to find a good substitute for the expensive metal Atra, just like the $15 Merkur metal handle and the $10 Schick Super II are good substitutes for the Trac II.

[Sabre]

The head is partially metal, don't expect too much from my camera as its a phone camera (it worse than my old phone camera). The Pivot isn't that much better than the Dorco.

[Pauldog]

I don't think any of these is going to satisfy people looking for the metal Atra, except as a spare or for travel.

It's so easy to replace the Trac II with a razor that's at least as good. The identical GII sells for cheap right now on eBay. What's funny is that a lot of people on eBay, even after I explain that the GII is identical to the Trac II, and try to sell it at a decent discount, still want only the Trac II.

[Sabre]

I have just bought a Feather equivalent of the Trac II/GII but there are lots of generic Trac II's out there - from India, China, South Korea etc. I bought a mint Solingen GII/Trac II last year.

[Sabre]

I don't think any of these is going to satisfy people looking for the metal Atra, except as a spare or for travel.

It's so easy to replace the Trac II with a razor that's at least as good. The identical GII sells for cheap right now on eBay. What's funny is that a lot of people on eBay, even after I explain that the GII is identical to the Trac II, and try to sell it at a decent discount, still want only the Trac II.

There are plastic Atra/Contours out there on eBay but I don't remember my Contour from the mid 80's being plastic :confused: The metal Atra that I have now is quite upmarket with a box set. There does appear to be several kinds of metal Atra/Contours too.

[Pauldog]

It was probably around the year 2000 (maybe later) when Gillette started making Atras and Contours with plastic handles.

[robxcarlson]

I have just bought a Feather equivalent of the Trac II/GII

What is the quality like? I noticed that it can be had for less than $10 shipped from two different eBay sellers.

[Sabre]

What is the quality like? I noticed that it can be had for less than $10 shipped from two different eBay sellers.

I bought it from nickuniquestore (anyway Dr Idiot is on holiday), it has yet to arrive. I will let you know.

[Sabre]

What is the quality like? I noticed that it can be had for less than $10 shipped from two different eBay sellers.

Feather Trac II (http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?p=264541#post264541)

I have just posted the above thread. I prefer the feel of the Gillette but it is well made. It probably best just to get or stick to a Gillette unless you have incurable AD.

[Sabre]

This National Match of South Africa twin blade pivot razor looks exactly like the Sainsbury's twin blade, apart from the raised area. Maybe it isn't sourced directly from Dorco.

It has never been on their website.

http://www.nationalmatch.co.za/shaving_systems.asp

[dougr]

I have used these in my heavy silver Reed and Barton atra for many years and buy them 6 packs at a time for fear that Wally will stop carring them because they are such a great value. I have several other atras with the metal (alum?) and black plastic handles. Picked these up at a Chicago or Dallas grocers trade show in 1982 I think. Great razors and cartridge.

Personnas...sorry about that.::lam

[Slivovitz]

I've still got my two Atra handles. I have two because once in the late 1980s, I went on a trip and remembered to pack the cartridges, but not the handle. So I bought a spare.

This was my main razor from the 1980s until early 2009, with some unsuccessful experiments with electrics thrown in. Didn't realize how good they were until I learned to lather properly with soap and brush.

The genuine Gillette Cartridges for these became harder to find after they introduced the Mach III, so I went to generic ones from CVS and K-Mart, probably re-branded Personnas. To my surprise, these actually turned out to be better than the Gillette ones, smoother shaves, and a bit longer lasting. Cheaper too, of course.

Although the Atra will never be my number one razor again, I'll probably still use it occasionally just for a change of pace, or from time to time as a travel razor.

[Teacher]

(*sigh*) I wish I still had my late-80s metal Atra handle...