Gibbs

efsk · Feb 1, 2020

Famous French brand that mostly made razors that took proprietary blades. Sometimes however, models can be found that take regular blades.
Such as this Ref 12. A simple three piece razor, with an aluminum baseplate, cheap plastik handle, that shaves as effectively and as mild as a Gillette Tech. Happy with it!

efsk · Feb 1, 2020

Even more happy I was when I found this Ref 13, that has the tell-tale Gibbs differential head. Two-piece, chrome-plated zamac head with plastic handle. Will shave with it tomorrow.

mhharsta · Feb 1, 2020

Does the Ref 13 also take regular DE blades Richard?

efsk · Feb 1, 2020

Thanks for asking Maarten, I see I forgot to put that in my post. Yes it does, so I now have a regular, a differential and an adjustable Gibbs that take regular blades. I'll put up the N°9 soon, and then start with the proprietary ones.

mhharsta · Feb 1, 2020

Years ago I was looking at a differential for sale, but I stepped out when I discovered it didn’t take standard blades.
In my memory that one had a different handle.
I’m curious about your opinion on the Ref 13 after you shaved with it tomorrow.
The razor looks great, enjoy

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

One of the rarest and most sought after razos made by Gibbs is the Ref9. The only adjustable they made that takes ordinary blades, metal, heavy handle and a pushbutton/fliptop mechanism: push the button at the bottom of the handle, and the topcap flips open. The razor is a topdial, and shaves like a dream.
The cassette has one tiny defect, and in these pictures the wrogn blades: there should be a pack of Gibbs Super Velours in there. Since then, those have magically appeared.

The King · Feb 2, 2020

I recently had the opportunity to admire it up close and it's a beautiful specimen, perhaps partly due to the unique clasp one of the most beautiful adjustable razors.

Placing the blade is a novelty and it has the ideal weight for me.
Because of the plastic casing of the handle you think you can get your hands on a lightweight one but the opposite is true.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

Gibbs N°14. Nice, bakelite case. Metal handle. proprietary blades. Modeldesignation on the top of the baseplate.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

Another N°14. With shipper and inserts. Takes proprietary blades. Different handle from the above.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

A Gibbs Réglable. Either a N°15 or N°17, numbering was a bit haphazard at Gibbs.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

Gibbs N°15. Gold.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

Apparently these, found in abundance in France, were made by Gibbs as well. Were handed out in the army.

efsk · Feb 2, 2020

mhharsta said:
Years ago I was looking at a differential for sale, but I stepped out when I discovered it didn’t take standard blades.
In my memory that one had a different handle.
I’m curious about your opinion on the Ref 13 after you shaved with it tomorrow.
The razor looks great, enjoy

From todays SotD: The Gibbs Ref13 shaves mighty nice. The two sides have clear, distinct characteristics, feedback is good, angle is easy, and it shaves efficiently and thorough.

Northstonehill · Feb 4, 2020

efsk said:
One of the rarest and most sought after razos made by Gibbs is the Ref9. The only adjustable they made that takes ordinary blades, metal, heavy handle and a pushbutton/fliptop mechanism: push the button at the bottom of the handle, and the topcap flips open. The razor is a topdial, and shaves like a dream.
The cassette has one tiny defect, and in these pictures the wrogn blades: there should be a pack of Gibbs Super Velours in there. Since then, those have magically appeared.

Wow, that is an interesting razor, never saw or knew of it before. I had a Gibbs #17 but sold it without ever shaving with it. Think there was something wrong with it because the blade gap was crazy. I could not figure out what was wrong with it. But maybe I was too quick...

Northstonehill · Feb 4, 2020

efsk said:
Apparently these, found in abundance in France, were made by Gibbs as well. Were handed out in the army.

Yup, I found these in a shop too in DK, the sell them NOS for 30 EUR. If anybody’s interested:
https://tibberuphoekeren.dk/webshop/gaveideer/gaver/barberskraber-1950/

ehv · Feb 12, 2020

There is also an open comb version of the army Gibbs. There is a french army outlet that sells these NOS. I believe they are a bit of hard shavers that has prevented me from buying one.

ehv · Feb 14, 2020

I have a few Gibbs also.

Of this one only the upper part arrived at my place

Luckily real craftsmen are also afficionado shaver. RazorSharpFittings made these handles.