Gibbs

[efsk]

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]

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]

Does the Ref 13 also take regular DE blades Richard?

 

[efsk]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[efsk]

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

 

[efsk]

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

 

[efsk]

Gibbs N°15. Gold.

 

[efsk]

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

 

[efsk]

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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]

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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]

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Yup, I found these in a shop too in DK, the sell them NOS for 30 EUR. If anybody’s interested:

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[ehv]

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]

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.

 

[ehv]

And the open comb french gibbs

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[mhharsta]

Thanks for the link @ehv

 

[efsk]

Interesting variant. I expect this to be somewhat older, judging by the handle. Baseplate of a shape I haven't seen before with Gibbs