Valet Set

[MartH]

Evening Gents

I came about this set a few weeks ago and know nothing about it.
I think it's an early razor as the blade requires no cut outs.
The soap and brush holders look like silver/plated but there are no stamps on them.
Any one know any more about it?

Cheers
Martin

 

[Derbyshirechap]

That's great, could be chrome plated? either way it looks in great condition...does the razor still have both of it outer blade retaining teeth?

 

[mbullyb]

Looks like a VB1 travel set.Very nice, is that the original brush you have with it as well?

 

[pjgh]

I'd concur with the VB1 guess. The VC1 is similar but the head is shorter front to back than the VB1.

Nice catch! Get shaving with it ...

 

[MartH]

Thanks for the reply gents,

I presume it's the original brush, it fits nicely in the holder and it looks as if it's about the era!
The blade holders are both intact, and the operation smooth and feels tight, ( I don't know if they loosen with age?).
As for the holders I'm 99% sure they are silver or silver plated at least, as the tarnishing certainly looks that of silver. Also when you look inside the top of the holder it is still very bright!
I have received a box of ten original valet blades, unopened, with a view of using them, but now I feel I don't want to ruin them....wrong???

Cheers again
Mart

 

[Derbyshirechap]

It's your call Mart, personally I'd very, very carefully open them take one out and give it a try but hey that's me...they are never gonna be a retirement fund but it's up to you...I find the blued steel Valet blades when stropped well do in fact shave perfectly fine especially in my VC3, not as impressed with the other Valet blades though....currently up to 30+ shaves out of an original blued steel Valet blade that was unopened and unused.

 

[MartH]

That's a fair point! I'll break them open, I'm just being a tart with them!! Are there any other blades that fit without modification

 

[Derbyshirechap]

Feathers should fit but can't be stropped and don't expect more than 3 or so shaves per blade, De spined and modified GEM s should also fit.

 

[MartH]

Done it!!...I opened the pack...I'll see how it shaves and if not that bothered about it I may sell it. It's a lovely set but if I'm not using it someone else may as well benefit. We'll see tomorrow morning!!

 

[Derbyshirechap]

plenty of good prep, really strop the blade well and expect 3-4 passes and make sure you get the angle right as it's really important!