Gillette Toggle

The Toggle is probably the most recognisable of the Gillette Adjustable Family.

The most common are the "Red Dot" ones. They were made in two different years - 1958 (D1) and 1960 (F4) - the F4 been the most common one.
Both were thinly Gold plated. The toggle was basically an idea that Gillette had for a "Quick" opening/rinsing. Unfortunately the wear in the area where the toggle and the handle meet is excessive and the idea was scrapped.

I have two Toggles, both a F4 and a D1.
The F4 was found as a miss-named auction and I managed to buy it at its low opening bid. Its in great condition.
The D1 was found locally and was "restored" by me. I have a few images towards the bottom of the page documenting it.

 

Gillette F4 Toggle Gillette F4 Toggle Gillette F4 Toggle
Gillette D1 Toggle Gillette D1 Toggle Gillette D1 Toggle
How do they shave?
The F4 is a mild to medium shaver.
When I reassembled the D1, I guessed at the gap and its about 2or3 notches above the F4 - so I find it a better.
I also guess that the fact that I restored it, I prefer shaving with it over the F4

Gillette Toggle SOTD Gillette Toggle SOTD
Gillette Toggle SOTD Gillette Toggle SOTD
Restoration of the D1 Toggle.
As I induicated above, this was found locally in South Africa and is only the second "locally found" one that I have heard of.
In March 2021, I received the first image, with contact numbers and price. Someone found it, went and saw the condition, passed on it and then send me the picture. Of course - The split second decision was to take it.
The first image below shows the bent doors and when I dismantled it, I found that the little shaft (insert) that holds the toggle in place was also worn. I turned a new small shaft out of brass and fixed what turned out to be only the one door.
The top of the second image shows it repaired and the bottom shows the various home made tools that I used to fix it
There is very little of the original plating left. I've considered having it replated (and may still in the future) but my current thoughts on it are that it has seen more than its fair share of shaves and should wear it's battle scars with pride.
I tend to favour more aggressive razors plus I guess that there is something of me in it, so I prefer the way it shaves and thus haven't dismantled it a second time to fix the blade gap.

Gillette Toggle repair Gillette Toggle repair