Vintage Shave 1984: Gillette Brush Plus, ATRA Razor, and Old Spice Telegraph Decanter

Introduction

There is something special about using shaving gear from decades past. It is not just about the shave itself, but the ritual, the packaging, and the memories that come with it. This time, the focus is on 1984, a year that produced some genuinely interesting shaving products.

Three items stand out from that era: the Gillette Brush Plus Shaving System, the metal-handle Gillette ATRA razor, and the Shulton Old Spice Ships Telegraph decanter. Each one has its own story, and together they make for a memorable vintage shave.

The Gillette Brush Plus Shaving System

The Gillette Brush Plus Shaving System is a clever piece of 1980s engineering. Released in 1984 by the Gillette Company’s Personal Care Division, it combines a shaving brush with a built-in cream cartridge. The brush itself has vent holes to help it dry out between uses, which is a thoughtful touch.

The system works by inserting a cartridge into the brush and twisting it firmly in place. A maroon dial on the handle controls the flow of shaving cream. Twist it to the right once or twice and a small amount of cream appears on the brush. The first use requires 10 to 12 twists to prime the cartridge.

The cartridge holds 2 oz of shaving cream, which makes it a legal travel size for flying. The brush bristles are nylon, and the whole unit feels solid and well made. Even after more than 40 years on a shelf, the mechanism still works smoothly, and the cream still has a recognizable scent that brings back memories.

This is a face-lathering system, meaning you work the lather directly on your skin rather than in a bowl. The directions recommend washing your face with hot water, rinsing the brush thoroughly, shaking off excess water, and then pressing the bristles firmly against the face in a circular motion.

The Gillette ATRA Razor

The Gillette ATRA was a major release in its day, and the metal-handle version is the one that many people remember. This particular example came with brand new, never-used ATRA cartridges still in their original packaging. These are the earlier ATRA cartridges, not the later ATRA Plus version.

The metal handle gives the razor a substantial, premium feel that is hard to find in modern disposable razors. Loading a cartridge is straightforward: snap the old one off and click the new one into place. Even after 41 years, the mechanism works perfectly.

The shave itself is remarkably smooth. A dual-blade cartridge like the ATRA does not require multiple passes for most users, though taking a second pass is always an option for a closer result. The blade glides easily, and the result is a very close, comfortable shave.

The Old Spice Ships Telegraph Decanter

The Old Spice Ships Telegraph decanter is a collector’s piece. Made by Shulton, the original makers of Old Spice, this decanter is shaped like a ship’s telegraph, the device used to send commands from the bridge to the engine room. It holds 6 fluid oz of the original Shulton Old Spice aftershave.

This particular example was found still full and unopened, with the original price tag still attached. The scent is unmistakable: the classic Shulton Old Spice fragrance that so many people associate with their fathers and grandfathers. It is powdery, warm, and nostalgic.

The decanter is made in the USA and has no copyright date, which makes pinning down the exact year a bit of a challenge. Many collectors believe it dates to 1984, though some say it could be from the early 1980s. Either way, it is a beautiful piece that looks great on a shelf.

Using the aftershave is a sensory experience. The opening is quite large, so you need to be careful when pouring. A small amount goes a long way, and the burn is pleasant and familiar. It is the kind of product that transports you back in time with a single splash.

Buying Advice

If you are interested in trying vintage shaving gear, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Gillette Brush Plus System can often be found on auction sites, sometimes new and unopened, at reasonable prices. It is a fun piece of 1980s design that still works well today, provided the cartridge has not dried out completely.

The metal-handle ATRA razor is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable vintage razor. The cartridges are still available, and the shave quality is excellent. It is a great way to experience what shaving felt like in the 1980s without any real compromise in performance.

The Old Spice Ships Telegraph decanter is more of a collector’s item. If you can find one that is still full, it is worth picking up for the scent alone. The original Shulton formula is noticeably different from the modern version, and many people prefer it.

Conclusion

A vintage shave is more than just a way to remove facial hair. It is a connection to the past, a reminder of how much care and thought went into everyday products. The Gillette Brush Plus System, the metal-handle ATRA razor, and the Old Spice Ships Telegraph decanter each represent a different aspect of 1980s shaving culture.

All three products performed admirably, even after more than four decades. The Brush Plus system still produced a good lather, the ATRA razor delivered a smooth close shave, and the Old Spice aftershave provided a familiar, comforting finish. If you have the chance to try any of these vintage classics, it is well worth the experience.