Above The Tie Stainless Steel Razors ?

Twelvefret · Mar 20, 2018

I've been looking for my birth year Gillette red tipped Super Speed, but found a late '40's for $8.50 and free shipping. I'll let you know how it works out.

Benzadmiral · Mar 20, 2018

Twelvefret said:
I've been looking for my birth year Gillette red tipped Super Speed, but found a late '40's for $8.50 and free shipping. I'll let you know how it works out.

There are DE shavers on the 'Net who prefer the Forties-style Super Speeds to the later ones. Of course, there are those who say the pre-war Gillettes were better than ___________, and those who say 3-piece razors are better than adjustables, and . . .

I bought a 1953 Super Speed earlier this year. It shaves quite well, but I prefer the heavier '56 Red Tip and my '62 Slim Adjustable. Part of the problem is that I just had the Slim re-plated in nickel, and the Red Tip looks almost as bright, while the handle of the '53 is somewhat worn. I wonder if I should have it replated -- or just look for another 1953 model (my birth year) in even better condition? Gillette made plenty of 'em, so there is no shortage.

Twelvefret · Mar 20, 2018

Benzadmiral said:
There are DE shavers on the 'Net who prefer the Forties-style Super Speeds to the later ones. Of course, there are those who say the pre-war Gillettes were better than ___________, and those who say 3-piece razors are better than adjustables, and . . .

I bought a 1953 Super Speed earlier this year. It shaves quite well, but I prefer the heavier '56 Red Tip and my '62 Slim Adjustable. Part of the problem is that I just had the Slim re-plated in nickel, and the Red Tip looks almost as bright, while the handle of the '53 is somewhat worn. I wonder if I should have it replated -- or just look for another 1953 model (my birth year) in even better condition? Gillette made plenty of 'em, so there is no shortage.

Really, I did not realize the '40's razors were preferred by some. I can't wait to try it out.

I'd really like to find a basket case to clean up myself. What mechanical issues exist with these mid '50's Super Speeds that some lubrication and elbow grease won't fix?

3fingers · Mar 21, 2018

Benzadmiral said:
Gillette made plenty of 'em, so there is no shortage.

And it makes me cry to think of how many millions went in the trash can.

Twelvefret said:
What mechanical issues exist with these mid '50's Super Speeds that some lubrication and elbow grease won't fix?

I have found as long as the doors and linkage aren't tweaked, there's not much that a bit of time and patience won't take care of.

Feraud · Mar 21, 2018

GHT said:
I would be interested to know who uses aftershave, I've never used it after the stinging effect caused a rash. However I do use cologne.
View attachment 110113

I've used aftershaves with mixed satisfaction. For the last couple of years after shaving I use witch hazel as an aftershave. I've never had a bad reaction. Thayers rose scented is my current favorite.

Twelvefret · Mar 21, 2018

My grandfather used Aqua Velva aftershave. I don't wear colognes any longer or use aftershave myself. I do remember shaving as a teen and the stinging feeling of these products.

Benzadmiral · Mar 21, 2018

3fingers said:
And it makes me cry to think of how many millions went in the trash can.

I have found as long as the doors and linkage aren't tweaked, there's not much that a bit of time and patience won't take care of.

There are people who will do some repair work on vintage razors, and even replate them in nickel or several other metals. I've recently had my 1962 Gillette "Slim" Adjustable replated, and it looks as if I just stepped out of my General Products time machine and bought it at the local drugstore in that year. However, most of these razors are inexpensive enough that major work or replating on them isn't really justified. Unless you love the razor or you collect them, or it has sentimental/family value, another one can be picked up on eBay or the Buy-Sell-Trade forum on Badger and Blade for a lot less $$. I chose to have the '62 done because it was my first vintage razor and I used it daily for more than 2 years.

Soaking the razor in some Dawn detergent, and gently toothbrushing it with the non-bleach Scrubbing Bubbles spray and/or some metal/plastic polish like Flitz, would probably clean any neglected but mechanically sound razor right up.

Even if it looks less than pristine, if it shaves well you'll have a bargain. My birth year Forties-style Super Speed is not glamorous-looking, but it planes off my phiz just fine.

Sonero · Mar 21, 2018

My kit is expanding. I am totally getting into it !

Amir · Mar 23, 2018

Uh-oh...just you wait, when the vintage razor bug bites!
Not to mention a variety of soaps (winter vs summer), brushes (hey, got to let the one just used dry out...) etc

David Caven · Mar 25, 2018

Welcome to the rabbit hole of wet shaving! It is actually a great way to shave. I have been using straight razors and a 30's era Gillete safety razor for about a decade. I would never go back. You should certainly look into shaving soap and a brush when you switch. Good tallow shaving soap is hard to beat. Mitchel's Wool Fat is a good start as is DR Harris. You can find those on Amazon or through any number of online stores. Same with blades. If you buy blades 100 at a tiime the price will be around $.15/blade. DE shaving is different. Be careful to use no pressure and do a three pass shave instead of one. A light touch is critical. Have fun.

Sonero · Mar 25, 2018

Shaving Soap Lathering Tutorial - How To Make Thick, Rich, Shaving Lather Dapper Shave • 105K views

I had to watch this video in order to figure out the lathering part. This Youtube video explains it well.

David Caven · Mar 25, 2018

Sonero said:
Shaving Soap Lathering Tutorial - How To Make Thick, Rich, Shaving Lather Dapper Shave • 105K views

I had to watch this video in order to figure out the lathering part. This Youtube video explains it well.

He really lathers that soap. Wow. I generally face lather and find it works fiine. Load the brush with soap and then work it into my beard. Pretty simple. He does a great job though.

Twelvefret · Mar 26, 2018

When I first started shaving I used my grand father's shaving soap. I did not know about lathering, just used the brush to stir up some suds and paint it on my face. I can't say that I would get a better shave than the Barbasol since I have never compared the two, but the can stuff requires less of an effort. My late '40's Gillette safety razor finally arrives today from EBay ($8). I'll let you know how it works.

Twelvefret · Mar 27, 2018

Just an update. The $8 1948-50 (no date) SS Gillette arrived true to description, excellent with no plate loss. These are the ones with the notch to help slip the edge of the blade over the holder bar.

Now I am looking for a 1947 model without the notch. In doing my search I found a very dirty red tip SS Gillette for $5 and decided that it would be interesting to see how well I could clean one up.

There was an ad for a " long handle Schick". It was a first generation Krona with chrome tip, intact end decal, and no script on razor head for $4.99. Nice find.

HudsonHawk · Mar 27, 2018

Seb Lucas said:
Does anyone who uses a DE just do one pass?

I do. Of course, by “pass” I mean a series of short consistent strokes, which may cover the same area. I can’t imagine the need to ever shave completely, then lather up again and again repeating the same process.

HudsonHawk · Mar 27, 2018

Sonero said:
As Promised :

My AboveTheTie Shaving kit.

The Windsor SSH1 and Accessories. The stainless stand is beautiful. Badger hair brush.

After my first shave I LIKE IT. The razor is a wonderfully made high quality item. The shave experience was average.

My question to you all is being that it is a double edged razor cartridge does that mean I can use both sides of the blade....one today and one tomorrow ? The reason I ask is I think only one side of the blade made contact with my skin. Therefore if I turn it the other way I have a fresh blade. True or am I missing something ?

Thanks

You’re over thinking it. Use both sides of the blade every shave. You can get multiple shaves from the same blade.

Twelvefret · Mar 28, 2018

I may be imagining, but on my new late '40's Super Speed, one side is more aggressive than the other.

Just got a near mint first generation Krona that I will be breaking in tomorrow morning.

Twelvefret · Mar 29, 2018

First experience with Krona was better/closer than the '40's Gillette using the same generic grocery store blades. The Krona has a metal/chrome tip and feels heavier than the Gillette. It's not either or, but just appreciating the practical nature of vintage razors.

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