Thread: 1951 Gilette Super Speed

Picked one of these up not knowing what is was. I just liked the black tip and steel handle. I've been trying it out on and off for the past 2 weeks. Tonight I nailed a 3 pass bbs. No irritation and far less time than with a straight. Still it doesn't carry the same awesome feeling as a straight but pretty damn close and the results are on par. I'm not a de guy and never was before but for $20 and an hour of cleaning it up I'm far beyond happy with it.

A small amount of the plating is coming off and looks rusted in 2 tiny spots on the comb I think it's called. I sanded them. Anything I should do now to protect them? Clear nail polish?

The early Super Speeds (late 40's, early 50's) having a following - it's the DE I have on the stand for occasional use.

Hopefully the DE experts will chime in on the care issues.

If I'm not mistaken, you can have them re-plated, if you want to...

The rust would be from someone leaving a blade in it and the rust on the blade staining the DE. The super speeds are plated brass. Maybe a bit of semichrome, flitz or mass. Gold plated ones Windex or the plate will be rubbed off with stronger stuff. Plate lose, A.K.A. brassing is something that you get on old ones that have see a fair amount of use.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

The rust would be from someone leaving a blade in it and the rust on the blade staining the DE. The super speeds are plated brass. Maybe a bit of semichrome, flitz or mass. Gold plated ones Windex or the plate will be rubbed off with stronger stuff. Plate lose, A.K.A. brassing is something that you get on old ones that have see a fair amount of use.

No it wasn't on the inside of the de. It is on the part against the face. Looking at a shaving side with a blade in and the doors closed. You've got the doors, under that the blade and under that the ..? It's on whatever that part is..

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

It is on the part against the face. L

Sounds to me like you're talking about the bar guard ? The part that would be just under the blade edge running along your face ? Some call it a 'closed comb'. It is plated brass so AFAIK there is nothing to rust

I just took a strong magnet and ran it all over a couple of old super speeds (40s-50s) and there ain't no steel there. It could have been laying in a metal cabinet that transferred the rust to stain the plating though ..... I guess .....

Those 2 spots there??

If your around a Sally's beauty store or any beauty salon supply store; then get yourself one of these. I can't praise it enough for slight rust removal in small areas,,, rounding & smoothing brass or silver nickel pins,,, removing small scratches in scales,,, less than $3.00,,, ASP Miracle Buff & Shine Block

I've a couple Black Tips, one in Aluminum, one's steel handled .. Korean war stuff I think, here's one of my birth razors ..

I've got a '53 that is great. I think that is less rust and more plate loss and tarnished brass. Mine is pretty nasty looking too. The TTO doors are on top and the safety bar is the part you pictured. There are replate services but I just keep mine off metal, dry, and I make sure I don't leave a wet blade in it. My razors all live in a plastic file crate from WalMart on a bookshelf I my bedroom.