Thread: Gillette Safety Razor

Hello Gentleman,

Not sure if this is relevant in a straight razor forum but was looking to find out some information pertaining to a Gillette Safety Razor that belonged to my grandfather. No identifying marks other that Gillette and patent nos on package. I know it is probably a common item but just was interested in any input or information. Thank you.

It looks like a Flare Tip Super Speed. On the bottom of the baseplate, there should be a letter on one side and a number on the other. This will tell you what year and quarter it was made. If you can find them, please post them and we can help you out.

The razor was the most aggressive of the Flair tip SuperSpeeds. Red Base
The date code information:
US_Gillette_Dating_Information
If you have a heavy beard and a tough skin, it can be a great addition to your shaving regimen.
Enjoy!
~Richard

The Flare is faded looking on my screen, but Richard nailed it.

These razors were great, I mean hideous. Send it to me and I shall spare you the shame of ownership.

I see now (Thank You Richard) that it is a Red Tip. My absolute favorite DE razor is my C1 Red Tip which is my birth year / quarter razor that I had re-plated. It is an incredible shaver. Enjoy!

Here is a picture of my restored 1957, 1st quarter Red Tip:



It is an incredible shaver and my favorite DE razor!

Yep, red tip Gillette. One of the more recognizable and a great shaver. Was (like Richard stated) the most aggressive of the 3 models at that time. However, Gillette tended to lean towards the milder shave imo anyway. So this one is about spot on if you have good soaps and beard prep imo.
Also, if you want to restore it to its original luster... there are several places that would do a Gillette super speed restore very well. Just google it. Or if you're capable of doing it yourself Rustoleum Sunrise Red is a dead-on match for the red part of the razor. Just make sure you tape if off first. Other than that, some buffing and cleaning and it should be looking dandy

Edit: Some folks claim that "Satin Claret Wine" is actually closer to the original factory powdercoat finish look.

N8ce red tip. I had a couple in the past. Good shavers for me.

Thanks for all of the response. Thank you Richard for the identification and the link for the dating codes. Absolutely correct in that it is a Red Tip dated to 1957 according to the letter C on the razor. Never shaved with it but I think I will give it a try. Appreciate all of the input.