Thread: Gillette Super Speed

Hello all,

I have been interested in getting a vintage Gillette Super Speed safety razor. I think I prefer the 1947-1949 model. Is this a good safety razor? How does it compare with the Merkur HD 34C? Also, I have noticed that some of the early 1950's (before the flared tips) models look the same as the 1940's models. Are theses essentially the same razor model? Thanks for the help.

I have a Super Speed that was given to me about 1960, I think it was purchased in the late 50's. It does not have the flared end. I also have a Mekur 34C and prefer the Super Speed. I use a straight 95 % of the time but occasionaly shave with a safety razor and the super speed is the only one I care to use.

Hello, Altshaver:

Many of the Superspeeds throughout the ages were topnotch razors and true representatives of American quality workmanship. On the other hand, the Merkur 34C is tough to beat. I think it is a matter of taste and shave comfort for the individual more than anything else.

For me, none of these razors is a match for the Edwin Jagger 89L, or its cousin, the Muhle-Pinsel 89R. Of course, all are fine razors.

Regards,
Obie

The super speed is a relatively light weight twist to open and is considered by most to be in the mid range between mild and aggressive AFAIC. It is a fine DE to shave with. In 54 IIRC they came out with the flare tip. Those are also good. Somewhere around 55 or maybe later they made different SS according to aggressiveness. The blue tip being mild and the red tip aggressive. I preferred the red tip.

The merkur HD is a two piece razor and you take the top cap off to change blades. It is a heavier built razor than the early SS and many guys love them. Either one will get 'er done so the obvious solution is to get one of each.

Thanks for the replies!

I have the Merkur 34C HD covered . However, I was noticing a lack of American-made shaving products in my inventory. The 1940's Super Speeds seem to be mentioned a lot, and I like the TTO mechanism that the Gillettes use. I'll have to watch eBay and the classifieds on the forums for one.

i have a SS........ill use it when i am in a hurry but the dang thing bites me more than a straight...i have all but given up on using it and just use the straight for a single pass and not have any cuts..i dunno how a "saftey razor" can cut me more than a straight...or maybe im just a retard like that. who knows but other than it biting me every time i pick it up it does give a very close shave

I find that I nick myself with the Mekur and not with the Super Speed. My nephew is just the oposite, he loves the Mekur 34C and nicks himself often with the superspeed. He uses Feather blades and I use Persona.
The old different strokes for different folks is at play here.

I have the same Merkur and its a good one!

I use it on the days when I'm in a rush.

There are many great DEs out there. You just have to find what works best for you. The vintage fat boys are great shavers too. All in all I agree the new EJs are at the top of the heap in performance.

Originally Posted by BAMARACING8

..i dunno how a "saftey razor" can cut me more than a straight...or maybe im just a retard like that. who knows but other than it biting me every time i pick it up it does give a very close shave

If a person is not familiar with DE's it is likely to get huge cuts from it.
I use DE at work (we have to shave daily), and once we were at sea, an officer from my ship had forgotten his shaving gear home. I said well sir, i can give you one DE blade and you can borrow my old Gillette. With these you should get along about a week.
He gave back my DE after one shave, face full of band-aid. Never asked it again