Thread: Gillette Super Speed

I'm looking to get a new DE razor, but need a little help. my Gillette 1904 is a little short on the handle and is a little too light. I want a razor that is heavier on the head (so it kinda falls by its self) and longer so its easier to grip.
I don't think i'm experienced enough to take on an adjustable DE. I was looking at some of the vintage Gillette razors (super speed, rocket, etc) but the adds don't say if they are adjustable or not. Anybody know?

Also, what are your thoughts on the Parker 90R?

Of the super speeds my favorite was the red tip. Before Gillette made adjustables they color coded super speeds with the blue the mildest and the red the most aggressive. Not sure what was in the middle. A tan tip that no one has ever seen IIRC.

A British Rocket HD is a nice razor as are the post war Aristocrats from the late '40s early '50s. Quite a few other models and I'm sure other members will have suggestions. If you want a long handle and substantial head the Merkur 33C IIRC is also highly regarded.

Edit; might be 38C ....

Originally Posted by salazch

I'm looking to get a new DE razor, but need a little help. my Gillette 1904 is a little short on the handle and is a little too light. I want a razor that is heavier on the head (so it kinda falls by its self) and longer so its easier to grip.
I don't think i'm experienced enough to take on an adjustable DE. I was looking at some of the vintage Gillette razors (super speed, rocket, etc) but the adds don't say if they are adjustable or not. Anybody know?

Also, what are your thoughts on the Parker 90R?

salazch,

I have several vintage Gillette DE's (including my Dad's '60 Toggle) and my '56 Super Speed Red Tip is easily my favorite. It is NOT adjustable. It is highly recommended by many, including me.

One problem that I have with my Gillette 1904 is that it skips around on my face whenever it hits anything ATG. WTG and XTG are no problem. ATG it just bounces off the stubble. I've tried every possible angle, but it doesn't pass smoothly at all through the hair. I've done 2-3 reduction passes and there is almost nothing left by the time that I go ATG. So maybe a different razor will help. Also, I just want a longer handle.
Anybody used the Parker 90R?

Thanks for the info on the super speeds. I like those. Those are as classic and as vintage as you can get.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Before Gillette made adjustables they color coded super speeds with the blue the mildest and the red the most aggressive. Not sure what was in the middle. A tan tip that no one has ever seen IIRC.

i believe it was the black tip.. ideally i'd like to find a set of all three.. i'm wondering if they were ever sold like that.. with a nice box and all.

My father in law has a yellow tip gillette that is non adjustable. Anyone have any info on this razor?

Could be a tan tip.

I would try a 40's SS. Nice and mild. Good heft.

Might try a new, longer handle for your 1904 head.

I have a 40's style Super Speed, it's a wonderful razor and virtualy impossible to cut yourself on yet yields superb results.

A Superspeed would be ideal in my opinion, and very easy to come by. The various Rockets are cosmetically very similar, but somewhat heavier and perhaps a little better made; they also tend to be a shade more aggressive but none of this family of razors are likely to be ill tempered.

My tip for a long handled razor - get ready for this - is a Lady Gillette. Basically a Superspeed head on a handle which will reach all the way to your ankles.