My first DE

[mrbison]

I was looking around in a local antique store this morning and found this little razor lying in a drawer. It opened smoothly and they didn't want but a few bucks so I took her home and put some polish on her. She cleaned up quite nicely. I've never used a DE before but I just ordered a bunch of blades and am getting excited. I'm not quite sure what model I have here. I think it is a Gillette "Super Speed" from looking on Google. Anybody know? If it IS a Super Speed, it looks like these came with different degrees of "closeness" - how do I know what version I have? Thanks!

[Ryan82]

Yup, looks like the old super speed flare tip model. You did well sir, especially if it only cost you a few bucks. Drop in a nice blade and let us know how she shaves!

[mrbison]

Thanks! Here's another thing I'm wondering - I was reading somewhere that these razors had different colored handles to designate different levels of shave aggressiveness (kind of like the color differences for the dovo shavette blades if I understand it properly). However, my razor doesn't seem to have any color or indication for this designation at all. Am I missing something?

[Obie]

Hello, mrbison:

Yes, I agree with my friend Ryan. That is the super speed flare tip, probably from the 1960s. The other razors you refer to are the Gillette super speed red tip, black tip and blue tip, with the red tip considered as the most aggressive of the group. All are great vintage razors.

Regards,

Obie

[mrbison]

Thanks for the help guys. I can't wait to get my blades in the mail.

[Muguser]

Don't be surprised if you start singing the Gillette commercial jingle while using it: Gillette!...The best a man can get...