Thread: Super speed question??

I'm looking into buying a super speed to add to my collection of straights . There are hundreds of them on eBay ranging in price from 15-40?? Anyways what am I looking for when buying a de ?? I don't want a show piece but a razor I can use when i don't have time for the straight..

I've seen a lot at antique stores.id try there first. It's nice to have it in your hand to make sure it's clean and works if its TTO. Plus most of the time you can get one in good condition for less then what's on eBay.

You just want the TTO (twist-to-open) mechanism to work properly and the chrome to still be on the razor.

It's not nearly as complicated trying to buy a DE online as with a straight IMO.

Super speeds are a good choice as an intro into the world of DE shaving. Smooth and mild, there's a reason they were Gillette's bread and butter for decades. The earlier ones were slightly more aggressive, the later ones slightly smoother shavers. Either would be a good choice. My favorites were the early "no date codes" for how they shave, the slightly later (1954-1960's) for build quality and looks. The last ones made (until 1970's), the black handle silver tips, are smooth shavers but had a tendency to rattle.

By the way, I recently got one on ebay for $10 shipped in very good condition (made in 1960).

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

I'm looking into buying a super speed to add to my collection of straights . There are hundreds of them on eBay ranging in price from 15-40?? Anyways what am I looking for when buying a de ?? I don't want a show piece but a razor I can use when i don't have time for the straight..

Since you're a straight razor shaver, I'd suggest getting a more aggressive DE razor. My favorites are the Merkur 34C and Merkur 37C slant. A Merkur Progress is adjustable if you want to experiment with levels of aggressiveness.

SuperSpeeds are mild razors and straights are aggressive, so you might be disappointed in a mild DE razor.

I enjoy mixing DE & straights. If you want a Super Speed, I'd recommend a 1940's or a Red Tip as they are the more aggressive super speed models. The 40's Super Speed is probably my favorite Gillette (have several). Both are mild - moderately aggressive and can be found easily on eBay. I had a great shave today with my '49 ... super smooth & easy.

If you shave w a straight I would agree that you would want at least a moderately aggressive DE. The Merkur 34C & 37C are great, with the 37C Slant being more aggressive (and one of my favorite DE's).

For a quick and easy shave, get one with either a blue tip on the handle or just the nickel plating all the way down the handle. The blue tip are the mildest of the "flare-tip" superspeeds, the nickel plated only slightly more aggressive, but the ones with the red tip on the handle are quite aggressive, not something you'd want to run over your face quickly when you're in too much of a hurry to use your straight.