Gillette Super Speed question.

fancontroller

fancontroller

Joined
Tuesday November 20, 2012
Location
Out of off of Chorley
Hi there,
Can someone explain a few things about the Gillette Super Speeds, please.

1) Were they called Super Speed because they were light and therefore quick & manoeuvrable?
2) Did they have steel or aluminium handles and heads?
3) Does the colour of the TTO knob denote the aggressiveness?
4) Seems like modern razors are quite heavy and Super Speeds are much lighter. Does this detract from the performance?
5) How much is a reasonable price for these in pretty good and usable condition? (I'm not looking to collect, but to use).
6) Are they really any better than a decent modern razor?

TIA.
 
1. I reckon so. It was their official name, too. Fatboy wasn't an official name!
2. The blue tip had an aluminium handle but not sure about the head.
3. Yes. Red for tougher beards, blue for lighter. Silver colour is standard.
4. I've tried the standard version and the red tip. Decent performance and very very easy to pick up and go without practicing with angle and balance. However, with a thick, fast growing beard like mine I haven't managed a super smooth finish with either of these. Perfectly decent though.
5. Standard one about £20 exc. p&p. Blue Tip and black handle models probably £25. Red Tip more desirable so up to about £30. Plenty out there so don't be tempted to get one if it has a lazy door if that bothers you (it would me)
6. They are a pick up and go razor that's easy to use. Not really one to drool over like a lot of modern razors, but then there are similar modern razors built well to just do the job.

That's my take on it all. Will be interesting to see what others think
 
They are great shavers.

I've got two a flair tip and a 1940s one.

For me they have three uses.

1. A good daily shave, especially when pressed for time.
2. Good for tidying up after using a bigger razor.
3. Perfect in a travel set.
 
fancontroller said:
Hi there,
Can someone explain a few things about the Gillette Super Speeds, please.

1) Were they called Super Speed because they were light and therefore quick & manoeuvrable?
2) Did they have steel or aluminium handles and heads?
3) Does the colour of the TTO knob denote the aggressiveness?
4) Seems like modern razors are quite heavy and Super Speeds are much lighter. Does this detract from the performance?
5) How much is a reasonable price for these in pretty good and usable condition? (I'm not looking to collect, but to use).
6) Are they really any better than a decent modern razor?

TIA.
Click to expand...

These three links might help to answer a number of questions you have (the Rocket thread is included as it covers British Superspeeds, albeit briefly, in the thread):

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/asylumguidos-guide-to-super-speed-identification.8461/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/super-speed-evolution-a-bunch-of-useless-info-you-probably-dont-need-to-know.8468/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gillette-rocket-the-refined-de.8590/
 
6) Are they really any better than a decent modern razor?
Click to expand...

Opinions differ as it's a bit subjective but my view is that they're not as good, I've had a couple of flare tips and a TV rocket and they were, for me, poor shavers and they were sold on. I think modern Merkurs and Muhles Jaggers are far better shavers, but I have to admit that there is at least an aesthetic appeal to old TTOs, the way they work is just lovely.

Agree with NTS on every other point.
 
ajc347 said:
fancontroller said:
Hi there,
Can someone explain a few things about the Gillette Super Speeds, please.

1) Were they called Super Speed because they were light and therefore quick & manoeuvrable?
2) Did they have steel or aluminium handles and heads?
3) Does the colour of the TTO knob denote the aggressiveness?
4) Seems like modern razors are quite heavy and Super Speeds are much lighter. Does this detract from the performance?
5) How much is a reasonable price for these in pretty good and usable condition? (I'm not looking to collect, but to use).
6) Are they really any better than a decent modern razor?

TIA.
Click to expand...

These three links might help to answer a number of questions you have (the Rocket thread is included as it covers British Superspeeds, albeit briefly, in the thread):

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/asylumguidos-guide-to-super-speed-identification.8461/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/super-speed-evolution-a-bunch-of-useless-info-you-probably-dont-need-to-know.8468/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gillette-rocket-the-refined-de.8590/
Click to expand...

They are 3 cracking threads.

Superspeeds are ace
 
so after reading this thread, i decided to user my Birth year & Quarter Super Speed (1976 W2) tonight for the first time.

it was a nice mild shave, it did the job well.

i think if i had to shave in the morning and was in a rush, i'd use this razor over my others. No concentration needed for a good shave.

It is quite a bit lighter than my other razors, but that didnt seem to be a problem.

i've been using a Fatip with Weber Bulldog handle for the last few shaves, so it was quite different.
 
Al H said:
ajc347 said:
fancontroller said:
Hi there,
Can someone explain a few things about the Gillette Super Speeds, please.

1) Were they called Super Speed because they were light and therefore quick & manoeuvrable?
2) Did they have steel or aluminium handles and heads?
3) Does the colour of the TTO knob denote the aggressiveness?
4) Seems like modern razors are quite heavy and Super Speeds are much lighter. Does this detract from the performance?
5) How much is a reasonable price for these in pretty good and usable condition? (I'm not looking to collect, but to use).
6) Are they really any better than a decent modern razor?

TIA.
Click to expand...

These three links might help to answer a number of questions you have (the Rocket thread is included as it covers British Superspeeds, albeit briefly, in the thread):

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/asylumguidos-guide-to-super-speed-identification.8461/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/super-speed-evolution-a-bunch-of-useless-info-you-probably-dont-need-to-know.8468/

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gillette-rocket-the-refined-de.8590/
Click to expand...

They are 3 cracking threads.

Superspeeds are ace
Click to expand...

+1!! I recently bought a Red Tip (the English model) from ajc347 and in my opinion I love it, it really suits me. The weight is right for the balance, even though it's the more 'aggressive' of the bunch I still find it fairly mild...then again I haven't tried them all yet.

I'd say get one and you won't regret it!
 
NotTheStig said:
You'll get your money back if you don't like it.
Click to expand...

That's the truth so long as you don't pay over the odds - I've seen these creeping up recently.

For me personally I'm always disappointed with vintage razors and find them not a patch on my Merkur but that's me. Doesn't stop me hankering after a mint 'New' though.:s
 
I wouldn't go for a birth year Superspeed although they're 'in the zone' as young Steve points out. Mine would definitely have to be a Super Adjustable coded U2. Favourite group when I were a lad an' all.
 
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