JCinPA
The Lather Maestro
Were the differences only in the handles? I just got a 1940's super speed which I think it more handsome than my later flare tip, but do they shave pretty much the same?
Flare tip heads were tall dome until around 1961, early flare tips heads ('54-'60) are the same as the 40s style .40’s super speed has a taller head like a fatboy. Flare tips have more compact heads.
Here
Super Speed Identification
After having posted this information in bits and pieces I felt I would be, with recent prompting ... :wink: ... a good idea to bring it all together. I know there are a couple of other quirks that I will add over time. And, please, if anyone comes up with new or better info let me know so I...www.badgerandblade.com
According to @Above The Tie’s blade gap table, the 40s SS has a slightly larger blade gap than the Flare Tip, implying it is slightly more aggressive.
I have used both and find them to be quite comparable… I kept the Flare Tip
I love my Super Speeds. They are sweet, inexpensive tools that are built like tanks, shave exceptionally well, and take very little effort to get it "right".
I find no discernable or detectable difference between the early and the flare tip Super Speeds, though someone with extremely sensitive skin may.
They shave very similarly to the President model as well as the Lady Gillette model which I am informed is a Super Speed head on a longer handle.
I have been shaving with several Super Speeds recently - I got a bad case of RAS over these. These include:Flare tip heads were tall dome until around 1961, early flare tips heads ('54-'60) are the same as the 40s style .
It is more aggressive because you have the 500 version with the bigger gap and exposure. Please read this post.I have been shaving with several Super Speeds recently - I got a bad case of RAS over these. These include:
1947 no-notch SS
1948/1950 no date SS
1954 Z1 SS
1954 Z4 SS Flare tip
I really like the way these short handles feel and work - much easier to get around my face than a longer handle like the Slim Adjustable. If any of these four shave differently, I can't tell. I have a Rocket HD 500 and I would say it's noticeably more aggressive than any of these with the same blade. My preferred blade in these Super Speed razors is the Gillette Platinum but they shave well and nick-free for me with a Feather Hi-Stainless blade, too.
I didn't get out the calipers, but by eye I think the comment from @nemo is right, all the heads seem the same.