I already own a couple vintage Gillette razors: an OLD open comb, NEW (LC) open comb, a pre-war Tech, and a 70's Travel Tech. But, I did not own any of the TTO razors. The RAS told me I should really think about getting one of that breed. I started doing some research of the TTO's. I heard so much praise for the Fat Boys, but the average going price seemed a little more than what I wanted to spend on a single razor. I started honing in on the NDC or early 50's Super Speeds. I lost a few bids on eBay, then came across a Buy-It-Now listing for four razors for a total price of $80 + shipping. The auction pictures looked pretty good, and the seller confirmed all four worked as they should.
I pulled the trigger, and they arrived a few days before Christmas. All were in good to very good condition, but I gave them a good Dawn detergent scrubbing, a little Barkeeper's Friend to the handles, then used Flitz polish on all four. Here are the results:
I think I have my dating correct, but would like to confirm the nomenclature. Please feel free to point out any errors or interesting points.
1. Early 50's Superspeed. Are these essentially the same razor as the 40's NDC SS but came after Gillette started using the dating codes?
2. Fat Boy. This one was in the roughest condition of the four, but still cleaned up very nicely. Please note in the picture it is straight out of the shave den following a few shaves (not specifically wiped/polished up for the photo).
3. Flare Tip SS.
4. Slim adjustable.
I am really thrilled with the purchase. I feel like I have covered the primary bases of the TTO range with one purchase, for an average price of $20/razor. I realize some could be had for less, while some might well fetch a higher price. So far I have only shaved with the 60's Flare Tip and the Fat Boy. A few weepers the first two days with the Flare, then adjusted technique and got great shaves. ALL great shaves with the Fat Boy as I've experimented with the settings. Today was the third day with setting on 5 for a 3-pass BBS shave (Astra SP).
I pulled the trigger, and they arrived a few days before Christmas. All were in good to very good condition, but I gave them a good Dawn detergent scrubbing, a little Barkeeper's Friend to the handles, then used Flitz polish on all four. Here are the results:
I think I have my dating correct, but would like to confirm the nomenclature. Please feel free to point out any errors or interesting points.
1. Early 50's Superspeed. Are these essentially the same razor as the 40's NDC SS but came after Gillette started using the dating codes?
2. Fat Boy. This one was in the roughest condition of the four, but still cleaned up very nicely. Please note in the picture it is straight out of the shave den following a few shaves (not specifically wiped/polished up for the photo).
3. Flare Tip SS.
4. Slim adjustable.
I am really thrilled with the purchase. I feel like I have covered the primary bases of the TTO range with one purchase, for an average price of $20/razor. I realize some could be had for less, while some might well fetch a higher price. So far I have only shaved with the 60's Flare Tip and the Fat Boy. A few weepers the first two days with the Flare, then adjusted technique and got great shaves. ALL great shaves with the Fat Boy as I've experimented with the settings. Today was the third day with setting on 5 for a 3-pass BBS shave (Astra SP).
