Wonderful posts Tony, as always. You're attention to detail is second to none!With the differences previously noted in the blade bed of the transitional 1947 Super Speed, I shaved last evening with the 1948 version to see if they held true following their absence in Cap and Chris Evatt's fine hands. The center bar nick from incorrectly loading a razor blade at an angle some time in its past, was repaired by Cap and replated by Chris at RazorPlate.com. Chris lives an hour away in Greensboro, and we share much in common with our respect for two-wheeled and four-wheeled British iron. He is also a restorer, and quite a talented one I might add. So is Cap for that matter, as his interests lie in the Buick, Stove Bolt V8 powered persuasion. Contrary to the opinion of many, there is more to life than a razor methinks- not passing judgement, holding them at arms length despite an obvious interest here. The same holds true for cars of any type, and motorcycles and trucks. Family comes first as far as humans go, and when my wife says no more spending on razors, well- it is a wise man who heeds her words. She is from Philadelphia, and a Yankee in King Author's Court. Having migrated to the Southland some twenty-six years ago, she still carries the authority that someone from there can carry down here... I digress. Tools in my toolbox-of-a-vanity drawer if you will, to put them in perspective.
The evaluation was made as my usual custom to reduce the variables- Creemo Cream for lubrication and a Wilkinson Sword Solingen blade for cutting off the whiskers from twelve hours at the hospital. A markedly milder shave than that from the 1947 remains the verdict. In fact, two passes with BBS results, with the most maneuverable of all the Super Speed handle styles. The key to 1940's Super Speed ownership is finding a razor with well-defined cross-hatching machined into the handle. This absolutely is the defining factor in how securely it can be held. Of course, condition of the plating and obvious past abuse are too important, especially for a collector, but because so many have survived, simply pass on a purchase if this criteria cannot be met.
I still stand that the 1940's style is the King of the Super Speeds. The notched center bar for many is a desirable feature, as it was designed to make loading from the then quite innovative Speed Pak dispenser much easier. The tabs, or wings on the center safety bar ends found on the 1947 variant, guarantee razor blade positioning on the blade bed, and that is the reason that they are there. However, for any of the following notched center bar Super Speed razors, a simple twist of the TTO knob until it is tight, does exactly the same thing in my opinion. I use my Super Speeds daily and sometimes twice daily in rotation, and my preferences lie in two styles- the 1940's design to the 1951 W1 produced in brass as the base metal, and the 1954 Flare Tip. In period, men purchased one razor generally for daily use, and that was their only razor until it was dropped or damaged. Unless they were fortunate, as was Victor Strum, to sell them and have any razor Gillette made available to use, his preference was for an all-brass, nickel plated Super Speed. After all- he owned three Flare Tips and a little-used 195 Adjustable. Both versions are all brass, and both have unpainted TTO knobs. For daily use- this is an important consideration, particularly if you are a bit rough on your razors. Of the two, the 1940's style is well balanced and can be quite deftly and lightly stroked on each pass. The larger diameter handle of the 1954 Flare Tip, because of the knurling, is also quite maneuverable, but with girth comes additional weight. For many, that is a good thing indeed. God Bless! Tony Brown RN mgbbrown View attachment 689288View attachment 689289View attachment 689290
Bravo, my friend! Bravo