Gillette Super Speed. Is it a Good DE for a Beginner?

[AdamBomb]

I have never used a DE before and have been doing lots of research. I have heard alot of good things about the Merkur HD and the Edwin Jagger 38C for beginners but I've also heard good things about Gillette Super Speeds. I can find a SS in very good condition cheaper than an HD or EJ. What are your recommendations? I don't wanna spend alot of cash on this till I know for sure I'm gonna dig it. You dig?

[BroJohn]

Adam --

I am a proponent and quite a champion of the Superspeed. Ultimately you may find you favor another razor, but the SS is an excellent all around razor and a fine choice for starting out with wet-shaving.

The common thread is that in the Superspeed, Gillette produced a good quality, reliable, middle of the road, fixed head, TTO, good shaving razor at modest cost --by the millions-- for the shaving public, and if there is a 'generic' razor, the SS is it.

Recommended, regardless of the price factor.

-- John Gehman

[NostalgicinSC]

Welcome to B&B! I've been using a DE for a little over a year now and the first few months of that were with a SS. I think it is a razor that is forgiving enough for a beginner and yet rewards improving technique with a quality shave. Mine is a late 40's (no serial number) and I still use it in fairly regular rotation. I'm sure others will weigh in about other types and years of SS and how they all compare.

Best of luck in your new endeavor

[Legion]

My first DE was a 40's style SS. Excellent beginner razor.

[JLKuehl]

I started out (DE shaving) with the Merkur HD, and have since added several vintage razors to my shave den. One of those is a 40's style SuperSpeed, made in 52 (IIRC). It's a decent razor that's not very aggressive (it takes me an extra pass to get the smoothness I want). It's actually pretty obvious that this was an economy razor for it's time, but it's not a bad thing. I say go for it. It's pretty forgiving, and (in my opinion) a good razor to start out with. Having said that, I think I'll use it for tonight's shave!

Take the plunge, and enjoy!

[OV1kenobi]

Of all of my DE razors, my NDC late Forties SS was my second razor. My first was my birth year and quarter Tech (Oct-Dec, 1957).

I like them both. I preferred my Tech for a beginner razor, but it really was a toss-up the more I think about it.

Go ahead and get the Super Speed if that is what you really want; particularly the late Forties, early Fifties version

Whatever works for you.

Regardless of what you choose, enjoy!

The RAD will come later.

David

[Mako72]

I don't think you can go wrong with an SS. The SuperSpeeds are kind of the Jack of All Trades. The will do everyone well. Some they do better, some they do less well. I don't think you would be sorry.

Jay

[hoslerd]

Nice Mohawk Pic OV1Kenobi :-)

[HaroldingPatrick]

For me, the super speeds are perfect. I have the Merkur HD and slantbar, EJ 89, Feather Popular, and now a half dozen super speeds. For me the Feather Popular and super speeds are perfect - easy to use quickly while getting a DFS in two passes with Feather or Gillette yellow blades. No more ingrowns either. Despite the mildness of the Feather and super speeds, I get a better shave in two passes than with the Merkur HD or EJ. I don't think the solid pressure bar on them suits me.

I recommend posting a WTB post on the B/S/T forum for a super speed of any vintage that is in good working order, but reasonably priced - say less than $20 shipped. Don't worry about boxes or plating loss, etc. If you want to compare, do the same for the Merkur or EJ.

Good luck.

[goby]

It's not good....it's great!! I also suggest a Tech, which is a mild razor.


BTW, make sure you get one in good condition. I would suggest the BST board here. I bought a SS from a antique mall, and I didn't notice but the gap was off a bit. It was a very different shave from a typical SS. I have bought many things off our BST board and have never been disappointed.

[Copierguy]

I have never used a DE before and have been doing lots of research. I have heard alot of good things about the Merkur HD and the Edwin Jagger 38C for beginners but I've also heard good things about Gillette Super Speeds. I can find a SS in very good condition cheaper than an HD or EJ. What are your recommendations? I don't wanna spend alot of cash on this till I know for sure I'm gonna dig it. You dig?

Welcome to B&B.

The super speed gets lots of love around here.....and rightly so. It's a great razor to start with and millions of men used then exclusively.

Enjoy the adventure and do good prep...

[AdamBomb]

Thanks for all the input guys! I decided to go for it. I should have mentioned it's a 1960 TTO if that makes a difference. It is in very good condition and was $20 shipped. The seller on eBay had all good feedback and he had several razors for sale in the same condition. So far I have about $39 invested. All I need now is a razor sample pack and I'm ready to go!

Thanks again!

[alex2363]

hell to the yeah..ss

[OV1kenobi]

Alright! Looks like you're well on your way!

If it hasn't been said already, watch Mantic's videos. Like at least one other mentioned, pay attention to your prep and take your time. Don't be afraid to ask any questions. I have found that this is a very friendly and gentlemanly forum.

Welcome to B&B!

Regards,

David

[bonusmarple]

Yes, it is a great razor for a beginner.

[Go West Young Man]

Superspeeds are good razors, period, beginner or verteran shaver.

[MikeGJ]

Great razor for anyone, including a beginner.

[BBrad]

+1 on what BroJohn and the rest have said . . .

Super Speed is one that everyone should try . . . and most will have at least one in their rotation!!

[mdevine]

For all the grief we give Gillette now, there was a time when they made great products. They nailed it when they made the Superspeed.

[luvmysuper]

Superspeeds are good razors, period, beginner or veteran shaver.

This!

A great razor.
There are a select few who don't care for them, but there are always those who don't care for something and simply can't help themselves to remind anyone who will listen of that fact.

Get one. Odds are you'll love it like most everyone else does.

[john parker]

I have a 40s SuperSpeed, which I love. Am now sort of shopping for another SuperSpeed, and was wondering if someone could compare the 40s to the 62-up with the shorter head profile? Would appreciate any comment.

[Chester]

I have never used a DE before and have been doing lots of research. I have heard alot of good things about the Merkur HD and the Edwin Jagger 38C for beginners but I've also heard good things about Gillette Super Speeds. I can find a SS in very good condition cheaper than an HD or EJ. What are your recommendations? I don't wanna spend alot of cash on this till I know for sure I'm gonna dig it. You dig?

Yep. Get a tech and get a flare-tip (regular) superspeed. I learned on a 40s superspeed, but used a flare-tip after that, and the flare tip is more manageable than the 40s. (it sounds like the one you have lined up is a flare-tip.) The tech is also a great starter razor. Both are cheap, reliable, and encourage good technique.

I have a decent fat-handled tech (from the 30s) laying around that I can PIF you. PM me if you're interested.

Enjoy!
-- Chet

[Hank21]

That's a good one. Simple, all metal, well made.:thumbup1:

[dfollett_98]

AdamBomb:

You are going to love your new razor. It sounds like you got a good one at a fair price.

Watch the videos, work on your technique and you will be very successful. I was fortunate enough to purchase a pristine Flare Tip from a member of B&B and even as a newbie it's pretty hard to hurt yourself. I hope you enjoy your new Super Speed as much as I am enjoying mine.

Don