Tan Tip Superspeed: What do we know?

[monkspider]

I have been fascinated by talk I have seen on here of an apocryphal tan tip super speed. What is the basis for this rumor? Has there ever been any reported sightings? Are there any books that mention a tan tip, even if as a prototype? I realize the standard 50's Superspeed came in a tan case, which probably holds the basis for this legendary razor.

But basically my question to the razor historians here is this. Has there ever been any evidence, however spurious or inconclusive, for the existence of a tan tip?

[cfriend]

I was always under the impression the tan tip was a joke. A black tip that someone has accidentally ruined during a cleaning process or otherwise. Something like that.

[Maul555]

I was always under the impression the tan tip was a joke. A black tip that someone has accidentally ruined during a cleaning process or otherwise. Something like that.

*SNAP* oh no you dint! say whaa?

[kjparker]

in english?

[e sinker]

I have been fascinated by talk I have seen on here of an apocryphal tan tip super speed. What is the basis for this rumor? Has there ever been any reported sightings? Are there any books that mention a tan tip, even if as a prototype? I realize the standard 50's Superspeed came in a tan case, which probably holds the basis for this legendary razor.

But basically my question to the razor historians here is this. Has there ever been any evidence, however spurious or inconclusive, for the existence of a tan tip?

The mythical tan tip is simply a mistaken reference made by the author of a popular Gillette collectable book.
It is understandable how the mistake was made.
As the ad below illustrates, Gillette sold "light" (blue case), "regular" (tan case), and "heavy" (dark red case) razors.
The light and heavy razors had blue and red painted tips to match their cases.
Logic would lead one to think that Gillette would have painted the tip of the "regular" razor to match the case but this was not done.
The "regular" razor was sold prior to the "light and heavy" razors were created.
Before the "light and heavy" razors were introduced, the "regular" razor was a put up in a bright red case with an unpainted tip (pic also shown below).
Gillette probably kept the "regular" razor with an unpainted tip for the purpose of product familiarity.

1957 print ad:


the flair tip SS before Gillette introduced the light and heavy razors:

[VR6ofpain]

I own a tan tip Super-Speed. I just refuse to take photos of it. Trust me though, I have it. I actually shaved with it this morning. It only took a half pass on one cheek, yet my entire face was BBS. The shaves with it are so smooth you don't even need to use a soap or cream. Just throw water on your face, take the tan tip to your face...no blade even loaded, and do a half NOTG (not on the grain) pass. Best shave of my life. I am a new man.

Oh I do follow up my amazing tan tip shaves with an aftershave though. I use MANDOM!!!

[valmara1971]

I own a tan tip Super-Speed. I just refuse to take photos of it. Trust me though, I have it. I actually shaved with it this morning. It only took a half pass on one cheek, yet my entire face was BBS. The shaves with it are so smooth you don't even need to use a soap or cream. Just throw water on your face, take the tan tip to your face...no blade even loaded, and do a half NOTG (not on the grain) pass. Best shave of my life. I am a new man.

Oh I do follow up my amazing tan tip shaves with an aftershave though. I use MANDOM!!!

That's a blatent lie! I own a tan tip and if you owned one you would know it CAN'T be photographed and it has no reflection either! Thats why it shaves so well

[Pike]

I DO have one.....took it from this guy myself....I think he had more......I could show you, but then.....

[Maul555]

I DO have one.....took it from this guy myself....I think he had more......I could show you, but then.....

really? cuz I had heard from a little spider that it is in FACT this man who uses the tan tip!!!

[luvmysuper]

Oh yeah???

.
.

[mmack66]

I am negotiating with cedarfurnitureman on a tan tip superspeed. It's a one-off, mint condition razor made by one of the tip dippers working at the Gillette factory. He brought it home uncased and never used it.

[mark_mw]

I am negotiating with cedarfurnitureman on a tan tip superspeed. It's a one-off, mint condition razor made by one of the tip dippers working at the Gillette factory. He brought it home uncased and never used it.

What were the job qualifications needed to be a "TIP DIPPER" for Gillette?

[thirdeye]

Gents, the Tan Tip SS is a myth!

[mmack66]

What were the job qualifications needed to be a "TIP DIPPER" for Gillette?

A keen eye and steady hands.

[luvmysuper]

Gents, the Tan Tip SS is a myth!

Or is the "Myth of the Tan Tip" a myth spread by a socio-economic conglomerate of High Powered Razor Collectors as a means of keeping the limited number of Tan Tips all to themselves?

Huh? What about that, huh?

Just because you can't hear the black helicopters doesn't mean they are not there!!

[Mr. Imperial]

I own a tan tip Super-Speed. I just refuse to take photos of it. Trust me though, I have it. I actually shaved with it this morning. It only took a half pass on one cheek, yet my entire face was BBS. The shaves with it are so smooth you don't even need to use a soap or cream. Just throw water on your face, take the tan tip to your face...no blade even loaded, and do a half NOTG (not on the grain) pass. Best shave of my life. I am a new man.

Oh I do follow up my amazing tan tip shaves with an aftershave though. I use MANDOM!!!

Wait, you had to put your tan-tip up to your face? I have to keep mine in an opaque box because just looking at it will make you completely bald.

[Pike]

Gents, the Tan Tip SS is a myth!

I suppose next you're going to say there is no Bigfoot either!!!

[luvmysuper]

I heard that there is top secret video of the Loch Ness Monster shaving Bigfoot with a Tan Tip.

[rainman]

I have one. $1,000 free ship paypal only. p.m. if interested...

[DSB]

I have one. $1,000 free ship paypal only. p.m. if interested...

Will you take a puck of cedarfurnitureman shaving soap in trade?