Late 50's SS.... how aggressive is it?

[Justme-]

I know I've seen comparison's on here before ralating to the relative aggressivness of the SS razor from one generation to the next, but I can't seem to find it now.
I have been useing a newer Gilette DE (long black plastic handle, O1 date code, I bought sometime in the 1990's - looks like a Rubie) and tried my J1 Super Speed today- finding it to seem very aggressive. In all fairness, I used it for the cleanup and second pass after useing a straight (my first straight shave ) so it may have just been a poor choice of timing...

I have a black knob SS also, which I see so many recomend against so I decided to go with the later one. (still working on cleaning up my adjustible's...) Is the later more aggressive than the black knob? What is it on an adjustible for reference? (I thought it was mentioned to be a 3-ish)

[redbike]

I have a '57 SS and find it to be a pretty mild shaver, compared to my '52. I usually use a Feather in the former and a Derby in the latter. I have never used a Rubie so can't compare, but I think the '57 compared to an adjustable Gillette on 3 or 4. I do have a slim adjustable, Super Adjustable and a Fat Boy, so do have those comparisons to make.

Hope this is helpful.

jim

[Justme-]

Thanks Jim, yeah it does help.
Unless others have a different opinion, that confirms my suspicion I just should not have tried a new razor at that point.

I'll try it again in a couple of days after I let my face recover from the straight.

[redbike]

Thanks Jim, yeah it does help.
Unless others have a different opinion, that confirms my suspicion I just should not have tried a new razor at that point.

I'll try it again in a couple of days after I let my face recover from the straight.

By all means let your face recover. It sounds like it may have been the straight that hurt your face, not the SS. It's important early on to try to minimize the variables - different razors & blades - and get your technique down. When you're getting close comfortable shaves with your base kit, then it's time to start experimenting.

Good luck.

jim