Can anyone date an old Tech?

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 08:04 AM

I found [what I believe is called] the Tech at the local flea market yesterday along with the little SS razor.

Any ideas on how to ballpark the age of the Tech?

(I am still a lost little newbie.)

Thanks,
Christopher

**zatoichi** · 11-25-2007, 08:24 AM

Well, I think that this was the first incarnation of the Tech, starting somewhere in the 1930`s and being produced until somewhere in the 1940`s. Usually, these fat handled Techs don`t have a date code.

**FaPat5** · 11-25-2007, 08:35 AM

I have a Tech just like that with a Bakelite case. Great little razor. Mine is "made in england" but it also has no date code.

**mr-razor** · 11-25-2007, 08:47 AM

The U.S. Tech is from the end 30´s to the end 40´s

**Straight Arrow** · 11-25-2007, 08:51 AM

Two very nice looking razors. They are also two of my favorites. Enjoy them!

**Straight Arrow** · 11-25-2007, 08:54 AM

After looking more closely at the handle of that SS, it looks a little unusual to me. The grip pattern is different than any I have seen before. Maybe Achim can shed a little light.

**A.de.Lioncourt** · 11-25-2007, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Straight Arrow

After looking more closely at the handle of that SS, it looks a little unusual to me. The grip pattern is different than any I have seen before. Maybe Achim can shed a little light.

I do believe that is a 70's model superspeed; the black has just worn off the handle.

**Straight Arrow** · 11-25-2007, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by A.de.Lioncourt

I do believe that is a 70's model superspeed; the black has just worn off the handle.

By golly I do believe you are right. Good eye!

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by A.de.Lioncourt

I do believe that is a 70's model superspeed; the black has just worn off the handle.

How is it a 70s model? It reads "L4". However, the black has worn away.

(Stop confusing the innocent newbie! LOL)

Christopher

**Straight Arrow** · 11-25-2007, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by CJBianco

How is it a 70s model? It reads "L4". However, the black has worn away.

(Stop confusing the innocent newbie! LOL)

Christopher

Gillette was producing these starting in the 60s. I have an N model (1968).

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 09:10 AM

I am confused and off topic. I surrender. LOL =)

Christopher

**analog_kid** · 11-25-2007, 10:06 AM

It depends, does she still live with her parents? Wait...

**mr-razor** · 11-25-2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by A.de.Lioncourt

I do believe that is a 70's model superspeed; the black has just worn off the handle.

I think so too. Krumholz said, that the black handle SS starts at 1969. But I have one from 1966 (L4) and one from 1967 (M3).

**FaPat5** · 11-25-2007, 10:37 AM

The one from 1969 is surely the Gillette Super Adjustable? That had a fully black handle. I don't think they still made superspeeds then.

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by mr-razor

Krumholz said, that the black handle SS starts at 1969. But I have one from 1966 (L4) and one from 1967 (M3).

Do you think it's the same situation as the Fat Boy? I read on the forum the Fat Boy was originally test marketed in 1956, regionally distributed in 1958, but not nationally released until 1959. (Or something like that.)

Christopher

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by A.de.Lioncourt

I do believe that is a 70's model superspeed; the black has just worn off the handle.

Please untwist my mind. Everyone seems to agree it's a 70s model Super-Speed. I know it's a black handle Super-Speed. That's why I bought it. But how can it be a 70s model when it was made in 1966?

(Or is "70s model" synonymous with "black handle"?)

Christopher

**zatoichi** · 11-25-2007, 11:01 AM

70`s is in fact synonymous with black-handled Superspeed.
I know that they were around at least already in 1968, though they could also have been earlier.
So we rather use the term "black-handled 1970`s Superspeed" in order to show the difference towards the 1950`s style handle.
The black Superspeeds were also made in the 1980`s, still it is 1970`s style.
I hope that this could shed a little bit light on the issue.

And by the way, yours looks really good with the fading black colour.

**mr-razor** · 11-25-2007, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by CJBianco

Do you think it's the same situation as the Fat Boy? I read on the forum the Fat Boy was originally test marketed in 1956, regionally distributed in 1958, but not nationally released until 1959. (Or something like that.)

Christopher

the first Fatboy I have ever seen is from 1958. Maybe it gives older Fatboys, but I never have seen her.

**CJBianco** · 11-25-2007, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by zatoichi

70`s is in fact synonymous with black-handled Superspeed.
I know that they were around at least already in 1968, though they could also have been earlier.
So we rather use the term "black-handled 1970`s Superspeed" in order to show the difference towards the 1950`s style handle.
The black Superspeeds were also made in the 1980`s, still it is 1970`s style.
I hope that this could shed a little bit light on the issue.

And by the way, yours looks really good with the fading black colour.

Thank you for the shaving lesson. It explains EVERYTHING. (I am no longer confused...about black handle Super-Speeds, that is.)

And thank you for the razor compliment too. I pretend it's a custom gunmetal finish sent as a Christmas present from my good pal King. =)

Thanks Again,
Christopher

**BroJohn** · 11-25-2007, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by FaPat5

The one from 1969 is surely the Gillette Super Adjustable? That had a fully black handle. I don't think they still made superspeeds then.

I seem to recall Super Adjustables from '68 or so. I think that they were produced until the early 80's based on date codes I've seen. The black "70's" Super Speeds were produced until '84 at least --and possibly later (I had an '84 that I gave to another B&B'er in a PIF).

-- John Gehman