Are the old-type superspeeds all the same?

[FaPat5]

I was wondering, are the old-type Gillette superspeeds (40s-50s) all the same in terms of the shave they give? They look the same to me, yet I have read of people saying that their non-date code superspeed is amongst their favourites, and it just made me wonder whether there is any difference, of whether a 1953 superspeed is exactly the same as a 1948 for example.

[JayKay]

Nope. there are many different types of super speeds. Non date codes, date codes, tan razors, red tips, blue tips, etc. Their exact specs changed over the years from materials to specifications and whatnot. Many of the normal super speeds shave differently such as some having aluminum handles and being lighter. Somebody else will chime in with more info I'm sure. But all it takes is a few micrometers of change in the head and it will become a completely different razor.

[FaPat5]

Its more the original superspeed design I meant, not the ones that came later with the different tips. The ones that look like Ranger Techs and Milords, that kind was what I meant.

[JayKay]

Oh. I dont know much about those. Sorry.

[FaPat5]

that's ok, its an easy mistake to make.

[MTgrayling]

.... whether a 1953 superspeed is exactly the same as a 1948 for example.

As far as I've been able to tell, yes they are exactly the same except for the date code and shave great.

[Roman414]

I don't find any difference between my '48 and my '51 shave-wise.

[bb557]

I have 3 including a '47 and I have not noticed a difference in how they shave(great).

[MotoMike]

Don't the 47's have a straight bar? no notch

[Chevyguy]

I have noticed a difference in head dimensions between the early superspeeds. The flare tip handled razor's seem to be more agressive than the earlier models. My 1968 black handled knack superspeed has a shorter head on it than my 52 black tip. The knack gives a smoother shave and gets under my nose much easier than the 52. That kinda blew me away this morning because it was my first shave with the knack, where as the black tip is one of my favorites.
Clayton

[bb557]

Don't the 47's have a straight bar? no notch

Yes sir, they do, but I have not noticed any difference in the way it shaves compared to the others.

[MotoMike]

Yes sir, they do, but I have not noticed any difference in the way it shaves compared to the others.

right then, my attention to detail failed me yet again

[doc_paul]

Don't the 47's have a straight bar? no notch

Straight bar, no notch?

[bb557]

Straight bar, no notch?

The center bar that positions the blade on the 1947 Superspeeds do not have a notch for catching the blade when loading. From 1948 on, Gillette built these razors with a notch in this bar to "hook" the blade on when loading from their plastic dispensers.