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The Red Tip, does it work for you?

Just shaved with my 58 Red Tip tonight for the first time in a month and I am stunned at just how effective and smooth this razor shaves. I remember when I first got it it was not a favorite razor, it seemed to be intent on cutting me up, but it was in fact only my poor technique. Later the Red Tip became a part of my daily rotation, where it remains to this day, and based on tonight's shave it ought to be used a bit more often. Don't get me wrong, I love my NEW razors and they still get the Lions share of daily use, but the Red Tip is a great shaver as well.

it has nice balance and weight, is easy to maneuver, and when used in the shallow orientation, gives an excellent and smooth shave. I have two areas that are always troublesome to get BBS smooth without a good bit of finesse. But when using the Red Tip those areas shave much easier. I don't know why this is the case, but I suspect it is the shape of the head and the slightly thicker top cap, that hits these spots just right and cuts the whiskers closer for some reason.

I may bump this razor up in the rotation and use it a bit more often, I know it will dominate the next few days shaving due to the good results of tonight's shave. Anyone else enjoy the Red Tip?

here are a couple of old pics of my Red Tip;
Feel free to post pics of your Red Tip as well.
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It is definitely one of my favorites. I have 2 of them, they are probably used more often than any others in my collection. Very comfortable and very efficient in my opinion.
 
Far from my favorite razor. I really don't care for any of the SS versions. Favorite razors are my R-41, Fatip, early GEM SEs, even my DE89lbl all give me better, easier shaves than the SS's. Sorry.
 
My Red Tip gives a super close shave. I find though that it (like my fat boys and slims) tend to be 'angle of attack sensitive so it keeps me me honest regarding 'no pressure' methodology. I use it in regular rotation.
 
The 56' Red Tip that I have was the very first razor that I ever used, and the one razor over the years that I have used the most.
Handed down to me from my Dad around 1966.
The same razor I used this morning, and it still provides fine shaves, especially with a Feather blade.
 
They are great. I love mine. The key is pressure and angle. It is important to just let the razor do the work and not use too much pressure.

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nemo

Lunatic Fringe
Staff member
I have a small herd of Red Tips and one is always in my rotation. :thumbup1:

 
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I have a '57 Red Tip and enjoy it very much. Just seems to fit my hand well, and shaves like a champ. Nice that you have the case with it.
 
Dionesius3; The Gillette Red Tip Super Speed is my favorite of the early Super Speed Razors. I have a first Year 1955 that I use in rotation with a 1949 Super Speed, a 1951 Super Speed, and a 1954 Flare Tip Super Speed. I would absolutely rank it number one of the four, with the 1954 Flare Tip a close second. Sentimentality plays a part too, as this is my birthday razor, as well as my father shaved with a 1956- I restored it and my keen interests in the early Super Speed razors began with that restoration. I find it to have a nice heft, and the larger diameter makes it easier to control. I certainly am glad that you too enjoy yours as much as I do! God Bless! Tony Brown RN mgbbrown $Gillette 1955 Red Tip Super Speed Razor Date Code A2 Burgundy Case with Ten Blade Blue Blade Dis.jp $Gillette 1955 Red Tip Super Speed Razor Date Code A2 Burgundy Case with Ten Blade Blue Blade Dis.jp
 
I have two 56 red tips. While I don't find them any more aggressive than a standard super speed - my red tips are my favorites. I love the weight and they just seem pretty perfect to me in all aspects.
 
I have a US & made in England. The English one seems a touch more aggressive to me.
Barely any difference in shave between the US red tip & the "mild" DE89.
 
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