Gillette SuperSpeed 1948-9. First Shave And Impressions By A 'Newbie'

[CaerMooman]

Gillette had mastered the safety razor by the time we got the superspeed.
They arrived at the conclusion of mild AND efficient was the way to go.

Safety razors almost became extinct with the disposable razor years .. and the last few years we've seen the revival of the double edged blade again. From the macho need from newbs for 'aggressive' razors with big blade gaps and reputations of accidental decapitations to make shaving a masculine activity .. things seem to finding the optimum balance which is mild and efficient again.
The old Gillette's had it sussed 80 years ago.

 

[Captainjonny]

Does anyone know where the "Superspeed" name came from, or why Gillette gave it that name? After using my '48 for a few weeks, I found it to be very easy to give myself a very quick shave, due to the razors lightness, agility and ease of use. I suspect it was a time saver to use when compared to previous 3 piece razors, due to the TTO feature and ease of shaving, thus making for a "super speedy" shave.

 

[VBH37118]

Does anyone know where the "Superspeed" name came from, or why Gillette gave it that name? After using my '48 for a few weeks, I found it to be very easy to give myself a very quick shave, due to the razors lightness, agility and ease of use. I suspect it was a time saver to use when compared to previous 3 piece razors, due to the TTO feature and ease of shaving, thus making for a "super speedy" shave.

Hence the speed in the name lol

 

[Alum Ladd]

Does anyone know where the "Superspeed" name came from, or why Gillette gave it that name? After using my '48 for a few weeks, I found it to be very easy to give myself a very quick shave, due to the razors lightness, agility and ease of use. I suspect it was a time saver to use when compared to previous 3 piece razors, due to the TTO feature and ease of shaving, thus making for a "super speedy" shave.

I believe that the name came from a combination of factors, the TTO action coupled with the introduction of the new 'Speed Pak' 10 blade razor dispensers. The little hooks on the central bar of late 1947 and all 1948 and subsequent Super Speeds were meant to facilitate fast blade loading, without having to manually handle the blade. The user pushed the blade out a little with the thumb and hooked the blade into the razor for rapid loading. It all made for a more efficient, faster shave.

From the superb Mr Razor site, an outstanding resource.

 

[FairlySlow]

Greetings colleagues. I do hope our friends from the United States are enjoying a pleasant Thanksgiving Day!

Recently I received a wonderful PIF from @nemo, a 1948-9 Superspeed in superb condition. I only had to pay a modest shipping fee to the UK.

I have long been fascinated by the classic Gillette TTO models, which to me mark the 'golden age' of U.S razor design, and almost emblematic of DE shaving, especially in film and classic TV advertising of the 50's and 60's. I was asking around the site wondering if there was an affordable and efficient clone or copy made today, when nemo very kindly reached out. As a result I was able to experience at first hand this classic.

I'm aware that many members own a Superspeed or variant. I just thought it might be interesting to discuss using one from the perspective of a relatively new DE shaver, and one who had never actually seen or handled any of the 40-60's Gillette TTO razors before. Familiarity can, inevitably over time somewhat diminish the magic of owning and using something special. I may well be wrong on that, but I just thought that a post describing handling and using one of these masterpieces of design and wonderful fusion of incredible build quality in mass production might be amusing.

A 1948 Superspeed Compared To A Short Handled Edwin Jagger DE89 'Kelvin'.

View attachment 1368296

My first surprise was how delicate and ergonomic it is. The EJ89 'Short' is both heavier and feels more 'clumsy' than the Superspeed.
Don't get me wrong, I do love the feel of the 89, with it's excellent head geometry, but the Superspeed looks and feels more modern.
Obviously my 72-3 year old S/S is not chrome-shiny like my Kelvin (according to the inspection label, it left EJ's in Oct 2020, and I do believe I bought the very last one on Amazon) but this S/S left the factory in Boston MA in a lovely subdued nickel finish, and apart from the smallest wear on the handle where the brass is visible in one point the finish is still 95% factory fresh.

I was also surprised at the delicacy of the handle. It is Pencil-thin, with a lovely subdued but efficient knurling pattern. In contrast the EJ handle is somewhat heavy and almost clumsy by comparison. The S/S balance point is wonderful, precisely at the handle neck where the knurling begins. The handle length of the S/S is just over 80mm, where the EJ's Kelvin handle is 76mm. Oddly though, visually the S/S handle 'looks' somewhat longer. Odd.

The EJ89 comes in at 60gms, which is considered a somewhat light razor. Well imagine my surprise when I weighed the S/S. 54gms! I did think 'old' technology had to be bigger, heavier, more clumsy..nope, this was turning my expectations round on their head. The head is a engineering bloody masterpiece. The knurled bottom cap takes just over two turns to open the doors. A saw a modern TTO reviewed on YouTube that took six turns to open! I forget the brand (mercifully). Everything locks up lovely and tight, and opens evenly and sweetly. the butterfly doors oddly reminded me of a B-47 StratoJet's quick-acting bomb bay doors that I saw on a Aviation documentary a couple of weeks back. Sorry, but I am a tragic Aviation nerd. Funny, but they were test flying the B-47 over California the same year my S/S was made. I do like to think it is a 1948.

Enough Talk! Do The Shave
View attachment 1368302

Well, for my new best friend I thought I would get out all (and my only, for now) 'classy' stuff. The Castle Forbes Lime shaving cream, Simpson's No.1 badger, and a rather pleasant lime Sec cologne, which complements the Castle Forbes nicely. (The mother of all hat tips to @Cal for the software!)

With the SuperSpeed, nemo had very kindly added some Gillette S/B and a Spoiler. However, I decided to hoard them (for now) and instead broke out another item I had not used before, an Israeli Red. I took it out of it's waxed paper, and instantly realised that top-tier blades also look the part. This looked steely and competent. My first sharp high end blade. I was certainly going to town today.

So I loaded up the SuperSpeed, (I love that centre bar, with the little notches. To grab the blade straight from the dispenser pack. The first razor 'system' I suppose. Real Jet-age stuff!) Cool. The doors twisted shut in perfect alignment. The blade exposure and alignment was perfect. The feeling of build quality and sheer sense of design perfection coming from that 54gm piece of nickel coated brass was beautiful.

As was the first caresses of the Simpson's brush as I lathered up for pass number one, after a thorough face wash and beard hydration. I had about a two and a half day growth. First pass NS, just mowed everything down basically. The Superspeed is not a 'mild razor'. Instead it inhabits some razor sweet-spot, where shave results depends entirely on the efficiency of the blade and the technique of the user. The I/P showed me a new level of blade sharpness and it's very smooth, I thought. I was about 90% done.

2nd Pass XTG, again, highly efficient blade married with an amazingly ergonomic razor with awesome handleability. The head I found to be very easy to use under the nose, and in the upper lip area.

3rd Pass NS, again, effortless and highly efficient in cleaning up the last pockets of hairy resistance.

An amazing shave with some amazing gear. A whole new experience. My deepest thanks to all who made it possible, and to all on B&B. An honour to be among you all.

I have yet to use mine. I have one used and one brand new in the case never used. I also have most of the us variations. I really like them and they all have held up well for there age. My wifes younger brother wants me to teach him to shave. He’s basically my brother as well. And im debating what to give him as a first razor. Should i give him one of my cheap modern ones like I started with or should i start him with a SS? Just wondering what you guys think

 

[VBH37118]

I have yet to use mine. I have one used and one brand new in the case never used. I also have most of the us variations. I really like them and they all have held up well for there age. My wifes younger brother wants me to teach him to shave. He’s basically my brother as well. And im debating what to give him as a first razor. Should i give him one of my cheap modern ones like I started with or should i start him with a SS? Just wondering what you guys think

Super speed of course, he will thank you later.

 

[Alum Ladd]

My wifes younger brother wants me to teach him to shave. He’s basically my brother as well. And im debating what to give him as a first razor. Should i give him one of my cheap modern ones like I started with or should i start him with a SS? Just wondering what you guys think

The best intro to DE shaving is the Super Speed! (With the Tech)

Used mine just last night. Always a pleasure to experience it. Gave a excellent shave as always.

It's so good looking and cool in it's operation and gives a superb forgiving but efficient shave. Fantastic tool to learn great technique. A Super Speed also piques interest in vintage TTO's.

Pretty sure your brother-in-law will be hooked on DE shaving and vintages after.

 

[Chef455]

I have yet to use mine. I have one used and one brand new in the case never used. I also have most of the us variations. I really like them and they all have held up well for there age. My wifes younger brother wants me to teach him to shave. He’s basically my brother as well. And im debating what to give him as a first razor. Should i give him one of my cheap modern ones like I started with or should i start him with a SS? Just wondering what you guys think

Love my Superspeed, but everyone needs a Tech.

 

[FairlySlow]

Super speed of course, he will thank you later.

I just want him to take care of it thats what worries me

 

[FairlySlow]

The best intro to DE shaving is the Super Speed! (With the Tech)

Used mine just last night. Always a pleasure to experience it. Gave a excellent shave as always.

It's so good looking and cool in it's operation and gives a superb forgiving but efficient shave. Fantastic tool to learn great technique. A Super Speed also piques interest in vintage TTO's.

Pretty sure your brother-in-law will be hooked on DE shaving and

The best intro to DE shaving is the Super Speed! (With the Tech)

Used mine just last night. Always a pleasure to experience it. Gave a excellent shave as always.

It's so good looking and cool in it's operation and gives a superb forgiving but efficient shave. Fantastic tool to learn great technique. A Super Speed also piques interest in vintage TTO's.

Pretty sure your brother-in-law will be hooked on DE shaving and vintages after.

That seems to be the consensus so far. It would be cool to get him into them as well. I have fell in love with them and he looks up to me so he just might go for it. And i just happen to have a spare one thats used in the collection anyways so it works out

 

[FairlySlow]

Love my Superspeed, but everyone needs a Tech.

You mean like a ball end tech? I have yet to add any of them to my collection. I worry because they always seem to have cracks. Are they good?

 

[VBH37118]

I just want him to take care of it thats what worries me

If you teach him how to shave with it the right way he will enjoy and take care of it, just stands to reason

 

[VBH37118]

You mean like a ball end tech? I have yet to add any of them to my collection. I worry because they always seem to have cracks. Are they good?

I have two ball end techs, a 1940’s in gold and a 1960’s one in chrome both shave nice but are very mild compared to the 1948 super speed I sometimes use

 

[VBH37118]

I have two ball end techs, a 1940’s in gold and a 1960’s one in chrome both shave nice but are very mild compared to the 1948 super speed I sometimes use

Sorry forgot to add, the two ball end techs and my 1920’s ball end old type are without any cracks or issues, they can still be found in just about mint condition

 

[FairlySlow]

If you teach him how to shave with it the right way he will enjoy and take care of it, just stands to reason

Thats true. I just know his habits haha ill keep an eye on him

 

[HoosierTrooper]

You mean like a ball end tech? I have yet to add any of them to my collection. I worry because they always seem to have cracks. Are they good?

The ball end Tech handles do not crack, you’re confusing them with the Old Types.

 

[FairlySlow]

The ball end Tech handles do not crack, you’re confusing them with the Old Types.

Maybe I am. I just see them listed on ebay as a tech so i went with it. Thanks for the correction

 

[BAMX]

Ball End Tech or Pre-war tech. I can say with 100% confidence that the Tech should be like...the rite of passage into the DE world. Once a person becomes proficient with the Tech, you can explode from there lol

 

[DesertIguana]

Ball End Tech or Pre-war tech. I can say with 100% confidence that the Tech should be like...the rite of passage into the DE world. Once a person becomes proficient with the Tech, you can explode from there lol

If you using an Old Vintage Gillette, and getting results your happy with do you need a SUPER RAZOR?

Maybe I am thinking wrong but before there were the New Hyped Razor people were getting great shaves eith Vintage Gillette’s.

Want more out of your Vintage? Go to better Blade.

JMHO

 

[gpjoe]

Maybe I am. I just see them listed on ebay as a tech so i went with it. Thanks for the correction

Yep. I've seen lots of Gillette razors incorrectly described on Ebay as a "Tech". Most of the time it's the seller just not knowing, though sometimes I suspect that these are razors from estate sales that are in the wrong boxes which misleads an uninformed seller.