1979 Super-Speed. First impressions.

[HUF]

Bought a like new Z1 (1979) Gillette SS on eBay. It has a black handle. The first impressions are mixed. It is a well-engineered razor (the head has less parts compared to 40's SS, no soldered end caps). The blade aligns PERFECTLY when it is secures unlike it does in a Tech. The head geometry is very similar to one of the Tech. It is very light razor -47.3 g compared to 59.3 for 1953 Tech. The head is stamped from 1.00 mm thick sheet-metal compared to 1.25 mm for Tech. The painted black handle is most likely made of aluminum for cost-saving... So, I would say Tech feels more substantial. The shave was nice - no weepers with a new Personna Blue blade. This little razor may grow on me, but I really do not understand why people pay hundreds of dollars for say, Aristocrat which comes with very similar head and construction.

View attachment 386215

 

[rotto66]

Although I do not have an Aristocrat, I do have several Super Speeds including a Red Tip, Flare Tips and 40's styles and I would say they are all of better construction than the black handled Super Speeds manufactured in the 70's and 80's. In fact my 2 favorites razors are my Red Tip and my 40's style Super Speeds. I do have a black handled Super Speed but I plan to sell or trade it soon because for me it does not shave as well as the others.

 

[HUF]

Are the older super speeds more aggressive than the black handle?

 

[rotto66]

The Flare Tip and 40's style are both a little more efficient or aggressive than the black handle Super Speed and the Red Tip is extremely efficient but still very smooth.

 

[Jeff_H]

The difference between a 79' Super Speed and an Aristocrat is like the difference between a V6 Mustang LX and a Shelby GT w/a 351 Cobra Jet engine. They may have the same basic body style and maybe even the same frame, but performance is where they differ....and beauty. It's all in the eye of the beholder however. Some are perfectly happy with the LX and 60% of the looks and performance....for the price. Some would rather pay 10 times more for that extra 40% looks and performance.

Whichever one works for you is right.

 

[NingYupOwaDat]

The blade aligns perfectly in my Tech, I think that is just a problem with random razors.

 

[bryan1980]

I also have a black-handled SS (from '73), and there is a notable difference in feel between it and either my flare-tips or my 40's-style. The 40's-style in particular feels much more substantial, IMHO. As far as the shaves go, I also have to give it, and the flare-tip, the nod over the black-handle, as well. YMMV and all that jazz, but that's the way it is for me.

 

[HUF]

The blade aligns perfectly in my Tech, I think that is just a problem with random razors.

What year is your Tech?

 

[MicBaldy]

I really do not understand why people pay hundreds of dollars for say, Aristocrat which comes with very similar head and construction.

Either vanity, or someone is a collector and wants a razor thats more rare.

 

[Foyle]

Yep, the blade aligns perfectly in my Tech too.

As to why one would buy an Aristocrat verses a Super Speed: it's the same reason one might buy a Lexus over a Honda. Both cars will get you to your destination in the same amount of time and comfortably. The Lexus is more luxurious, but you aren't better off when you arrive in a Lexus than you would be in a Honda.

Besides, you're talking to people who have taken up DE shaving as a hobby. It's all part of the fun.

 

[HUF]

Yep, the blade aligns perfectly in my Tech too.

What year? I am just curious what people mean by "perfectly" It should have no play whatsoever and aligned evenly right before it is completely secured. That what I call perfectly. Jagger works like that.

 

[fuzinboston]

Good to hear - I've been searching for a Z1 for a bit now and just find eBay's prices absurd in most cases. Yours sure does look beautiful though!

 

[Foyle]

What year? I am just curious what people mean by "perfectly" It should have no play whatsoever and aligned evenly right before it is completely secured. That what I call perfectly. Jagger works like that.

Pre-war Canadian Tech. I've also owned pre-war Americans and 50's Ball End Techs. Never had any trouble with blade alignment on any of them.

 

[HUF]

Pre-war Canadian Tech.

Pre-war and Canadian could be different.

 

[Foyle]

Triangular slots, no date code, and Canadian.

 

[HUF]

I need to get one and compare.

 

[demaro]

My everyday razor is a 1978 black handled ss that belonged to my Godfather.. It always gives me a bbs shave..

 

[HUF]

Pre-war Canadian Tech. I've also owned pre-war Americans and 50's Ball End Techs. Never had any trouble with blade alignment on any of them.

Many do not realize the blade is not centered/aligned. Just before the handle is tightened (say 1/8 turn before) grab the frame and see if you can move the blade a bit in shaving direction. A good head will eliminate any play while you are tightening the handle. Jagger does, black handle SS does that too. A US 1953 Tech does not do that. Try and you'll see.

 

[NingYupOwaDat]

What year is your Tech?

I have a 50's English Tech and by perfectly I do mean that there is absolutely no play on it.

I have never actually heard of people having this problem on Techs, or many vintage razors at all to be honest, mainly just Merkurs.

 

[HUF]

I have a 50's English Tech and by perfectly I do mean that there is absolutely no play on it.

I have never actually heard of people having this problem on Techs, or many vintage razors at all to be honest, mainly just Merkurs.

I do not have an English Tech to check it out. Looks like I need to take and post a short video to SHOW what I mean. I few people did not even realize their razors were not perfect until I showed how unevenly the blade was exposed.