40's style SS technique tips - anyone?

[Duggo]

I just took my first foray into the Vintage razor "market," and I bought off Ebay a 48/49 SS. I haven't even sterilized it yet, and I want a Fatboy.

(Is this how RAD begins?)

I digress...

I'm moving from a Long Handled Classic to a Super Speed. ('48/'49) I was wondering if someone could tell me about what shaving angle to use; or any other information you might think I might find useful.

Thanks.

 

[apino]

I don't have a 40's SS but I've used other vintage TTO Gillettes. And I have the Long Handled Classic (assuming you are referring to the Merkur 23C)?

I don't know if there are any technique tips other than finding the right blade angle and grip that suits the shaver in question. The Merkur seems to be very forgiving on angle and I doubt the SS is that much different. They are said to be very smooth and easy shavers. I would suppose the biggest difference you will notice is the length of the handle.

 

[Go West Young Man]

It's more of a 'feel' thing than anything that can be described in writing. Just be conservative for the first few shaves, accept that it'll take you a few days to find the right balance and angles and don't try to chase BBS from Day 1.

 

[miamimoe]

It's more of a 'feel' thing than anything that can be described in writing. Just be conservative for the first few shaves, accept that it'll take you a few days to find the right balance and angles and don't try to chase BBS from Day 1.

+1 on these comments. I have and love a 40's SS. It will take you a few days to get used to it, and I would start with a medium sharp and forgiving blade such as the IP or a Crystal +. Once you get the hang of it, you will find that it pairs beautifully with very sharp blades like the Feather or Iridium. Let us know ow you do.

 

[Duggo]

+1 on these comments. I have and love a 40's SS. It will take you a few days to get used to it, and I would start with a medium sharp and forgiving blade such as the IP or a Crystal +. Once you get the hang of it, you will find that it pairs beautifully with very sharp blades like the Feather or Iridium. Let us know ow you do.

In what category would you place a Bic DE blade and a Derby? Opinions? I know, past performance is no guarantee of future success.

Thanks for all the comments.

 

[Legion]

Load a blade and have at it. The technique really isn't that different from what you are used to. Just give it a go. The 40's SS is a forgiving razor. By the third pass you'll have the hang of it.

 

[_JP_]

Let us know ow you do.

"Ow" indeed!

 

[Rumbaldi]

Just relax and have fun figuring it out. Its all part of the "journey".

 

[RILEY]

The 40's SS is a V.W on a Ferrari chasis

 

[miamimoe]

In what category would you place a Bic DE blade and a Derby? Opinions? I know, past performance is no guarantee of future success.

Thanks for all the comments.

I have not used the Derby or Bic, so no comment. Just give them a try. If you keep to the basics-prep., lather, the all important angle and pressure, you should do fine.

 

[mdevine]

The '40s Superspeed is my favorite razor. For me, it was the easiest to find the right angle. I have ten razors in my rotation and the SS gets used much moer than anything else.

 

[stellarfly]

I have used both Bic and derby for a while and I have found that BIC is much more sharper than Derby. But I feel that Derby lasts longer and can get more shaves per blade.

But now i use Feather blades. Feathers are much more sharper but if used with correct technique they are butter smooth. I was scared to try feathers because of all the hype. I was wrong and I wish I would have tried feathers sooner. Better late than never I guess. Derby blades feel dull compared to feathers.

Thats all I know for now.

Cheers!