Just received my 1st vintage "birth year" razor - '53 Gillette Super Speed! 
I found a similar razor on B&B Hobbyist Techichi's website and realized I'd seen his name on B&B. His description and photos showed a little wear on the plating on one of the safety bars so I shot Techichi a PM and explained I was looking for a birth year razor to keep and that I wouldn't mind sending it out for replating. I asked if this one would be suitable.
He replied almost immediately and said the one in the photos had some scratches and while it would be a fine shaver, he wouldn't recommend it for replating. He also asked what month I was born in. Shortly after replying I received a PM back stating he had a birth year and quarter (Y2) available that would be a better candidate for replating for the same price. He offered to send photos.
I advised that it wasn't necessary based on his excellent reputation on B&B, and that if he said it was good to go then that was good enough for me.
Well to make a long story short, the razor he delivered wasn't what I expected. It was much nicer! I can't believe this is a 60 year old razor.
I'm simply going to use it and if at some point it becomes necessary, I'll replate it so I can pass a perfect 40's style Super Speed on to my son.
Unfortunately, the razor arrived in the mail today and I'd already shaved as I wasn't expecting it until at least Monday, so now I'll have to wait until tomorrow to use it and write a first shave report.
Thanks to B&B Hobbyist Techichi.
I found a similar razor on B&B Hobbyist Techichi's website and realized I'd seen his name on B&B. His description and photos showed a little wear on the plating on one of the safety bars so I shot Techichi a PM and explained I was looking for a birth year razor to keep and that I wouldn't mind sending it out for replating. I asked if this one would be suitable.
He replied almost immediately and said the one in the photos had some scratches and while it would be a fine shaver, he wouldn't recommend it for replating. He also asked what month I was born in. Shortly after replying I received a PM back stating he had a birth year and quarter (Y2) available that would be a better candidate for replating for the same price. He offered to send photos.
I advised that it wasn't necessary based on his excellent reputation on B&B, and that if he said it was good to go then that was good enough for me.
Well to make a long story short, the razor he delivered wasn't what I expected. It was much nicer! I can't believe this is a 60 year old razor.
I'm simply going to use it and if at some point it becomes necessary, I'll replate it so I can pass a perfect 40's style Super Speed on to my son.
Unfortunately, the razor arrived in the mail today and I'd already shaved as I wasn't expecting it until at least Monday, so now I'll have to wait until tomorrow to use it and write a first shave report.
Thanks to B&B Hobbyist Techichi.
I have the same razor, a Y3, and 60 years later it works as was designed. With a sharp blade like a Feather or Personna these are excellent shaving tools! Cheers, Joe
