Well nuts I did not realize it had the square end caps. My screw up. So I agree you have a very uncommon Gillette. I still believe it's a Rhodium handle etc. Gillette is notorious for using up all parts and cases some times creating late model year set mismatches. They made a square cap flair tip (see pic #4 razor number 7) so they had access in the UK to the non-pointed caps. I guess the evidence suggest someone on the Brit line used a square end cap either by accident or design on a set #80 style razor - yours. Congrats you are the proud owner unique Flair Tip. Cheers.
Best Gillette Rocket?
- Thread starter Doc1911
- Start date
Can't afford to buy them all but I do have a small cross-section of Rockets. A Parat, regular Rocket Flare tip, an HD500, two Giromatic rockets, and a previous #58, which didn't impress me with the shave. I find my Ranger Tech and 47 Aristocrat seem to keep up with the rest of the Rockets pretty well. My favorite rocket is the Parat, which was made in Germany, with a nice case to go with it.
I sold my Parat few years ago and I'm still mad about it. I think the British Rockets like the Red Tip, HD, Parat as well as the #58 and the 4th gen. British Aristocrats share pretty much the same heads. I haven't tried absolutely every version or model, but the ones I've used are very close to each other and the difference isn't that big. I do like the Aristocrats a bit more, because they are more flashy and nice looking.
Thanks, I seem to end up somehow with unusual Gillettes for some reason. Thanks again for the info, you are way more informed than I am. I do have a problem with the handle though, deciding whether or not it is Rhodium plated or is it what the British call a "shiny nickle". It does shine more brightly than my known nickle razors, but seems to be lacking in the "whiteness" that is characteristic of Rhodium. My Rhodium plated comparison items are my 47 Aristocrat and 41 Ranger Tech. Of course, the exact alloys of Rhodium used, could have some variability in the physical characteristics. My shave with this razor was outstanding, good audio feedback, great smoothness of shave, lack of irritation, all hallmarks of the Rocket family.
Thanks for the kind words but I'm no expert just passing along info (right or wrong) that I picked up here over the years from this motley crew. I too luv the various Brit razors. Pat
Is this a Rocket?
It looks like the model on the far left in your picture of 7 different models (pointy endcaps), which does NOT have the rhodium handle. Am I right?
Was this model also sold in the white box as depicted in your first photo, or a different box.
Any comments, opinions or further information about this particular model?
Anything that looks like a Super Speed and it also has a made in England stamp on the bottom part of the base plate is a Rocket. From what I've heard, when the razor's got the name Super Speeds in the US, the British division of Gillette didn't like the name and instead they called them Rockets.
The razor on the right has a II on the base plate, which means that it's a late 50's or early 60's model.
I picked up a nice 1953 Rocket recently, a great deal with a couple of FBT's.
It seems to be this, it's basically an aluminum handled version of the HD. It comes in a shade under 60gms.
It's a fantastic shaver, and somewhat more efficient than my Super Speed 1948. A joy to use.
I have the Rocket bug now.
The mechanism is completely different to the Super Speed. The bottom 3 rings on the handle reveals an extra piece of handle when the head is locked up. Basically the handle gets a little longer or shorter if the doors are open or locked.
Why is it so radically different to the US designs? Were the London Gillette design team allowed technical freedom? Its the same with the EFBT.
I find these design divergences fascinating.
It seems to be this, it's basically an aluminum handled version of the HD. It comes in a shade under 60gms.
It's a fantastic shaver, and somewhat more efficient than my Super Speed 1948. A joy to use.
I have the Rocket bug now.
The mechanism is completely different to the Super Speed. The bottom 3 rings on the handle reveals an extra piece of handle when the head is locked up. Basically the handle gets a little longer or shorter if the doors are open or locked.
Why is it so radically different to the US designs? Were the London Gillette design team allowed technical freedom? Its the same with the EFBT.
I find these design divergences fascinating.
I have the same one. Absolutely fantastic shaver.
I used to own a flare tip, but found it too mild. This rocket HD is very comfy and pretty efficient. Could maybe do with a little bit more umpf but it's so close to perfection. I LOVE it!
Bummer. I dont have a Rocket. I guess its time to go shopping again.
Flare Tip Blue.
Hard to find, from what I've been told.
Hard to find, from what I've been told.
If you can get one of these you won't regret it. Extraordinarily light (29 grams) aluminum, gold anodized, Rocket Light Anniversary 52A set. Highly collectible and a great shaver too.
Rocket Light Anniversary Set 52A
Rocket Light Anniversary Set 52A
In just over a month's time you best believe I will be scouring the pawn brokers in West London for an HD.
This thread was a definite influence on me to use my beloved Red Tip for an amazing shave this morning.
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Man, I want one nowI picked up a nice 1953 Rocket recently, a great deal with a couple of FBT's.
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It seems to be this, it's basically an aluminum handled version of the HD. It comes in a shade under 60gms.
It's a fantastic shaver, and somewhat more efficient than my Super Speed 1948. A joy to use.
I have the Rocket bug now.
The mechanism is completely different to the Super Speed. The bottom 3 rings on the handle reveals an extra piece of handle when the head is locked up. Basically the handle gets a little longer or shorter if the doors are open or locked.
Why is it so radically different to the US designs? Were the London Gillette design team allowed technical freedom? Its the same with the EFBT.
I find these design divergences fascinating.
A bit of history: For a long time in the USA used safety razors were thrown away before and after estate sales because of health concerns (mostly unjustified). Entire contents of shaving nooks and cubbies were tossed. No one would sell an old safety razor.
Imagine the treasures lost. I can't bear the thought of a nice, now rare and highly desired set in the trash.
Oh no, I'm talking about history. Now everyone who sells anything will keep a vintage razor. I can't recall when but someone found a bucket of old Gillette razors, could be someone was selling metal scrap. Must have been 20 pounds worth or more. Was it Fatboys? Razors that people want now for scrap. Egads.Gold-Plated Toggle what-now ?
I remember reading about something very similar to that, possibly from another site...
Sorry if i missed it, but how do you tell a HD Rocket compared to others?
Trying to find one of these without having to spend an arm ad a leg worth.
Trying to find one of these without having to spend an arm ad a leg worth.
Is it against TOS to post a link to another shaving forum? I found a 14 year old post that explains it very well. It's also where the "bucket of razors" story originated. 2 mysteries answered in one search.
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