There is a Gillette Black Handled Adjustable DE from my birth year on the bay right now that will be $50 including shipping if I bought it. Is this worth it? I would love a birth year razor, but I can't imagine it is THAT rare.....
Birth Year Gillette worth the price?
- Thread starter Kcaps
- Start date
Sounds pricey to me.
What's with everyone wanting "birth year" razors?
I HAVE a Super Speed from 1970 (my birth year) but I never use it because I prefer older razors.
Wp
What's with everyone wanting "birth year" razors?
I HAVE a Super Speed from 1970 (my birth year) but I never use it because I prefer older razors.
Wp
garyg
B&B membership has its percs
Depends on you - but a $50 Super Adjustable would have to be NOS with the packaging, etc. to be worth it to anyone else. In that condition though you may regret shaving with it .. just my 2 cents, I have a couple birth year razors that I overpaid for & might have waited, but I still haul them out for a shave now & then. At the end of the day it is your birthyear & $50.
Have you posted a Wish To Buy thread in the BST?
Save your money. It ain't that great.
Forget about getting a birth year razor. It's pointless. Super Speeds are less expensive, more practical and give a better shave. If you absolutly have to get an adjustable you might want to try a slim. It's a better razor and you'll probably be able to get one in excellent condtion for less. Super adjustables have quality problems. The chrome on the head and the black coating on the handle and adjustment numbers erode and flake off. Most of the super adjustables I"ve seen on garbagebay are corroded and the ones that aren't cost a fortune. BTW: There's no difference in the shave quality between the short handle and the long black handle super adjustable and neither shave that great.
This of course is all a matter of opinion. Many folks here are very fond of the Super Adjustables and feel just as strongly about their choice. I've not seen any significant quality control issues with any of the Vintage Gillettes. Older razors can look rough, particularly if the owner doesn't care for them properly.
I do have to agree that the Superspeed is a great razor.
A birth year razor is a "nice" thing to have, it's kind of cool to be shaving with a razor that was made the same time you were. Just don't get caught up in the romanticism of it and spend more than what you'd spend if it wasn't a birth year razor.
I do have to agree that the Superspeed is a great razor.
A birth year razor is a "nice" thing to have, it's kind of cool to be shaving with a razor that was made the same time you were. Just don't get caught up in the romanticism of it and spend more than what you'd spend if it wasn't a birth year razor.
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I have ONE choice for a birth year razor and i've never come across one. A J3 g1000. Consider yourself lucky, but +1 on $50 being waaaay to pricey
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for all the advice! I just received a couple super speeds in the mail today (one from my dad's birth year) and will give them a shot tonight or tomorrow morning. I have posted a WTB for both a birth year razor (1983) and a cheap adjustable, so if you guys have any or know anyone who does let me know. I will pass on the $50. I guess I will just hope I can find a birth year razor for cheap somewhere!
I was born in 83 also what razors were coming out then?
The Black Handle Superspeed, and the Super Adjustable.
Also a few British models like the G2000 I believe.
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I wouldn't pay extra for a birth year razor. My philosophy is more about functionality and usability. Buy razors you want to use. If you happen to find one made the same year you were, great, but don't go out of your way or pay extra for one. The point is to get a great shave, not match numbers.
But you are limited to the Super Adjustable with the plastic base plate.
Oh, and hank21 is right, Super Adjustables are just terrible, horrible razors. Why just look at this 38 year old example:
And just in case you can't pick up on the QC issues from those photos:
PS, they shave great!
PS, they shave great!
I can weigh in on this since I own 6 black short and long handle Super Adjustables from my birth year (the first 2 quarters had both the long and short handle versions).. BE PATIENT. You can get them in very nice condition for a lot less. Add them to your Ebay saved searches set to email you daily with the results.
As for this one, if it's not mint in the case, New Old Stock, $50 is way too much in terms of value... but it may be worth that much to YOU and if it is, then that's acceptable and fine.
I've used quite a few different Gillette razors, from a 100 year old single ring to a black handle super speed flare tip from the 1980's I think. My favorite razor is a long handle black Super Adjustable. Nothing I've used yet gives me the close, smooth and satisfying shave like it does. Once you finally figure out which setting to adjust it to, it's a very good shave.
Good luck!
As for this one, if it's not mint in the case, New Old Stock, $50 is way too much in terms of value... but it may be worth that much to YOU and if it is, then that's acceptable and fine.
I've used quite a few different Gillette razors, from a 100 year old single ring to a black handle super speed flare tip from the 1980's I think. My favorite razor is a long handle black Super Adjustable. Nothing I've used yet gives me the close, smooth and satisfying shave like it does. Once you finally figure out which setting to adjust it to, it's a very good shave.
Good luck!
I read somewhere on the internet you can use black touch up auto paint for the numbers.
Yes, and black finger nail polish too.
If it's in very good condition I think that's not too bad a price for a birth razor.
I would say it depends on how badly you want one and what you're prepared to pay. I think $50 is reasonable but then again I'm in the UK and we have to dig deep here to pickup even the poorest condition Gillettes.
You could post a WTB in the B/S/T thread as Phil has said and i'm sure someone will come back with an offer.
I did just that and picked up a lovely (U4) '74 Gillettte SuperSpeed w/Black Handle. I then fell even luckier and got some NOS (U) '74 Gillette SuperSilver blades from Mr.Razor.
I'm really happy with my Birthday razor even though it's nothing special in the grand scale of things. But, and here's the kicker ................. it's special to me and more than worth the money to have it available to me.
As always, YMMV
You could post a WTB in the B/S/T thread as Phil has said and i'm sure someone will come back with an offer.
I did just that and picked up a lovely (U4) '74 Gillettte SuperSpeed w/Black Handle. I then fell even luckier and got some NOS (U) '74 Gillette SuperSilver blades from Mr.Razor.
I'm really happy with my Birthday razor even though it's nothing special in the grand scale of things. But, and here's the kicker ................. it's special to me and more than worth the money to have it available to me.
As always, YMMV
If you are set on the romanticism of a birth year razor then sure its worth it. I am also sure you could find one cheaper but if its a must have now, then do it! 
Will it be something you will use or would you fall back on older razors? Sure its a lot for a razor but we arent talking thousands. Would you feel buyers remorse if you spend $50 and never use it? Listen to your heart...haha
Will it be something you will use or would you fall back on older razors? Sure its a lot for a razor but we arent talking thousands. Would you feel buyers remorse if you spend $50 and never use it? Listen to your heart...haha
