Black Handled SS: a great mild shaver

[Wingnut]

I trolled some antique stores when I was in Greenville, NC yesterday and bought two older Gillettes: a 40's style Super Speed which is in need of some pretty major clean-up, and a U1 (1974) black handled SS. Total cost: $8.00 ($6 for the older SS and a whopping $2 for the black handled one).

I gotta say, if any of you out there prefer a milder razor that is in pretty good supply for a cheap price, you can't go wrong with one of these younger-vintage SS's, AKA the "Little "Black Beauty". I cleaned it up and polished it last night and just got done with an absolutely great, irritation-free 3 pass + touchup shave, resulting in near-BBS, all without the slightest hint of razor burn, and this is coming from a guy who has only been shaving with a DE for about 2 months now. It's not quite as agressive as my other flare-tip SS's, but not quite as mild as a blue tip (at least according to the shave wiki). For me, it hits the sweet spot perfectly - I'd equate it to a Slim dialed down to about a 3 or so.

All this, and it only cost two bucks! What's not to love?! Once again, I've got ta ask: Why would anyone need anything more than this from a razor, and why the heck did Gillette ever stop making these things? (I know, I know...)

 

[Stubblefield]

I personally feel that of the later designs (after 1940) the Super Speed is one of the best performing razors out there.

 

[BBrad]

The black-handled Super Speed is one of the best values going in vintage razors. They are still affordable and available in reasonably good condition.

Like everything else in this world, the later ones suffered from "cost containment" issues . . . they feel a little lighter and are more prone to plating deficiencies. If you find one from the late '60s, it will generally clean up nicely and shave like a million bucks . . . all for a reasonable price!

 

[Copierguy]

I used a black handled SS last summer to avoid irratation and sweating...worked great.

 

[Abyssos]

Black handled SS are my favorite DE razors

 

[Darjeeling Express]

I feel the same way. These are terrific shavers. If you are looking for a great shave, you need look no further.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

There's one up for grabs from a great member.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2025011#post2025011

 

[Dustinl]

The black-handled Super Speed is one of the best values going in vintage razors. They are still affordable and available in reasonably good condition.

+1

I keep one in my rotation and shave with it on a regular basis. Excellent razor!


DL

 

[K.T.]

My dad had one that my brother and I played with as kids. I never thought in a million years that I'd be wet shaving, but when I started I remembered that razor. I think it might be in storage. I hope I didn't throw it out!

How does the black handled SS compare to the Tech in terms of agressiveness? I love the smoothness of the Tech, but it's a little too mild to be my everyday razor.

Great to hear the black handled SS does it for you!

K.T.

 

[JoshD]

I just picked up a black handle SS today also. I think it is in great condition. I am glad you found one for so cheap, I found this one for under $10. But yours is a great buy!

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Josh