First Shave With A Vintage Razor - 66' Flairtip

[Jeff_H]

Bought this on a whim from Above The Tie because it's a birth year for me. I was looking for a Rhodium plated Slim Adjustable and waiting until I found that, but caved on this.

Shaved with it for the first time last night and made a classic mistake that I was afraid of going in, but I did it anyhow (changed more than one factor in my shave routine at the same time). I had been reading about cold water shaves and how much closer some claim they are...and it makes some sense. So, last night I got in the shower, washed my face as usual with warm water and then gradually turned down the hot water until the water was as cool as I could stand it. Got my face cooled down with the water and then proceeded to shave.

The razor felt very good, loaded with a brand new Gillette Silver Blue. Nice and smooth on my cheeks although it felt very light compared to my R89 Grande, but I expected that. Everything was good until I got to my neck. The razor really tugged and struggled to cut...and as a result I got some razor burn, which I haven't had this bad in a really long time. It's hard to say whether it was the razor or the cold water, but I'm leaning towards the cold water. My neck is always tricky, but not like this.

I'll wait until Monday morning to shave again, to give my neck time to rest. I'll load up a new SB and try again....with my normal hot shower/shave routine. Then I'll be able to tell how the razor does. I have a feeling I'm going to like it based on how it cut my cheeks and under my nose, but I need to drive it a few more times. The fun is in shaving with a razor that was built nearly the same time I was born.

The photo's I downloaded from the site I bought it from....need to get new batteries for my digital camera today. Cheers!

 

[Ron Scott]

Funny you mention but I had the same experience during the first two shaves on my '56. Didn't consciously change anything and I now get great shaves with it.

 

[Jeff_H]

I can tell it's a mild razor and pretty darn smooth. I think if I go back to my normal routine and give it a week or so I'll have the angles and technique down on it. I'm really hoping I like vintage Gillette Razors. I want to get a Rhodium Slim Adjustable and a Rhodium Toggle. Ahhh, items to add to the wish list.

 

[ateace]

Beautiful example of a Super Speed!

 

[rxonmymind]

SS are great razors to start out with.

 

[chrisf8657]

How odd I just shaved with my 60 superspeed and a silver blue and had the same tugging feeling but ATG on my neck.

 

[Jeff_H]

Maybe I need to try a different blade in this razor. I followed my normal morning routine today, with a brand new blade. Even though the other blade only had one shave on it, I figured better to hit "reset" and start over with a brand new blade.

Still had the exact same problem. WTG everything was fine. But the minute I even went XTG on my neck the tugging and pulling started.....like the blade was dull. ATG was even worse, even on the 3rd pass. I didn't have this issue on my face, either XTG or ATG. My face was smooth as silk. So, I wonder if it's the weight of this razor vs that of my R89 Grande? That is certainly a much heavier razor.

I'm really determined to like this razor, especially since it's a birth year, but I'm going to have to shave with my R89 for a few days to let my neck heal before I try this razor again. The sharpest thing I have is a Gillette 7 O'Clock Blue, which usually tears me up in my other 2 razors. Maybe it will be the ticket in the superspeed. If not, I may have to go even sharper, like a Feather or a Kai. If those don't work, I guess I'll just have to enjoy looking at it.