What's new

Gillette Super Adjustable 109 Acquisition.

Hi all, thought I'd share a few images of my 1970 P2 Gillette Super Adjustable 109 which I recently acquired. Very happy to have it's original cardboard box (in pretty good shape) and the blade dispenser is still clear wrapped! The plastic case is in great nick with a nice clear case top too, so I'm pretty happy with it.
It's my first Super Adjustable so I'm looking forward to giving her a whirl tomorrow for the Sunday shave 😊. Oddly, I was never that keen on this razor when discovered it online, so naturally I bought a Fatboy & Slim first, however since seeing this razor in the flesh I really like it! The Fatboy is probably still my favourite but I prefer this one over the Slim, for design at least.
So my question is what can I expect from it? From my experience the Fatboy & Slim shave fairly similar, for me at least, albeit the Slim feels a hair more aggressive than my Fatboy. Can I expect similar performance from the SA or is it completely different? Normally in my other Gillettes I find the Nacet my go to blade, but I'm considering using an Astra SP for my first go with the SA, not sure?
Anyway hope this post was of interest to someone and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes & health for the new year! Happy shaving gents :thumbup:
IMG-2100.jpg
IMG-2108.jpg
IMG-2107.jpg
IMG-2109.jpg
IMG-2096.jpg
IMG-2116.jpg
 
Last edited:
Beautiful. Fantastic shavers. You will love it. For me they are smoother than the Fatboy or the Slim.
I greatly appreciate your reply WetShaveVet! That's interesting to know that the SA is smoother for you than the others. I hope it'll be the same for me too! I first tried the Fatboy, which gave me the smoothest shave ever, then I got my Slim & I found that a bit disappointing, touch more aggressive & it just didn't feel as good in hand. So I hope the SA will do well for me tomorrow.
 
I predict you'll have a love affair with your long-handled Gillette Super Adjustable. I have, use, and enjoy all the razors you mentioned. My fav is the Super Adjustable, but only by "a whisker."

In fact, I have the short-handled version (P-4, 4th quarter 1970). I like both handles, but some guys with big hands prefer the longer handle. Some guys with smaller hands may prefer the shorter handle. I find the Super Adjustable shaves similarly to the Slim, and that's meant as a compliment. Nice balance. Attractive appearance. Close and smooth shaver.

I have tough "old man" whiskers and thin skin. I use a setting of 5 on the Fat Boy, and a 6 on the Slim and the Super Adjustables, which suggests the Slim and the Super Adjustable are slightly milder shavers than its elder brother.

Good choice. After you shave with it for a week, please report back and share your impressions. Happy shaving!
 
The blade gap on my Super Adjustable on setting 9 is slightly bigger than on my Slim. I'd say that's like having 1-2 more settings, but unless someone is using both razor on setting 9, he probably won't feel that much of a difference. The Slim is definitely better made, but shave wise I like my SA a bit more.
 
I agree with the last sentence in Medivh's post #5 above.

However, I couldn't even dream of using any of the Gillette adjustables on a wide-open setting of 9. Way over the top, and beyond reason for me. But to each his own.

If some people feel they must use a Gillette adjustable on a setting of 9 for their own reasons, why don't they just buy a Muhle R-41, load it with a fresh Feather blade, and do a 5-pass shave while blindfolded? :001_smile
 
Last edited:
I've gone up to 7 on my Slim, and that was a comfortable shave (day and a half's growth). I've only had the razor for a couple of weeks, so I am still finding my way around it. Rest assured, though, I will take it up to 9, probably with a milder blade. ;)
 
I agree with the last sentence in Medivh's post #5 above.

However, I couldn't even dream of using any of the Gillette adjustables on a wide-open setting of 9. Way over the top, and beyond reason for me. But to each his own.

If some people feel they must use a Gillette adjustable on a setting of 9 for their own reasons, why don't they just buy a Muhle R-41, load it with a fresh Feather blade, and do a 5-pass shave while blindfolded? :001_smile


I find almost all vintage Gillette razors to be way too mild and inefficient in general for my taste and I also like to use adjustable razors on their higher settings and it works really well for me with the Pearl Flexi, Slim and the SA. The aggresivnes and efficiency of the vintage Gillette razors pales in comparison to many of the modern razors.

The only adjustable I don't use on max settings is my Merkur Progress, since 3.5-4.5 is more than enough for me and I haven't really thought about cranking it up to 5 to see if it's going to be any better, but maybe I should try it at least once.

I had an R41 (2013 model) and it was a decent shaver, but it was way too uncomfortable and unpleasant for a full 3-4 pass shave and despite it's highly efficiency, I didn't like it that much.
 
I predict you'll have a love affair with your long-handled Gillette Super Adjustable. I have, use, and enjoy all the razors you mentioned. My fav is the Super Adjustable, but only by "a whisker."

In fact, I have the short-handled version (P-4, 4th quarter 1970). I like both handles, but some guys with big hands prefer the longer handle. Some guys with smaller hands may prefer the shorter handle. I find the Super Adjustable shaves similarly to the Slim, and that's meant as a compliment. Nice balance. Attractive appearance. Close and smooth shaver.

I have tough "old man" whiskers and thin skin. I use a setting of 5 on the Fat Boy, and a 6 on the Slim and the Super Adjustables, which suggests the Slim and the Super Adjustable are slightly milder shavers than its elder brother.

Good choice. After you shave with it for a week, please report back and share your impressions. Happy shaving!
I hope I will too! That's great to hear the SA is your favourite, I think it could possibly be mine too, depending on the shave lol.

Your SH SA sounds really nice, could I see a photo? Well regarding handle length when I started my wets having adventure I first purchased the new King C. Gillette. I wasn't looking to get into wet shaving but my local food market sold it and it caught my eye, so I bought it and here I am today. My point was the King C. Gillette has a very long handle, and I liked that, but lately all my other razors Gillette, Rex Ambassador & Fine Accoutrements have all been SH. So I think it'll be refreshing to go back to a long handle for a change.

Thats interesting to know the setting you use, I found the Slim more aggressive than the Fatboy on my "baby face" skin haha. I really appreciate your reply and it's excellent to hear how these razors work differently for everyone, just goes to show your skin type, technique, blade, setting & razor choice really change a shave. For sure I'll keep you all posted of how my shave goes, I will go in with low expectations and see what happens lol. Happy shaving to you too my friend!
 
The blade gap on my Super Adjustable on setting 9 is slightly bigger than on my Slim. I'd say that's like having 1-2 more settings, but unless someone is using both razor on setting 9, he probably won't feel that much of a difference. The Slim is definitely better made, but shave wise I like my SA a bit more.
Thanks for the info! Yes I guess people prefer the handle construction of the Slim over the SA? Personally I find the Slim handle too slim (pun intended lol) it makes it feels to delicate imo. I prefer the Fatboy size & SA. It's cool that you like the SA a bit more than the Slim. Do you have a LH or SH version?
 
I've gone up to 7 on my Slim, and that was a comfortable shave (day and a half's growth). I've only had the razor for a couple of weeks, so I am still finding my way around it. Rest assured, though, I will take it up to 9, probably with a milder blade. ;)
I've only gone up to #7 on my Slim too lol. Great that it gave you a comfortable shave though, that's what counts! Did you use #7 for all passes? I tend to start on 6, then down to 4 and finish on 3.
 
I find almost all vintage Gillette razors to be way too mild and inefficient in general for my taste and I also like to use adjustable razors on their higher settings and it works really well for me with the Pearl Flexi, Slim and the SA. The aggresivnes and efficiency of the vintage Gillette razors pales in comparison to many of the modern razors.

The only adjustable I don't use on max settings is my Merkur Progress, since 3.5-4.5 is more than enough for me and I haven't really thought about cranking it up to 5 to see if it's going to be any better, but maybe I should try it at least once.

I had an R41 (2013 model) and it was a decent shaver, but it was way too uncomfortable and unpleasant for a full 3-4 pass shave and despite it's highly efficiency, I didn't like it that much.
Interesting you should say that you find vintage Gillette razor very mild, because the very first time I used my Fatboy i found it too very mild compared to my Rex Ambassador, which is pretty aggressive... well to me at least. I had to crank the Fatboy up to get the BBS finish, having said that I prefer milder razors as opposed to more aggressive ones. So I completely agree that the vintage ones are milder but for me thats just how I like it haha.

How do you find the Progress? Last year I was considering one or the Mergress, but settled on the Rex Ambassador.
 
I have the long handle version and I like it better compared to the small handle on the Slim. The Progress is an amazing razor and lots of folks love it. My Pearl Flexi is a clone of the Rex Ambassador and most say that both are very similar with the Flexi being a bit milder with at least 2 settings.

I think you will like the Progress, but I doubt that it's going to make you sell your Rex if you like it, but it's a nice razor to have. I've bought mine used and I paid very little for it, which was the reason why i've got it and i'm not disappointed.
 
Did you use #7 for all passes? I tend to start on 6, then down to 4 and finish on 3.

I have been experimenting going up and down between passes (I only do 2: W/X), or just leaving it at a single setting. I seem to be leaning towards choosing a setting for the day/blade, and sticking with it (unless the first pass proves I got it wrong :p ).
 
Hi all, thought I'd share a few images of my 1970 P2 Gillette Super Adjustable 109 which I recently acquired. Very happy to have it's original cardboard box (in pretty good shape) and the blade dispenser is still clear wrapped! The plastic case is in great nick with a nice clear case top too, so I'm pretty happy with it.
It's my first Super Adjustable so I'm looking forward to giving her a whirl tomorrow for the Sunday shave 😊. Oddly, I was never that keen on this razor when discovered it online, so naturally I bought a Fatboy & Slim first, however since seeing this razor in the flesh I really like it! The Fatboy is probably still my favourite but I prefer this one over the Slim, for design at least.
So my question is what can I expect from it? From my experience the Fatboy & Slim shave fairly similar, for me at least, albeit the Slim feels a hair more aggressive than my Fatboy. Can I expect similar performance from the SA or is it completely different? Normally in my other Gillettes I find the Nacet my go to blade, but I'm considering using an Astra SP for my first go with the SA, not sure?
Anyway hope this post was of interest to someone and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes & health for the new year! Happy shaving gents :thumbup:
View attachment 1380263View attachment 1380264View attachment 1380265View attachment 1380266View attachment 1380267View attachment 1380295
One if my favourite de razors and such a brilliant head shaver as it's adjustable, nice weight and long handle too

Imho one of the more underrated razors around

Yea I think it's better then the slim too but t the slim is brilliant too, just goes to show even after all these years Gillette made amazing razors

Btw that's a nice mint condition one you got, how much did it set you back? If you don't mind me asking

I've got a fatboy recently but yet to use it
 
I have the long handle version and I like it better compared to the small handle on the Slim. The Progress is an amazing razor and lots of folks love it. My Pearl Flexi is a clone of the Rex Ambassador and most say that both are very similar with the Flexi being a bit milder with at least 2 settings.

I think you will like the Progress, but I doubt that it's going to make you sell your Rex if you like it, but it's a nice razor to have. I've bought mine used and I paid very little for it, which was the reason why i've got it and i'm not disappointed.
Great to hear info about the Pearl Flexi, pleased it works for you! No I would never sell my Rex, I love it. I'll probably get a Progress one day, once my vintage Gillette obsession has passed haha. Sounded like you got a good deal on it too.
 
I have been experimenting going up and down between passes (I only do 2: W/X), or just leaving it at a single setting. I seem to be leaning towards choosing a setting for the day/blade, and sticking with it (unless the first pass proves I got it wrong :p ).
Sounds a good technique, I'm jealous that you can get away with only 2 passes lol. At least that technique keeps things more simple too!
 
One if my favourite de razors and such a brilliant head shaver as it's adjustable, nice weight and long handle too

Imho one of the more underrated razors around

Yea I think it's better then the slim too but t the slim is brilliant too, just goes to show even after all these years Gillette made amazing razors

Btw that's a nice mint condition one you got, how much did it set you back? If you don't mind me asking

I've got a fatboy recently but yet to use it
I imagine the long handle really helps with head shaving? Yeah I can see that it is bit of an underrated/ underdog razor, its certainly performed excellent for me today. It seems 70 - 80% of people (in the vintage Gillette chats) seems to purely focus on the Fatboy & Slim, don't get me wrong they're excellent but I think the Super Adjustable deserves a bit more recognition.

Re the prices, I'll pm you. But I think i paid a pretty good price for it, considering there were others far more expensive out there with no box and in bad condition. But for everyone else ready I didn't pay over the odds.

You should give your Fatboy a whirl you'll love it I'm sure.
 
  • Love
Reactions: saj
Top Bottom