Gillette Super Speed vs Slim

[runswithknives]

I recently bought a Gillette Slim, J3 dated. I haven't gotten it in the mail yet, but I am already starting to consider buying a super speed as well. I found a really clean nice one in a case with a set of original blades... and oh yeah... I got bit by the shiny new razor bug. Every time I see a shiny razor I don't have I feel like I want it.... hehe... I actually have two razors in the mail to me. A Slim, and a Wilkinson Sword Classic. I guess I still need to realize that eBay isn't like a magazine subscription for safety razors.

Okay, back to the point. Does a Gillette Slim cover all the bases and or shave the same way that a super speed would? Would I notice any benefit or difference in shaving with a super speed as opposed to the slim?

Edit: I know there are dozens of posts on the Super Speed here, but I am trying really hard to come up with a way to justify the razor to my wife. She is not happy that I have more than one already.

 

[SteveWY]

Uh oh! You are in trouble now! You are asking a rhetorical question and for the wrong reason but I will try...

Does a Gillette Slim cover all the bases and or shave the same way that a super speed would?
Yes and yes depending on what you mean by "cover all the bases". Both are fine razors that get 'er done and you must have one or more of each. The way they shave, as far a mechanics and outcome, are basically very similar. But some like the style and simplicity of the SS and some like the advanced design and adjustable characteristics of the Slim. Some have said that the Slim or Fat Boy (oh yea, you need one of those too) are essentially every razor in one, mild to aggressive. I have and use adjustables, Super Speeds and Techs and like them all just for variety of shave expereince and enjoying their designs.

Would I notice any benefit or difference in shaving with a super speed as opposed to the slim?
SS over Slim: Mild, simplicity, drop in a blade and forget it.
Slim over SS: Settings of 1-9, most use 3-7. Adapts to skin/beard type, sensitivities, and preferences. Have to determine your setting preference. A minor mechanical design marvel. Enjoy your J-3. Now to the heart of the question...

I am trying really hard to come up with a way to justify the razor to my wife. She is not happy that I have more than one already.
This is not a question of need and utility. You can approach this in a variety of ways (only you know SWMBO). "Justify the razor"? Really? OK, you can go the save money (on disposable cartridges) in the long run route. Or you could ask how many shoes she has for her two feet, make-up and hair brushes, etc. (If you choose this strategy, have a back-up tactical plan that involves an escape hatch, protective gear, etc.) Or you could explain the intracacies of different tools for different jobs (I have more than one screwdriver). Or you could make the important case that you are part of an elite brotherhood who are setting out to aquire and preserve all the vintage razors remaining in the wild for the benefit of future generations in the likely event of the upcoming Shavepocalypse. But really, you can't really can't justify your RAD. Sorry.

Oh, welcome to the B&B!

 

[jb4647]

.....I am trying really hard to come up with a way to justify the razor to my wife. She is not happy that I have more than one already.

This is why I've never marrried....

 

[JonM]

You could always justify your expenses with the old "at least I'l not a car guy" bit. Think of all the money you're saving with your inexpensive hobby!

 

[Chester]

Welcome to B&B!

Well, the slim is adjustable and the superspeed is not, so there's that.

Depending on the superspeed (we have no clue what SS you're looking at), the head profile can be different -- the older 40s style has a rounder head, and the flare-tip has a somewhat flatter head that's similar to the slim.

The weight is different, and the balance point between the head and handle is also different.

You can probably get the slim to offer the same quality of shave as the superspeed, so it's hard to settle a difference that way.

There are plenty of instances where normal people have more than one of a given kind of tool or item -- we might have more than one pair of dress shoes, more than one belt, more than one pair of glasses, more than one Philips head screwdriver, more than one hand saw. Sure, you might be able to go through life with just one, but two or more makes things easier or more enjoyable... you might have two screwdrivers, but one is beat up and more fitting for opening paint cans while the other is more sharp and easier to use on the car, for example. Our lives are full of these seemingly useless duplications, but they work for us.

Just tell her that you need more than one razor so that you can leave one at your girlfriend's place. That'll fix everything.
-= wink =-
-- Chet

 

[Chester]

You could always justify your expenses with the old "at least I'l not a car guy" bit. Think of all the money you're saving with your inexpensive hobby!

As a single guy with four vehicles, I can tell you that these words ring true.
-- Chet

 

[Jakpro]

I solved the "wife" problem.

I answered her interrogation of the necessity of having more than one razor, "I bought this one for you, dear" while handing her the Super Speed Flare.

 

[SteveWY]

Ditto to Chester's remarks!!! Let's look at this in the positive... You don't collect straight razors yet. Do you collect knives, guns, boats, cameras, cars, women, artwork? We get a lot of pleasure out of a harmless and enjoable activity/hobby. I have yet to pay more than $25 for a razor and have maybe $200 total into razors, brushes, soaps, etc. I just recived in the mail today an almost mint 1961 ball-end Tech for $10.50 shipped. I feel like a kid at Christmas! That's is a pretty good investment in my daily well-being.

A suggestion: Buy her her very own shaving brush, floral scent cream, and a Lady Gillette. "See honey, I'm only doing this for you because you are so special!"

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard, I would get both.

 

[PugslyCat]

You should easily be able to get a Super Speed for under $20. If your family finances can't support that, you need to run away from this forum immediately. There isn't a more dedicated band of enablers than the guys here, so any question that starts "Should I buy..." is going to be answered in the affirmative.

 

[runswithknives]

Thanks a lot guys, a lot of very helpful responses. To clarify the SS I was looking at was a flare end, and I think I may go the route of buying it for my wife and saying that I got it for her. A terrific solution for my RAD :-D I didn't know so much about the differences between them. I am thankful for the wealth of knowledge you gentlemen can bring to the table regarding almost any question someone can throw at you.

 

[runswithknives]

You guys are GENIUS. I offered to get her a Lady, and she saw it, and immediately fell in love with it and demanded I buy it for her. Thank you guys so much for solving my "wife problem"

 

[chongo gordo]

You need both. After you get your Superspeed, it will be time to address the issue of completing the set, Red tip, Blue tip, Flare tip, etc.

 

[SteveWY]

Outstanding outcome!!!!

 

[Chester]

You guys are GENIUS. I offered to get her a Lady, and she saw it, and immediately fell in love with it and demanded I buy it for her. Thank you guys so much for solving my "wife problem"

Not to discard what is certainly a hard-won solution (or add fuel to a dying fire), but consider shaving with the Lady Gillette yourself from time to time. It's a great razor, with a head profile that's akin to the 40s superspeed -- albeit with a longer and slightly thicker handle. Every now and again, I return to the Lady Gillette and it's always a pleasing experience.
-- Chet

 

[Robert45]

When I have the need to justify a purchase to the wife, I compare the cost of the item to a meal. Depending on the eatery, compare the cost of a meal, $20-40-60 or more, to the cost of whatever shave product it is necessary that you need to buy.

Whatever the product, she can see that it will last longer than a meal and she settles down (mostly).

 

[CoinToss]

To search B&B when I have a question, I use a bookmarked Google search of mine. (I just add what specifics I'm looking for. This time it was <<SuperSpeed versus Slim>> ) This is the second time I've come across this particular thread, and I find it such delightful reading I thought I'd pop it back to the top of New Posts. I especially like the tactful approaches for defending a new razor purchase to one's wife.

 

[Graybeard57]

There isn't a more dedicated band of enablers than the guys here, so any question that starts "Should I buy..." is going to be answered in the affirmative

In my limited time here, I have found these words to be true.

 

[shavethegray]

When I have the need to justify a purchase to the wife, I compare the cost of the item to a meal. Depending on the eatery, compare the cost of a meal, $20-40-60 or more, to the cost of whatever shave product it is necessary that you need to buy.

Whatever the product, she can see that it will last longer than a meal and she settles down (mostly).

Or going to a movie, or hitting the local bar for a couple of drinks.....difference is, you will still have the razor and be able to use and enjoy it tomorrow and next week. Compared to almost anything else you can name, vintage razors are cheap entertainment.

 

[john shea]

As acquision hobbies go, using DEs must be near the low end of the cost scale.

I have a 1949 SS and it has great build quality and feel. It is a little too mild for me, a lot like a Slim at a low setting. It is hard to nick myself with the SS but I can get irritation from going over the same spot too often.

For a daily shaver, I prefer a Slim set at 7. It is best not to keep changing the setting while learning to use a DE. Newbies often use 3 - 5. Many like 5 - 7.