Help identifying some razors...

[alexian15]

About the same time I discovered this amazing site, and decided to begin wetshaving, my mother was cleaning out an old dresser and found these two razors. I've been using one of them to much delight thus far. But I have no idea what models they are. They do have Gillette stamped on the bottom, but that's it as far as I can see. View attachment 109855

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Also, any tips on cleaning the top one?

 

[Oldguy]

The first one is a 1958 TV Special flair tip Super Speed. There should be a D under the blade guard.

The second is a 1940's type Super Speed. You need to show inside the razor head and if there is a Letter-Number date code under the guard.

To clean either one soak in hot dish soap water and then clean with a toothbrush. they don't look too bad.

Len

 

[Wingnut]

First, welcome to Badger and Blade!

Congratulations on your find! What you have there are a pair of Gillette Superspeeds: the first one is a flair-tip, of 1950's vintage. Check underneath the head for a date code - it should be a letter and number combination such as W3 - and correlate on the wiki pagehttp://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information to determine the year and quarter of its manufacture.

The second one is also a Superspeed, but of an earlier vintage (1940's - early 50's). This one may or may not have a date code on it. Both are fine razors, but you'll find the flair-tip to be a bit more aggressive than the 40's style. If you're just starting out I'd recommend trying the 40's style at first, since your technique will probably not be the best and a more forgiving razor makes life less bloody.

As far as cleaning goes, the first thing to try is Scrubbing Bubbles, a bathroom cleaner here in the US. It works amazingly well, especially coupled with a toothbrush to get the gunk out of those knurled areas on the handle. Finish it off with some mild polish such as Flitz or Maas, but avoid anything too harsh, as the nickel plating is not very thick on those guys.

Don't forget to get yourself a blade sampler pack from somewhere (Bullgoose Shaving and West Coast Shaving are popular internet sites for these), since DE blades are among the most personal selections in this hobby - the brand of blade may make a HUGE difference in your shaving experience. Once again, WELCOME!

 

[Wingnut]

The first one is a 1958 TV Special flair tip Super Speed. There should be a D under the blade guard.

Len

Good catch, Len, I didn't notice that #1 was a TV special but I believe you are indeed correct.

 

[alexian15]

Wow! Thanks a lot! I really appreciate the welcome, and the information.

I looked under the blade guards, and the 50's Superspeed has a D3 stamped on it, while the 40's Superspeed has a Z1. I'm looking those up now.

Really, thank a lot guys! Now to get to cleaning!

 

[Oldguy]

Good catch, Len, I didn't notice that #1 was a TV special but I believe you are indeed correct.

I actually think I've spent too much time looking at Super Speeds.

Len