Hi All!

[simon1]

I came across this board and decided I'd join. Looks like there is a lot of great information here.

I had been looking for a Gillette twist to open so I could get away from the expensive Fusion blades. Dad always used a Super Speed and that's what I learned to shave with. I went into an antique shop and they had one; it had some soap scum on it (you couldn't read the markings) and still had a blade in it so there was a little rust inside. They also had an old Gillette 3-piece razor that had some green gunk built up on it. As they only wanted $4.50 apiece for them I got 'em both.

Took 'em home and soaked them in scrubbing bubbles for a few minutes and then took a toothbrush to them. That got off 99% of the green gunk from the 3-piece, and the super speed looked almost new! I had also picked up some store brand blades from CVS.

I tried the 3-piece yesterday with canned shaving cream. It went fine but it seemed a little more aggressive than what I remembered DE shaving to be; I got a little razor burn on the neck going against the grain. I use a straight quite a bit and know the effect of blade angle; I'll try and see if I can get a shallower angle on that part next time. I'll also try using my soap and brush I use with my straights.

I used the super speed this morning, again with canned shaving cream, and man oh man...it went so smooth and effortless it was like I had never quit using one. I think Gillette has lost another cartridge consumer.

I don't know anything about the old 3-piece razors, but I'm guessing that the head had a gold plating or something on it at one time or the other that has "left the building." From looking around on ebay I'm thinking that it was made sometime in the 1920s maybe?

Here's a few pics:

 

[tominabox1]

Good Finds! You know you have to get a brush and soap now, so I wont berate you for using canned goo

 

[fishops]

That's an Old Style, looks like most of the finish is gone. If you like it, look for a USA New, they're better shavers in my opinion. I think you know what we're gonna say about the canned goo

 

[amishmotorboat]

nice score. Yes, 20's would probably be about right. The superspeed can be dated by the date code underneath here

I am not one with anything against canned goo. It works, and for me, works flawlessly, even on it's own without showering. There is something about that deep massage of working the lather into your face with your fingers that I enjoy a lot.
However, brushes are nice too, so my routine usually includes both. The goo goes on while I'm in the shower and rinses off last. Then when I'm ready to shave I lather up with a brush and soap.

 

[sodajerk]

Welcome!!

Nice razors! Look through the razor database and other links you'll find here. And, just wait to put that can aside and use a brush and soap/cream!! Your fun is just beginning!! Enjoy your shaves!

 

[mrbear]

Welcome to B&B!

Looks like you've scored a bargain

 

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

 

[simon1]

Thanks guys, looks like some great people here!

Good Finds! You know you have to get a brush and soap now, so I wont berate you for using canned goo

Ummm...as far as the canned goo goes...did y'all miss the sentence where I said I was going to try my soap and brush that I use with my straights the next time I use the 3-piece???

Need to order some more soap from The Gentleman's Quarter...I'm on the last puck now. Got a Vulfix pure badger brush that's a hell of a lot better than the Wally World Van Der Hagen ones.

Oh, and Amish, where are the date codes located? I never payed attention to any of that when I was using them. I looked after I cleaned it up and couldn't find one. The only thing on the inside of the butterfly is PAT. NOS. ON PKG.

On the bottom of the head is REG. US. on the top left, then PAT. OFF. on the top right, then the Gillette logo on the bottom left, then MADE IN U.S.A. on the bottom right.

 

[amishmotorboat]

If there is no date code then it's a 48-50. 47s had no notch on the blade holder, late 50's and onward had date codes, which would be a letter for the year and a number for the quarter.

 

[simon1]

If there is no date code then it's a 48-50. 47s had no notch on the blade holder, late 50's and onward had date codes, which would be a letter for the year and a number for the quarter.

Thanks amish, that's the answer that I was looking for.

Although I like the good prep of shower with conditioner on the beard (or a hot towel ), then hot brush and soap, I usually just use a hot water rinse, then hot water on the brush, then lather up and shave.

For using a straight this usually works well...but it takes about 20 minutes or so, depending on how the passes go and how much touch-up I do. The super speed takes me 5 minutes with that routine and works as well as the cartridges.

I still need to work on the straight shaving (Grandpa used one)...but the using of the DE that I learned on just came back out of nowhere.

 

[BBrad]

Congrats on finding those two razors, and welcome aboard here at B&B.

I see you have had a warm welcome . . . that is so typical here among this great bunch of wet-shaving gentlemen!!

You have already discovered the difference between two great razors . . . just wait until you factor in some different blades, soaps, creams, and brushes!!

Hope you enjoy your shaves, and don't be afraid to ask any of us (or all of us) for any advice and help any time you need us!!

Best regards,

 

[Barbash]

Welcome to B&B