How rare are the steel handled Black Tips?

[T Rick]

Super Speeds, '51 and '52, many if not all (another question, were ALL of them black tips for those 2 years, or were there metal TTO knobs as well?) had the black plastic tip. Most of these that I've seen had the aluminum handles (the only example I'd bought until now does). I find the aluminum a bit light, and would generally choose a steel or brass handled SS over that.

But a co-worker of mine let me know a few weeks back that he shaves with a DE (no clue about this or other sites, just thought he was "old fashioned" I think ). Was having difficulty getting blades (sending him some, along with some sources).

Thing is, I thought it'd be neat if I had a Birth year (quarter) razor for him. So I found out when he was born. Didn't have a thing (turns out he's an X3, Sept. '52).

So I was just gonna PIF a 40's style SS, when I stumbled on a small lot on eBay. Sure enough, there was a Black Tip in the group that turned out to be an X3. Has a steel handle though. (Still in the mail, haven't seen it in person yet). So am I really screwing my collection by sending him this one? Should I look for another X3 razor for him, or another steel handled Black Tip for myself? Just how rare is this razor I'm planning to gift him?

 

[82R100]

I don't think that they're that rare. I had one and sold it and didn't pay (or charge) any particular premium for it.

- Chris

 

[cooncatbob]

Steel was never used by Gillette for their DE razors.

 

[mr-razor]

Steel was never used by Gillette for their DE razors.

you can check it - the handle is magnetically

 

[Straight Arrow]

Yep. I have one. Magnet sticks right to it.

 

[Copierguy]

I've got three black tips; X3, W3 and W4.

X = 46g W = 43g

The W's seem to have aluminum handles.

The X3 will do "Party Tricks" with a magnet.

As you can see, more than the handle can be attracted.

 

[njpaddy]

Here's your basic nickel X-3.

 

[cooncatbob]

Well I stand corrected.
They must be kinda rare as I've never seen a steel Gillette.
They must be well plated to keep them from rusting.

 

[Copierguy]

Like I said, you can do Party Tricks with them.
Much past that, I'm not to impressed with the idea of this type of handle.
I never have been able to get this opening mechanism to smooth out.
I think it is rusting inside the handle. I've flushed and lubed till I'm blue in the face.

I think this was Gillette's first attempt of a "Disposable Razor"...LOL

 

[T Rick]

Thanks guys! I've got a few other 40's SS razors laying around from buying in lots that I've not cleaned up yet (some were forgotten until finding them today). I'll check them closely for an X3 before I send this one, but if I don't have one, I'll ship this one (assuming it functions well- looked pretty clean on the outside anyway).

 

[Pike]

I've got a steel and aluminum black tip hiding around here somewhere...I'll have to have a look...see what the date codes are.

 

[nemo]

I've got one here, steel X2, I never really thought of them as rare.

 

[onebaldy]

Checked mine & have one W-2. Steel handle for certain, magnet sticks like glue. Good shaver.

 

[Slivovitz]

So, as above, a W2 can be steel and X series can be steel. My W4 Black Tip is aluminum. Did Gillette make the two kinds simultaneously in different factories? Were they made for different markets?

Mine is a good shaver. I've got so many good razors now that it doesn't really stand out.

 

[Pike]

As side note: I do believe there are two different black knobs as well...one is made from a sort of plastic, while the other is steel (or brass??) Now I really have to dig mine out and check!

 

[Pike]

My steel BT is a W2 My aluminium one is a W3

 

[T Rick]

My aluminum handle is a W3. As to the non-plastic black tips, if they exist they must be rare. AsylumGuido has mentioned he's heard of them from one or two others, but never seen one himself.

We've theorized here in the past that the black plastic tips were a cost saving effort/experiment. Aluminum (and steel) could well fall into that same category. Seems the steel and aluminum handles are both only found with the black tips. BTW, the plated steel handle would very closely math the weight and feel of the plated brass handle. The aluminum is much much lighter.

 

[garyg]

So, as above, a W2 can be steel and X series can be steel. My W4 Black Tip is aluminum. Did Gillette make the two kinds simultaneously in different factories? Were they made for different markets?

Mine is a good shaver. I've got so many good razors now that it doesn't really stand out.

They were made simultaneously, or at least during the same quarter. I have two W-3's, one aluminum, one steel