I think I may have found my new favorite razor.

[rotto66]

I acquired a 1958 (D-4) Red Tip in a trade this weekend and today I used it for the first time and I think I may have a new favorite razor. I was a little nervous before I started because I had read how the Red Tip was much more aggressive than a regular Super Speed which until now has been my favorite razor. I would not call the Red Tip aggressive at all, I would however say it is very efficient and smooth. I paired it with a new Personna Lab blade and proceeded to have my best shave ever. After only 2 passes WTG and XTG I already had a DFS, after the final ATG pass I had a BBS with no touchups necessary and no nicks, weepers or irritation. I used an Alum block to verify my results and had no stinging whatsoever. I'll have to use it a few more times to be sure, but I think my new Red Tip will move ahead of my 40's style Super Speed and my Fatboy on my favorites list.

View attachment 372509

 

[JaxJim]

That's a nice specimen you've got there, Rod. Congrats!

I have a D-1 that's the Heavy model (two + signs on the base plate). Is yours, by chance, a Heavy?

 

[jamesspo]

There are two Red Tips... Heavy and Non-Heavy? I hadn't heard this before. I'll go check out my red tips to see if any have the "+" and if they are any different.

That's a nice specimen you've got there, Rod. Congrats!

I have a D-1 that's the Heavy model (two + signs on the base plate). Is yours, by chance, a Heavy?

 

[Shutterbug57]

+ signs are a red herring.

 

[JaxJim]

There are two Red Tips... Heavy and Non-Heavy? I hadn't heard this before. I'll go check out my red tips to see if any have the "+" and if they are any different.

The ShaveWiki entry isn't crystal clear, but I think the weight difference came about from a change Gillette made to the handles. My Google-fu skills failed me in searching for something more definitive on this.

 

[rotto66]

That's a nice specimen you've got there, Rod. Congrats!

I have a D-1 that's the Heavy model (two + signs on the base plate). Is yours, by chance, a Heavy?

Yes it does have the + signs on the base, but I thought all Red-Tips were "Heavys" because they were designed for heavy beards.

 

[DrumZalot]

Congrats on the Red Tip I have the same razor and it is one of the best. Here is an old post dealing with the + signs.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/108352-Signs-on-Red-Tip?p=1478046#post1478046

 

[JaxJim]

Well, according to the ShaveWiki (linked in my previous post):

• With C-1 production, a new '+' mark under each side of the base plate began to appear.
• There were at least two handle styles, pictured on this page. With C-4 or D-1 Gillette lowered the crimped band above the knob slightly. Probably at the same time, a retaining ring replaced the older cross-head bolt inside the handle, the handle hole grew from 6-mm to 7-mm, and the weight was reduced from 66-g to 64-g.

Apparently there were two styles of handles, with one weighing in two grams less than the other. I recall having read somewhere, but very well may be mistaken, that the + signs on the base plate indicated that the heavier handle was installed.

 

[JaxJim]

Congrats on the Red Tip I have the same razor and it is one of the best. Here is an old post dealing with the + signs.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/108352-Signs-on-Red-Tip?p=1478046#post1478046

Bingo! Thanks, Joe!

 

[DrumZalot]

Bingo! Thanks, Joe!

No problem buddy!

 

[Bobcat]

I just got a new Red Tip and started with it too. Just finished my 4th great shave.

Congrats!

Bob

 

[Mick]

I like the red tip. It's got some heft to it and it shaves well. Nice razor and one that will always be in my rotation

 

[Elevenn]

That's a good looking Red Tip Rotto. You seem to have a knack for acquiring older razors in great condition. I've read somewhere that the Red Tip was the most aggressive of the Super Speeds and comparable to a 4, I believe, on a Fat Boy. I don't have a Fat Boy (yet), so I can't confirm that figure. Maybe someone else can jump in on that; or compare it to a Slim or Super Adjustable. The Super Speeds (Flare Tip, 40's style, and Red Tip) that I recently acquired have all been very smooth, efficient, and non-irritating shavers. I have thoroughly enjoyed them.

 

[nocutsnonicksnoweepers]

Nice Red Tip you have there. I also tend to reach for mine - even though I also have a "hefty" Rocket HD and Fat Boy. The Red Tip is a great, all-around razor.

 

[mistercitizen]

Congratulations on your find! The red tip is a great shaver.

Ben

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Congrats, Always nice to find a good shaver )

 

[Edinburgh]

Congratulations on your find! The red tip is a great shaver.

Ben

It's one of my absolute favorites. It really shines, for me, with an Israeli Personna.