Identification help, pics included

[lowcountry_sc]

First time making a thread with pics, so if I did this wrong let me know...Anyway, here's two pictures of four razors from my local antique store. I really am clueless about razor identification; I just found out that what I was referring to a "fat boy" (because it has adjustable numbers) is probably a black beauty! I'm pretty sure all are Gillette.

Is this enough to make an identification on? Any worth buying if I can get them for 10 bucks (apiece, not individually)?

 

[ironfist]

Gillette Black handled superspeed ,Gillette red tip, i think its a short handled adjustable, Gem Micromatic.

In terms of use id say get the red tip and the adjustable

 

[MacDaddy]

I just found out that what I was referring to a "fat boy" (because it has adjustable numbers) is probably a black beauty! I'm pretty sure all are Gillette.

Right and wrong. What you've got there are, from left to right:

1. a black-handled Super Speed (made from the late '60s through into the '80s)
2. a red-tip Super Speed (made during the second half of the '50s)
3. a Super Adjustable, AKA "Black Beauty" (also made from the late '60s through the '80s, though that particular one would have to be from before '77 since it's got the full-metal head)
4. a GEM open-comb Micromatic (a single-edged razor from the '30s)

 

[lowcountry_sc]

I'm impressed...

 

[michiganlover]

To be technical, I was under the impression the Super Adjustable was only called a Black Beauty when it had the plastic adjustment plate; I could be wrong.

As for pricing, you would have an incredible deal if you could score the Vintage Gillette's for $10 each. The Black Handled Superspeed would usually retail for $15-$20, the Red Tip Superspeed for $25-$30, and the Super Adjustable for $25-$40.

The Gem is probably worth between $10-$20, I would pass on it, unless you want to try something new. The blades for it are still available online, and the Gem Razors have a loyal following (although much smaller than the DE crowd) on this board.

 

[MacDaddy]

I forgot to mention that the Red Tip is missing at least one of its endcaps. Not a deal breaker from a user's perspective, but a little ding against it.

 

[dcobranchi]

The Gem is probably worth between $10-$20, I would pass on it, unless you want to try something new. The blades for it are still available online, and the Gem Razors have a loyal following (although much smaller than the DE crowd) on this board.

I'm one of the SE devotees (shaved with a GEM Featherweight this a.m.) and I'd pass on the Open Comb Micromatic (OCMM). There are many better specimens available for reasonable prices.

 

[PFP_Dad]

All three of the DE's are a good deal. Snag them up and enjoy.

 

[MacDaddy]

To be technical, I was under the impression the Super Adjustable was only called a Black Beauty when it had the plastic adjustment plate; I could be wrong.

Hmm... Not saying you're wrong, but I've never heard anyone make that distinction. I will say, though, that I don't really care for the nickname, so I don't tend to use it a bunch.

 

[lowcountry_sc]

I really appreciate it. Think I might try and snag that Super Adjustable if a fellow B&B'r doesn't want it (he's the reason I went to the shop in the first place.) If anybody wants me to pick up one of them let me know. The price tags say 20, the dealer told me without asking he'd take 15, and I'm nearly positive his daughter will take 10 (it's actually her shop, he gave it to her but still hangs around). I can't do a full PIF especially if more than one person wants one, but I'd be willing to split the cost, making it $5 +shipping. Just let me know.

(Note, if that's against some rule, just let me know and I'll delete my post. I'm just trying to spread the spirit of generosity that I've already benefited from on B&B.)

 

[lowcountry_sc]

One more rookie question: where do you buy blades for these razors? They have a bar running down the middle that renders my modern blades unusable.

EDIT:
This is the worlds dumbest question. Forgive me.

 

[michiganlover]

One more rookie question: where do you buy blades for these razors? They have a bar running down the middle that renders my modern blades unusable.

Any modern DE blade will work in these razors. There are probably nearing 50 different brands available through the web. You local Wal-Mart likely sells DE blades of the Wilkinson Sword brand. If they don't Family Dollar, and Dollar General sell DE blades; typically $1 for five blades.

All modern blades have a slot cut in the middle that will slip right over the bar running down the middle of a Twist To Open Razor (which is what Superspeeds and Gillette Adjustable are).

 

[michiganlover]

Here are a couple of popular vendors, so you can get a feel for the vast array of brands and pricing of DE blades available:

http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/razorblades.html

https://www.westcoastshaving.com/Razor-Blades_c_7.html

 

[lowcountry_sc]

I just went to my razor box and pulled out one of my razors...I've changed the blade ten times already, and was thinking that they just had three holes in them. Nothing like displaying your ignorance for everyone to see

 

[michiganlover]

I just went to my razor box and pulled out one of my razors...I've changed the blade ten times already, and was thinking that they just had three holes in them. Nothing like displaying your ignorance for everyone to see

The original Gillette blades had only 3 holes in them. The DE blade design has been pretty much standardized since the early 1930's when the Gillette New came out.

 

[lowcountry_sc]

oh, the shame...