IDing razor year?

[Warrior372]

I just picked up a stash of 8 DE razors. I think I pinpointed what models they are, but I am having trouble figuring out what year they were made. This can be found utilizing the code on the bottom of the razors, correct? Anyway, I am assuming there are a few of you out there that have done this once or twice. Any help is greatly appreciated.

The first is a Gillette Slim Adjustable with J-1 on the bottom. The second is a Gillette Tech with C-4 on the bottom. The third is an all metal Gillette Super Speed with D-2 on the bottom. It is the only one with the box. The fourth is a metal and black plastic Gillette Super Speed with R-2 on the bottom. The final two are both Gillette 3 pieces. One is silver and the other is copper in color. Neither of them have letter or number inscriptions.

Also, I am new to DE shaving. Which should I try out first tomorrow morning?

Thank you for you help!

 

[SRock]

Welcome! Try any that you like. Any Super Speed or Tech should be a good shaver. One bit of advice though, stick with the same razor and blade for a week or so. Then when you change something only change one variable at a time.

 

[fidjit]

I just picked up a stash of 8 DE razors. I think I pinpointed what models they are, but I am having trouble figuring out what year they were made. This can be found utilizing the code on the bottom of the razors, correct? Anyway, I am assuming there are a few of you out there that have done this once or twice. Any help is greatly appreciated.

The first is a Gillette Slim Adjustable with J-1 on the bottom. The second is a Gillette Tech with C-4 on the bottom. The third is an all metal Gillette Super Speed with D-2 on the bottom. It is the only one with the box. The fourth is a metal and black plastic Gillette Super Speed with R-2 on the bottom. The final two are both Gillette 3 pieces. One is silver and the other is copper in color. Neither of them have letter or number inscriptions.

Also, I am new to DE shaving. Which should I try out first tomorrow morning?

Thank you for you help!

Here's the special decoder ring decoder here http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information :

Hope that helps you out with the ones with the date code.

So:
J=1964 1=1st quarter

The others, post a piccie, B&Bers love identifying razors

As Slagle said, Tech or Superspeed or if you have the self control, even the Slim set at a low ( 1-3 ) setting ( but set it at that setting and DON'T change it ) !

 

[BBrad]

I just picked up a stash of 8 DE razors.

. . . <snip> . . .

Also, I am new to DE shaving. Which should I try out first tomorrow morning?

Thank you for you help!

Oh, yes, that is how it always starts . . . first 8 razors, then 16 . . .

Welcome to our group, Warrior! I can only agree with the advice already given but will underline . . . stick with one razor until you have mastered the art! Then, part of the real fun comes from comparing the performance variables of different razor and blade combinations.

 

[T Rick]

I'd suggest trying the '57 Tech (C4) first. Techs are really mild shavers, and a great platform to learn on.

The '58 Super Speed is probably a TV Special. A unique case (if it has one) and unique knurling pattern on the handle will help identify that (check this thread here for pics). Scroll just past the blue tips for the TV Special Flare Tip.

 

[Warrior372]

I'd suggest trying the '57 Tech (C4) first. Techs are really mild shavers, and a great platform to learn on.

The '58 Super Speed is probably a TV Special. A unique case (if it has one) and unique knurling pattern on the handle will help identify that (check this thread here for pics). Scroll just past the blue tips for the TV Special Flare Tip.

You were spot on with the '58 TV special. The one in your attached thread is identical.

Thank you for everyone's help! It is greatly appreciated.

 

[Warrior372]

Here are pictures of the razors I purchased. The first picture is all of them together, with the Segal and GEM Featherweight on the far right. The second is of the two 3-piece Gillettes without ID letters or numbers. They are identical razors outside of the different finishes. The last is the '65 Slim, '58 Super Speed TV, '57 Tech and '71 Super Speed Black. All for just under $30 shipped! They cleaned up really well too. I just gave them a short bath in citric acid prior to hitting them with very fine steel wool and a nylon brush.