Looking for advice in buying vintage Gillette

[memoryleak]

Morning fellas!

I'm looking "across the street" so to speak at either of these two:

http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=177

http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=176

Any thoughts?. I want to add a Gillette to my neophyte collection/rotation because,

1) My first shaves were on my Dad's adjustable G back in the mid/late 60's, so it's kind of a remembrance thing.
2) I just want one to see what all that's chatter regarding SS's about.
3) AD, what AD?

My limited understanding would put these two in the 50's -> 60's ?.
Also I understand The Queen of Blades is a good person to deal with.

If any of you have something similar in B/S/T lemme know as well.

 

[Above The Tie]

Both can give you a good shave. I have used both and they worked well for me. Of the SS razors the 40's seem to give me better shaves. The absolute best of he bunch IMHO is the 1941 Ranger Tech the father of the super speeds. This razor also has a very interesting history. Either way you can't go wrong with a SS. Every wet shaver should have at least one in their arsenal.

 

[T Rick]

The first is a 40's style Super Speed (though it was made in the 4th quarter of 1951). These were made through the end of 1954 (debuted in 1947).

The second is a 50's style Super Speed, though it was made in the 4th quarter of 1963. These were made into 1966 (debuted in 1954, there was overlapping production of the two styles that year).

Like above, both great shavers. The prices look reasonable for condition from what I can see in the pics (do they include shipping perhaps?).

Might have a look here on B&B at the BST in the Mall, often some very good prices on similar items.

 

[Spike]

I have both of these, 40s style and 50s. I find the 40s slightly less aggressive.

 

[Gafer]

...and his RAD said...Get both!

Me? I only have 12. I can stop any time I want. Repeat after me: I don't have RAD, I don't have RAD, I don't have RAD.

 

[the beav]

They're both about the same as far a quality goes, so you might want to pick the style which appeals to you the most. I find that that the later model SS, the flair tip, has a knurling that gives you a better grip.

 

[memoryleak]

Ordered the SS X4 today, got a 10% newbie discount on the order.

 

[billc508]

Well by now you know that your choice is between a '63 and a '52, your flair tip being the 50's/60's type and the X razor the 40's type. Of the two, the 40's is in my opinion the better made item, the head profile is lower and a little easier to use. After about 1957, the razors were more cheaply made with the centerpost screw replaced with a cheaper press fit. Look into the end of the handle of both razors and you can see the difference. It's a small thing on an item that sold for so little in the first place but if it were me for example, I would replate the 40 razor but not the 60 model. Both will give a good shave and I have and use both types so like a lot of other things, it depends on you my friend, suit yourself, you don't have to be an expert to know what you like, good luck,bc

 

[bill mcdill]

I have both a late 40's SS and a 1958 redtip. Both are competent razors. The 40's SS is less aggressive, the redtip had a heavier head. Both are regulars in my rotation, but I like my fatboys better

 

[redbike]

Unless you're buying mint razors in cases, the 40's and 50's style superspeeds don't cost much, so of course you should have both.

jim

 

[David in Boston]

Ordered the SS X4 today, got a 10% newbie discount on the order.

Good Luck with that purchase.

By the way, like your avatar.