Need help on picking a Gillette

[Buzz_Kill]

I am new to the world of wet shaving I currently have a Feather Double-Edge Razor by Jatai. I have been looking at vintage Gillettes. I don't have a big budget so my options are limited.

I really like the TTO feature. Some have suggested getting Super Speeds, but I was wondering if maybe an adjustable might be a better investment.

I am not stuck on TTo's either I just think they are neat. I have a ball tip tech I think it is coming in, just because I think it looks cool, lol.

So really any advice here is welcome, and a little help choosing between SS, and adjustable would be much appreciated.

 

[JayEddie]

Well, seeing as though you're new to wet shaving and already have one razor on hand, another on it's way, and are already talking about buying your next one, I'd say you have an acute case of RAD and may as well plan on the inevitable and just get both.

Personally I'm also relatively new at this and currently using my '51 super speed. I have a fatboy waiting in the wings but I haven't used it yet as I want to develop my technique with a good starting razor before switching things around.

 

[JHCC]

I have both a SS and a Slim Adjustable, although most of the time I use a NEW or a Tech. What I like about the Slim is that you can change the aggressiveness from pass to pass or for different parts of the face. For example, I do my WTG and XTG passes with a mild setting, then do my final ATG pass a couple notches more aggressive. If you can find one at a decent price (I got mine in an antique store for about 20 bucks), it will give you the most options for your money.

 

[tjg5181]

As with everything else here, YMMV, however, early in the beginning of your wet shaving journey, it is best to stick with one razor and get your technique down first, as that is where most of the difference may lay. Get used to shaving with one razor and one blade, learn your face, and then make the jump to other razors.

Others will chime in, however, I will provide you with my $0.02.... You have been using a feather razor which is not an adjustable. You have a tech coming in. After those two razors, if you like the shave you've been getting, then you are preferring a "mild" razor at this time. If that is the case, then a 40s or 50s super speed would be a great investment for you.

Now, if after using those two razors, you are dissatisfied with the shaves you have been getting, and feel as though you have been lacking something, THEN maybe you would prefer something more "aggressive" which would be an adjustable razor such as a slim, fat boy, or Black beauty.

Best of luck deciding, and welcome to the forums!

 

[seattleshaver]

The nice thing about Gillette razors is that all of them are good and many are fairly inexpensive. I have a SS, New Short Comb, and a Super Adjustable (Black Beauty). The most expensive was the Black Beauty and it was only $25 shipped.

So, really you can try several of them for not a lot of money. You can't go wrong with a SS.

 

[BBrad]

As with everything else here, YMMV, however, early in the beginning of your wet shaving journey, it is best to stick with one razor and get your technique down first, as that is where most of the difference may lay. Get used to shaving with one razor and one blade, learn your face, and then make the jump to other razors.

Others will chime in, however, I will provide you with my $0.02.... You have been using a feather razor which is not an adjustable. You have a tech coming in. After those two razors, if you like the shave you've been getting, then you are preferring a "mild" razor at this time. If that is the case, then a 40s or 50s super speed would be a great investment for you.

Now, if after using those two razors, you are dissatisfied with the shaves you have been getting, and feel as though you have been lacking something, THEN maybe you would prefer something more "aggressive" which would be an adjustable razor such as a slim, fat boy, or Black beauty.

Best of luck deciding, and welcome to the forums!

Right on the money . . . couldn't have said it better!!

 

[Mick]

You can't go wrong with any Gillette as long as it is serviceable/usable.

All are very well made and will last several lifetimes.

You can just start "collecting" and seeing "what fits" or you can put in some more time with the one you have (and the one that is coming) and decide if you want more like those or if you want something different and how different you want to go.

You pretty much need to know where you are going before you start your journey otherwise you will be mired in razors and very confused

 

[gunterbr]

I have both the Tech and SS. I got them both as my first razors when I started DE shaving. I love my Tech, and really like my SS too. To be honest though I don't think I'd be ready to take on something that could be 10 in 1. Adjustables sound amazing, but as a newbie in this, I'd rather get good at this skill first, rather than having to change the razor to make it work for me. Just my outlook. I'll probably look for a Slim or Fat Boy next year, once i get a better idea of what I like in a razor.

 

[Harry Snider]

Out of all my Gillettes, I would say my Fatboy is my favorite one. My slim adj comes in just a split hair behind it. I have a couple more (SS, slim, etc.) and I wouldn't hesitate to buy more. They are great shavers; all of them

 

[celestino]

It really depends on your preference. Since you don't have a budget, then try a Super Speed and a Slim, or even a Fatboy to try both kinds of TTOs. Good luck.

 

[rxonmymind]

BUY ALL OF IT! Muwhaha! Oh, you have a budget. Ok you still can. Depending on where you live search out local antique fairs or estate sales. That's how many of my razors I have was collected & sold and re-collected.....Why do I do this to myself! Good luck.

 

[Elder Scrolls]

You'll get both eventually so just get the one that fancies you the most now, good luck!

 

[JDTTO]

Of the Gillettes I have tried (late 40's Tech, blackhandle SS, Slim and New) the Tech is my favourite by far.

Very smooth shaver which gives very comfortable and close shaves.

 

[gmgaj]

The new is by far my favorite, but if you like TTOs and are on a budget, try to get your hands on a super adjustable (black beauty). It is my favorite of the adjustables (I have the SA, slim and fatboy). You should be able to dial it in to whatever you prefer.

 

[Buzz_Kill]

I just thought since with the adjustable you could control to a degree how aggressive it is, that might be better for a newbie like myself.

I am considering an older black beauty

 

[BBrad]

I just thought since with the adjustable you could control to a degree how aggressive it is, that might be better for a newbie like myself.

I am considering an older black beauty

The adjustability is the issue for the novice . . . it is just like trying to master the art while using nine different razors. That being said, if you pick up a Black Beauty, set it on 4, and didn't change it for about six weeks while you solidify your technique and results . . . that would be fine! Problem is, one is tempted to adjust it, especially following a less-than-perfect shave, which actually lengthens and steepens the learning curve.

Some feel the Super Adjustable (Black Beauty) was the best of the Gillette Adjustables. It is not as popular as the Fat Boy and Slim, and also has not seemed to hold up as well over the years. But, shave well it does, and is a great choice!

 

[chilliman64]

I recommend a slim. for me it is a better shaving razor than a fattie even though it doesn't look as nice.

 

[Buzz_Kill]

OK, I think I am getting a little addicted to these things, lol. I have been on the bay, and won a couple razors. I got a SS with the black handle and silver tip for $12 shipped, and a black beauty for $17 shipped. I think I got decent deals on them. I will post pics, and my thoughts on the razors in the near future. Thank you for your advice guys, I am just too indecisive.

I am still watching a few slims hoping to get a good deal. This is feeding into two of my addictions collecting, and online shopping. Oh wet shaving what have you done to me???

 

[Ruski]

My closest shave comes from a English Red Tipped Rocket. TTO, solid as a brick ****house. I'd say more aggressive than my fatboy on max!

 

[Owlbass]

I received a 40's super speed last week and just bought a slim. I plan on a fatboy next. I check eBay and the b/s/t regularly and it seems like the better deals (for quality razors) are found here. Please correct me if I'm wrong.