Need Some Advice On My First Vintage Razor Purchase

[Pipe Novelist]

So I have read a lot of great things about vintage safety razors on this forum, and some browsing on Ebay led me to a couple of vintage razors that I thought were a good buy for the price. I went for a Schick Krona because I hear great things about them, and I also found a Gillette Super Speed, and I was curious to own one of these because I found out that it was the only razor that my grandpa Jim ever used, which intrigues me because I never had a chance to meet the man before he passed away. Anyway, I got them both total for less than $60 shipped, and from the look of the photos in each auction, the conditions is almost scary good. What do you guys think? Did I get a good buy? Here are some links so you can see what I'm talking about.

Here is the Schick Krona I bought:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Era-S...1038842959330537163&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&



And here is the Gillette Super Speed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180943045177&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

The Krona is billed as being from the 60s, and the Gillette states its from the 40s, which would have been right around the time my Grandfather would have been using one. Thanks in advance for all the info fellas!

 

[Jakpro]

Very nice looking razors! Keep us informed on how they do for you.

 

[ironfist]

Nice razors! I have both of them but not used them the price doesn't matter If it has sentimental value

 

[dcobranchi]

That's probably NOT a Schick Krona. At least, not "officially." I've been told that the early ones, which yours appears to be, were Schick Double Edge razors. Schick marketed Krona DE blades at the time. Later, the razor (with a couple of minor variations) was christened the Krona. Those later razors have "Krona" on the doors. Around here, you'll often see the early ones called "pre-Krona" razors.

I have my late grandfather's pre-Krona. It's a terrific razor, possibly better than anything Gillette was making at that time. It's a shame that Schick was so late to the DE game. They could have given Gillette a run for their money.

The '40s style SS looks gorgeous. Both razors appear to be in mint shape. You didn't overpay.

 

[craig94yj]

Pipe, I just started DE shaving 3 weeks ago. I scored a 1970 Gillette Black Beauty Slim for $14 on ebay. It is missing a small cap on the bottom and the adjustment spring does is broken, but it works just fine. Those razors look MINT! Like Ironfist said, the price doesn't matter. I used Gillette Fusions for years and I'm also a head shaver. My first shave with a DE drew blood. I was not disciplined enough in using "0" pressure. I have since improved greatly. I think the Gillette will give you a fantastic shave. Your Grandfather knew something about that razor to only use that one. Speaking of vintage, I just received my 1930 Gillette "New" from ebay auction yesterday. It is an open comb and it gave me an even better shave than my Black Beauty. 82 year old razor gave me the best shave of my life. Have fun with some vintage razors and you can always sell or PIF the ones you don't like. Enjoy!!

 

[Samjax]

Good buys! Keep 'em and use 'em! I have both and they are great shavers; on the mild side and very smooth.

 

[InHotWater]

I have no experience with Schick DE razors, but I do own a late 40's Superspeed. It is a well made razor, that gives a mild, and smooth shave pretty consistently.

 

[fast14riot]

Everyone needs a Super Speed! Great razor, plentiful in good condition, inexpensive and good looking! I used my 40's super speed just the other day, loaded with Astra Superior platinum and Bigelow cream. My British super speed is my go-to razor and was my everyday work horse for a long time. Its a 50's flare tip style and even more mild than my 40's SS!

Oh, and that price looks good. I paid $35 otd for my 40's SS with original cardboard box.

-Xander

 

[cryhavoc]

My NDC late 40's Super Speed is my favorite of all the Super Speeds, enjoy!

 

[Pipe Novelist]

That's probably NOT a Schick Krona. At least, not "officially." I've been told that the early ones, which yours appears to be, were Schick Double Edge razors. Schick marketed Krona DE blades at the time. Later, the razor (with a couple of minor variations) was christened the Krona. Those later razors have "Krona" on the doors. Around here, you'll often see the early ones called "pre-Krona" razors.

I have my late grandfather's pre-Krona. It's a terrific razor, possibly better than anything Gillette was making at that time. It's a shame that Schick was so late to the DE game. They could have given Gillette a run for their money.

The '40s style SS looks gorgeous. Both razors appear to be in mint shape. You didn't overpay.

I appreciate your assessment of my purchase. Overpaying is not something I enjoy doing, but these razors looked almost too good to pass up. Thanks to all the rest of you gentlemen for your advice and your opinions. As far as the Schick, I don't really mind if its not an ACTUAL Krona, I just liked the way it looked.

I think my next vintage purchase will be a Gillette Fat Boy. Anyone have any experience with those? I hear theyre adjustable from my understanding.

 

[shaveguy1995]

I'm new here, what does PIF mean? sorry XD

 

[Jakpro]

I'm new here, what does PIF mean? sorry XD

PIF= Pay It Forward

 

[ackvil]

I appreciate your assessment of my purchase. Overpaying is not something I enjoy doing, but these razors looked almost too good to pass up. Thanks to all the rest of you gentlemen for your advice and your opinions. As far as the Schick, I don't really mind if its not an ACTUAL Krona, I just liked the way it looked.

I think my next vintage purchase will be a Gillette Fat Boy. Anyone have any experience with those? I hear theyre adjustable from my understanding.

I bought a FB when they first came out and have used the same FB (also a slim) for 50+ years. In that period of time I have never had an issue with those razors and they have given me excellent shaves. I am one of those individuals who prefer an adjustable razor - but that's just me - and the ability to change settings to fit my shaving needs is a plus. However, for new shavers the temptation to change the settings too often can cause some problems.

BTW, I like adjustables so much I own two Mergresses, a FB, a Slim, and I recently bought a BB on the Bay.

 

[brucea]

I own both razors and I like them both. I do like the Schick a little bit more though. In my opinion its slightly more aggressive.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Excellent razors!

 

[Nick Danger]

Just ordered my very first vintage razor last night: a 40's style Super Speed, made in 1953. Got it from someone here on B&B in the Hobbyist/Vendor Classifieds forum. Very excited to try it! Seems like the Super Speed has a whole lot of fans here.

Nick

 

[bryan1980]

As others have said, you made two excellent choices for your first vintage DE's! The Schick is just the slightest bit more aggressive than the SS. The SS is a good "benchmark" razor. After you've acquired more razors, the SS is a good one to use to try out a new brand of blade, since its probably the most "neutral" DE razor around.