need some help please

[SpydieNut]

hi all - i'm about 2 months into this and enjoying it. i have the merkur 38C and have just bought an EJ89L too.

but (and i really am trying hard to resist the RAD) i already have my eye out for an older razor. i was looking for just a superspeed, but recently the aristocrat caught my eye.

now my question is: which one should i get? i love the way they both look and the fact that they are far better engineered than the ones available today (even though these are pretty good). i also believe they provide a shave that's as good, if not better, than the merkurs etc.

if the recommendation is for a SS, which one please and why. in terms of aggresiveness, i think they go blue tip, black then red (least to most aggressive)

and yes, i know i'll probably end up with all of them eventually, but, which one should i start with.

thank you very much.

a fellow RAD sufferer

 

[slickster514]

Two years ago when I first got started, I used a Merker 38C. It was a long learning curve for me, and now I realize why: Merkers are agressive! I shoyld have started on a vintage Gillette Tech. In fact nowadays, it's my razor of choice.

 

[JJMontague]

That's a big difference in price, also. You can find superspeeds here on the BST for $10 - $18, but you'll pay upwards of $50 or more for the Aristocrat. They are both excellent shavers, so it depends on your budget.

EDIT: Woot! 100 posts!

 

[Omnichron]

Two years ago when I first got started, I used a Merker 38C. It was a long learning curve for me, and now I realize why: Merkers are agressive! I shoyld have started on a vintage Gillette Tech. In fact nowadays, it's my razor of choice.

lol I started with a Merkur Futur DE and my first shave was memorable! I had so many weepers my face looked freshly skinned. lol

 

[americanarmsdealer]

I like both the Superspeeds and the vintage Techs. Both give great shaves, but I've also noticed a slight performance difference between different years in the SS. Personally, my '54 gives slightly closer shaves than my '62. Also, my Travel Tech gives a different shave than my gold Fat Handle Tech. I'm not sure if it's due to the difference in the handle length/weight, different arc of the shave heads, or a combination of the two. Now I've got my eye on getting an open comb, but can't decide if I want a long tooth or short tooth. When I think about it, though, I figure it really doesn't matter which one I get right now, 'cause I'm sure I'll end up with both before long anyway!

 

[mikromicke]

I actually preferred my Merkur HD when comparing with a red tip SS. It felt kind of sad somehow but I ended up getting better shaves with the Merkur.

 

[Omnichron]

I actually preferred my Merkur HD when comparing with a red tip SS. It felt kind of sad somehow but I ended up getting better shaves with the Merkur.

yup. I've mastered my Merku Futur now and the shaves are the closest ever! and no weepers!

 

[Luc]

I didn't try a lot of superspeed but I tried the '40s version, flare tip and red tip.

Out of the 3, the flare tip was my favorite. I didn't get the closest shave but the razor is living to the expectation (Super Speed).

The other two are still excellent razors. I just got better shave with the flare tip.

I never tried an Aristocrat but, as mentionned, those are far more expensive... They have good reviews so if your budget allows, try one...

 

[SpydieNut]

thanks for your thoughts and advice - i think it'll be a SS to start. now i just need to decide which one i want to try

 

[luvmysuper]

Try a 40's style.
An all time Great Razor.

 

[Topgumby]

In order of Topgumby preference...

1. 40's SS
2. Red Tip
3. Flare Tip
4. Black Handle

Never had the urge to go after a Blue Tip.

The list is a complete, scientific and irrefutable one. There is no room for argument, this is simply the last word on what Super Speed is best for me this week.

Of course, YMMV.