Newbie here, what do I have?

[jas904]

I have been fascinated by double edge safety razor shaving because I am sick of paying a fortune for cartridges that don't last. Right before I was all set to go out and buy a new DESR, I checked with my mom who still had by grandfathers. They say Gillette on the bottom, I am considering using them but first I have a few questions;

-Are they junk, will they still provide a good shave?
-What blades to you reccomend, sampler pack obviously
-Any suggestions on how the clean the grime off?
-Before I make an attempt to clean them, are they valuable? Should they be left alone?

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

[alex2363]

Ranger tech and Flair tip Super speed razors

Ranger Tech the predecessor of all Super Speeds. ( for sale during Christmas 1941). Production was stopped by America's entry in World War II.

 

[StuMcB]

The top one looks like a Gillette Super Speed but I'm afraid I dont know which model but the bottom one is definatley a 'black' handle super speed, possibly one of the mildest of the superspeed family. As for cleaning there's a few hints on the WIKI pages. Generally though warm water and hand soap with a good scrub brings them back. The top one may require the hot water and baking soda treatment. As for worth here in the UK they both fall in to the £15 to £25 spot on E-bay but some are as little as £5 to £10. As for using, give thenma clean, pop in balde, lather up and go for it. With patience you'll get very good shaves with both.

 

[morganjg]

You have a Gillette Ranger Tech and a Gillette Black Handled Super Speed. You can easily clean them up and they should, given no issues, give you great shaves. For cleaning instructions, check the wiki here. As far as value goes, since they were your grandfathers you can consider them priceless. But you should definitely attempt to clean and use them, since they are already well loved. The Ranger was only produced for a short period of time in the 1940's, as a point of interest.

 

[CGW409]

From what I understand the 41 Ranger is the more valuable due to the very short run,they were also made in 46 til they were replaced by the Super Speed.
If it has no end caps it's a 41,if it has end caps it's a 46.
On the black handle Super Speed there should be a letter and number on the underside,the letter indicates the year it was made and the number indicates the quarter of the year and since it sounds like you're a bit of a DE noob will be your best "training" razor as it is a very mild razor.
The Ranger is valuable depending on condition but is also your family legacy as well so follow the wiki in regards to cleaning and use them.
I've got my grandfather's 1970 black handle Super Speed,my great grandfather's 1920's Big fellow,my father in law's 1953 Super Speed and my wife's grandfather's 1930's short comb NEW and the only way I'll part with them is to pass them along to my nephew when he comes of age.

 

[jas904]

Thanks so much guys for the info. You all are very knowledgeable. I would in no way part with either, I just didn't want to clean something that should have been left untouched. I am very excited about shaping them up and jumping into the DE life. Can't thank each of you enough.