Razor wars - Gillette Black Handle versus Gillette Red Tip

[Guido75]

Gillette Black Handle

This is an aluminium super speed and one of the later productions. It weighs around 47 grams and has a reported blade gap of .63mm - at least somewhere in that region. Based on blade feel I would say blade exposure is actually more towards neutral - but given that all my other Gillettes seem to have positive blade exposure I am inclined to think this one does too - but it feels really mild. Only in feel, because it is a very effective razor. This particular razor is extremely dear to me as it was a gift from Mitch @mgweatherly and not just any gift - it is a birth year super speed

This razor works really well and well across a variety of blades. Best shave was with a 7 O'Clock Black blade, but second best is the Comet which I am using as part of One Blade in February 2025. Rubies and Lord Platinum are also very fitting for this razor. Effectiveness on average DFS++ for me.

17.12.2022

• Guido75
• Dec 16, 2022

Gillette Super Speed • Bolzano (3) • Omega Super Badger 632 • Haslinger Sandelholz

Gillette Red Tip

This is of course a razor with a reputation, being the most aggressive one from the line of Blue Tip, Black Tip, Flare Tip and Red Tip razors. Presumably the English Red Tip Rocket is even beyond the regular Red Tip, but I cannot confirm that out of personal experience as I "only" have the US Red Tip. Amazing razor weighing 65-67 grams in total. All brass. Twist To Open of course so loading and cleaning is relatively easy - although I use cuetips to clean the head in the nooks and crannies better than just with a micro cloth. The gap on the Red Tip is around .76mm according to sources. Positive blade exposure, but I have not been able to find how much. Mine is from 1958.

The Red Tip delivers DFS+++ shaves for me and when combined with a Shark Chrome blade this gets amped to BBS+/Marble. A Lord Cool blade also works really well with the Red Tip.

04.04.2024

• Guido75
• Apr 3, 2024

Gillette Red Tip • Durable Sharp Titanium (4) • Abe’s Brush Works Saturn Synbad • Mike’s Natural...

04.03.2024

• Guido75
• Mar 3, 2024

Gillette Red Tip • GSB (4) • Mühle Rocca Silver Tip • Mike’s Natural Barbershop

Summary of results

Date	Razor	Blade	Facial Impact Score	Effectiveness
03.02.2025	Black Handle / Red Tip	Comet Super Stainless ()	10.0	8.75
04.02.2025	Black Handle / Red Tip	Comet Super Stainless ()	10.0	8.75
05.02.2025	Black Handle / Red Tip	Comet Super Stainless ()	10.0	8.50
06.02.2025	Black Handle / Red Tip	Comet Super Stainless ()	10.0	8.25
07.02.2025	Black Handle / Red Tip	Comet Super Stainless ()	10.0	8.25

Notes

The Red Tip is the more effective razor of the two, but the facial impact scores are lower as well. The Red Tip feels very blade forward compared to the Black Handle and has a certain fierceness to it. I don't know if all Red Tips have the same design, but mine has a ++ sign (thanks Guido @JAHE) on the bottom of the diamond baseplate. Are there different levels of Red Tip aggressiveness? Not that I know of at least. It is a great razor of course and a clear staple in shaving history. The Black Handle is softer and more comfortable to my face - for me at least - and is easily a daily driver. Both are actually, but with the Black Handle shaving becomes autopilot. With a blade like the Comet it is very capable of delivering great results in just two passes with some touch ups.

 

[JAHE]

@Guido75
Aren't there two + on the underside of your baseplate (one on each "half" of the baseplate's underside)?

The RedTip is known for that ++ marking (most aggressive).

 

[Guido75]

@Guido75
Aren't there two + on the underside of your baseplate (one on each "half" of the baseplate's underside)?

I believe so yes, but you would be more knowledgeable on this particular razor - update my post! Thanks!

 

[Westbrook]

Not all Red Tips have the ++ on the underside. The A-55 & B-56 dont.

Regardless, the Red Tip was the most aggressive of the 3 Super Speeds of that time.

The all silver was the medium, standard Super Speed.

The Blue Tip was the mild. Those have a O on the underside.

 

[JAHE]

Not all Red Tips have the ++ on the underside. The A-55 & B-56 dont.

Thanks for clarifying this.

 

[dotKomo]

My A2 Red Tip does not have the ++ markings.

 

[BradWorld]

I do not find the Red Tip any more aggressive than any other Super Speed of that time period. It is a little more efficient than the standard Flair Tip. And slightly more blade feel. But it is a very timid razor for me regardless. The Blue Tip from that era feels just about the same, except a little smoother. Similar results. But of course ymmv, given differences in technique between users. I think the 1941 Ranger Tech and the 1947 “no notch” Super Speed are both more aggressive and more efficient than any USA Super Speed from that Red-Silver-Blue Tip era. But even that is relative, as every Super Speed is mild for me.

 

[Guido75]

I think the 1941 Ranger Tech and the 1947 “no notch” Super Speed

These are definitely on my list for after GRUYERE. I am very curious about the Ranger Tech/Milord no notch. Including your views I have heard only positive feedback on those razors.

 

[Shaun asleep]

1941 Ranger Tech

I always get a bit lost here. Is a Milord the same as a ranger Tech? They appear to be more easily available.

I don't know why, but the adjustables aside I feel all the vintage butterfly razors that I have tried are pretty similar. Mild, easy shaves with ok results. I don't get warm and fuzzy about them, but I do appreciate their design and how well they were made.

I've tried an English flare tip, a Rocket HD (paperclip), a Slim twist and an Aristocrat 66 or 21 (I'm not sure). To me they are all equally mellow or at least very close to one and other.

 

[Guido75]

Is a Milord the same as a ranger Tech? They appear to be more easily available.

Based on my (limited) knowledge the Milord was there first as Gillette’s first TTO with a safety bar. The first generation Milord is the same as a the Ranger Tech, but it’s gold plated. They might as well have gone for Ranger Tech Aristocrat. First Milord was called Milord Tech.

 

[BadJack]

Hi everyone! Who knows the difference between the Black Tip and the other ones?

 

[Edgelord]

My A2 Red Tip does not have the ++ markings.

I need to go look at mine, now.

Were the ones with ++ more aggressive, or the same as other red tips.

 

[Westbrook]

Al

I need to go look at mine, now.

Were the ones with ++ more aggressive, or the same as other red tips.

All Red Tips are the same ... some just dont have the ++ stamped on the base.

My '56 doesnt have it.

 

[BradWorld]

I always get a bit lost here. Is a Milord the same as a ranger Tech? They appear to be more easily available.

All Milords are just gold colored specimens of the Super Speed from that same year. So a 1941 or 1946 Milord is a gold colored Ranger Tech, which is basically a Super Speed before the name change in 1947. I have a late 40s NDC Milord and its is also the same as the corresponding Super Speed.

Who knows the difference between the Black Tip and the other ones?

The Black Tip is from the 50s and has a plastic TTO knob due to the rationing of metal during the Korean conflict. They happen to,shave really well, and look good doing it. Some have aluminum handles, and some full steel. Interesting history there. I have a few. They are all dates with a W or X, which is 1951 and 1952.

 

[BadJack]

Thank you very much! How does this Black Tip rank on the aggressiveness scale compared to the others? Between the Regular and the Red?

 

[Guido75]

Thank you very much! How does this Black Tip rank on the aggressiveness scale compared to the others? Between the Regular and the Red?

I believe between the Blue Tip and Red Tip yes. The regular is close to it from what I have read.

Great looking razor you have there!

 

[razorfool]

I do not find the Red Tip any more aggressive than any other Super Speed of that time period. It is a little more efficient than the standard Flair Tip. And slightly more blade feel. But it is a very timid razor for me regardless. The Blue Tip from that era feels just about the same, except a little smoother. Similar results. But of course ymmv, given differences in technique between users. I think the 1941 Ranger Tech and the 1947 “no notch” Super Speed are both more aggressive and more efficient than any USA Super Speed from that Red-Silver-Blue Tip era. But even that is relative, as every Super Speed is mild for me.

I sold my Red Tip, because you are spot on about about the Ranger Tech and Superspeed. No need for a razor that, while it looks very good, doesn't shave up to the looks. I prefer any of the Super Speeds except the Red Tip. Plus the Rocket family.