Super Speed and Heavy Tech?

[Sami_Sdata]

While shopping around the flea market in Front Royal my youngest son saw a few razors in a box and called me over. I bought all three for $6. One was a modern Merkur that had been twisted together so tight I broke it trying to get it open. The other two are pictured above after a little cleaning. Both are Gillettes with no date code. I think one is a heavy Tech from just before 1950. It's in good shape but nearly all the gold plating is gone from the blade cover. The copper underneath does polish up nicely however. The other is an old style Super Speed. I think it dates from the same time. The only brassing is on the TTO knob. It had a "Safe-T-Guard" blade in it. I think those are from the late sixties so I guess this razor was used for about twenty years then laid around for another forty. Am I correct in the identification of these?

 

[amishmotorboat]

Yep, a super speed and a tech. Don't know about the heavy part. Seems to me those fat handles are rather light.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Nice catch.. I like the super speed it's a great shaver

 

[Hex]

Good catch.

I like the Tech, it's my favorite.

 

[Sami_Sdata]

I have a few other Techs from the 50's and 60's. All have the thinner handle. Any idea how common these fat handles were? I haven't weighed it but I think it's lighter than the thin handle. The fat one is hollow and might even be a lighter metal.

 

[firehydrant]

Nice score. Both should be great shavers.

The handles on those Techs are hollow and I have thought about adding some weight to one just to see how it would feel.

 

[BBrad]

Yes, the fat handle is lighter. Small ball and contract handles are heavier.

Makes a difference regarding balance. Lighter handle, more weight "feel" to the head. Also the grip is different.

With both Tech and NEW razors I get better performance out of fat handles.

 

[Sami_Sdata]

With both Tech and NEW razors I get better performance out of fat handles.

I love shaving with GEM 1912's with the thick, heavy handles. I wonder if it's the size, weight, or both that makes it feel so right? I'll have to give the tech a try with the same head but both handles.

 

[grump]

Yes you are correct, A tech and a superspeed.

I really like the short comb new you have there. One of my favorite.

 

[AmishFury]

the endcaps do seem to be missing from his superspeed though

 

[Crixus]

I love shaving with GEM 1912's with the thick, heavy handles. I wonder if it's the size, weight, or both that makes it feel so right? I'll have to give the tech a try with the same head but both handles.

As stated by other posters, fat handle tech is actually lighter than a thinner solid handle ball end tech. The fat handle tech is actually top heavy. I shave with one every other shave, but...

I have poured about a half ounce of lead woodcock shot down the hollow handle and used melted candle wax in there to hold it in place. Although a good bit heavier, the balance is great for the way I hold my razors. I would equate the feeling to be similar to a Fat Boy or a 48-50 Aristocrat.

 

[Sami_Sdata]

Yes you are correct, A tech and a superspeed.

I really like the short comb new you have there. One of my favorite.

That's another yard sale find I think. Haven't tried it yet. I got it, cleaned it a bit and put it on the shelf. One day soon I'll have to take it for a spin.