Super Speed vs. Merkur.Help!

[Archangel14]

I decided to purchase my first DE. I was advised to consider a new Merkur 34c. I can pick one up new for about $44. YET, I was also advised to pick up an old Gillette Super Speed. I'm advised that the are a great "beginners" DE. Also, I was advised that I can pick up a good condition SS for "$10-$15" on the internet. I figured "why not, it's my first DE, get a SS." The problem is that the actual market price of a good condition SS's is really around $25. Not far from the price of a new Merkur, and not so much cheaper as to be an "absolutely have to go the cheap route" decision.

Considering that a NEW Merkur is only running about $20 more than an old SS, shouldn't I just go with the Merkur? That's the question: which one do you recommend? Thanks.

 

[plshrk22]

You could pickup a Super Speed for $6-$7 at a local Antique store.

 

[Niles]

You can't make a bad decision here. Both are wonderful shavers.

 

[Archangel14]

plsrk22: I guess I could....if I didn't work 60 hours a week and have two little kid s at home, and assuming the closet antique store had such an item....LOL. My difficulty is that I HAVE to buy off the internet. I almost have no choice.

 

[mistercitizen]

You can't make a bad decision here. Both are wonderful shavers.

+1 I think it comes down to your preference on "used/vintage" versus "new". The Super Speed is still half the price of a brand new Merkur..... but I would say go with your gut on this. You really can't go wrong.

Ben

 

[GDCarrington]

plsrk22: I guess I could....if I didn't work 60 hours a week and have two little kid s at home, and assuming the closet antique store had such an item....LOL. My difficulty is that I HAVE to buy off the internet. I almost have no choice.

Then buy the new Merkur. You can always get a SS later if you want to add another razor to your den. Nothing wrong with that choice at all.

Good fortune in your decision.

 

[plshrk22]

I have a few vintage Gillettes coming in from a lot I bought off of ebay. I probably have a Flare or SS I could let go for a decent price if you are interested.

 

[Archangel14]

plshrk22.....what's the difference between a Flare and SS?

 

[mopar440_6]

plshrk22.....what's the difference between a Flare and SS?

The type of knob used to open the blade doors. I believe that the flare tip razors are simply a variation of the super speed line...

 

[nav]

I used many vintage razors when I first started out.
I wish I had chosen a modern razor like the 34C back then. I just didn't get along with the vintage razors and came close to switching back to the Mach3 until I used a modern razor (38C) and from then on, I knew what all the fuss about DE shaving was about.

If I ever recommend a razor to a newbie, I always recommend the Merkur Progress:
1- It is adjustable. You can start off at 1 and work your way up as you become more proficient. You could even dial is up for your cheeks and dial it back down for the neck so you don't get irritation etc.
2- Is is easy to find the correct cutting angle which makes the razor one of the most intuitive on the market.
3- IMO It looks simple but very elegant.

 

[viper22]

I recently started out DE shaving with a Gillette Tech. Last week I found a Super Speed Flare Tip at an antique shop for $5. I find its a bit more aggressive than the Tech. I've got thick, coarse facial hair and the Super Speed does a better job than the Tech. I find I can do less passes with the SS, get a better shave, and get no irritation. Knowing how the SS shaves, would I buy one for $20? Yes.

My .02

 

[njpaddy]

A little late, but I'm going to add my 2 cents on the SS and Merkur.

I recommend both. A 40's style SuperSpeed was my first DE, a Merkur 34G was my second. From approx Oct-Mar I use the SS. I find that my face needs a milder razor during the winter months. From approx April-Sept I prefer the slightly more aggressive 34G. I have tried other razors but these two, used in a seasonal rotation, work best for me.

 

[Clay]

Money spent on a Merkur 34C is not wasted. It is the best DE razor available, IMHO.

 

[wagstaff]

SuperSpeeds have gone up probably... I got a few just about a year ago for $8 - $12, to give away (or evangelize). First timers are taking a shot in the dark so there's always some question as to what they'll end up liking. But I think SupeSpeeds are perfect first razors for many people in that position. They're good shavers. They're mild and they last and the TTO appeals to first-timers. They used to be cheaper, but they're still not particularly expensive, and maybe with a bit of patience can be found for less.

 

[dzg5]

From reading the archives it seems Super-Speeds are a 3-4 setting on an adjustable .... how is that considered a perfect "beginners" blade?

Seems pretty aggressive to me for a newbie.

 

[wagstaff]

From reading the archives it seems Super-Speeds are a 3-4 setting on an adjustable .... how is that considered a perfect "beginners" blade?

Seems pretty aggressive to me for a newbie.

I haven't done a side by side with an adjustable, so take it for what it's worth.
Flare-tip SuperSpeeds -- judging by three of them, all from the 1960s IIRC - seem very mild indeed.
I guess a Tech is the way to go if you want milder, inexpensively.

 

[DrAwkward]

I did a side-by-side Gillette SS (1940s style) vs. Merkur 34C HD comparison a few months ago. Both are great razors, but for me the Merkur won by a small margin. The Lord L6 (or 1822) has a head that looks a lot like a Merkur, but it is only $14. I have two of them that I use for right-side left-side blade comparisons.