I'm still in the midst of trying different blades, and I've only been using my flare tip SS so far. However, I got an aluminum-handled Tech I'm dying to try. I know the Tech is a very mild shaver, but so is the SS. I guess my question is are they both similar enough to each other that it wouldn't "color" my blade sampling results one way or another?
Tech vs Super Speed
- Thread starter bryan1980
- Start date
That would depend on the color flare tip that you're using. My red tip seems considerably more aggressive than my Techs, my silver tip only slightly so. I don't have a blue or black tip, so can't help with those.
I think my tech is a bit milder than my superspeed, but I find that blades vary from razor to razor, perhaps it is just me, but I have yet to find a blade that works the same in my four razors. However, I am partial to my tech, it is my first DE and the one I can use everyday with no problems.
- Thread starter
- #4
Mines just a silver tip, no paint.
The Tech is regarded as a "milder" razor than a standard Super Speed. It is lighter, and has a slightly smaller blade gap.
If you are trying different blades to compare performance, stick with one razor to ensure that any differences you feel is strictly the blades and not the result of using a different razor. Once you have established a "base line" on how each blade type performs, you can then try different razors to better understand the effect of the razor/blade combinations.
If you are trying different blades to compare performance, stick with one razor to ensure that any differences you feel is strictly the blades and not the result of using a different razor. Once you have established a "base line" on how each blade type performs, you can then try different razors to better understand the effect of the razor/blade combinations.
I get great shaves from the Tech, I would say that the SS is slightly more aggressive.
- Thread starter
- #7
Kind of what I figured. I'll leave the Tech in the cabinet for now.
I have a ball end Tech (late 40's type I believe) and a '78 black handle Superspeed.
I would rate the Tech as more effective but not more agressive to the face.
Even though a TTO is my favourite design, I can't help thinking it compromises the effective head design a bit.
I would rate the Tech as more effective but not more agressive to the face.
Even though a TTO is my favourite design, I can't help thinking it compromises the effective head design a bit.
I have a 48 - 49 no date code super speed (birth date razor), but I also use a Slim ("7" setting), Merkur 34G, Slant, and Merkur Vision2000. I find the superspeed very easy and comfortable to use. It cuts effortlessly and fast with a low risk of nicks or irritation but does not seem to shave quite as close to my skin as my other razors. I like the balance, the no slip texture of the superspeed handle, and the handles thiness a lot. It reminds me of cutting grass using a quality lawn mower but with the blade set one notch higher.
I have both, a (silver) flare tip SS and a Canadian Tech. Saturday night I shaved with the SS and then last night used the Tech. Could of been just my imagination, quality of blade (cheap), or I was holding at the correct angle. But, the SS seemed to be just a tad bit closer and smoother.
So, the SS should be just a tad more aggressive than the Tech.
You may want to use the Tech with only blades you have already sampled and rated with the Super Speed and noting any differences, but continue to use the flair tip SS for your initial testing.
For the most unbiased information, use some science and math here:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Blade_Gap
While the wiki chart that Kip notes is a great source of information, that ranking alone does not tell the whole story. For example, a GEM 1912 has a smaller blade gap than almost any other razor, yet (for me, anyway) shaves more aggressively than my Slim (set on 5.) The chart also indicates that a Blue-Tip has the same gap as a Flare-Tip . . . yet we all know the BT is less aggressive due to its lighter weight.
How many guys rate the Tech with a Feather blade installed as one of the most efficient shaving combinations? Truth is, overall shave quality is determined by many factors, including (but not limited to) blade gap, razor weight, blade type, blade sharpness, skin prep, soap/cream, lather quality, beard/whisker thickness/toughness, skin type, and of course, blind luck on any given day.
If one wants to test any single element, he should maintain "sameness" with the other variables while testing. So, in comparing blades, use the same prep/soap/razor/face combination to see how different blades work. Compare different razors using the same blades, etc. Once baselines are established, one can then better evaluate how different combinations compare to each other. Randomly trying different razor and blade combinations without baseline reference points for comparative purposes is like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates . . . you never know what you will get.
- Thread starter
- #15
Good idea, that's what I'll do if I just can't stop myself from reaching for the Tech.
The Fat Handle Tech with triangular heads made pre WWII is more aggressive than the the post war round head Techs. My pre war Tech is more aggressive than my Flair Tip Super Speeds and pretty close to my late 40's NDC Super Speeds. YMMV
