What a dissapointment.

[simon1]

Used the '40s style SS this morning...3 pass shave paying attention to angle. Just a little better than a CCS.

Had to lather up some Williams and go back and clean things up with the 1901 ER lather catcher. Now that was a shave!

 

[luvmysuper]

Used the '40s style SS this morning...3 pass shave paying attention to angle. Just a little better than a CCS.

Had to lather up some Williams and go back and clean things up with the 1901 ER lather catcher. Now that was a shave!

Apparently not enough!

The 40's SS is capable of delivering a superb BBS shave, but it is a totally different animal from an SE.

 

[Topgumby]

This might be a case of different strokes for different folks....literally.

I'm a big fan of the 40's SS, and but I'm not enough of a fanboy to think they are immune from simple YMMV and ingrained technique habits from different razor and blade combos.

I've never been a SE guy, unless you count Injectors, but I've heard they are superb shavers.

 

[M80]

I haven't had much luck with TTO's

 

[willyb]

Every face is different but like you I primarily shave with a 40s SS and a single edge Gem. The SS for me gives a good shave, the gem gives a perfect shave, but they are different animals completely. I typically do a 3 pass BBS on days that I have time, with the Gem. And on the days I need to get moving quick, a 2 pass with the SS and im content with it, although not perfect. For me, I just get a better final result with less irritation with the Gem, of course it does take a bit longer and some focus.

 

[Go West Young Man]

It takes a few days to learn a razor, don't write it off yet.

 

[CoolBurn]

Coincidentally I tried a 1960 Superspeed for the first time today. My first vintage razor. I didn't love it. I thought the Muhle R89 gave me a much closer shave. But I will not give up on the SS. As mentioned takes time to learn a razor.

 

[Rivguy]

My experience with the 40's era SS has always been excellent. It is one of my favorite razors. I agree with the suggestion that you try other blades until you find the right combination for your beard. Don't give up on this great razor until you give it a few more tries.

Regards,

Doug

 

[ouch]

Most SS's are pretty mild shavers. If you're looking for smoothness, you'll probably be happy. If you're looking for the upteenth degree of closeness, you may not.

 

[pauls51]

Most SS's are pretty mild shavers. If you're looking for smoothness, you'll probably be happy. If you're looking for the upteenth degree of closeness, you may not.

+1

I find that even loaded with a feather the 40s SS does not give me that closeness that an open comb, like the Gillette New does.. YMMV

 

[simon1]

It takes a few days to learn a razor, don't write it off yet.

I learned to shave with my Dad's '40s style SS a couple of years ago (not lying...really...it's only been a couple of years and not a bit over four decades), and I found a '40s SS about a year ago for $5 that I've been using off and on, and went through blade sampler packs. I like the red personnas and the iridiums the best.

Guess I just got spoiled on a better design of razor with the SEs.

Although I do like the open comb Gem Micromatic and the Gillette Old Type.

I think I'll try the old type ball end tomorrow; the Gillettes have been neglected for awhile.

 

[john parker]

Tried a SE Gem once. Won't do that again!! And I am too old to learn!!

 

[Topgumby]

I did a three pass shave with a black tip 40's SS and a new Shark Super Chrome just to check to see if my impressions from recent memory were valid.

Took a bit of blade buffing, but the shave was outstanding, to the point of getting a "wow" from SWMBO when I had her check it out.

Yeah, I really do that, and she always gives me the like I'm a five year old trying to show her the frog I caught.

 

[Bay Rum]

Try some Yellow Gillettes or iridiums. My best DE shaves were with a 40's SS.
Of course i saw the light and went straight.

 

[DFrancis]

Apparently not enough!

The 40's SS is capable of delivering a superb BBS shave, but it is a totally different animal from an SE.

yep, as said the SS is a mild shaver but it will deliver that BBS is you can get it right. Great Razor, but it could also be your face prefers the aggressiveness of the SE.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Mike, I'm not the least bit surprised. Used Williams soap and a little travel model 1912 Gem with the round head loaded with a Ted Pella blade this morning for an outstanding shave.

 

[gearchow]

I wish I could shave with a GEM or a EverReady - I have a few of them - but I always have issues with my upper lip and my neck. Weepers galore on my neck and my upper lip seems to get the top layer of skin cells peeled off. I can't keep at it either, because I always need to let my face "rest" (heal I think is the word I really want to use) after I use a GEM or EverReady.

I do love and use my Schick Injectors though and SS style razors, never an issue.

I say if the Lather Catcher works for you, get a couple more.

-jim

 

[Greglam]

Sorry to hear of your disappointment with the 40's SS. I have two NDC's and I absolutely LOVE them. I used a Merkur HD for about a year but wanted to give the vintage razors a try and now I will be hard pressed to go back to my HD.

Cheers!
-Greg

 

[willyb]

the bulk of my DE collection is headed towards BST soon.. they just dont BBS the mustard