Comparing Red Tip 1957 U.S. to Rocket SS 1951 English

Comparing Red Tip 1957 U.S. to Rocket SS 1951 English made.
I was pondering how similar two of my Gillette TTO razors were with regards to their shaves and so began some investigation. Two different build countries, two different decades and two different Gillette types but similar head build and blade gaps. My answer below :

 

Rocket: on my short list. You know that.

 

Oui, sorry for the tease.

 

Which has a better grip? I love the grip on my red tip more than any DE razor I've used.

 

Rockets have a less elegant handle but the knuriling provides a very good grip.
More utilitarian but very functional. Knurling similar to what can be found on precession tools.

 

I had no idea the Red Tip was still made in 1962. I thought 1959 was the last year. 1962 is my birth year. Now I have another razor to look for!

 

It looks to me in your picture that the red tip is a C2. wouldn't that make it 1957?

 

Just checked you're correct looks like made 55-60. This one is a "C" believe it's a 57.

 

hey we posted that at the same time

 

You beat me by <1 minute.

 

Rob
Yours literally notified me 5 seconds after I posted.

Tom

 

BTW Very nice razors. very clean.

 

Thanks, like them clean and shiny.

 

We're you fellows aware that there is an English Gillette Super Speed as well? I know, because I have one. It looks identical to a U.S. Super Speed. I'll post some photos in a few minutes.

 

On the left is a Z-3 Gillette Super Speed (USA made), and on the right is an English made Gillette Super Speed.







On the last photo notice the difference in the notch in the transfer bar? It is different on the English Super Speed. I believe the English one is also Rhodium plated. I jus thought this would be a good addition to this thread. I'm not trying to thread jack. Have a great night.

 

Not hijacking, related these threads are all about learning and sharing. Good info.

 

Two razors that are heavy on my radar! Drool....

 

Hello, in addition to the Rocket SS, and the Rocket HD500, there are also a Red Tip Flare Tip Rocket, a Blue Tip Flare Tip Rocket, and a Standard silver colored Flare Tip Rocket. And of course these were all made in England. There was an American Rocket as well, sold in a Milord case. I think it came out around 1948. Those are very rare though. But as you can imagine, there are many styles of Rockets.

 

When in doubt, buy them both...

 

No rocket in the OP's post...they're both super speeds. Rockets "blast off" as the TTO knob goes up and down as you twist...