Comparing two Gillette razors made in different countries

Noticed something interesting upon recent receipt of a U.S. made SS rocket 1950 and how familiar it was to my English made (Canadian issue) W2 1951. Both also weight 54g.
Previously I wrote about how similar the shave between the W2 and Red Rocket are.
English made on left. U.S. made on right

Below razors with blades to show similarities.


I can not say one mechanism moves better than the other. They both function and fell equal.

 

Hello Red Rider, this is a great topic. I don't know much about the English made Gillette's, so I'm intrigued. I noticed something about your Rockets that is different on my rockets. On yours there is a indentation above the TTO knob that encircles the razor handle. My rockets do not have that, but my NDC Super Speed does. I have one Canadian Rocket made in England, and one English Rocket made in England. Both of the English made Rockets seem the same to me. Here is a few photos to show you what I have-

Canadian Rocket (English made)


English Rocket (English made)


USA Super Speed (USA made)


Notice the USA Super Speed has a small ring indented in the handle just above the TTO knob? The English made Rockets don't have that indentation. I am fascinated as to why your English made Rocket has the indentation. You have a very unique razor there sir! Congratulations.

 

Very interesting

 

What are your thoughts Darkbulb?

 

I have very few at the moment as I'm writing this on my phone at a bar having a scotch waiting for my date to get her butt over here

 

HaHa! Understood.

 

@Darkbulb and remember behave yourself and you're not a Wolf.

 

Ya'll got me curious about the two U.S. Super Speeds I own. There's quite a bit of info here;
http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/asylumguidos-guide-to-super-speed-identification.8461/
Through this guide I was able to identify one of mine as a '47 model. The first photo shows a '54 (Z-3) on the left, and a '47 on the right. The arrow shows a difference at the top of the knurling, with the '47 having a wider flat band.

The next photo shows the side of the "wings" on the '47. The '48-'50 ( and beyond) do not have these "wings". Both razors are missing at least one chrome cap that should cover the ends. This doesn't affect function.

This final comparison illustrates the lack of "wings" on the left, with the "wings" present on the right on the '47. I also see a difference in how the handle joins the base plate. The left, '54, appears less well finished. The '47 on the right, seems more flush to the base plate with a wider ring showing.

Don't know if this assist your comparisons, but I'm more informed!

 

Glad to have piqued your interest. How do the rockets shown here shave from each other ? I find the shave on the one's I've shown (1950/51) are on the more aggressive side. Similar to a Red Tip. (Dates in Production:1955-1960)

 

At the risk of a slight derailing.....I want to know about the Scotch and the Chick......}8^))
Forget what he said.....you are a wolf....you are a wolf......
Sorry......back to our previously scheduled shaving program........

 

Hello, well, I have found the two English made Rockets are slightly more efficient than the early USA made Super Speed. I don't know why. However I like all three equally well. I was surprised to read earlier this morning that Canada did not produce any TTO Gillette's. Most of the TTO Gillette's were made in England that were for the Canadian market. Also some few USA made TTO razors found their way to the Canadian market. I find this fascinating.

 

For some reason if I had my choice I'd choose the British made Gillette's over the USA made. Solely based on the couple of British made razors that I have. Better shave, smoother TTO mechanism, better feel (build).

 

You know, I asked a similar question on another site. What's the difference between otherwise identical razors from the USA and England?

I don't know if there's a difference in the shave...but TTO mechanism on the English razor is smoother and more precise. It's like using a micrometer caliper.

 

In my current rotation, I use a US made 50's Red Tip... which weighs in at about 67 grams... and a Rocket HD... 71 grams. For some reason the Red Tip feels heavier, maybe because the head to handle weight ratio is different. They offer similar shaves. I love the idea of the super well made awesome attention to detail gosh the Brits made their razors so well Rocket HD... but I like shaving with the Red Tip more. I can't explain why other than I just do. Very scientific and informed response, I know.

 

That is great news as I've been eyeing RedTips. And a good question. Now I'll have to do a back to back, or maybe side by side controlled variable evaluation. From @AsylumGuido 's thread," According to several users this razor is milder in nature than the later notched versions." I may already be biased by this information. Fortunately I'm left handed. This in conjunction with being a straight razor shaver has me shaving ambidextrously. Give me a couple days & I'll report back.
Still awaiting further reports from @Darkbulb ...

 

I love this thread. I can't wait to get my hands on an English Rocket.

 

Well, a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell...so, in my case I guess I could tell the whole story. But I won't.
Let's just say it was a good evening. Good scotch, food and woman.

 

Soon, to the moon !!



Unless you were referring to an Aristocrat Jr. :rah:

 

Great and really informative thread guys.

I've owned most versions of the Rocket (there are some benefits to living in the UK), and I've found the shave to be quite different to the comparable Super-Speed in most cases (apart from a standard Flare-Tip Rocket which shaves exactly the same as its US and British Super-Speed counterparts).

There are a number of differences in terms of quality of shave from models of the same type (a TV Rocket gives a much better shave than a standard Flare-Tip for example) and both a British Red-Tip Rocket and a British Red-Tip Super-Speed give a slightly more aggressive and a much smoother shave than the comparable US Red-Tip Super-Speed.

Unfortunately, I've yet to come across Blue-Tip Rocket (they are extremely rare and difficult razors to find), and can't comment on how that shaves in comparison to US and British Blue-Tip Super-Speeds.

I've got a Monobloc on the way from France and it will be interesting to see how this compares to a regular HD Rocket as, on paper, they seem to share very similar characteristics.

 

You Da Man....