Hello all. I am wanting to make the switch from disposables and I'm looking for advice. For starters my facial hair is somewhat coarse and my skin is sensitive. I also, if it matters, have a mole on my chin, it isn't large and barely protrudes out but it is there. I am interested in a vintage razor because of the craftsmanship, quality and nostalgia. I have narrowed my choices down to a 68 Gillette Knack, a 67 Gillette black handle Super Speed M3, a Schick adjustable injector type M and an 52 Gillette black tip Super Speed X1. Which of these would be my best bet. I have been shaving for 20+ years but I know I'm going to have to start all over again and I want to put myself in the best possible situation. Thank you for reading.
I should also mention that I'm not necessarily opposed to a new razor if that would be a better choice but I'd like to keep it under $40 if possible.
There are so many vintage possibilities, it is hard to narrow them down. I have used any of the ones you have listed, so take it for what it's worth, but I found the flare tip SS to be one of the better razors out there. The Ball End Tech razors are also very good. Either of these can be found at pretty good prices.
If you are OK with a new razor, then I think the Razorock Mission makes a decent starting razor. It comes with 20 blades, I think, and is $20 from ItalianBarber.com.
I'd say a slim, but you mentioned a super. your going to have to shave around any moles that protrude. the black tip gives a nice shave, is very easy on the skin as well.
Of the ones you mentioned the injector would probably be most similar to what your used to. My personal pic from the list would be the Black Handle SS. Good luck and enjoy.
For a coarse beard, I'd recommend the Gillette super-speed red tip or "heavy" This is more aggressive then the standard super-speed. Any of the adjustables would also be a good bet, as you can "dial in" your preference.
An adjustable can present many different shave opportunities because of the settings and are easily had for less than 40 duckets.
The Schick Adjustable with a twin blade would be very smooth as well as very efficient at whacking those whiskers. Super easy to use as well.
A fine example ball end tech can be had around $10 (mine was mint for $8). Step up to $40 - $60 and get a fatboy, $30 - $40 for a slim or a Super adjustable.
Of the four options, I'd personally choose the Black Tip SS. It will be a smidge more aggressive than either of the two other DEs. The Knack and black handled SS will perform similarly as they have identical heads (I think). I shy away from injectors, I have a few but I am always left wanting after using one. Blade choices are few with injectors as well.
Thank you all for the advice, I'd hate to buy the wrong one and get frustrated and go back to disposables but it sounds like any of these would be better than what I'm using now. I guess I should just try one and if it doesn't work try another. I'll eventually find the right one
A plain old ordinary flair tip Superspeed, would be IMHO the easiest vintage razor for a newbie to use. It's light and easy to move around.
