I have been reading and looking at the forums and I see lots of type about the Gillette Tech and the SuperSpeed. Why would one be better than another? Which one is preferred for a newbie to wet shaving? Why use a Tech or an SS over say a brand new Lord Tech or brand new 7 oclock Gillette? I am in learning mode so thank you for the help.
Some good questions. The Tech and the SuperSpeed (SS) are, as I'm sure you're aware, two different models. Because they are different models, they perform a little differently. I find the Tech to be a bit milder than the SS, which is a bit milder than a SS Red Tip, For why one, or which one, would be better over the other, only you can determine which one works better for you. Given the choice, I'd take the SS simply because it is more aggressive. That being said, given the choice between the SS and a Merkur HD, I'd take the HD. Again, only because it is more aggressive. (I would have said the SS Red Tip, but I'm only going by hear-say about it aggressiveness. I do have one on the way in the mail - can't wait ). As for a newbie, either the Tech or SS are good razors to hone (sorry, couldn't resist) your skills. If you feel their not working out, try a different razor. The great thing here is there are many folks who will loan out, even give away, razors to newbies such as yourself. If you buy a razor and find it's not for you, put it up on the Den's classifieds (also a good place to find a razor you're looking. That's were I found the SS Red Tip. Did I say it's on the way and I can't wait? ). Most razors don't last too long there. New or old? Some folks prefer things with a bit of history behind them. Some folks believe "they just don't make 'em like they used to" and only use the vintage. Some folks only like 'em "shiny and new". I have and use both. Again, a matter of personal preference. Hey, while I'm thinking about it - if you want to try a Tech, send me a PM. I have one you can have a go with. A word of caution - the hunt for the elusive perfect prep/razor/blade/brush/soap/post shave combo DOESN'T end! Have fun!!
The brand new Lord or Gillette 7 O'Clock are basically the same concept of the tech. I haven't used them, so won't say anything about those. Techs were produced for decades and are sturdy shavers. As a three piece razor, they are much easier to clean and maintain and short of actually breaking it, there isn't anything you can mechanically have happen. The older NDC (no date code) techs were more aggressive than the newest, lighter, aluminum models. A superspeed has a different profile and shaves differently. Because it has moving parts, it is harder to get completely and perfectly clean. It is possible to completely strip them down to get them completely clean from previous users, but that is not necessary unless it bothers you. The superspeeds were produced for decades as well and went through design changes over the years. Like the original NDC techs, I prefer the original 1940's NDC superspeeds. With moving parts, there more likely hood of mechanical problems or doors not closing evenly or properly, uneven gap, etc... Superspeeds and techs shave differently because the head is a slightly different profile and they present the blade at a different angle with a different blade gap. They both are good razors; however, some of us have better luck with 3 piece razors and others prefer TTO (turn to open) razors. Here is some more to consider: A 3 piece razor can be taken apart easily and packs into a smaller size. For example, a typical tech can fit in an Altoids case with room to spare. You can't do that with a one piece razor. However, you have to be careful when tightening or loosening a 3 piece. Made sure the ends of held securely so that the head doesn't spin and you get injured. On a TTO, you twist open the knob, drop out the old blade, pop in the blade, and twist the knob closed.
I own two razors right now- a Gillette NEW and a Lord Tech clone. I use the Lord if I shave too quickly with the NEW and end up with irritation. It's mild and light and doesn't cause any further damage to irritated skin. It would make a good beginner's razor. Most techs are just like this razor, except they're a bit heavier. So a brand new Lord tech is basically the same thing as a vintage Gillette Tech. And before you ask, the Gillette NEW is a three piece razor with an open comb. (The safety bar around the blade is combed.) It is aggressive and I like it a lot. I usually shave with this but sometimes I get distracted by my kids or shave too fast, etc... and end up with irritation so I break out the Lord. I do not like Super Speeds. I have used a few- I don't like the angle of the heads for shaving. I much prefer three piece razors.
One thing to keep in mind wiht all these different razors is that each razor will pair best with different blades. You might find a few expections where a couple similare razors pair well with the same blades or a couple blades that work in just about any razor, but for the most part, each razor will be a new adventure. FWIW, I love my superspeed.
One thing is the head of the razor is not as thick on a 3 piece like the tech.The TTO doors on the SS make it have a bulkier geometry, some find it harder to shave in tight spots. As far as the new or vintage question that is personal. I prefer SE stuff... they are all vintage, The only non vintage razor I have is a new Feather protable. which I got to try then pass along probably. Fuzzy
I believe the ball-end Techs were still made of brass/nickel through at least 1958, and quite solid. My 50's Tech's weigh a bit more than my 40's Super Speed, surprisingly. Both styles are wonderful razors!
Hi there, These are totally different shavers, and you'll have to try em yourself to see if either works for you. Make sure you try a red tip SS along with the others when and if you sample those types. Most Techs models will shave somewhat similar, with slight variations. It's mostly a question of ball end or fat handle versions. There's aluminum types also that some members like, but the head design's basically the same on about all of those. I'd start with a Tech, since it's the milder of the two(for me). That doesn't mean it won't give you an excellent shave when paired with the right blade. That's my favorite fixed head razor, and I've shaved with more than a few different types. Anyway, the other posters have given you more than enough info to make an informed decision. Keep in mind though that this 'hobby' is very much a personal journey.......the YMMV effect is strong in this one............ Have fun sliding down the(bottomless)rabbit hole, Martin
