The NDC Super Speed I bought from Ryan Bales arrived Friday. When I got home and opened the package, first observation was this razor was in great shape. Someone took good care of it, or Ryan did a super job cleaning it up, or both! Second thing I noticed was the size of the handle compared to my EJ8911, and wondered if I would like the smaller diameter and shorter handle. I was really excited to obtain a vintage razor, and a twist to open to compliment my EJ and be something a little different. This morning I looked forward to shaving with the SS. Decided to go with a Personna Red blade and Real Shaving Company cream. As I put the razor up to my face, first thing I noticed was the nice balance and then, WOW!! What a shave! Most effortless, smoothest, closest, most comfortable and best shave of my life! The razor seemed to immediately go to the right angle and just glided across my face. No nicks, no weepers, no irritation from a 3 pass shave. It seemed to be more efficient at whisker removal than the EJ. Not sure if the SS is considered more aggressive than the EJ, but it certainly seemed more efficient. I really liked the handle, length, diameter, and the knurling. The EJ handle seems a bit clunky in comparison. A new Weber handle may be in my EJ's future. Not sure if I just got lucky with my selection of blade and cream, or if the SS will be just as good with a lot of different blades and creams/soaps. In any event, I have now found an awesome combination. Many thanks to Ryan for responding to my earlier thread about vintage razors similar to the EJ with a PM offering to sell me the SS.
It took me a minute to figure out what NDC meant. (no date code) It's always nice to see people enjoying the vintage razors.
Your new razor looks like a 40's SS which is considered by many a little more agressive than the later "Flair Tips". Another thing is simply finding your perfect razor and blade combo or at least one of them.. My favorite TTO's are the FatBoy on 4-5 and the late 40's Aristocrat. My favorite 3 piece is an EJ89 head with a Weber BullDog stainless handle. The Weber/EJ makes for a great combo....
It would be a 1948 - 50 because the 1947 models had a modified handle with a rounded end before the reduction where the head and handle meet. In addition in a 1947 model there will be no notches to make it easier accept the Speed Pak loader. The 1948 model put those in where the 1947 model tried to go without the notches. You will see it in Achim's photos. The cut out notch in the center bar is easy to see on the 1948 but is flat (no notch) on the 1947. I prefer the 1940s series over the 1950s series with the exception of the Red Tip which had a completely different (heavier) handle and was more aggressive. I hope you enjoy your razor.
Very cool! Notched, or not notched? This thread will show you the difference and help narrow down the date.
I'm glad you enjoy the razor! I really wanted to like it, but it was too aggressive for me. It was a pleasure doing business with you and I hope we can do business again soon.
Here's a pic of mine showing the notches: The handle really looks better than the way it shows up in this picture.
I have yet to figure out how you boys shave with stuff that has SO MANY moving parts. That is a great looking piece of machinery though.
Hey Steve, If I tried one of the new fangled contraptions, my face would probably look worse than my avatar's.