Which of these would YOU choose?

Happy Sunday all,

I'm ready to start my shaving adventure by purchasing my first DE razor. I've narrowed it down to 4 possibilities.

Super Slim (I know this will likely be ending before a decision is made, but this one is pretty)

Meishi 9306 Gunmetal

Parker 22R

Timor

I am not looking for an adjustable until I get my technique down, and I 'think' I would prefer a TTO over a 3 piece, and I have no idea whether I will like mild or aggressive. Once I have a razor, I will be getting a blade sampler or two from different places and start narrowing it down to my favorites.

Thanks for your guidance

 

I only have experience with the black handle superspeed. I find it is a great razor. I found it wasn't mild, yet it wasn't too aggressive. It got the job done, and done well.

(More aggressive than the flair tip...but not like a red tip)

 

Of those choices, I would go with the Super Slim. Why not try theGillette slim adjustable or the black beauty superadjustable?

 

I'd go with the gillette. Really, any of those razors will probably do a good job but the gillette has a history of quality, and and will soon be an antique with some resale value. Why not a 3 piece. You can get Techs cheap and they shave great!

 

I say go with the Gillette too. I have used the Schick Krona, which is similar to the Super Slim in terms of mildness. Also, they shave just as good as they did 40 years ago and will probably out last the other ones you listed.

 

I like the super speed. I have a 47, a flare end and a red tip. I have repeatedly used and enjoyed them all. A great design. I haven't used the bLack handle one as of yet but I am sure it is a winner as well.

 

My bad, I meant Super Speed. I will have to revisit the Super Speed and see if I can get a better shave with it now that my technique is better.

 

Right, so I'll look more to the Gillette options. I found this . Any chance that's a real Gillette razor? I'm weary of buying items off of Ebay when I'm not able to verify the info myself.

Say, didn't I read that there's a section on TSD for buying/selling? <runs off to shop>

 

No real reason. I have no experience with any. The TTO just seems easier to deal with. Silly I know.

 

It's a real one. Once you see a vintage Gillette Razor, you will be able to tell the real ones from the phony ones.

 

I say get one of each. They are both pretty cheap and easy to find. Then if you completely dislike one or the other, you can sell it or trade it or PIF it.

 

Thanks for the help/advise, and my apologies for posting the link to a live auction(at the time). I'll re-read the rules again.

 

I think you've answered your own question. Go with the one you think is "pretty"--it would be my choice of those you've listed. You'll buy dozens more, so don't put too much time into it.

 

On you're guy's advice, I took a closer look at Gillette razors, and I really liked the fat boy. I guess starting with an adjustable won't be too bad, I will just have to fight the urge to play with the settings.

So, I am now the proud owner of what I believe is a Fat Boy. (After searching photos on Google, what I have is a slim. No worries though, the seller didn't specify what it was exactly.) There is no date code on the underside, nor under the silo doors. (Date code is I-2) Got it off eBay for $26 shipped. It wasn't too dirty when it arrived, and cleaned up pretty nicely with some Kaboom scrubbing bubbles and a brush. It was a surprise to find it in the mail today, wasn't expecting it until Monday, and to add to the excitement, the wife picked up a 10 pack of blades from Kroger while she was shopping (another surprise). Not sure how they'll perform, and they're not branded, except to say Kroger, so we'll see.

Anyway, here are a few pics. Any guesses on the year? If I remember correctly, they started the date code stamps in '59?

Before cleaning:


After cleaning:

 

You've got a Slim Adjustable there. Not a Fatboy but no matter. Slims shave about the same. Great choice there and it looks to be in great shape. There is a date code. I can see the 2 on the underside but can't make out a letter since it's in a shadow. The letter will tell you the year it was made. Your Kroger blades are made by American Safety Razor and they're decent blades in my opinion. They're a plain uncoated blade I think so if you like them, you may want to try the coated version. They're called Personna Super Stainless and may say Comfort Coated too. I've seen them at Sally's Beauty Supply but they're a bit pricey there. You can find them online in bulk cheaper.

 

Haha, yep I was just coming back to edit my post when I saw the alert about your reply. Yes, I checked out the Google and figured out it's a slim, but it's still pretty cool. I also had my kid take a look with her younger eyes, and she saw I on the other side of the 2, which puts it at 1963? Not bad for a almost 50 year old razor! (BTW, holy zoom vision batman, how did you see that?)

Thanks for the info on the blades. I'm sure I would have found it by searching on here, but I hadn't got to it yet.

 

Very cool. That razor is right at 50 years old give or take a month. It looks great. Enjoy it.

 

Feeltheburn is absolutely correct, you have a Gillette Slim Adjustable and it's in very good shape. The date code will be right up against the handle. Excellent razor. I still use the one my Dad gave me in the 70's.

 

You guys are awesome with the info. I love this site! Unfortunately, I shaved this morning before I left the house, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I don't have a brush or proper cream yet either(just the canned stuff, boo). I plan on ordering a stand, brush, soap and a sampler pack in the next week.

 

You made an excellent choice and cleaned it very well. I hope you enjoy it!