Just the normal questions when looking at an adjustable twist to open razor; Does the adjustment and twist to open mechanisms turn smoothly? Condition of the finish? Even and tight closing doors?
If you are looking on the Bay make sure there a plenty of pictures with silos open and closed. Ask the questions JoAnna mentioned above to the seller. If you get no answers, move on.
I just posted questions to the seller. I've dealt with him before and he seems honest. There was a questionable razor I received once - he didn't even wanted it back, just refunded the money no questions asked. So seller-wise I'm confident, but I also suspect he doesn't know as much on razors as you guys, so I need to ask the right questions - done that now Lutebro, I'm looking online, mostly on eBay with the EU. I'm based in Denmark. I'm not particular looking for a S1 year/quarter, but I'm most interested in the all metal head, and not the newer one with plastic part. Dunno if it's silly, but I do like metal
All my questions were answered in a good spirit. I now have a Gillette Super Adjustable "S1" heading my way along with a British Gillette Fat Handle Tech 1940's and an USA Star Double Edge razor from the 1950's. Will this madness ever stop???
You people will be the first to know I just hope it is in the shape that's been advertised and described. Fingers crossed.
Just arrived today. Gave them a quick bath in Cilit Bang Active Foam and a toothbrush. Came out pretty nice! Some of the numbers are a bit worn out, I guess that is expected? It doesn't bother me at all. I think it works as it should - I've never held an adjustable before, but the dial dials (!) and the base plate adjusts. With a blade in it I can see the gap increasing and decreasing as wanted. The last turn where the blade gets squeezed is pretty tight, it doesn't feel unnatural. The only "grief" I have is, that the whole razor seems "un-lubed", like something that could need a drop of oil. I'll see how it feels when it's all dried up from the clean. Together with the Tech Fat Handle and Star DE, I payed $95 in total with 3 packs of assorted vintage blades. The other two razors are in excellent shape also. As a Dane, that is a pretty tight deal. I know in the US you sometimes find these at markets etc. for a bargain but that is not something that we can here. So we have to venture for eBay or Etsy or the likes. I looked on eBay for a SA but the shape wasn't as good on those I could find in EU and the prices was in the same range. So I figure I got 2 extra razors "for free". I got those from a nice German gentleman on Etsy.
I am very happy for you. The Gillette looks great. I think I see S1 on the bottom. That would make it first quarter of 1972. You can touch up the numbers with some black enamel if you like. It looks pretty good the way it is though. Happy shaves. I'd like to see some pictures of the fat handle and the star as well.
Thanks! It is indeed a good'ol '72. I haven't shaved with it yet but it can't be long before now Pics of the others are on the way a bit later - baby girl needs a nap now I can hear.
The "black beauty" is in my top 3 razors. That's a great looking razor. As mentioned you can paint the numbers, very easy process. Happy shaving!
I've just realized how difficult it is to photograph shiny objects. Every little ding and scratch gets magnified Those are the other two razors in the lot. The Tech being the most "shiny" of the two. The cap on the Star especially needs a polish. However they both seems to be without plate-wear or loss that I cannot polish up. If that Fat Handle Tech is as good as I imagine (I love my Aluminium handle version) then it might end up being my daily go-to razor. The Star seems like a copycat Tech. The head looks very much like a Tech. I wonder if it shaves the same way? British Tech, Fat Handle British Tech, Fat Handle US Star DE US Star DE
Plain logical spoken because I only need one razor ;-) I just like these vintage items. I'm not even sure the SA is one I'll use very often. I might not even like it, but I had to have it. It's a technological masterpiece from the past. Love things from the past. I still need an Old Type and NEW, so RAD is not completed yet.
Sweet looking razor! My advice: Shave 1 - set to 3, complete all passes, evaluate Shave 2 - set to 4, complete all passes, evaluate Shave 3 - set to 5, complete all passes, evaluate Shave 4 - set to 6, etc. Every day go up one click until you reach that spot that is just a bit too aggressive. Back it down one click and there is your sweet spot. Once you get comfortable with how it shaves, you can begin to really experiment: Start wild (wide open at 9) for the first pass, then finish up mild (maybe 2 or 3) for the final pass. Some start mild, then finish up wild. But again, I recommend my advice above until you get the adjustable figured out. Me, I leave mine locked at 6 for the entire shave.
Great advise, Steve. I was pondering on how to tackle it, but no more. Can one say that setting X resembles the Super Speed Flare Tip or something? Or is the head too different for that? Can't wait to take her for a spin.
