are the english gillette razors such as the super speed of any higher quality than the american made versions, the reason I ask is that I have seen the english razors for sale on e-bay and they appear to have a much nicer chrome plating, really bright and shiny, and the checkering appears to be nicer, or is this just my imagination? also how do they shave compared to the same model made over here?
welcome on The Shave Den! Some british Aristocrat razors are rhodium plated, that looks shiny. Some have a solid base plate, so the weight is high: Aristocrat #16= 82g
I can tell that the british Gillettes have a better look than the American ones,but both works the same...but between a Super Speed or a Rocket I will get a Rocket and I will do the same If I have to choose between a British or an American.
I actually thought to do this same thread. Never got around to it. To add, is the TTO mechanism more durable in the British gillettes compared to the American ones?
I don't know if it is more durable, but I think it is smoother. I guess I prefer the British versions for several reasons. I think they feel more solid, and I like the smooth action, I like the looks of them better, and I enjoy the hunt!
I would like to get my hands on a red tip (Rocket). I am trying to start a humble, nice plating, no case, usable collection. MTgrayling's collection is 1 to be marveled !!! Nice Job. Anyway to the point - I like English versions for their weight and they look sharp......
That one is one of the harder ones to come by along with the TV, blue tip Rocket and the aluminum versions. I wish you good luck I've come to the conclusion that I was damn lucky and started collecting at just the right time.
I have a beautiful HD that weighs 58 gr on my scale. Would this be an LD? I bought it as a heavy that I guess should weigh around 71gr ?
It sounds like you have the hybrid HD/LD, we could call it a MD. It should have a brass knob and aluminum handle. Rodd has one ... "aluminum handled HD with brass head and TTO - 57 grams"
Yes, I am sure that is what I have and it is in beautiful shape. "No case though" What would you estimated the going price for one in excellent shape(no case)? Just asking, As I will keep this for as long as I have my humble collection.
The only British Gillette that I own is a long-comb NEW. I really like this razor. However, I find that it is more aggressive than the U.S. equivalent. I'll save the Brit for those times when I have a couple of days growth, otherwise I will use the long-comb U.S. NEW. The British NEW, however, is of better quality, and that is because of issues regarding cracks in the handle and durability of plating. Otherwise, the heads of either are very fine shavers. I believe that a U.S. NEW head (gold plated), even if it were replated, with a custom handle of, say, imitation ivory and ebony from Bob would be a dream. Combine a beautiful head with a custom handle and one would have a dream razor! Still, if I could have a razor that was strictly stock, I would choose a British Gillette. Regards, David
that's probably a good way to put it pablo, with the exception of the USA executive, bostonian and empire series OLDs and...
D'OH Of course I forgot the two ring and one ring gillette olds, and the service razors, and the one rhodium plated USA gillette, and... It was only a rule of thumb I was saying for somebody collecting the cheaper gillettes, not a collector paying $100+ a razor The OP was asking about super speeds.
