Many feel the Super Speed is the Quintessential Gillette Razor, and many feel the 40's Style is the Best of the Breed. It was during 1951 and '52 that Gillette experimented with the materials they built their Super Speeds with. These were the Korean War Years, and World War II had just ended 4 years before, and since the War Dept. used Brass to make Artillery Shells there was the largest brass shortage in US history. So manufacturers implemented new ways to use Steel and Plastics. This affected practically all industries, from Plumbing, and Automobiles, to Housewares, Farm Equipment, Tools and yes, even razor manufacturing. Gillette with their knowledge, experiance, and manufacturing ingenuity, built their 1951 and '52 Super Speeds with Steel or Aluminum handles, Nickle plated brass, or Steel heads, and most with black plastic TTO knobs. There was no subversive scheme for cutting costs at this time, only finding a creative way to continue producing a quality product in the face of War-Time adversity. And that they did, and I'm here to say the "Black Tip" Super Speed-Steel Model is a fabulous razor that lives up to the 40's Style Super Speed Legacy in every way. The weight of the Steel model is 1.64 oz. compared to the reg. weight of 1.9 oz. little differance there. This razor is light and manueverable, inspiring high speed acts bordering on reckless abandon. But it always seems easy to control, and effortless. Its sliding and gliding all over my face, with no irritation, just smooth and close shaves. The balance is the same as the 40's style; which was just about perfect. Except with the plastic TTO knob, if anything, it distributes a little more weight to the head which only improves an already great balance. Blade Exposure: I would never call this a non-aggressive razor. Nonaggressive to me means you have to work hard to achieve a close shave, and thats just not the case with this razor. Rather the opposite is true, its very easy to get close, smooth shaves. If I had to pick a setting on my Slim Adjustable that comes close, I would say around the #5 or #6 setting. But there is no setting that duplicates the ease and comfort of this razor. Thats what makes these Super Speeds so unique. Ease of Use: Another integral part of the Super Speed Magic...Probably the easiest, most fun razor to use I have ever had the pleasure. I mean the Super Speed set a new standard for "Ease of Use" which I think is still the standard all others are judged by..While not non-aggressive in how easy it clears a face of whiskers, it's still very forgiving and user tolerant. There is no single reason why these shave so comfortably, they just do... Grip: Perfect. They incorperated the Diamond Knurl, they had used before with much success. Price: Unbelievable...The best buys on the used market...Almost always under $15 or $20...And to many, the best shave for any price...YMMV In 1947 when Gillette's new "Top of the Line" razor the Super Speed was unveiled, it was an over-night sensation and became an instant Classic. It set new standards in all catagories, and it was so far ahead of its time, it's still being copied today. It's design is timeless, and for many it is still the "Razor Gold Standard" to which all others are compared. It was built to last several lifetimes, which is evident by how many are still around and looking and shaving like new. This 'Black Tip' beauty is a 40's Style Super Speed, and therefore an example of Gillette at it's finest hour...In 1952, it was the Best A Man Could Get, and I believe it still is...
Excellent and factual review! These are truely great razors that have set the standard of excellence that other razor manufactures still strive for today. They were the best of the "Golden Age" of razors! A collectors "Must Have"!
I agree wholeheartedly. My '52 black tip has become the only Gillette razor I use with any regularity. Excellent shaves with it!
Excellent review, thank you for a great write up.. A 1952 will be added to my list of razors plus it would be my birth year razor.
Bravo. This review actually almost makes me want the least collectible DE razor gillette ever made. My search for the perfect razor pretty much stopped when I found a fatboy and a red tip.
Bump for a great razor.......any of the 40's style Super Speeds are highly underated....I think everyone should have one.... And the early Super Speed still is my Favorite DE razor.....and number 1 choice for beginners.....and advanced alike....Along with Injectors of course....}8^))
Lloyd, great review. I am glad I finally got my replacement for the BT I traded to you. I am shaving with it this week, and I must say, I can't agree with you more. Mine is the aluminum handle. I must now get a steel handle one.
Had to revive this thread as I just purchased this baby at the fleamarket this morning. This is the after picture. More pics in "The Haul". This is an X2. $10, it was loose. One of these days I'll hit one in the case. I'll be blade auditioning this bad boy next week. I just started on my old VDH this morning, so I have to wait a week.
Don't give up do ya Fuzzy? I knew that since I just started my shave week I'd probably find something.
