I have a 1954 flare tip Superspeed which I really like. It's smooth and well balanced. However, I am interested in something a little more aggressive in the Gillette line. I also use a mergress on 2 which tends to slice through my beard much more efficiently and is an overall good setting for me. However, the merkur and Gillette heads seem very different from each other when comparing blade gaps. My question is about the red tip version. Is it that much more aggressive than the 54 Superspeed? I have looked at the blade gap charts and I see it is a few more mm but will I really notice the difference? Thank you.
Though the difference is only slight I definitely prefer the red tip. I do not like the base SS at all.
Yes! The Red Tip is slightly more aggressive than a 54 Super Speed, which was slightly more aggressive than a Blue Tip.
Super Speeds and Variants http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/asylumguidos-guide-to-super-speed-identification.8461/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threa...ess-info-you-probably-dont-need-to-know.8468/
You can always use a small flat blade screwdriver inserted into the safety bar of your superspeed and bending down to adjust the blade gap and open it up. If you are careful you can open it up like a redtip. Glow slow and gently and it will bend slightly. Then do the other side. First Add a blade and check your gap with a feeler gauge. Then adjust and check again. Shave and repeat as needed.
Where would the 1961 Super Speed Flair Tip fall into on the aggressiveness scales with older Gillette's? Would it be between like the blue tip and red tip? Thx.
Yes. The blue tip is the mild version, for "younger men" and sensitive skin, as one old commercial put it. The flair tip is for "normal beards" and the red tip is for those who prefer a "heavier razor". I've never found an old commercial that mentions the red tip as being better at shaving tough beards, just a "heavier" razor. Still it is a bit more aggressive than the flair.
Thanks for the info! I was thinking the red tip was more but wasn't sure where all the models seem to lie at when talking aggression!
I agree, great commercials! Do you know how the 61 Super Speed Flair Tip compares to current razors like the EJ DE89L/Muhle R89 and the ATT M1 or M2? Thx.
Well it's YMMV, but I think the Flair is a bit less aggressive than the EJ89, but they are close. I haven't tried the other razors so maybe someone else can jump in there.
Here's how I'd rate the aggressiveness but some people might place them a little different. They're all pretty close. M1 < R89 < Flare Tip < M2
Just put my Red into service tonight. Closest shave ever. But boy, you got to pay attention. Let the razor do the work.