The Long And Short Of It -- A Look At The Super Adjustable

The Gillette Super Adjustable that came in both a short and long handle (also referred to as a "Black Beauty"), was, IMHO, the last great Gillette razor made. With what I assume to have been a cost-cutting maneuver, the SA debuted in 1969 with a black resin handle rather than the nickel-plated metal one of it's predecessor -- the much-beloved 1960's Slim Adjustable. However, in some ways, a nicer razor was created because the new handle is not only more contemporary looking, but the lighter material makes it heavier in the head. This, in turn, encourages the proper “no-pressure” technique that should be employed with any DE razor to ensure a comfortable shaving experience. As I said, this razor came in both short (3.25”) and long (4”) handles as well as a rarely seen gold-plated version, which I’m assuming is the last gold razor ever made by Gillette (talking REAL gold, not “gold colored”). Later versions employed even more plastic on the portion above the adjustment dial and the bottom of the head, but I find these to be a little too cheap looking for my tastes -- although I know others do like them quite well.

As Gillette was shifting its company focus to the disposable razor market, they threw out one last great bone for the DE users, and even though the Gillette razors from 1900’s - 1960’s may be more desirable, no true collector or wet shaver should overlook the last great DE razor to roll out of the Gillette factory.

Big brother, little brother




Close cousins




Silver and gold never looked so good

 

great post Blue Monkey, I have one of these black beauties and it is my number 1 shaver and I love it. Would recommend to anyone to pick one up and try it!

 

+1x10e30!
I love my long handle super! It gives a great shave, and I agree that it really has a great balance. Mine is a '75 (my birth year), and arguably the best shaver in my den (which includes a '75 SS, a ~'49 SS, and a Fatboy). Any lovers of vintage Gillettes should give one of these a shot. Incidentally, I also like my '75 SS - not the most aggressive, but wonderful for those days when you want a nice, mild shave (like when you tore your face up trying out that new blade, or experimenting with a new cream or soap that just wasn't slick enough).

Incidentally, my Super is a first quarter '75 (V1). My exact birth date was 2nd quarter '75, so I am always looking for a long-handled V2 Super Adjustable (my SS is a V2). If anybody has one in nice condition that they are looking to part with, let me know.

 

I have noticed that the mid/late 70's versions are kind of hard to find -- most likely from reduced production, I'm guessing. I looked for quite a while to find a U2 SA to match my wife's birth year and quarter, as well as one with a case.

 

Luckily, as well, they had not yet switched the baseplate of the head to the plastic by '75. I probably would still try to find one, just for collecting, but it is extra nice that I can still use this one. I have had a hard time finding a V2. I have owned 2 V1's - the other was a short-handle, which I sold to buy the long-handle. Somebody saw me inquiring about a V2 SA, and offered me the V2 SS.

 

Good job monkey. I have a 1968 Gillette Slim Adj. and it is my favorite.

 

the super adjustable is in my top three favorites, and could easily be #1 (if a reasonable playoff system were put in place....)

would be interested in a short handle version to match my 3 longs, but it's not a necessity....Mike, I'm going to check the years on mine later for you

 

Now that I think about it (and check the date codes of my 6 Supers), it seems as if anything past P date codes are kind of scarce. As I said, I hunted high and low for that U2, and a cased one I just bought happened to be an S1 -- but other than that, I have 3 O's and 1 P.

 

Thanks for starting the thread Rick,

I started my DE 'hobby' experience with one of those supers, and it was a smart choice on my part. Nice long handle, and good weight in general. I could easily use one of those regularly, although now it would take getting used to that handle length.

Got me thinking about trying one again sometime....maybe with a feather, but I only have one super and it's in too nice a shape to shave with.........heh. I always look for those in antique stores, but they aren't that easy to come by.

Anyway, nice pics and info.
Martin

 

great post
the super adjustable is a great razor
just love it

 

i have a 1979 as my birth year razor. and it has both of my no nos in one package: adjustable. plastic.

 

Serves you right for being born so late!

You're kind of a late 1800's/early 1900's at heart, arent you?

 

yeah, things happen though. ill be back there one of these days.



:happy088

 

The long handle Super Adjustable was my first vintage Gillette and set the stage for the mania you see around me today.

Nice writeup Rick! I think the only SA referred to as a Black Beauty is the newer one with the black plastic base plate, that seems to be the consensus.

 

Thanks for the clarification! :happy088

 

The shorter handle was my first DE razor just a few short weeks ago and although some folks advise against and ajustable to start with, it shaves very well for me.

In fact, I found one today, along with two SSs, at a thrift shop. This adjustable is the long handle P-1. She's soaking in barbicide as I write.

 

Treat her well, my friend! :happy088

 

Will do!

Any idea what year the P1 is? Is there a Year chart anywhere for Gillettes?

 

But, of course!

CLICK ME

Your P1 is a first quarter 1970.

 

Howdy folks
Just came back from an estate sale with a long handle black beauty SA razor in original packaging with the original blue blades included p1 date code I feel blessed.Take care 45auto