On the left is my birth year razor, the 1947 Super Speed. On the right is a 1953 Super Speed.
The main difference in the two razors is the design of the center bar. The 1947 SS was the first of this model. Its center bar was like that of its predecessor, the Gillette Senator, it was un-notched. Starting in 1948 the center bar was notched to allow for easier loading of the blade from their new blade dispenser. The user would push the blade out of the dispenser and hook it onto the notch and the pull it out completely to load it.
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| Left 1947, right 1953. |
+Speed-pak+10+Blue+Blades.JPG) |
| 1948 Blade Dispenser |
The 40s style SS was produced from 1947-1954. Various other models of the SS continued through 1988 (see below).
The 40s model is fairly easy to get, but the 1947 is not. I am happy to have been able to acquire this one for my collection. It is in great shape, and it is a great shaver.
The Other Super Speeds
The Black Tip was made in 1951 and 1952. There were steel and aluminum handle versions.
The third quarter of 1954 gave the 40's style Super Speed its last hurrah with a special limited edition re-release promoting the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports. It is known as the 1954 TV Special.
The Flare Tip was produced from 1954-1968 with some variance in the knurling of the handle.
The Blue Tip was produced from 1954-60. It was a milder version SS.
The Red Tip was produced 1955-1960 and was heavier and more aggressive than the Flare Tip and Blue Tip.
This is the 1958 Gillette Super Speed called the TV Special, because it was used as a promotion for the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports Friday Night Fights on television.
The Black Handle was produced from 1966-1988. The black handle is a resin coat over metal.
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| '76 Super Speed |
Awesome writeup! I have all of the Super Speeds, and regular twist to open models not classified as Super Speeds, as well as the adjustables, a tech ball end and a 1917 old type single ring. They all are amazing razors and shavers. Could not ask for better razors and of course a better hobby and career which is wetshaving with Gillette double edge safety razors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jonathan. I'm still loving it. Please join us at one of the most friendly forums, The Shave Den.
Deletehttps://theshaveden.com/forums/portal/
Thanks for the offer, I would if I could but the site is not letting me for some reason.
DeleteJust google The Shave Den and try that way.
DeleteWhat does notched bar mean exactly other than the info saying you can hook the blade onto it? I still don't understand. Does it mean the bar is raised higher than on other models? Or does it have a special groove on the bar?
DeleteI made a new page to answer your question. I will put this address at the bottom of this post, too.
Deletehttps://jrshaving.blogspot.com/2018/12/notched-vs-no-notched.html
Hey Jayaruh, are you still enjoying your shaves? I know Im enjoying mine :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Johathan, I am still enjoying my shaves. They are new every morning.
DeleteHave you ever shaved with a Gillette Red Tip? Mine is from 1959 and it has a date code of E3. The Red Tip is a fine shaver
DeleteYes, mine is a D4, 1958. It is indeed a fine shaver. Here is the last time I shaved with it. 12/14/16
Deletehttps://jrshaving.blogspot.com/2016/12/shave-of-day-1214.html