Help with '57 Super Speed

007 Agent ZZero

007 Agent ZZero

Basic Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2006
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So I started DE shaving about 3 weeks ago, largely to all you gents here. My first shave was with an EJ89 and Dorco blade with some Conk Amber and an Omega boar brush. I use Thayers then Burt's Bees to round out the routine and I was hooked. I tried a few different blades as I felt like the technique came fast (have some straight razor experience). I had a buddy give me his grandpas old '57 Super Speed and it's really taking it to my face. Is it an aggressive razor? The shave is still superb but I am getting the irritated face afterwards. Any ideas? I am thinking of breaking out the VDH soap to try something different than the Col. Conk glycerine soap. Would an alcohol based aftershave make a difference? I have some Pinaud's in the wings.
 
Can you post a pic of it? Is it a flare tip with a red tip, blue tip, or silver tip? If it's a silver tip, there were three different heads, but being a '57, I'm guessing it has the taller head on it, which can be more aggressive than the lower profile heads. It's definitely more aggressive than the EJ89, so you probably need to adjust your angle a bit.
 
Zero, Glad you like it, enjoying a nice close shave and are having a good experience shaving. I have a 1958 Gillette Super Speed and totally like it and like you was hooked after the first or second shave. Mine is very smooth and the taller head. Plus, I use the glycerin soap with Feather blades and have little irritation. Still, try different soaps until you find one that gives you what you like. Also, I've found the blades are not consistent and some tear at my face while shaving. This malady greatly changes with just some light stropping or try another blade from the box. Good luck, DM
 
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I find Super Speeds to be a very mild razor, even the Red Tip is only slightly more aggressive than the EJ89. I would suspect the blade as being the culprit here, even though I like my Dorco 301s it is more common to get a bad blade than it is with other popular brands. Also check to make sure that the safety bar is straight and that the blade edge is sitting right when the razor is closed up. If there is any sort of bend or twist in the blades edge or if the safety bar is bent it could cause the irritation.
 
I think 'Unky' has it above; it reads like there's nothing wrong with the razor, the blade's the issue. Try another one from the pack and/or get another brand to see if that helps.
 
David, that is weird that you mention inconsistent feather blades. Not saying it couldn't happen, have you had a few?
007, if there is weight difference between the two razors, that could have an effect on your face, without you noticing a change in technique. take it slow, watch your angle, and "start from scratch" as it were. That the best advice I can give. swapping blades around might help, but might give you bad habits as well.
Let us know how it goes, man. One other thing, is if the burn gets bad, or is always in the same place, give yourself a day to heal, and see if that changes things.
 
Yes, a ragged blade does occur even within a box of 200 Feather blades. The wheels get worn during mfg. and less stropping occurs thus its mostly a 600 grit stone run across it. They are not flawless and it was an easy fix. Even with a NEW blade the first and second shave are 'bitey' so, I've started stropping these new blades before use. Thus, they're silky smooth from the first shave. DM
 
Ah, I see what you mean, I guess I just haven't hit one yet. I found that for the feathers just need a really light touch, but since they are so sharp, there is no resistance from the hair, and therefor almost no work required. But I'm de-railing.
 
I re-examined the dorco and opened another. It looks like it was nice and smoothly wicked sharp. The bumps have been a constant bear for years. They are at the bottom of my neck line and the hair grows in the opposite direction of my beard. They have been in great shape but that last round was rough. I think I need to watch my angle more. The super speed is a flare tip with nice straight bars. I think I might have just been overzealous with some pressure.
 
David Martin said:
Yes, a ragged blade does occur even within a box of 200 Feather blades. The wheels get worn during mfg. and less stropping occurs thus its mostly a 600 grit stone run across it. They are not flawless and it was an easy fix. Even with a NEW blade the first and second shave are 'bitey' so, I've started stropping these new blades before use. Thus, they're silky smooth from the first shave. DM
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Another good tip Mr Martin. I just got a ragged Feather myself, very uncomfortable shave as a result.
 
Went back to the super speed. It is a bit more aggressive so I made sure not to use any pressure. The shave was awesome. I used the same Thayers/Burt's Bees after routine. I think the next step is going from the Dorco/Derby blades to the 7am greens. They are they current favorite. The Derby and Dorco are my standbys. Anyone else switch between blades? Cheapies vs the favs?
 
If you notice cuts and irritation, but no tugging it's usually too much pressure/too many passes/inadequate lather cushion. If you get tugging and pinpoint weepers it's usually a blade that isn't cutting well, either due to sharpness, razor not being agressive enough, or inadequate beard prep.
 
Personna reds, feathers ans wilky swords from Wally world round out my blades. The swords were an awesome surprise are 1.29 per 10 pack.
 
Yes, and more face burn afterward from shaving with it. ONe application of lotion could not 'cool' it. DM
 
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