A common question for wet shavers starting out with DE razors is what type to get.

There are lots of vintage models being offered on Ebay, some at outrageous prices. With more and more wet shavers entering the market every day, demand has increased to the point where even the ladies who run little antique shops have gotten hip to the fact that they can mark these things up.

A razor with a reputation for being gentle on your skin would be your best choice for a first DE razor. In terms of vintage razors, the Gillette Super Speed would be the razor to pick. You’ll see enormous prices for ‘Fat Boy’ or ‘Red Tip’ razors, the ones that are sought by collectors. These aren’t necessary for a beginning wet shaver.

Look for a Super Speed with the silo-opening doors (called TTO or Twist To Open) that’s in good condition. A little ‘brassing’ or areas where the plating has worn down is OK. What we want is all the moving parts working, and no green crud on the parts.

The ‘red-tip’ models are going to cost you. A Super Speed with a plain silver end on the handle, black, or blue would be fine. These were measures of aggressiveness. Blue for sensitive skin, plain or black medium, and red the cutting beast. No need to pay a premium for red tip yet.

It’s still possible to get good deals on these razors which aren’t the collectors’ fancy. All you want is a razor that is in good condition to get started learning your technique. If the ‘razor acquisition’ bug bites, you can get into the collectors’ market later on.

There are still new DE razors being made. There is little argument that the best of these come from Merkur. The Merkur HD or ‘Heavy Duty’ is an excellent starting razor. You can find these at shave shops, knife and cutlery stores, or online from independent vendors or through Amazon.

New or vintage, a DE razor will open up new realms of shaving goodness to you. Happy hunting.

Gillette Super Speed razors offered in the 1950's.