I recall reading some years ago that open comb razors are best for heavy beards; is that strictly true? I have a medium beard but have always wanted to give one of these a go. So what is the deal with open combs?
I recall reading some years ago that open comb razors are best for heavy beards; is that strictly true? I have a medium beard but have always wanted to give one of these a go. So what is the deal with open combs?
Good advice on using sand paper. I like wettable for working with brass.One thing I will say about open comb razors: Not all of them will feel as nice on your skin as others. Some of the later-made old types from Gillette weren't finished the best on the comb tips, they can have burrs, etc. and feel harsh on the skin. Compared to a New Improved or a New, all old type open combs are sharp and skritchy to me, though they are still great shavers.
Some bakelite open comb razors have the casting lines on the tips of the fingers, and feel abrasive on the skin. The PAA slant is like this out of the box.
I use open combs about as often as I use safety bar DE's, but almost without fail, the safety bar razors feel smoother, even if more aggressive. Just try a 1946 aristocrat and you'll see what I mean.
When selecting a "keeper" open comb, I look closely at the finish on the comb finger tops and tips. If it's not nice and smooth there and well finished without burrs, plating flashing, etc., I opt for another razor. YMMV.
In some cases, when having an open comb I like replated, I take the opportunity to remove burrs and sand the comb tips to a uniform smoothness on a piece of fins sandpaper on a flat surface plate. When re-plated, those razors are IMMENSELY improved in how they feel on my beard.
I agree. OC is not as pleasant as SB, on my face. The extra little bit of efficiency on an OC is offset by a harsher feel. I have and use both, I just prefer SB.One thing I will say about open comb razors: Not all of them will feel as nice on your skin as others. Some of the later-made old types from Gillette weren't finished the best on the comb tips, they can have burrs, etc. and feel harsh on the skin. Compared to a New Improved or a New, all old type open combs are sharp and skritchy to me, though they are still great shavers.
Some bakelite open comb razors have the casting lines on the tips of the fingers, and feel abrasive on the skin. The PAA slant is like this out of the box.
I use open combs about as often as I use safety bar DE's, but almost without fail, the safety bar razors feel smoother, even if more aggressive. Just try a 1946 aristocrat and you'll see what I mean.
When selecting a "keeper" open comb, I look closely at the finish on the comb finger tops and tips. If it's not nice and smooth there and well finished without burrs, plating flashing, etc., I opt for another razor. YMMV.
In some cases, when having an open comb I like replated, I take the opportunity to remove burrs and sand the comb tips to a uniform smoothness on a piece of fins sandpaper on a flat surface plate. When re-plated, those razors are IMMENSELY improved in how they feel on my beard.
That's my theory too.From what I have heard, all of the early Gillette razors were open comb. Back then, a lot of men may not have be able to shave every day, so having a razor that would not clog with a heavy beard was an advantage.