Hey guys, I realize that there may not be many out there with both, but does anyone have any thoughts to share regarding how these two British beauties compare as far as shaving performance? To me they seem to be the ultimate in open-comb Gillettes, besides the #81 Richwood, and I just wondered how they feel comparatively. Cheers
#15 vs #88
- Thread starter TacticalPanda
- Start date
I'd like to know as well. I really want a #15 to be my next big razor purchase. I'm just waiting for a better time to drop $150 or more on a razor. Maybe for my birthday or Christmas.
I only had the # 15, for me it is too mild. But overall it is a well made shaver and it may yield better results for you.
I have all three (I'm slightly obsessed with UK NEWs). I really like OC razors and I like heavy razors, so the #15 seemed like the perfect choice. It is indeed awesome, but a bit mild for my tastes (like Alex, although I suspect he likes more aggressive razors than I do). The #88, however, remains a favorite. A truly awesome razor.
I must say, since you mentioned it, the best ever is the #81. It is a #88 on steroids. Good luck finding one ...
I must say, since you mentioned it, the best ever is the #81. It is a #88 on steroids. Good luck finding one ...
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I would have to say both my Rhodium-plated open comb #15 and the Silver-plated open comb #77/#88 occupy rarified air.
The Twist To Open #15 has a bigger presence, looking all shiny, with a thicker, barber-pole handle and weightier feel. The balance is near perfect, and the shave is effortless. I haven't decided yet, whether to give the edge to the closed comb #16.
The 2-piece #77/#88 ( I'm still not certain which I have - with a bakelite brown case ) is more like a surgical instrument, and is lighter, with a thinner handle, but able to maneuver at will. I smile, uttering oohs and ahhs, when I shave with this one.
Both are exceptional shavers, and part of my regular rotation.
The Twist To Open #15 has a bigger presence, looking all shiny, with a thicker, barber-pole handle and weightier feel. The balance is near perfect, and the shave is effortless. I haven't decided yet, whether to give the edge to the closed comb #16.
The 2-piece #77/#88 ( I'm still not certain which I have - with a bakelite brown case ) is more like a surgical instrument, and is lighter, with a thinner handle, but able to maneuver at will. I smile, uttering oohs and ahhs, when I shave with this one.
Both are exceptional shavers, and part of my regular rotation.
Here are a couple side by side comparison shots I took a while back.
From the left: No. 77/88, No. 15, Flat bottom Brit New.
The profile of the bottom plates on the 77/88 and 15 are remarkably similar.
But to my face the razors shave differently. I find the 15 to be the more aggressive
of the two. I think it has to do with how the blade is held by the doors on the 15 but
I've never examined it that closely. Both are fine razors.
From the left: No. 77/88, No. 15, Flat bottom Brit New.
The profile of the bottom plates on the 77/88 and 15 are remarkably similar.
But to my face the razors shave differently. I find the 15 to be the more aggressive
of the two. I think it has to do with how the blade is held by the doors on the 15 but
I've never examined it that closely. Both are fine razors.
I just remembered an earlier review several months ago:
***
I wanted to follow up with quick snapshots of the #15 and #77/#88 sets. How different they feel in the hand. Both are a Mistress of Great Shaves.
One is Voluptuous:
The other is Svelte:
I need sunglasses just to hold the #15, which I believe is circa 1947-48.
I believe the #77/88 set is around 1933-35. It seems to have characteristics of both 77 and 88 sets, looking at the base plate, cap points and case. So I can't figure out which it is.
***
I wanted to follow up with quick snapshots of the #15 and #77/#88 sets. How different they feel in the hand. Both are a Mistress of Great Shaves.
One is Voluptuous:
The other is Svelte:
I need sunglasses just to hold the #15, which I believe is circa 1947-48.
I believe the #77/88 set is around 1933-35. It seems to have characteristics of both 77 and 88 sets, looking at the base plate, cap points and case. So I can't figure out which it is.
