Any point in an open comb?

[OCDshaver]

I am considering a Gillette NEW....my first open comb. Lots of folk like OC razors, but I also get the impression that they are not necessarily any more aggressive or effective than, say, a 38c, which I love. I love Techs and 40s Superspeeds, but for me they are a bit too mild to be optimal.

Are OCs different enough to justify a purchase?

 

[BJC]

Are they different enough to justify a purchase? I would say so. Open combs, like their solid bar counterparts, are just as individual in the shave they provide. Take for instance my meager collection of 11 razors - 6 of which are open comb.

1904 Merkur OC - Smooth, gentle, shaver. Great for a quick shave! It will easily provide a DFS (Darn fine shave) but a BBS shave will require a little more effort. This is with a Red IP - blades like a Iridium or Feather might change that.

1933? Gillette New (American) - Like the 1904 Merkur, a smooth shaver, perhaps a little more "aggressive" than the 1904, but nothing to fear. Easily delivers a DFS shave, and the BBS is obtained with little work. Again, using Red IP. With a Feather, two pass BBS for me most times with very few (if any) issues with nicks or cuts.

Gillette Tuckaway (New Improved Head) - This is a recent acquisition to my collection. I picked it up just before leaving the States and have only used it once - I believe. The jury is still out on this one, though from the initial shave I would rate it a little more aggressive than the previous two razors.

Gillette Big Fellow (American) - This is one heavy OC razor. I think this is yet even a little more aggressive than the previous razors - though that could just be a result of the weight. With a Red IP, I get a BBS shave in two passes - every time. This has become one of my favorites. I have yet to put a Feather in this one.

Gillette #88 British New - This razor is more aggressive yet still. The difference is, this one has bit me a few times when I've not been paying attention. With this razor I get great BBS shaves. The work here is to pay attention to what you're doing as you can just as easily get bloody shaves. When I first tried this one, I didn't like it as I got razor burn and even some nicks that were borderline cuts. The problem was I was accustomed to the 1933 Gillette NEW. After some time away, I pulled it back out, applied the technique and control I had gained from the other razors, and voila - a great shave. This is also one of my favorites for times I am not rushed.

GEM Micromatic OC - This is one of my two GEMs, the other being a GEM Junior. This razors reputation proceeds itself. Some fear it, some hate it. Me, I LOVE IT! Gives a great BBS shave every time. In fact, it even impressed my wife - which is saying something! The only thing is it can bite you very easily. But, take it slow, be careful with the angle, and watch the pressure and all will be well.

All that was said just to say, you'll find OCs that range from mild to aggressive just like Techs to Red Tips. On days with a few days of growth, an OC is a little easier to clean between passes. After DE shaving for about 4 months, I finally tried an OC - a Gillette bar handled NEW. Let's just say, I liked it so much, that my wife bought me a silver one for my birthday that year.

Give them a try. Worst case scenario, it'll end up on the BST. Best case scenario, you'll end up with a selection to choose from. As always, YMMV applies.

Hope this helps,
BJC

 

[wimbouman]

I have a R41 by Muhle and find it different than a closed comb.

The open comb is efficient with soaps, and it gives a nice close shave.

I also have a New, which I think is also a good shaver.

I recommend you try one!

 

[pz93c]

Nothing wrong with a NEW.

Of course, I'm too cheap to buy a modern razor.

I do find the ABC Pocket to be a tad more aggressive than the NEW, though.

 

[DougK]

I recently purchased a Merkur 15C for my first open comb and it's now my favorite DE razor. I'd call it deceptively mild because it really doesn't seem to be doing anything yet the stubble just disappears. It's also the first DE razor that lets me get a smooth shave on my throat area without irritation. I haven't tried any blades other than Feathers, so I can't say I fully have the measure of the razor yet.

Short answer: yes, open combs are worth trying.

 

[Stubblefield]

Any point? Sure. Better Shaves.

I get a much better shave from my open comb than I have from any guard bar razor, so much so I'm looking into more open combs.

I doubt I will ever go back to a solid bar razor, other than to use my #58 when I am traveling.

 

[amishmotorboat]

In my opinion, the open comb maintains it's aggressiveness throughout the shave because the lather and whiskers don't stick around to clog things up. I find the techs and super speeds too 'mild' mostly because they become so mild after an inch or so of face. They may start out cutting hairs very nicely when you first start your stroke, but then cut less and less through the pass because of all the built up lather and whiskers trying to push through that narrow gap between blade and safety bar.
edit: on the other hand, safety bar razors like a 37C don't have that problem, since the gap between blade and bar is huge.

 

[gregindallas]

I haven't found that much diffference between the two shave performance-wise. What I do find different and useful is the tendency of a comb to leave lather tracks when you've got the angle wrong. I tend to get lazy under my jaw line. a comb will strighten me out PDQ.

Fav-er-rite comb:

 

[Falstaff]

I recently purchased a Merkur 15C for my first open comb and it's now my favorite DE razor. I'd call it deceptively mild because it really doesn't seem to be doing anything yet the stubble just disappears. It's also the first DE razor that lets me get a smooth shave on my throat area without irritation. I haven't tried any blades other than Feathers, so I can't say I fully have the measure of the razor yet.

Short answer: yes, open combs are worth trying.

I too have just recently purchased a 15c as well and enjoy the shave that I receive from this razor. I looked at the Muhle when deciding on what model to purchase, and for me the decision was made by the fact that the Muhle uses the Merkur 15c shaving head, albeit with a much shinier finish.

Try it, you'll like it!

 

[Laughster72]

I have a NEW and a generic (but nice) copy of the one-ring. I like them both, just as I like my two SuperSpeeds, my tech, and my R89. The NEW is a tad more aggressive than most of the CC razors that I have, but not a whole lot. I agree with others who say all models are individuals and should be sampled as such.

 

[bradyarz]

i sold off all my DEs a few months ago to fund my new-found straight AD. the only one i kept around is a gillette old type. it's a fantastic razor. coupled with a red ip, it's helped me tackle everything from 1 day stubble to a 1" beard.

 

[Chester]

"Any point in an open comb?"

Well, yeah, there are two whole rows of them on each side!
[guffaws, slaps knee, coughs, frowns, looks at shoes]

Seriously, though, I like how open combs don't swipe the lather out of the way of the blade, and they don't clog up as easily if I (gasp) take a few days away from shaving. My faves (at this point) are the old type (bulldog or single ring) and the new type. I picked up a sheraton a couple months ago, and I'm dying to try that one at some point, but I don't have any personal experience to share.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet

 

[apino]

As some say open combs are perhaps more aggressive/closer shaving (in any case they are not milder than their solid bar counterparts?), are they a bad choice for someone with sensitive skin that is prone to reddening? Or does blade choice weigh more here? I'd really like to try a British Gillette #15 but I've read it can be unforgiving and even harsh.

 

[moshulu]

There is a Solomonic answer to your question. Many people find that the best-shaving razor of all is the Eclipse Red Ring, whose design includes both an open comb and a solid bar. Of course, many people can't find a Red Ring, period. But that's another matter...

 

[Chester]

Of course, many people can't find a Red Ring, period. But that's another matter...

I am definitely "many people", though we don't feel schizophrenic in the least.
-- Chet

 

[moshulu]

I am definitely "many people"

A good place to look is ebay.co.uk. That's where I got both of mine. I estimate that there is a RR there about a third of the time.

Uh, oh... I think I might be in trouble with the mods!

 

[OCDshaver]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses. I wasn't expecting such passion and esteem for the Open Comb. Thanks BJC for such a detailed set of descriptions.

I'm convinced...I'm now in the market for one....thinking about a NEW rather than a Merkur or Muhle simply from a cost standpoint. Plus it seems universally liked.

I do like the look of the Muhle though......I can feel RAD creeping up on me....

Jim

 

[mdevine]

I have one open comb and seven closed. The New is one of my two favorite razors. It is a toss up between it and a '40s Superspeed. It has been good enough that I recently found myself bidding on a single ring and a Sheraton. If I give in again to my RAD, it will be for a second open comb razor.

 

[BJC]

Jim,
Careful! RAD can be hard to cure - especially when it comes to OC razors. I started with a NEW and well, the rest is history. All joking aside, don't worry about putting up a lot of money for an open comb right now. Often times, you can find a "user grade" NEW for pretty cheap in a local antique store or the BST. I started with a $4 NEW I found. It looked rough with most of the plating missing, but gave a great shave. Find one to test for now, then you can worry about the appearance later. Good luck and happy hunting!

BJC

 

[Luc]

Is it worth it? Yes. It's a different model of razor, try one!