I use to have a brass Blackbird with an open comb. Loved the design of the razor but never could get a good shave from it. I continued to use it over and over trying to get an irritation free shave. Thought maybe it was my technique that was to blame but never had this issue with any of my other razors. Ended up selling it. This weekend a friend gave me a stainless closed comb. Said give it a try before buying another Blackbird. I am happy to report 4 irritation free shaves. Used two different blades that I had tried many times in the brass OC. I will definitely be picking up another Blackbird in the near future and will be very happy to have one back in my collection. The aesthetics and design of the razor is one of my favorites. Was sad to sell the first one but I couldn't justify keeping it just to fondle and look at. The sale helped fund a Timeless so my sadness ended fairly quickly lol.