I don't think I've seen a discussion about this, and having never shaved with a comb razor before, I'm curious -- as far as shaving goes, what's the difference between a comb razor and one with the safety bar? All mine have bars. Anyone?
Comb vs bar
- Thread starter TxPhoto09
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cOry is right about aggressivenes; there are aggressive open combs and mild ones, just as with the safety bar razors, but that has nothing to do with the nature of the open comb.
IMO there are two main advantages; you can not shave for weeks and the OC will shave it down as easily as any other razor will do a daily stubble and second it will lay your hair in the same direction. Works wonders when your grain is all over the place and you don't shave daily.
EDIT; the topic comes up every other week so something could be found using the search function but there are still a lot of myths going around, so you best try one yourself!!
IMO there are two main advantages; you can not shave for weeks and the OC will shave it down as easily as any other razor will do a daily stubble and second it will lay your hair in the same direction. Works wonders when your grain is all over the place and you don't shave daily.
EDIT; the topic comes up every other week so something could be found using the search function but there are still a lot of myths going around, so you best try one yourself!!
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I shave with both and don't really feel that much difference any more. There probably is a lot of truth to the opinion that the lather builds up better with no clogging in the open type. It's the amount of open blade exposure more than the guard type that determines the aggressiveness of the razor. You shave with one a few times, you will get the hang of it, that's why I keep a couple around, something a little different.
I've got a few of each type. Aggressiveness differs by brand with the OC razors; I can't make a generalization.
The best part of OC is that it leaves a bit of lather on your face for another pass.
Also, I've read that OC was abandoned because production costs were higher than safety bars.
The best part of OC is that it leaves a bit of lather on your face for another pass.
Also, I've read that OC was abandoned because production costs were higher than safety bars.
R
rainman
With safety bar razors blade gap can help you figure out aggressiveness.
With open comb razors, they can have no blade gap and be very aggressive.
With open comb razors, they can have no blade gap and be very aggressive.
I think the open combs have a reputation for aggressiveness because they keep the blade edge so free of clogs. A safety bar can tend to fill up with lather and whiskers, losing it's aggressiveness in a hurry, while the open comb maintains its bite for the full pass.
Hi,
I find open comb razors shave 'better' for me; however, the difference is not large.
My favourite DE is a 1930s English Gillette 88 open comb two-piece, though my Muhle R109 (closed comb) gives it a run for the money
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
I find open comb razors shave 'better' for me; however, the difference is not large.
My favourite DE is a 1930s English Gillette 88 open comb two-piece, though my Muhle R109 (closed comb) gives it a run for the money
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
- Thread starter
- #9
OK, I acquired an old Gillette open comb from "that other place" (couldn't find one for sale here) and have shaved with it. Yes, it's somewhat more aggressive than my Tech or F3, but not overwhelmingly more aggressive. One nick, but that was my fault for letting my attention wander, not the razor's fault. The shave was good; I think it'll become part of my rotation.
I've used the bar, slant and the open comb. At this point, I don't see myself using anything other than open comb in the future.
The Open Comb Micromatics give as close and as long lasting a shave as the Slants.
Love the aggressiveness of the comb, but on some days when my skin is irritated i use a bar (krona, tech, tto).
G
GLteam
After using an OC for 2 weeks now, I do feel the difference they make. I get BBS shaves... although my OC happens to be more on the agressive side, but that's what I like about the closeness of their shave. Technique is key with OC's. Mine takes VERY little pressure... if any at all.
I've shimmed it with either 1 or 2 razor blades (edges cut off), and they shave just fine.
I've shimmed it with either 1 or 2 razor blades (edges cut off), and they shave just fine.
To make the test of comparative aggressiveness accurate, everything will have to be the same except for the bar vs. comb. Same handle, same head, same blade, same amount of whisker growth, same shave cream, etc.
For example ... get yourself a set of Merkur HDs or Classics in both the safety bar and open comb configuration. Use one of them with a new blade. Allow the same amount of facial hair you just shaved to again accumulate on your face. Now, get another new blade (same brand), and swap out only the bar. Use the same head and handle. (Even though they are the same model, there can be slight differences.)
This should keep everything but the bar vs. comb as consistent as possible for a true qualitative evaluation.
___________
For example ... get yourself a set of Merkur HDs or Classics in both the safety bar and open comb configuration. Use one of them with a new blade. Allow the same amount of facial hair you just shaved to again accumulate on your face. Now, get another new blade (same brand), and swap out only the bar. Use the same head and handle. (Even though they are the same model, there can be slight differences.)
This should keep everything but the bar vs. comb as consistent as possible for a true qualitative evaluation.
___________
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