Considering First Open Comb - Advice Needed

[Nick Danger]

I'm still a relative newbie with wet shaving. I'm currently using an EJ DE89. It's a nice shave, but I feel like I have to do too many passes even with sharper blades like Med Preps.

I also have a '40s-style Super Speed and a '50s Tech. Both are too mild for me. I had a couple of nice shaves with my birth-quarter Slim before I sent it out to be replated by Dave.

So I'm considering an open comb razor. I'm not sure I'm ready for the R41. That might be taking things to the extreme, from what I've read.

Any advice on what open comb I should try? Should I consider a Gillette NEW? I'm unclear on the differences between the various types and vintages of that razor, such as long vs. short comb. Are there other OC razors I should consider?

Thinking about eBay as one possible source for my first open comb, but I may also wait for something good to appear on B/S/T. My RAD isn't so bad that I need to buy an OC right away, although I'll jump if the right razor pops up.

As always, the sage guidance of B&B members is much appreciated.

Nick

 

[alex2363]

A FaTip would be ideal fro you.

 

[fcdiscus]

Merkur 15 C or Merkur 1904 model- both reasonably mild OC razors. 11C and 12C also if you can find one!

 

[celestino]

You could try shimming your SS and Tech. Just a thought. The Old Type, New, New Standard are very nice OCs to try. For the modern ones, FaTip might be a tad aggressive for you. If you consider the Merkur OCs, they will be too mild for you, i believe unless you shim them. Good luck.

 

[canascrews]

I just tried a new long comb and it worked quite nice . About the same as a 5 or 6 on a super adjustable . Definitely worth a try .

 

[TonyJ]

Try Parker 3 piece model. Nicely between mild R89/SS 40 and aggressive R41

 

[cryhavoc]

I suggest the Gillette Old Type. It is my favorite OC DE, you can find them on the bay for under $20.00

 

[Nick Danger]

What do you think about a Gillette New short comb as my first OC razor?

Got my eye on one, but I'll need to make a decision pretty soon or it will be gone.

Nick

 

[jamesspo]

That would be a great choice, as would be the long comb (very similar, and easier to find and potentially cheaper).

What do you think about a Gillette New short comb as my first OC razor?

Got my eye on one, but I'll need to make a decision pretty soon or it will be gone.

Nick

 

[vocalistbob]

I also think that would be a good choice. More aggressive than the Jagger and similar closed comb razors, but not as aggressive as the R41 or Fatip,

 

[oakeshott]

I also think that would be a good choice. More aggressive than the Jagger and similar closed comb razors, but not as aggressive as the R41 or Fatip,

EExcellent shaver

 

[Blue58]

What do you think about a Gillette New short comb as my first OC razor?

Got my eye on one, but I'll need to make a decision pretty soon or it will be gone.

Nick

I have both the Gillette New short and long comb and I really prefer the short comb. However I know many others prefer the long. this seems to be more of a personal preference than anything else. The Gillette New short is my go to DE and some day I will have to start looking for a few back ups just in case something happens to this one. I would highly recommend the Gillete New short comb for your first OC razor.

 

[keithmax]

I just purchased a new gillette open comb, no idea if it is short or long. It shaves great and I paid $10 plus $5 for shipping. I also have a Muhle R41. The new gillette is not as aggressive as the R41 but it is more aggressive than Merkur 38C. The new gillette gives a great close shave, a great deal for $15.

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Personally I would choose the following:

- Vintage Razor - Gillette Long Comb New

- Modern Razor - Fatip Grande (Nickel plated)

Which is exactly what I did. After several months of usage I keep going to the Fatip although I have replaced the original handle with a UFO Kaiser handle, this is just a brilliant combination.

Your Mileage May Vary

 

[vocalistbob]

+1 for Gillette long comb and Fatip

 

[heikster]

I`ve been thinking about getting a Merkur 25C, i own a single ring, but it ain`t for me.

 

[ALATRON]

For a new open comb user I would recommend for new any of the merkur variants as they are all the same head which is very mild, just different sized handles. For vintage I would go with the gillette NEW. Easy to come buy and not that expensive. Also the mildest of the gillette open combs.