First OC shave. will I ever go back to my EJ89?

[zethreal]

I purchased an old Gillette OLD type Open Comb with a handle that was practically falling apart & missing the ball-end. I cleaned it up with scrubbing bubbles and set it with the rest of my razors. Ever since I picked it up, I'd look at it and consider shaving with it. I always talked myself out of it because the open comb looked like teeth ready to eat my face.

Tonight I finally bit the bullet and threw a brand new Astra SP in & screwed it onto my tech handle. I have to say that it was a very, VERY smooth shave. It felt very mild, almost milder than a tech, but my beard just fell off. I have zero irritation after applying Alum and aftershave. I'm going to have to watch the B/S/T for a better OC razor... I think I'm another OC convert!

 

[lordfink]

If you are anything like me... then you will NOT.

Since I got my Muhle R41 the EJ89 and Merkur 34C have seen 2 shaves between them over the last 5 months.

Now I am looking for another OC and ordered the Titan H1.

Its amazing how the OC actually causes lesser nicks/ cuts/ overall irritation. I think its because you do fewer passes with an OC, and you treat it with more respect maybe.

 

[sdoptimist]

I've only had me EJ89 since monday. Had two shaves so far. Couldn't wait for my hair to grow out. I had a 4 days beard my first shave and then shaved with some stubbles two days later. I love it, but it doesn't seam too aggressive. But, I invested in this thing, so I am going to stick with it for a while. But sometime in the distant future, I will get an OC. Also liking the Feather Japanese style straight edge. So, I might get that in a year or two lol.

 

[lordfink]

I've only had me EJ89 since monday. Had two shaves so far. Couldn't wait for my hair to grow out. I had a 4 days beard my first shave and then shaved with some stubbles two days later. I love it, but it doesn't seam too aggressive. But, I invested in this thing, so I am going to stick with it for a while. But sometime in the distant future, I will get an OC. Also liking the Feather Japanese style straight edge. So, I might get that in a year or two lol.

I have the Feather Japanese Style Straight. IMO the R41 holds it own when you compare their aggressiveness. But it is more forgiving of mistakes.
Enjoy the EJ89 for now! Its a great all round razor.

 

[Mick]

The Old Types are great razors and very plentiful as they were made for a long time.

 

[retiredguns]

I rotate between an EJ89, 1912, old LC and a Bulldog. I think it's nice to change it up and the face appreciates it too! If I use Feathers in the EJ it is completely capable of BBS shaves without fail.

 

[TonyJoe]

I purchased an old Gillette OLD type Open Comb with a handle that was practically falling apart & missing the ball-end. I cleaned it up with scrubbing bubbles and set it with the rest of my razors. Ever since I picked it up, I'd look at it and consider shaving with it. I always talked myself out of it because the open comb looked like teeth ready to eat my face.

Tonight I finally bit the bullet and threw a brand new Astra SP in & screwed it onto my tech handle. I have to say that it was a very, VERY smooth shave. It felt very mild, almost milder than a tech, but my beard just fell off. I have zero irritation after applying Alum and aftershave. I'm going to have to watch the B/S/T for a better OC razor... I think I'm another OC convert!

I know how you feel. I got an Old type at the end of July and wound up using it all August. The NEW is another good one to try. It's a little more forgiving than the Old. I've been getting great shaves from these two the last couple of weeks.

 

[chris.hale]

It was an Old that broke my OC duck and convinced me that was the way to go, they shave really well. It nudged me into ordering a Tradere, and my SB razors get very little use now.

 

[zethreal]

I like mild razors & blades ( Feathers were too much for me, even in a Tech ). Now I know I have to find a better quality Gillette OLD (definitely handle, maybe whole razor ) and possibly a NEW as well.

 

[johnh]

I like using the EJ every so often to change the experience.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations and try to find a Single Ring as they are excellent shavers.

 

[boogieman_]

They are great shavers. I have both a long comb and short comb Gillette NEW. I really like the long comb better, but the short comb is still a good shaver. I have also found that "cheaper" blades tend to work better on the open combs. This may be a YMMV thing, but it seems that way for me. Feathers work but cheaper ones give a more comfortable shave.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I like mild razors & blades ( Feathers were too much for me, even in a Tech ). Now I know I have to find a better quality Gillette OLD (definitely handle, maybe whole razor ) and possibly a NEW as well.

The Merkur 1904 OC and the other Merkurs with that same OC head are milder OC shaves, if you are looking for a newly made mild OC.

For me the conversion point was actually the new Cadet OC. I'd not call it a mild head at all, but damn, I had almost 2 days of growth and it just removed it all smooth as you please, and no irritation, despite feeling (and looking) like a mean aggressive face eating head. I immediately started reading and then joining the BOTOC. lol

 

[tinashubby]

Since I mastered my Fatip, I do not use my EJ at all. Fatip gets daily duty. EJ collecting dust, but keeping it as an emergency backup if the Fatip takes a fatal drop or something.

 

[Quigg]

The next step up in closeness would be an SE razor. Try a Gem 1912. You may never pick up your EJ again.

 

[zethreal]

The next step up in closeness would be an SE razor. Try a Gem 1912. You may never pick up your EJ again.

I tried an Everready ( I think ) a while back and I wasn't too terribly impressed by it. It might have been the blade, as I'm pretty sure I had a no-name cheap blade in it.

 

[jhamlin38]

I started with a classic HD. Then an EJ. I read many posts about OC razors and felt compelled to get one. I bought a 25C. I found it far too mild. If you don't get the angle just perfect, it barely shaves. I was dissappointed. I invested in an ikon handle for the EJ which is even better than ever.
Did I buy the wrong OC razor?

 

[Shave_Rat]

I started with a classic HD. Then an EJ. I read many posts about OC razors and felt compelled to get one. I bought a 25C. I found it far too mild. If you don't get the angle just perfect, it barely shaves. I was dissappointed. I invested in an ikon handle for the EJ which is even better than ever.
Did I buy the wrong OC razor?

From my limited OC experience, the 25c is a pretty mild OC head. What blade(s) did you try in it? I got great results from that style of Merkur head and a Feather blade, while other blades left it just too.. mild still for me...

 

[jhamlin38]

I used personna, and feathers.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I used personna, and feathers.

I use Feathers in my 11c, which as far as I know is the same OC head as the 25c. It was a mild shave, but pretty effective. There is a bit of a narrow sweet spot for angle on that head,though, you are right. If you want to try a much more aggressive OC without breaking the bank, I'd suggest the Cadet OC. I use that one with a Personna lab. Very aggressive feel and feedback, but very smooth and comfortable shave in the end despite that.