So I'm in the market to buy an Ikon OC or SB. My question is which of the two would be better for me coming from a Merkur 34C. I don't see the point of the OSS because I know I would favor one side once I found which one I preferred. Thanks in advance.
I kon OC or SB from 34C?
- Thread starter D33K4Y
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I do not know what an SB is, but the Ikon OC has rapidly become one of my favorites. It provides an intermediate level of aggressiveness, less than Fatip and more than the Merkur OCs. If you can spend the $$$, go for the Ikon OC.
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- #3
For the SB I was referring to the standard (safety) bar.
The Ikon OSS is my daily shaver now and I'm coming from the 34C. SB level aggressiveness is similar, OC milder. Overall its a lot smoother, and since I shave almost every day the OC only takes care of my first pass. However if I have 2-3 days growth the OC is phenomenal on that 1st pass. Effective yet mild , so having both SB and OC on 1 head is not a gimmick. For a daily shaver the full on SB may be a better option though. That being said I'm pleased with it and I just rinse it more often while shaving. Not a big deal.
I have a Fatip Grande OC and a 34C and use a new blade in the OC for a few shaves then move the blade to the 34C and get several more comfortable shaves out of the one blade. I like them both but get a lot closer shave from the OC. Works for me. I would lean to the Ikon OC.
The difference between a Merkur 34 and the Ikon SB is huge. The blade gap in the Ikon SB is very much bigger and the effectiveness is in a different class.
If you want a very much more effective razor than your present 34 go for the SB but if you want a smoother yet as effective razor go for the Ikon OC.
The point of the OSS base plate is to offer variability. I use its OC side for XTG and the SB side for ATG. It's very efficient without any aggressiveness at all.
You can buy any of the razors and later add baseplates only. The top cap is the same for all Ikon OSS, OC and SB.
My system razor the Ilmarinen in black chrome with Weber handle, Feather AS-D1 head and all Ikon baseplates
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- #7
Well now I'm thinking the OSS 
iKon SB!
Well now I'm thinking the OSS
Hold on to that thought - the OSS is an elegant solution.
I use it with the OC side XTG and The SB side (which is milder) ATG. When the blade mellows I go OC + OC. It's a sweet one!
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- #10
I can't stop reading posts about the three models, cannot decide I want to order soon. Is the OC too mild? Is the SB too aggressive? Also will be head shaving with this.
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I'm not convinced on the idea of the OC / SB combination heads as I think I'd prefer one side over the other, and I don't like the asymmetrical look.
However I am convinced on the iKon OC, it's efficient but very smooth. From what I've read the SB would be more aggressive than I'd like.
However I am convinced on the iKon OC, it's efficient but very smooth. From what I've read the SB would be more aggressive than I'd like.
The SB is very efficient. More than I want to handle normally, I only use it for the last two shaves on the blade.
The OC is an exact copy of the 17 mm wide New de Luxe from the '30s. I can use it at will with all my three blades during workweek. With correct technique there is virtually no danger for weepers on day three (I change blade for the week on saturday). I don't like weepers because in the cold winter weather in Sweden they will show only when I reach the office...
The OSS is sweeter and more comfortable than the OC. I can with confidence use this one even with a new blade before important social events.
Please bear in mind that I started with and still much prefer the Feather AS-D1 head. It is noticeably more milder than the OSS!
My advice to a new guy in the Ikon realm would be to start with the OC and go up or down from there!
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- #13
Ok OC it is, ordered!
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- #14
I'm wanting that one! Sadly it's too expensive for me.
I have the SC101 on an Atlas handle. Looks great and the shave is butter smooth. I tried the SC101 on the bulldog and I didn't feel the same way about it. I was going to get rid of it until I got the Atlas.
The OSS is one of my dream razors. I'll get it one of these days.
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- #19
Been happy with the OC, very smooth, but of course I ordered the SB base plate, just have to try it.
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