I've recently acquired four very nice, very different razors:
Karve with B Open Comb and D Open Comb plates
Blackbird Brass Open Comb
Above the Tie H plate
Timeless .95 Open Comb plate with scalloped cap
I don't have a lot of experience under my belt with these razors. They are all considerable upgrades from my Merkur razors. Don't get me wrong; I like Merkur and have happily shaved with them for over a decade. These are a step above though. I had also never tried an open comb until the Karve, so keep that in mind as you read this.
Karve - This razor looks like it came from Tutankhamen's tomb. The combination of patina and old-world design are striking. The open comb is rounded and produces a nice, smooth shave. The open comb is always noticeable, but never annoying. Both B and D plates can easily give nice, BBS shaves. Paired with a Personna Red blade, I felt I could fly over my face with no fear of nicks. I plan on buying more plates, a real advantage for Karve, and having a ball with this razor. My only complaint with the Karve is the aesthetic choice to cut the cap to show more of the blade edges. I’d much rather see a solid cap than the top of my blade. As long as you don't mind brass, this should be on your list.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive to own and also to buy different plates to suit your needs.
Comfortable shaves
Very maneuverable
Cons
Odd cap design choice
Blackbird (Brassbird) - The Brassbird has a completely different look than the Karve. It's brass, but it is combined with a very modern look. The patina creates a strange dichotomy of old and new. It's not unattractive at all, just unique. The simple handle provides an excellent grip. With my limited experience with this razor, I have a love/hate relationship with it. The open comb is rather sharp (see below) and any off angle will cause it to scrape along the face uncomfortably. I have to slow down and take my time when I shave with the Blackbird and it is not the most pleasant shave experience. It's never bad, just not what I would consider an easy shave as I'm always aware of the comb's teeth on my face.
Having said that, I can't deny that when I finish my Brassbird shave I have the smoothest skin of all my razors. Twelve hours later I will still have a very smooth face. This is not an everyday razor for me, but if I need to look my best for some occasion, I'm probably going to reach for it. I might acquire an SB plate and see if that can provide the closeness I get now with a more pleasurable shaving experience.
Pros
Great construction
Can deliver ridiculously BBS shaves
Cons
Comb teeth are uncomfortably sharp
Above the Tie - The only straight bar out of the group, the ATT H has an aggressive head that is very maneuverable. This is a no-frills workhorse that effortlessly provides a great shave. My razor is unpolished stainless steel and it gives it a very Spartan look. It's a tool and it does what it's designed to do very well. The handle has a barber pole design and I have never enjoyed the feel of that in my fingers. It's like some people not liking the texture of a certain food like oatmeal, I just don't like that design, even though it does provide a good grip. I'm going to replace the handle soon so I can enjoy every aspect of this wonderful razor.
Pros
Excellent head design (best of the bunch)
Highly maneuverable
Cons
None (I don't consider the barber pole handle as a con as that's an option and personal preference)
Timeless - I've never had a razor wow me at first glance as much as this one. If you told me this razor costs $400 I would believe it. The plaid handle might not have the most practical texture, but it is absolutely beautiful.
Unlike the Karve and especially the Blackbird, the big rounded teeth of the Timeless Open Comb are hardly noticeable when shaving. You forget that you're shaving with an open comb at all. The head is fairly heavy and the long handle on this model helps provide a bit of balance. Due to its size, it's not as maneuverable as the Karve or the Timeless. But just relax, take your time, and enjoy every minute of pampering yourself with this Rolls Royce.
Pros
Simply stunning
Open Comb design is superb
Cons
Bulk reduces shaving speed, but more time shaving with this is never a bad thing.
Pricey
Karve with B Open Comb and D Open Comb plates
Blackbird Brass Open Comb
Above the Tie H plate
Timeless .95 Open Comb plate with scalloped cap
I don't have a lot of experience under my belt with these razors. They are all considerable upgrades from my Merkur razors. Don't get me wrong; I like Merkur and have happily shaved with them for over a decade. These are a step above though. I had also never tried an open comb until the Karve, so keep that in mind as you read this.
Karve - This razor looks like it came from Tutankhamen's tomb. The combination of patina and old-world design are striking. The open comb is rounded and produces a nice, smooth shave. The open comb is always noticeable, but never annoying. Both B and D plates can easily give nice, BBS shaves. Paired with a Personna Red blade, I felt I could fly over my face with no fear of nicks. I plan on buying more plates, a real advantage for Karve, and having a ball with this razor. My only complaint with the Karve is the aesthetic choice to cut the cap to show more of the blade edges. I’d much rather see a solid cap than the top of my blade. As long as you don't mind brass, this should be on your list.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive to own and also to buy different plates to suit your needs.
Comfortable shaves
Very maneuverable
Cons
Odd cap design choice
Blackbird (Brassbird) - The Brassbird has a completely different look than the Karve. It's brass, but it is combined with a very modern look. The patina creates a strange dichotomy of old and new. It's not unattractive at all, just unique. The simple handle provides an excellent grip. With my limited experience with this razor, I have a love/hate relationship with it. The open comb is rather sharp (see below) and any off angle will cause it to scrape along the face uncomfortably. I have to slow down and take my time when I shave with the Blackbird and it is not the most pleasant shave experience. It's never bad, just not what I would consider an easy shave as I'm always aware of the comb's teeth on my face.
Having said that, I can't deny that when I finish my Brassbird shave I have the smoothest skin of all my razors. Twelve hours later I will still have a very smooth face. This is not an everyday razor for me, but if I need to look my best for some occasion, I'm probably going to reach for it. I might acquire an SB plate and see if that can provide the closeness I get now with a more pleasurable shaving experience.
Pros
Great construction
Can deliver ridiculously BBS shaves
Cons
Comb teeth are uncomfortably sharp
Above the Tie - The only straight bar out of the group, the ATT H has an aggressive head that is very maneuverable. This is a no-frills workhorse that effortlessly provides a great shave. My razor is unpolished stainless steel and it gives it a very Spartan look. It's a tool and it does what it's designed to do very well. The handle has a barber pole design and I have never enjoyed the feel of that in my fingers. It's like some people not liking the texture of a certain food like oatmeal, I just don't like that design, even though it does provide a good grip. I'm going to replace the handle soon so I can enjoy every aspect of this wonderful razor.
Pros
Excellent head design (best of the bunch)
Highly maneuverable
Cons
None (I don't consider the barber pole handle as a con as that's an option and personal preference)
Timeless - I've never had a razor wow me at first glance as much as this one. If you told me this razor costs $400 I would believe it. The plaid handle might not have the most practical texture, but it is absolutely beautiful.
Unlike the Karve and especially the Blackbird, the big rounded teeth of the Timeless Open Comb are hardly noticeable when shaving. You forget that you're shaving with an open comb at all. The head is fairly heavy and the long handle on this model helps provide a bit of balance. Due to its size, it's not as maneuverable as the Karve or the Timeless. But just relax, take your time, and enjoy every minute of pampering yourself with this Rolls Royce.
Pros
Simply stunning
Open Comb design is superb
Cons
Bulk reduces shaving speed, but more time shaving with this is never a bad thing.
Pricey