Looking at Merkur - Whats the difference between these two?

[JEM]

Hi everyone, still new here so be gentle!

I am looking at these two Merkur razors: 15C and 23C, links if needed:
15C http://www.safetyrazors.co.uk/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=119&idcategory=3
23C http://www.safetyrazors.co.uk/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5&idcategory=3

I am a new DE shaver, and just wondered what the difference is between these, one says open comb, but i dont know what that means!?

The others i have also looked at are the Merkur 38C, which i believe is a heavier duty version of the 23C, what would be the advantage/disadvantge of that for someone inexperienced?

Finally, this razor is about the same price, how does it compare to the Merkur, and is it made by the same people who make pens?!

http://www.safetyrazors.co.uk/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=9&idcategory=3

Thanks for all your help

 

[TheBigL]

Hello, and welcome.

If you look at the pictures, compare the baseplate (the part with the three holes in it) between them. The open comb has gaps between the teeth like a hair comb. The 23C looks to be the the Merkur classic head on a longer handle, but I might be wrong.

I've never used a Merkur open comb, but I have and old Gillette open comb that is very aggressive to me.

I have no experience with Parkers, but I don't think it's the pen company.

 

[du212]

The difference is the head: Open comb in the 15C and closed comb on the 23C, the 23C is an excellent razor for beginners, and for expert shavers too, I'd never used the open comb version, the 15C, my only open comb is the Muhle R41 and is a very agressive razor

 

[Bertilak]

Two differences.

1) One already mentioned, and the biggest difference: 15C is open comb.
2) 23C has longer handle.

Open comb razors are not inherently more aggressive than safety bar razors. As a mater of fact, the Merkur OCs are fairly unaggressive razors.

Aggressiveness is determined by the overall geometry of the head, primarily by the "blade exposure" -- the distance the blade "sticks out" past the guard and cap, the safety features of a safety razor. There are other parts of this geometry (span, blade angle) that can contribute to degree of aggressiveness. The shape of the guard (comb, bar) does not affect any of those attributes.

Some of the Muehle OC razors do happen to have a very aggressive head geometry. I had one a while back. A well made razor. Nice fit and finish.

 

[JEM]

Thanks for the info, looks like a 23C out of those choices then! Why are some razors open comb, and others bar then, what is the peurpose of each?

 

[Bertilak]

Thanks for the info, looks like a 23C out of those choices then! Why are some razors open comb, and others bar then, what is the peurpose of each?

See http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1563394#post1563394

 

[JEM]

Thanks for the info Most helpful.

To be honest, i'm still not sure whether i should go for the bar or the comb option. Someone in the other post said he prefers the comb for when he hasnt shaved for a few days, and others said the same thing, the bar just pressing the whiskers out of the way. Does that mean that the comb razor would not be recommended for everyday, or every other day use, which is probably what i will use it for?

 

[Mink]

There are more differences to the feel of a razor that just the combs. The weights of the razors varies quite a bit. Length of the handle may or may not be a deal breaker. Some handles are smooth and some have knurling - and there are real preferences that some members have on these. I have open comb and closed comb razors. In my opinion, you will get comfortable with either. Weight, maneuverability, ease of use, appearance, I think all of these are just as important as comb type.

 

[JEM]

Thanks for the info

I have now purchased a Merkur 25C, cant wait til it arrives and i can try it!