Looking to go OC.please help

[FreddyG]

Good evening Gentlemen.

I am fairly new to the world of DE shaving. I have been at it for about 6 weeks now and will never ever look back. I currently own a EJ DE89811...which works great...but I want to start to venture into the OC world. I have read many different OC articles in the past week on B&B but I think its caused more confusion then help. All I am looking for is a closer shave under the neck and chin (and to buy more stuff haha). Plus I want a second razor to switch things up a little bit. I know I'm new and most will say change up the technique for a closer shave but I watched a ton of videos and did even more research so I am not at a major disadvantage in that category. Any suggestions?

 

[Agravic]

You will likely get multiple different opinions - as you know YMMV applies here. There are many great OC razors on the market.
I will preface by saying that I have no/limited knowledge of vintage razors - and defer to my fellow members on that subject.
In terms of new OC razors, it all depends on
a) how much you want to spend
b) how aggressive a razor you want

Relatively cheap options (<$50)- Fatip, Cadet OC
Moderate options ($60-75)- Muhle R41
Pricier options (>$150)- Tradere OC, Joris-Plisson

I own all of the above, and they all perform well, regardless of price. You get better finishing, quality, and aesthetics the more you spend.
Do not be afraid of all the hype about 'aggressiveness of OC razors'...practice safe shaving and you will be fine.

Check out the BOTOC (Brotherhood of the open comb) thread too ...

Good luck! Much enabling intended .

 

[Triad]

Fatip bullgoose has them for $35ish if you dont like it you can sell it easily but you will need 47 more posts, it is quite a bit more aggressive than your EJ

 

[FreddyG]

You will likely get multiple different opinions - as you know YMMV applies here. There are many great OC razors on the market.
I will preface by saying that I have no/limited knowledge of vintage razors - and defer to my fellow members on that subject.
In terms of new OC razors, it all depends on
a) how much you want to spend
b) how aggressive a razor you want

Relatively cheap options (<$50)- Fatip, Cadet OC
Moderate options ($60-75)- Muhle R41
Pricier options (>$150)- Tradere OC, Joris-Plisson.

A) Anything around $50...but under $70
B) Fairly aggressive. I've seen a lot of fear around the infamous R41 so something a little less aggressive.

How's your Fatip? I've been looking into that but have been on the fence cause it has mixed reviews on some forum...

 

[FreddyG]

Thanks I'll check it out

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I really like the Gillette NEW's Long Comb and Short Comb razors for vintage.

 

[Storsven]

Ha! All you need is to get a vintage GEM single edge on eBay for less than. My own favorite (of which i have a handful) is the 1912/damaskeene also appearing as ever-ready. Since everybody seems to think Gillette is the cat's meow those of us who know better can snag all kinds of interesting razors in great shape for a pittance. Earlier today I bought an open comb GEM Micromatic for $5 plus $1.99 shipping.

 

[chiefum]

I get great shaves from my Gillette NEW short comb bar handle.

 

[Agravic]

A) Anything around $50...but under $70
B) Fairly aggressive. I've seen a lot of fear around the infamous R41 so something a little less aggressive.

How's your Fatip? I've been looking into that but have been on the fence cause it has mixed reviews on some forum...

My first DE razor was an EJ89 as well.
My daily razor right now is the Fatip - it is moderately aggressive and efficiently slices through thick stubble.

For $75, I would get a Fatip razor ($35) and then couple the head with a Weber handle ($38). The heavier Weber bulldog handle works wonderfully with the Fatip OC head. Although YMMV, this is a powerful combination that has served me well, thus bringing my Fatip to #1 status in terms of my daily razor. I won't divulge how many razors it has taken me to get to this point!

 

[FreddyG]

My first DE razor was an EJ89 as well.
My daily razor right now is the Fatip - it is moderately aggressive and efficiently slices through thick stubble.

For $75, I would get a Fatip razor ($35) and then couple the head with a Weber handle ($38). The heavier Weber bulldog handle works wonderfully with the Fatip OC head. Although YMMV, this is a powerful combination that has served me well, thus bringing my Fatip to #1 status in terms of my daily razor. I won't divulge how many razors it has taken me to get to this point!

Thanks Agravic. I appreciate all the info.

 

[celestino]

There are so many nice ones. Vintage Old Type, Single Ring, New Long-Comb are all very good.
Modern: FaTip and Cadet may be your cheapest options. Good luck.

 

[alex2363]

My first DE razor was an EJ89 as well.
My daily razor right now is the Fatip - it is moderately aggressive and efficiently slices through thick stubble.

For $75, I would get a Fatip razor ($35) and then couple the head with a Weber handle ($38). The heavier Weber bulldog handle works wonderfully with the Fatip OC head. Although YMMV, this is a powerful combination that has served me well, thus bringing my Fatip to #1 status in terms of my daily razor. I won't divulge how many razors it has taken me to get to this point!

++++++++++++++

 

[Viseguy]

For $75, I would get a Fatip razor ($35) and then couple the head with a Weber handle ($38). The heavier Weber bulldog handle works wonderfully with the Fatip OC head. Although YMMV, this is a powerful combination that has served me well, thus bringing my Fatip to #1 status in terms of my daily razor.

I second that! Nickel Fatip + Weber Bulldog = Great OC razor!

 

[Agravic]

More enabling here! .

Fatip chrome with Weber Wave handle. The Weber Wave has the same length and weight as the Bulldog.

 

[shamful7]

have u thought about 1st testing out a vintage for like $10

 

[chris.hale]

My first OC was a Gillette Old Type, it convinced me that OC was the way to go. It only took me a couple of weeks to buy a Tradere.

 

[chongo gordo]

Get a couple of vintage Gillettes. They tend to go for $5-$20

 

[Galhatz]

I'd go with a Gillette NEW as a starter. They are effective, not too harsh and would last another 80 years (at least). I also bought a Cadet OC. These come with a nice heavy handle and are more aggressive, more than enough so for me.

 

[mistercitizen]

The first OC I bought and used was the Muhle R41 (2011). I read another poster say earlier, "don't be afraid of the aggressiveness of OC.... use good technique and you will be fine."..... +1. They are more aggressive, but just be careful (we all should be doing that anyway at all times). I've been fortunate to acquire a number of vintage Gillette OC razors since: Big Boy New (short comb) Chromium Deluxe, New Improved Tuckaway, English New long comb, New short comb with common bar handle, and an Otto Roth (essentially a New long comb). My feeling is that I'm at the next step from you. I got the Muhle R41 because everyone raves about it.... rightfully so.... but then my curiosity got the best of me and I just had to try everything else. I think eventually I will settle on a few favorites, but when it comes to finding what you like nothing compares to first hand experience. Try getting a vintage Gillette New in both short comb and long comb with a common bar handle or a handle similar. They are very cheap and that will give you a chance to try two different types of OC razors. If that doesn't satisfy your need or curiosity.... keep going.

Ben

 

[FreddyG]

have u thought about 1st testing out a vintage for like $10

I thought about vintage razors but I have trouble finding them and something about the idea of using someone else's razor just turns me off.