OC misses some whiskers. Am I doing something wrong?

[neatokino]

I've got a few OC razors, a Hoffritz OC, an Ikon OSS, and a GEM Damaskeene SE OC, and though I like the shaves I get from each of them, it always feels like the shaver misses some of my whiskers and leaves behind random stubble-- it's almost as if the teeth of the open comb are keeping the blade from getting to every whisker. It has been my understanding that OC razors tend to be more aggressive than closed combs, but I'm finding the opposite to be the case. I seem to get a cleaner closer shave with regular safety bar razors.

Now, I understand that the Ikon OSS is known to be a mild shaver, but the other two I have are not. Is there an adjustment to technique with the OC that I should be aware of?

 

[ackvil]

It's possible your angle is a bit off.

 

[neatokino]

I will try adjusting my angle, though I'm pretty sure I'm using the same angle that I use with a closed comb razor (from which I consistently get closer shaves). Maybe I'm anticipating a more aggressive shave and am unconsciously using a steeper angle!

 

[ackvil]

I have to adjust the angle of my razor a bit to suit individual razors. For example, my GEM G bar takes a different angle than my Gillette Slim. Similarly, my Gillette OC razors take a different angle than my Slim or FB.

 

[MacDaddy]

I'm with Jim here. This sounds like a blade angle problem. when you're talking about the scale of beard stubble, the guard is long gone by the time the blade comes along. In other words, while it may change the feel of the shave (allowing more lather to reach the blade edge, etc.) the type of guard really has no impact at all on how the blade encounters your whiskers. The teeth of the comb don't "block" the blade, which is what it sounds like you're imagining.

 

[KyMash]

I purchased my OSS a couple of months ago and had to pay close attention to the angle. I think it was just that I had experience with more aggressive razors up to that point and was surprised at how mild it is, even with the open comb. The more I use it the more I love it, however.

 

[neatokino]

By the way, I shaved with a Gem OCMM this morning, and this very aggressive razor had no problem giving me a full-on BBS. My issues with other OC razors I have may be angle-related. Thanks for the tips, everyone!