Open comb advice/help needed

[Razorburne]

I wonder what everyone out there thinks - I am interested in trying an open-comb razor, as all the razors I have used to this point have a straight safety bar. So far I have used Merkur HD, Merkur Slant, Merkur Progress, '41 Gilette Super Speed, and Schick Injector (L1, I think). Now the 2 razors I have recently had my eyes on for an open-comb are the Merkur HD open comb
(11c, I think) and the Merkur 12c (longer barber pole handle).

Now, is the 11c much different than the original HD? It almost seems like buying it b/c it has the open comb might be somewhat of a waste. I was thinking of the 12c b/c it has the open comb, and a longer handle, and overall it is a heavier razor (it seems more signifcanlty different than any of the other razors I have used that it would justify the purchase).

Any and all opinions are very much appreciated. Thanks guys.

ps - any other razor recommendations, or advice about open combs in general would be great!

 

[luvmysuper]

Try one of the vintage Gillettes, they can be had for a song on the BST and most are superb shavers.

A New is a very inexpensive way to get a shot at open comb shaving near its peak.

 

[c0ry]

Try one of the vintage Gillettes, they can be had for a song on the BST and most are superb shavers.

A New is a very inexpensive way to get a shot at open comb shaving near its peak.

+1 on the NEW as being an inexpensive way to try a great open comb. I like the long comb NEW, in particular.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

A New is a very inexpensive way to get a shot at open comb shaving near its peak.

They don't get much better than the News. Grab one and you will see why.

 

[johnmrson]

My personal choice is the early New Improved. A wonderful shaver. You can find them on BST or eBay for a reasonable price. They are a good looking razor as well. The New is a good razor but I think the earlier New Improved is better.

 

[sandmountainslim]

NEW or Old Type are both wonderful and easy to find.
I hear the New Improved is great also but I have never tried one.
Wp

 

[StillShaving]

Now the 2 razors I have recently had my eyes on for an open-comb are the Merkur HD open comb
(11c, I think) and the Merkur 12c (longer barber pole handle).

Now, is the 11c much different than the original HD?

The Merkur safety bar and open comb razors are different, it is not like Merkur just swapped out the safety bar for an open comb, the exposed blade gaps are different on each. YMMV but I found the Merkur open comb easier to shave closely than the safety bar version, easier in the sense that I could do it with less effort. In the open comb version, the razor blade more or less sits directly on the teeth of the open comb with no blade gap but it is surprisingly effective.

 

[SUMMERSRL]

Try one of the vintage Gillettes, they can be had for a song on the BST and most are superb shavers.

A New is a very inexpensive way to get a shot at open comb shaving near its peak.

I have to agree with Phil. I tried the 11C and didn't like it much. I tried a short comb NEW and fell in love. It really does provide a very nice shave.

Ron.

 

[moonshine44]

+1! Love my NEW!