Open-Comb Micromatic - Bit Me!!

[BBrad]

After a few weeks of enjoying a sweet Gem Jr in my rotation, I decided to put a blade in an open-comb Micromatic this morning and see just how much more aggressive this famous bad boy is . . .

To quote Mr. Horse . . . "No sir, I don't like it"

On the upper half, keeping the top of the cap almost flush with my face was easy. The results were fairly good - an acceptable first pass, not quite as smooth as the Junior, but fine nonetheless. I also noticed that it doesn't "sing" quite like the Junior either, but rather has a scraping sound more like a Gillette.

First pass on the bottom . . . I usually do diagonal strokes XTG . . . picked up a couple weepers. Also found that the cap was dragging on the skin, which caused it to skip a little . . . bit me, he did!!

I re-lathered for the second pass . . . and have never seen so many tiny bites showing through the lather as I did this morning! Progressed through the second pass without major incident, but again a couple more weepers. Lathered for a couple of spots under my jaw that I usually buff as my third pass . . . and called it quits for today!! Styptic was my friend this morning.

Now, eight hours later, my skin still feels a little "hot" and not as smooth as it would be if I had used the Junior.

Definitely more aggressive - one really has to pay attention and do things "just so" to get best results. I won't give up on this one yet, but certainly have to agree with those who don't recommend this razor for a novice. In inexperienced hands, this one could really hurt and discourage a newbie!

So far I've got to rank the Junior at the top of my SE list!!

 

[michiganlover]

Congrats for having enough courage to take it for a spin. It's a great shaver when handled with extreme care, and when you lather is 100% up to par. My first thought reading your post, was that perhaps your lather was not quite up to snuff (perhaps a little too dry) which would led to the skipping/ tugging instead of gliding of the head.

My worst cut to date happened when I was using a Micromatic Bullet Tip with less than adequate lather: I got a 1 inch long gash on my upper face above my ear that took a full two weeks to heal; it was even complete with a nice scab!!

 

[Will P.C.]

the open comb is a good shaver, but not at first. I experienced many nicks the first few times I used it. Once you learn how to use it, it is a great shave

 

[BBrad]

Hey John -

Thanks for the feedback. The lather thing did cross my mind as I was reflecting on the experience . . .

I did a "usual" EJ Best Badger face lathering Real Shaving Co cream . . . usually produces an acceptable lather for my DEs and the Junior . . .

After your post, I think tomorrow I will do the "Sunday" thing . . . a little stiffer brush (Strong Set Badger) bowl-lathering a mix of VDH soap and RSC cream and see what that does!

I'm not giving up . . . yet!!

 

[Oldguy]

That is one bad boy. I tried it once. Swore off it forever. However I am feeling a little cocky these days. Maybe I'll give it another spin.

Len

 

[Slivovitz]

I fully intend to try my OC Micromatic again sometime this year, as well as the bullet tip that I haven't yet used. If they don't work out, though, I've had good results with the 1912s, so my SE blades won't go to waste.

My main problem with the Micromatic was coming around the chin. No trouble under the nose or on the flats, but I ended up with bigger than usual nicks right on the tip of the chin.

 

[BBrad]

My main problem with the Micromatic was coming around the chin. No trouble under the nose or on the flats, but I ended up with bigger than usual nicks right on the tip of the chin.

Funny . . . the chin itself was the one spot that sucker missed!!

I was going slower and being extra careful on the tip of the chin, since that is usually where I draw blood!

Sounds like I'm not alone in my experience with the OCMM . . . but this is one that will be mastered!!

 

[BBrad]

Gave it another go this morning. Took a little extra time to make my "Sunday" bowl lather.

That, along with a little more respect for the tool, gave me a much better shave today. One bite (he got my chin today ) and two weepers. No irritation or burn. Final outcome just shy of ultimate BBS . . . certainly not a shave to be ashamed of at all!

I am confident that the Open Comb Micromatic can be mastered, and is certainly capable of outstanding shaves. It won't land a spot in the regular rotation, but will stay on the bench for an occasional appearance as a pinch-hitter!

 

[Abyssos]

My first and only to this moment SE razor was Micromatic.
I am amazed how many people find it aggressive. For me he is number 1 razor, perfect for everyday shaving.. I prefer him compared to DE, and I can not understand why SE at all are not popular among wetshavers.
Yes, the blades are little more expensive, but when there is a desire that is not a big problem.

 

[slantman]

Using a Gem stainless either coated or non coated works the best. On the Micromatics instructions from Gem it says to place the razor flat against your face while shaving. Following an exact regiment of rules doesn't always apply to everybody. Do what works best for you.

 

[gaj90027]

I have my first OC micromatic on it's way to me now - can't wait to try to tame this beast!

 

[Disburden]

Micromatics are one of my favorite razors, they give me fantastic shaves. One tip I can offer is that you should throw out the image in your head on what the instructions say to do with the angle of the razor. It's just dumb and doesn't shave well, at least I found out for me it doesn't work.

I actually use a steeper angle where the handle of the razor is pointing more downward than the instructions picture. It works a lot better for me. If you picture the razor standing up on it's handle on a table, that's closer to the angle I use on my face.

 

[MrGuy]

The OC Micromatic is my absolute favorite razor. As others have mentioned, the flat, or near flat, angle rarely works best. Take a little while to carefully and slowly play with the angle. The best angle will be quite obvious. Another thing that I have done to "tame the beast" is to slightly modify my normal grip. What I do is rest the bottom of the handle on my ring finger wile using the thumb, middle and pointer fingers to keep the razor from falling. There should be absolutely no resistance if someone were to lift up on the razor, taking it from your "grip". With this cradling grip, you literally use just the weight of the razor, and that's all it needs! S-N and similar passes need to be changed around just a bit to keep the razor in your hand, but keep the same idea in mind, the weight of the razor is all it needs to be the best razor you ever use

 

[spinyeel]

I don't think any other razor has such opposing views as to its merit,or lack thereof. Personally I grew to love it by respecting its potential to bite.

 

[Disburden]

The OC Micromatic is my absolute favorite razor. As others have mentioned, the flat, or near flat, angle rarely works best. Take a little while to carefully and slowly play with the angle. The best angle will be quite obvious. Another thing that I have done to "tame the beast" is to slightly modify my normal grip. What I do is rest the bottom of the handle on my ring finger wile using the thumb, middle and pointer fingers to keep the razor from falling. There should be absolutely no resistance if someone were to lift up on the razor, taking it from your "grip". With this cradling grip, you literally use just the weight of the razor, and that's all it needs! S-N and similar passes need to be changed around just a bit to keep the razor in your hand, but keep the same idea in mind, the weight of the razor is all it needs to be the best razor you ever use

This is pretty much the same technique I have been using with my GEMS to great results. The razor should be loud at this angle when cutting hairs, kind of like a straight razor hollow is loud when you shave with it.

My grip is similar to this too. I pinch the top of the handle, near the head, with my pointer and thumber. I simply then use my other fingers to hover over the handle to guide the razor without pressure.

Let us know if that works for you!

 

[MrGuy]

My grip is similar to this too. I pinch the top of the handle, near the head, with my pointer and thumber. I simply then use my other fingers to hover over the handle to guide the razor without pressure.

Let us know if that works for you!

That's a great grip for anything other than N-S passes! Thanks for adding

 

[BBrad]

First of all, thanks to all of you who posted with advice, tips, and encouragement!

For today, I stuck with bowl lather but used my softer EJ brush.

Micromatics are one of my favorite razors, they give me fantastic shaves. One tip I can offer is that you should throw out the image in your head on what the instructions say to do with the angle of the razor. It's just dumb and doesn't shave well, at least I found out for me it doesn't work.

I actually use a steeper angle where the handle of the razor is pointing more downward than the instructions picture.

The OC Micromatic is my absolute favorite razor. As others have mentioned, the flat, or near flat, angle rarely works best. Take a little while to carefully and slowly play with the angle. The best angle will be quite obvious. Another thing that I have done to "tame the beast" is to slightly modify my normal grip. . . . <snip> . . . the weight of the razor is all it needs to be the best razor you ever use

Throw the instruction sheet out on this one . . . after reading these posts, I decided to go with my intuition and let the feedback of the razor guide me. First pass experienced no skipping or tugging . . . and the sound was more like I expected to hear from the SE.

Lathered for second pass - no red spots at all. Finished second pass without incident - not even the slightest weeper! Completed with my usual third-pass buff and j-hook on the neck. Again, no blood at all.

What I did have was a BBS result, with only a slight bit of irritation that my ASB took care of. It definitely isn't as gentle on the skin as the Junior. A little splash of Clubman and SWMBO was favorably impressed.

My first and only to this moment SE razor was Micromatic.
I am amazed how many people find it aggressive. For me he is number 1 razor, perfect for everyday shaving.. I prefer him compared to DE, and I can not understand why SE at all are not popular among wetshavers.

If the open-comb Micromatic were my only SE I would get better shaves with practice. The learning curve is steep, and I found the GEM Junior to have a learning curve of almost zero. (I had BBS with my first Junior shave!)

The OCMM is a keeper, for sure!

 

[MrGuy]

See the OC is just a big ol' teddy bear when you get it down I like that you tried buffing. I love blade buffing with the OC, the teeth seem to catch, and re-apply, the perfect amount of lather.

 

[nwman]

See the OC is just a big ol' teddy bear when you get it down

mrguy,

after reading several of your posts in this thread and others, i've come to the conclusion that you are absolutely ...

...RIGHT about the micromatic o.c.

based on your persuasive arguments i've been shaving with one the last five days or so. so far it's all good, none of the bad.

thank you for the great posts, keep 'em coming.

 

[MrGuy]

mrguy,

after reading several of your posts in this thread and others, i've come to the conclusion that you are absolutely ...

...RIGHT about the micromatic o.c.

based on your persuasive arguments i've been shaving with one the last five days or so. so far it's all good, none of the bad.

thank you for the great posts, keep 'em coming.

Way to go! Consider yourself among the few elite who have mastered to Open Comb. Just don't forget your training, or the OC will make sure to remind you swiftly, and bloodily