Open Comb Razor

[mark2cars]

I am a happy 3 month DE shaver back in the flock after being missing for about forty years. I am currently using a Mekur 38D and am very happy with it !!! My question is this .....what are the advantages of open comb razors ??? What were they designed to accomplish that a standard razor doesn't do?? As always your input is appreciated !!!
Happy Shaves !!!!

 

[dpmtherrien]

The open comb was the original design before the safety bar came along. The difference is that the O.C. allows lather to remain in place while the blade is cutting. The safety bar sweeps the lather away before the blade makes its cut.

Some say the O.C. is more aggressive, which I guess it could be. I find the O.C. works better with a 2 day or more growth of beard.

As with any razor the open comb works best with NO PRESSURE.

 

[amishmotorboat]

As for me, I have a problem with mild safety bar razors clogging up. Not that it's necessarily more aggressive by nature, I find that the open comb razors maintain their aggressiveness better through each stroke than their safety bar counterparts.

 

[ek.310]

the thinner the lather..the better the gliding of the blade/handle combo

 

[Luc]

I am a happy 3 month DE shaver back in the flock after being missing for about forty years. I am currently using a Mekur 38D and am very happy with it !!! My question is this .....what are the advantages of open comb razors ??? What were they designed to accomplish that a standard razor doesn't do?? As always your input is appreciated !!!
Happy Shaves !!!!

The main big advantage that I like from the open comb is the teeth marks in the lather. If I see teeth marks, my angle is off. Other than that, they look cool and you use them the same way than any other DE. They work the same way.

If you think that you're ready, try one, it's a good razor. The Slant must also be considered...

 

[JPM]

I'd recommend trying one. I have a Merkur 1904 Open Comb and I always get a smooth shave and I find it pretty forgiving.

 

[David in Boston]

As a daily shaver I couldn't handle an open comb razor. It was just to aggressive for me.

Then I picked up a Gillette TTO Senator for just $5.

Don't use it as a daily shaver but for two-three day growth.

That with a Feathers blade just mows down my whiskers.

 

[dreadpirate]

I love my Gillette New open combs. I plan on getting a Merkur 11C (HD open comb) in the near future. I was also thinking about the 1904 Merkur as well.

 

[talibeard]

Most importantly they are better on longer hairs; the original design is much older than the habit of a daily shave. Common men in the beginning of the 20th century took (at least in Europe) a saturday shave to look at their best when going to church on sunday and an OC is just perfect for that. Safety bar razors are cheaper to manufacture and not so easily damaged.

 

[mark2cars]

one and all for your input and insights.
Mark

 

[Jim1968]

Most importantly they are better on longer hairs; the original design is much older than the habit of a daily shave. Common men in the beginning of the 20th century took (at least in Europe) a saturday shave to look at their best when going to church on sunday and an OC is just perfect for that. Safety bar razors are cheaper to manufacture and not so easily damaged.

Now that I know that an OC is for longer hairs I will have to get one. I will be able to use it when SWMBO let's me not shave for a week.