Open Comb Safety Razors

[28Notch]

I have 18 razors in rotation, which is plenty. Yet I aim for 16 now. I just eliminated the two open combs I own, a Merkur 15 C and a Parker 69 CR.
And that because I don't see any advantages with these chaps.
The Parker is gentle but brings nothing new. The Merkur 15 C is a better shaver, yet even if I have never got nicks or cuts from it, the teeth irritate my skin for a couple of hours. And I do always apply a good cushion of lather and sooth my skin with cream after I'm done.
So I put them aside. And when I have a one-week bear growth ( which I rarely have) I use the Merkur 39 C, which I love, with bbs and no irritation at all.
I tend to think that open comb is a bit of a myth, because when you have the right blade the right gap and a good head drainage you don't need it.
What do you guys think about this?

 

[Medivh]

The main goal when shaving is to get the closest and most comfortable shave possible regardless how you do it and if open comb razors don't work for you, then you're on the right path of finding your own best way of shaving.

I have mixed feelings towards the open comb razors, since some work really well, but others don't because the way the teeth were made and they feel a bit scratchy and toothy to me, but not everyone agrees with my statement and that's ok.

 

[McBlade]

I think the 15C head (based on the old type) is hugely underrated and one of the best razors you can get. The mildness makes it very easy to use in general. I love the range it covers. It will literally do anything with very little clogging. Week-old beard. Head shaving. Body shaving.

But if you only ever have short stubble to shave I guess you can manage fine without an open comb.

 

[dmshaver]

I have open comb razors that give me wonderfully smooth, efficient shaves. My best open comb razors are vintage Gillette razors. I also have safety bar razors that do the same. I suggest not putting all open comb in the category of they don't work for you until you try many more. That's part of the fun of this hobby, looking for that unicorn! Enjoy the journey!!!

 

[ShaverAZ]

My #160 Goodwill is currently on the countertop & I'm evaluating carbon steel blades with it. The older carbon steel blades were thicker than modern stainless and blades like the Treet Black Beauty give impressively sooth and close shaves. Unlike a lot of modern razors, the older Gillette open combs can be a little fussy to shave with. It is imperative that the top cap edge, blade and bottom plate/teeth all contact the skin simultaneously, otherwise you will get a less than great shave.

 

[geneaut]

You should use what you enjoy, and what works for your face. I happen to enjoy my SLOC so it's my main driver, but a Rockwell 6C provides almost the same enjoyment and result without the OC so I use it quite a bit as well. Horses for courses.

I pulled this little jewel out this morning and it did a fine job.

 

[Cal]

Unlike a lot of modern razors, the older Gillette open combs can be a little fussy to shave with.

My Gillette NEW #44 RFB is my favorite OC razor (and it's not in the least fussy).

Here it is with its custom lightweight GT Handle (and some friends):

It is imperative that the top cap edge, blade and bottom plate/teeth all contact the skin simultaneously, otherwise you will get a less than great shave.

Being a dyed-in-the-wool steep angler, the guard then blade are always touching my skin... the cap hardly ever. It's been a long time since I had a less-than-great shave.

Obviously your mileage varies, and you won't be joining the SASA any time soon.

 

[NorthernSoul]

I don't think you can generalize. Open comb razors such as the Fatip/Schone OC, SLOC, and Gillette NEW SC I find give a very smooth and comfortable shave. I really like some safety bar style razors, too. My favorite razors are compact and fairly light in weight, with the blade well supported and without a large gap.

 

[Happy Jack]

I tend to think that open comb is a bit of a myth, because when you have the right blade the right gap and a good head drainage you don't need it.
What do you guys think about this?

In general I agree with you. None of my decent SB razors clog with just lather, although I find the cheaper Muhle R89, Parker, etc. all clog horribly. Open comb razors do have a clear advantage when cutting long hair, though.

 

[nemo]

the teeth irritate my skin for a couple of hours

You won't have that unless your angle and/or pressure is all wrong. Teeth shouldn't be pushing into your skin.

I tend to think that open comb is a bit of a myth

Ah, how I love those mythical early Gillettes.

Welcome to B&B

 

[28Notch]

wrong

It is possible, poor technique.
But I think it depends also from the anatomy of the bar. The teeth of the 15 C are much more thiner than those of the 69 CR.

 

[Medivh]

It is possible, poor technique.
But I think it depends also from the anatomy of the bar. The teeth of the 15 C are much more thiner than those of the 69 CR.

The Gillette Old Type and the Short Comb do have the reputation of having that rough feeling of the teeth, but not absolutely everyone agrees. I have my theory of why is that, but knowing the opinion of some B&B members, I would keep it for myself and safe a lot of time in pointless debates, So YMMV and the usual fancy pants references.

 

[Invicta]

Welcome to B&B.

I tend to think that open comb is a bit of a myth, because when you have the right blade the right gap and a good head drainage you don't need it.

I use the Fatip open comb which is based on the Gillette Old Type and that has minimum blade gap, positive blade exposure and gives me no irritation during or after the shave yet has no head drainage to speak of. The positive blade exposure means you have to be a little more careful than when using the Merkur 34C say.
There is some benefit with the open comb when shaving very long stubble, I read anecdotally, but that is not something I have tested as I shave daily. I think the theory is the open comb allows less flattening of the stubble as the razor passes.
The irritation from the open comb is because you are shaving at a very steep blade angle and applying pressure, as suggested in post #10. Try a shallower blade angle with less pressure and the razor will work just as well with no irritation. For your information, blade angle is defined here; Blade Angle | Badger & Blade
Interesting you mention the Merkur 39C as working well for your longer stubble because that goes from average to large blade gap along the safety bar. I expect you also use that razor at a steep blade angle. I don't think I would be comfortable with the longer handle but some like it. I use the 37C sometimes (around September usually) and that gives a good daily shave too. Perhaps you should try the 39C as a daily shaver.
With all those razors in your collection you are probably spoiled for choice, I know I would be.

 

[GlazedBoker]

I have 18 razors in rotation, which is plenty. Yet I aim for 16 now. I just eliminated the two open combs I own, a Merkur 15 C and a Parker 69 CR.
And that because I don't see any advantages with these chaps.
The Parker is gentle but brings nothing new. The Merkur 15 C is a better shaver, yet even if I have never got nicks or cuts from it, the teeth irritate my skin for a couple of hours. And I do always apply a good cushion of lather and sooth my skin with cream after I'm done.
So I put them aside. And when I have a one-week bear growth ( which I rarely have) I use the Merkur 39 C, which I love, with bbs and no irritation at all.
I tend to think that open comb is a bit of a myth, because when you have the right blade the right gap and a good head drainage you don't need it.
What do you guys think about this?

It’s good when one finds exactly what works for them in shaving tools. Myths, Legend, Lore, belief and even phenomenon all take a backseat to the biggest unproven yet completely substantiated truth in user experience. The YMMV (your mileage may vary) constant. It’s a rule that can’t be measured nor defined yet it empirically exists without the use of reason, logic and even science. It’s all based on individual user experiences in which we all are subscribers to, even yourself. Basically you are not wrong but, you aren’t right either. You are entitled to your opinion as everyone else on here is too.

Personally, one of my favorite razors (my favorite open comb ever) is from Gillette and it’s the RFB #44. Plenty of great open combs out there with the majority coming from the house of Gillette. I consider it to be their best creation in a 3 piece design and arguably the best safety razor that has ever been produced. But, that’s my opinion based on my own personal use of many Gillette and other artisan made open combs.

One shaves with what works for them. I have been fortunate in my shave journey in which I can shave with practically anything that has a sharp edge and a handle. Some have been phenomenal shavers, some have been good and others have been downright forgettable.

it’s all about the ride/journey and what best works for you. And you seem to have found that spot of shave equilibrium.

Great shaves to you….

 

[Quaznoid]

Open comb, safety bar, I’ve never noticed a difference

 

[JCarr]

I tend to prefer the open comb variant of a razor to its safety bar counterpart. But this is a very personal preference kind of thing.

 

[Brutus]

I have a steel Masamune Nodachi with both open comb and closed comb heads and a closed comb titanium Nodachi that has become my current daily shaver.

For Nodachis, blade exposure and gap are the same for the open and closed comb versions and (as long-time Mühle R41 open comb user) I felt that the results of my shaves were virtually identical. So when the titanium Nodachi became available, I ordered only the closed comb version.

Yet, today I ordered the titanium open comb bottom plate* to revisit the issue.
That Tatararazors has today (Cyber Monday) a 25% OFF sale on all items did help.

I am curious to find out whether my initial observations with the steel Nodachi will replicate themselves with the titanium one, or whether I may find that the results of the shave - or at least the feel of the shave - are now different.


B.


* The bottom plate is the only difference between open and closed comb Nodachi plates.
The top plate is the same for both.

 

[gdawg55]

I'm not a fan of OC razors either. The only razors I've had success with using OC are Timeless and Tatara. Everything else has been rough or irritating to my skin vs the SB counterpart. Timeless and Tatara OC seem just as smooth as their SB offerings, but again, I don't see much advantage to the OC. I'm a daily shaver and have no issues with SB razors. I like their comfort and ease of use much better.

Glad you found what you like and don't like....that takes many of us far too long to figure out.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

OC’s are wonderful indeed - and I echo the love for the RFB.

 

[JCarr]

OC’s are wonderful indeed - and I echo the love for the RFB.
View attachment 1564332

I have high hopes for this razor...got the shipping notice on it today...open comb Blackbird.