Open comb versus non-open.

[Mad Weiland]

What is the purpose of a "comb" on
a safety razor? For example: Why would
one choose an open comb over a non-
open comb razor?

I apologize for my terminological
inexactitude but, I truly don't know
how to word that question.

 

[Luc]

It should be open comb versus safety bar...

Those should help:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=81761
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170904
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=84479

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

It should be open comb versus safety bar...

Those should help:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=81761
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170904
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=84479

I can only add that I simply like them better...

 

[kcb5150]

I find it way easier to maintain a good angle with an open.

 

[Codfish]

I find it way easier to maintain a good angle with an open.

I've found just the opposite; but I've heard so many positive things about open-combs that I'll continue to try until I get it!

 

[urkel]

my new open gives me one of my closest shaves no matter what blade i choose.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Open combs are easier to use with longer beards. The first safety razors were made back when men would only shave once or twice a week, so they had an open-comb design.
The drawback is that they're more expensive to manufacture and more susceptible do damage from dropping or knocking into hard surfaces, so Gillette transitioned more towards closed combs.

Today, it's entirely a personal preference question.

 

[buyandhold2018]

Open combs are easier to use with longer beards. The first safety razors were made back when men would only shave once or twice a week, so they had an open-comb design.
The drawback is that they're more expensive to manufacture and more susceptible do damage from dropping or knocking into hard surfaces, so Gillette transitioned more towards closed combs.

Today, it's entirely a personal preference question.

Totally agree. With a long beard, the open comb tends to "comb" the beard before cutting it, making for a easier cutting experience. You can also use the razor held at a 90 degree angle to comb the beard with the grain before shaving/cutting.

Another bonus is the lather gets trapped in the teeth versus under the safety bar, making it more comfortable to go over the same area a few times; IME obviously.

 

[Optometrist]

My EJ89L is going to be supplemented with a Muhle R41 open comb razor on the 25th. I don't have a particularly heavy beard but my curiosity pushed me to adding it to my list. Here's hoping!!

David

 

[Stubblefield]

I find it way easier to maintain a good angle with an open.

my new open gives me one of my closest shaves no matter what blade i choose.

Agree on both counts. Once I became accustomed to finding the right angle with my open-comb I found I could achieve a much closer shave with one; so much so that I sold all my remaining safety bar razors.

My EJ89L is going to be supplemented with a Muhle R41 open comb razor on the 25th. I don't have a particularly heavy beard but my curiosity pushed me to adding it to my list. Here's hoping!!

David

A solid choice, for sure.

 

[Nils]

Not versus. AND!

 

[coyotewhisper]

I enjoy using an open comb, I have a Conard and two Gillettes. The shave is closer and I find it to be very comfortable.

 

[4myshave]

My EJ89L is going to be supplemented with a Muhle R41 open comb razor on the 25th. I don't have a particularly heavy beard but my curiosity pushed me to adding it to my list. Here's hoping!!

David

You'll love the R41. I received mine about 3 weeks ago and can't stop using it, even though I wanted it to be only part of a rotation. I also have a NEW short comb and Goodfella and would place the R 41 in between them ( and perhaps a bit closer to the NEW) on an aggressiveness scale. I find that it works best with a sharp blade and prefer a Feather for a great 3 pass shave. It's my favourite at this time ( no guarantees - RAD ).

The open allows the stubble and shaving cream to pass through the open comb without interfering with a longer pass. The Pils is a safety bar razor that also allows that to happen since its open space bar also allows the same thing. I think this one of the two unique feature of the Pils - it's like a quasi open comb. The Pils is the only closed comb/safety bar that I think is comparable to an OC.

 

[woodfluter]

I really don't think OC vs bar gives any real difference in closeness of shave. Other factors related to geometry are at play.

Also, I somehow doubt that "combing" a beard or the number of days without shaving makes any real difference. Believe me, I've shaved daily and after several non-shaving days, with a coarse and fast-growing beard, with both razor types - no significant difference to me.

I think a comb and a safety bar serve the exact same purpose. They are kind of like "training wheels" on a bicycle, but really more so. If I shave close enough to the head of the razor, the comb never ever leaves any "trails" in the lather. The last thing that contacts my skin, as far as I can tell, is the blade edge. But you sure can shave faster without having to worry if you have something there to protect you!

I think the main difference lies in how well the lather and beard cuttings are dispersed. I suspect the open comb design does that a tad better, but the safety bar was cheaper to manufacture and less subject to damage, and that tipped the scales.

- Bill

 

[Optometrist]

You'll love the R41. I received mine about 3 weeks ago and can't stop using it, even though I wanted it to be only part of a rotation. I also have a NEW short comb and Goodfella and would place the R 41 in between them ( and perhaps a bit closer to the NEW) on an aggressiveness scale. I find that it works best with a sharp blade and prefer a Feather for a great 3 pass shave. It's my favourite at this time ( no guarantees - RAD ).

The open allows the stubble and shaving cream to pass through the open comb without interfering with a longer pass. The Pils is a safety bar razor that also allows that to happen since its open space bar also allows the same thing. I think this one of the two unique feature of the Pils - it's like a quasi open comb. The Pils is the only closed comb/safety bar that I think is comparable to an OC.

Great to know. I use Feathers and long strokes so can't wait for this present!

David

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

I really don't think OC vs bar gives any real difference in closeness of shave. Other factors related to geometry are at play.

Also, I somehow doubt that "combing" a beard or the number of days without shaving makes any real difference. Believe me, I've shaved daily and after several non-shaving days, with a coarse and fast-growing beard, with both razor types - no significant difference to me.

Thanks Bill. For me the only bar guard razor that can take on my oc's is the Enigma (the razor I use for my thread: Feather, measure of all blades). Used it this morning to test a Stainless Gillette Super Thin (Chinese). Got a great shave, very close, just like with the NEW. Guess the Enigma is rather aggressive: exposure and gap are larger than on any other bar guard I have.