Open Comb?

[jpoaps]

Hello All

I currently have a Merkur 38C. I find it a tad bit aggressive. I was doing some research and came across open comb razors. Are these generally more or less aggressive? I am looking to add another razor to my collection and looking for a mild one. Possibly a DE89 or something with open comb. Any suggestions or tips?

Jeff

 

[Luc]

It depends on which open comb you decide on. There are mild open combs and more aggressive open combs. Open comb is a different model of razor, that's all.

 

[wimbouman]

^ this.

My Fatip is pretty close and direct, whereas my New and my Pearls are comfortable shavers.

 

[taco8slo]

The DE89 is mild, I find the Gillette tech to be even more mild (as well as the Gillette flare tip super speeds). A very mild open comb would be a Goodfella, nice looking razor that is quite mild. The Feather AS-D1 or AS-D2 are probably as mild as they come but they also come with a hefty price tag.

 

[Kent Kimmons]

All I can tell you is my personal experience.

My Gillette Travel Tech is the mildest razor I own. Serious blood-letting would be difficult, but as with all razors, possible.

My Merkur replica of a 1904/1906 Gillette (bar razor) is a tad, and I mean ever so slightly, more aggressive. It's like comparing a 7 day ripe banana with a 6 day ripe banana IMO.

My open comb Gillette New is significantly more aggressive razor with more exposed blade under the head. I HAVE performed significant blood letting with it but having said that, it only happened once and, while I haven't mastered it, I feel confident enough to use it without reservation. I just had to get the pressure and angle right. It's shave lasts the entire work day without noticeable shadow.

I tend to use the NEW in the AM before work. My beard growth is fast enough that I need to shave in the late evening as well to keep SWMBO happy (thin beard but coarse hair). For that I use the Merkur or the Tech.

YMMV

 

[Krona Kruiser]

WHen I started shaving with a safety razor, I avoided OC's like a plague until about a year into it, I revisited it and OC's (Gillette NEW's) are my main razors. Once you find the right technique, blade you can have some great close shaves.

 

[Dngolden]

All I can tell you is my personal experience.



My Merkur replica of a 1904/1906 Gillette (bar razor) is a tad, and I mean ever so slightly, more aggressive. It's like comparing a 7 day ripe banana with a 6 day ripe banana IMO.

My experience exactly with the Merkur 1904 (which I like a lot, btw). I should note that your 38C is hardly an aggressive razor. If you are having problems, could it be some other prep/product issue? If you have a very rough beard (like me) you might find that more aggressive razors/blades actually work better because they cut through the stubble with less pull.

 

[Kent Kimmons]

Don't have a 38C, I have a vintage NEW. Is the 38C a replica of that razor? If so, I may want to pick one up and relegate the NEW to "occasional shaver."

 

[Hodari D.]

The Merkur OCs are very mild in my experience. More mild than the Merkur safety bar razors. I found my Merkur to be a bit too aggressive as well. I tried an EJ and I love it. Highly recommend those.

 

[jpoaps]

Thanks for the replies. All great information.
DNgolden: yes i have a very rough and stiff beard with sensitive skin. What would be a more "aggressive" razor? I find a get some pull with the 38c.