open tooth vs. bar?

[c2k]

I ve been shopping around for a good razor and I noticed there's open tooth and bar option. what are the difference between those 2?

I have sensitive skin and I do get ingrown hair from time to time mainly cuz of my curly hair.

 

[ddaley212]

I ve been shopping around for a good razor and I noticed there's open tooth and bar option. what are the difference between those 2?

I have sensitive skin and I do get ingrown hair from time to time mainly cuz of my curly hair.

honestly idk i was going to ask that as well im glad you did my friend

 

[mblakele]

Open combs are a little closer to an SE or even a straight. The teeth won't stretch your skin ahead of the blade like a closed comb's safety bar will do. So you may need to use a somewhat different angle and you may need to make some faces or even stretch your skin to get a close shave. However, this gives you more control over the shave, so you may be able to get a better shave overall. Open combs also won't clog as easily as a closed comb, so they are good for heavy beard growth.

I'm not sure if an open comb would be better or worse than a closed comb, for someone prone to ingrowns. I suspect that it would be worse because it might shave too close, but I've also read here that the very best thing for ingrowns is a straight. Each of us must decide these points according to our own experience.

 

[mwhals]

If you are new to a DE, I would recommend the closed bar.

By the way, welcome to B&B!

Mark

 

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

A close comb will show you if you are doing something wrong with your angle. You will see teeth marks in the lather if so. You could always get one, open comb were on the market before close combs.

A mild gillette Tech as a first razor might be more forgiving to learn with.

Having said that, it doesn't mean that open combs are more aggressive. A certain model has a different aggressivness compared to another (there are mild and aggressive open combs).

 

[Rev. Nathan]

Of the two I prefer bar. However, I haven't had two of the exact same razor to give this a proper test.

 

[Maul555]

Don't be too afraid of the open combs, they shave great!

Mine:

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

Welcome to B&B!

A close comb will show you if you are doing something wrong with your angle. You will see teeth marks in the lather if so. You could always get one, open comb were on the market before close combs.

A mild gillette Tech as a first razor might be more forgiving to learn with.

Having said that, it doesn't mean that open combs are more aggressive. A certain model has a different aggressivness compared to another (there are mild and aggressive open combs).

+1; I use mainly my open comb now (heavy beard, sensitive skin and prone to ingrowns). I also have a not-aggressive open comb, but that one is too mild for me, like a Tech. I need more passes to get a good shave with those. Always try to stick with 2, but to do so I need a sharp blade and an aggressive razor. My (aggressive) open comb shaves very mild and smooth btw, just like a Tech.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I have both razors. I use my open comb when my beard is longer, like 3 or more days of growth. Anything less than that I use my safety bar.

I'd say to get both and see how each works for you, and what is the best way for you to use them. There's nothing to be afraid of with the open comb. and depending on how you like it, it could become your go to shaver. Compare both, and if you don't care for the open comb you can always sell it on B/S/T. You'll have no trouble getting rid of it.