What are the advantages of getting a razor with a rake head?
I have a really thick beard, would a razor with a rake head be beneficial?
Cheers
I have a really thick beard, would a razor with a rake head be beneficial?
Cheers
Rake head?
- Thread starter highlyevolved
- Start date
Do you mean open-comb?
Open comb razors (rake heads) have more clearance for the blade, or "blade gap" , so they don't clog as easily with whiskers and shave cream/soap. Because of this, they really mow through thicker beards. They also feel deceptively more aggressive than closed comb or safety bar razors. It's just a different shaving experience.
A safety bar would force long hairs to lie down. Tends not to matter when they're very short, but when longer, they can be harder to shave. The open comb allows the blade to meet the longer hairs while they're still standing. It does make the razors seem more aggressive, but certainly not unwieldy. I have a New Standard that I use once in a blue moon; however, I've had safety bar razors mow through some pretty long growth (the PILS for example).
Open combs are excellent razors IMHO, i have two vintage gillettes at the moment and a Merkur winging its way to me,they give a lot more feedback than safety bars and i think that loaded with the right blade they are hard to beat, of course YMMV.
- Thread starter
- #6
I never really have more than 2-3 days growth so would I really need an open comb. I mean how long do your whiskers have to be for an open comb to be effective?
Can you also explain to me what "c" means when selecting a razor?
Like the difference between 12 and 25 c.
thanks
Can you also explain to me what "c" means when selecting a razor?
Like the difference between 12 and 25 c.
thanks
with merkur razors, the c or g refers to chrome or gold finish.
as for using an open comb, possibly my favorite de is my gillette old type open comb head on a new style handle. i've used it on 1 day growth and also a 1" beard, both with fantastic results. the only other razor i've found that comes close (that's not a straight) is an open comb gem 1912.
as for using an open comb, possibly my favorite de is my gillette old type open comb head on a new style handle. i've used it on 1 day growth and also a 1" beard, both with fantastic results. the only other razor i've found that comes close (that's not a straight) is an open comb gem 1912.
Oh, I'll happily use a Gillette New on a regular day's growth. They seem more blade-dependant to me though. I can dial an adjustable in to where most any blade will work, but the New calls for a smooth, sharp blade. The Derby blades I feed my adjustable won't cut it in the New.
