Shaving grown beard with open comb razor

[knivesout]

Don't do it!

So after reading multiple threads and posts about RazoRock SLOC, I bought mine a few weeks ago. One of the benefits I had read about and viewed videos, was the ability to shave a grown beard directly with this razor. Supposedly it would not clog. Well it took me almost a hour to shave a 25 day old beard. With all the grown hairs that we're still left after a long while trying to shave everything off, I cleaned and dried my face and got the electric trimmer, got rid of the long hairs and prepared some more lather and shaved again. The blade was a used (3) Astra Blue.

Comments?

 

[Leverspro]

I haven't had more than a three day growth in years, but I'd be very curious to see how my razors would handle it.

 

[brandaves]

Yea...the only razor I'd even consider tackling a full beard with is a SR (I've actually done that with excellent results). DE/SE/Cart=no bueno.

 

[RealPretendPsychic]

I actually just had an SLOC delivered and am very excited to use it. My impression is that it is not significantly more efficient than its old type cousin, but provides a better glide for the shave based on the top cap design.

I have 1.5 weeks of growth and will likely turn to my RazoRock German Slant for a more efficient shave.

 

[kingfisher]

A shavette or a straight will take off a full beard. Other razors aren't really designed for that.

 

[Invicta]

One of the benefits I had read about and viewed videos, was the ability to shave a grown beard directly with this razor. Supposedly it would not clog.

About 1 week for any open comb is acceptable. Any longer and you need to clip down to ~ 6mm.

 

[xiletero]

Well I took a 3" goatee + long stache with the RR Jaws (new edition) Nacet blade (dense coarse not a 7 hairs beard).. NO issues at all...one pass all gone, I did a second just to get ingrown hairs....

All previous shaves in life i used a trimmer first but after seeing so many youtube vids on ppl just going straight to DE or straights I dove right into it.

Next time I will do it again...probably w a Fatip or Muhle R41. I may use a napkin to clean the shaver instead of water since I do not want to clog my sink

 

[FireDragon76]

The Gillete Guard is better for taking off longer stubble (I've used it for up to a week and a half) but it isn't designed for a full beard. No safety razor is going to be good for that.

I would recommend a beard trimmer/clippers next time.

 

[xiletero]

After I watched this video I went for it

 

[Demolition]

After I watched this video I went for it

After watching that video, I'll always think of the Muhle R41 as "The Gatling Gun of Razors" from now on.

 

[THall]

A DE that has a larger gap or an adjustable can do it also. Seen videos of men shaving off beards with the Rex in seconds for example.

 

[OldSkoolMillennial]

Not a DE but I've tried my Gem Micromatic Open Comb against about a week plus growth. Made short work of it. But I'd prefer to trim down before shaving.

 

[BigJ]

Precisely why I am a daily shaver! Getting through a beard is simply too much of a challenge.

 

[knivesout]

@xiletero that Muhle R41 video is brutal, and the guy says you have to be gentle, ha!

Thanks for all the comments / suggestions guys! Definitely will do it different next time...

 

[Atlantic59]

Clippers is the way to go.

The SLOC excels as a buffing razor for the mustache and chin area. I use it to clean up after two passes with the German 37. It's a great combination.

The secret of the SLOC is dipping it in water frequently. It retains some of that water in the top slots.

 

[Domminigan]

The few times I’ve shaved long hair, I’ve used a Gillette Old type and had no issues plowing right through. Always after a long shower and plenty of extended lathering up.
The only time I tried anything else was the one time I tried a 34 Aristocrat. It started out ok but would jam up quickly. After a couple tries, I switched to a single ring and was done fast.

 

[juno]

I have had very good success shaving a week's worth of growth with GEM razors.
Cuts through it like butter. I did this with a Clog-Pruf and a G-Bar several times. I never tried a full beard though. I agree with using a beard trimmer first for that.

 

[romsitsa]

Hello, open combs are less prone to clog than safety bars. Except the open comb has a small blade gap (for eg. Gillette Old type) and the safety bar has a large gap (for eg. Swing).
The only razor that won’t clog is a straight.

Adam