Thinking of an open comb

[lradke]

I have recently started thinking of adding an open comb razor to my mix. I understand that they are able to go through heavier growth with more ease than a closed comb razor, and I find myself not able to shave every day as I would like. My razor of choice is my Muhle R106 that I got as a Christmas gift from my parents, and I was wondering what a good open combed razor would be. I have heard many wonderful things about Merkur razors, but I have never tried one.

However, I would love something that is as smooth as my Muhle, as it is by far the best razor I own. If oyu have any recommendations as to something that you think would work, please let me know!

Thanks!

 

[Nils]

It's always hard to say what will or won't work for another guy, but from personal experience I can recommend the Merkur 11c. If a longer handle is more to your liking, the 12c is the ticket (same head, barberpole handle).
For me, it's the perfect hybrid between the closeness of a slant and the maneuverability of an HD.

 

[Pike]

I love the Gillette New and New Improved.

 

[Rancor16]

The best open comb I've ever tried, hands down, would have to be the Bulldog. In the end, trying an open comb is a must for any shaver imo =)

 

[Pike]

The best open comb I've ever tried, hands down, would have to be the Bulldog. In the end, trying an open comb is a must for any shaver imo =)

Still searching for one!!! I have loads of Olds, Improveds', and News'....The Bulldog eludes me....

 

[honed]

The NEW is my favourite razor, modern or vintage, doesn't matter the NEW is king of the hill for me!

They are also very easy to find & pretty cheap unless they are mint perhaps.
Shaver grades are only ~US$8-12.

Try it...you know you want to...one more little razor won't hurt

 

[mark_mw]

How about a Henkles, with its spinning REBAR comb?

 

[Sueto]

I had a Muhle R41, it was a little light for my tastes. It was shiny and pretty, just didn't have the weight I like in a razor. This should be similar to the Muhle you already have. However to be fair, the open combs I do use are a couple of Bull Mastiffs by CooncatBob. These things are built like tanks. I got mine with the New heads and really enjoy them over the Merkur and Muhle open combs that I have had.

 

[Pike]

The NEW is my favourite razor, modern or vintage, doesn't matter the NEW is king of the hill for me!

They are also very easy to find & pretty cheap unless they are mint perhaps.
Shaver grades are only ~US$8-12.

Try it...you know you want to...one more little razor won't hurt

To the OP: You really should try one! I'd be happy to send you one for $9 U.S plus shipping. I would have to post it on the BST per B&B rules....it yours if you want it. (Bar Handle New..Brassy but otherwise perfect) PM me if you want to give it a shot.

 

[lradke]

How about a Henkles, with its spinning REBAR comb?

This is more to my taste!! LOL

 

[agent005]

I had been using nothing but closed comb razors until yesterday when I ran across an old gillette NEW. I used it last night and honestly this thing was so buttery smooth and it did it in one less pass. I was afraid of it at first because the connotation is that its an aggressive razor but to me it was less aggressive than a 34c.

 

[lradke]

I was thinking of something new, not vintage. I am thinking that I may prune my collection of the razors I don't really like, and keep 1 old one around for travelling. I like the look of the modern razors, yes because they are nice and shiny!

 

[alexo]

How about an all stainless steel Ikon? I really love mine and I get pretty much the same results as my EJ.

 

[xillion]

Then you can't go wrong with a Muhle R41. I had cooncatbob make a Bull Mastiff xl handle for my Muhle R41 head and the extra weight in the handle makes the razor even better.

I was thinking of something new, not vintage. I am thinking that I may prune my collection of the razors I don't really like, and keep 1 old one around for travelling. I like the look of the modern razors, yes because they are nice and shiny!

 

[wimbouman]

I have recently started thinking of adding an open comb razor to my mix. I understand that they are able to go through heavier growth with more ease than a closed comb razor, and I find myself not able to shave every day as I would like. My razor of choice is my Muhle R106 that I got as a Christmas gift from my parents, and I was wondering what a good open combed razor would be. I have heard many wonderful things about Merkur razors, but I have never tried one.

However, I would love something that is as smooth as my Muhle, as it is by far the best razor I own. If oyu have any recommendations as to something that you think would work, please let me know!

Thanks!

So, that would be a Muhle open comb!
I have an 106 and an open comb, and find these to be excellent shavers.

w

 

[talibeard]

Another vote for the Mühle R41; same head as the Merkur 3-piece open combs, just with a far better fit & finish!

 

[lradke]

It sounds like the R41 may be the best choice, based on my experience with Muhle, and it sounds like it won't disappoint me with a bad shave. I was thinking about the R41, but willing to hear about others, as my bro owns a Merkur HD and it is the only DE he will use(but he lives in Japan so I can't try it out, and a straight is his preferred blade).

Thanks everyone for the input! It is REALLY helping me, to know what is good and what is not!

 

[Batman]

Merkur 1904 Classic Open Comb would be good to start with. Mild and relatively cheap for a new razor.

 

[dreadpirate]

+1 spot on.

It's always hard to say what will or won't work for another guy, but from personal experience I can recommend the Merkur 11c. If a longer handle is more to your liking, the 12c is the ticket (same head, barberpole handle).
For me, it's the perfect hybrid between the closeness of a slant and the maneuverability of an HD.

 

[dreadpirate]

And I have used the 1904 as well - not quite as aggressive as an 11 C (due to weight - they both have the same head). The 1904 in nickel plated. The 11C is chrome plated. I think the 1904 is a very attractive razor.

Merkur 1904 Classic Open Comb would be good to start with. Mild and relatively cheap for a new razor.