Thinking of trying Open Combs

[bcraig.waciii]

So, I've heard a lot of good things about open combs and have been considering trying one. Any thoughts. Right now I'm using a 1947-1950 Super Speed, and am getting excellent shaves with it. My lather is made up of VDH deluxe and Proraso cream (Superlather). I really don't know if it is worth putting out the money for an open comb or not. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,

 

[Samjax]

YMMV

Now that we have that out of the way...a good place to start vintage would be a Gillette NEW. A good place to start "brand new" would be a Fatip. If you can swing it, buy them both - should run you around $50 to $60 for the pair...and they are easy to B/S/T if you don't like them.

 

[Niles]

YMMV

Now that we have that out of the way...a good place to start vintage would be a Gillette NEW. A good place to start "brand new" would be a Fatip. If you can swing it, buy them both - should run you around $50 to $60 for the pair...and they are easy to B/S/T if you don't like them.

I agree with the New suggestion. That's a very good razor.

 

[syngent]

I have a SC New PM me your address if you would like it it's yours man, itsw not getting so much love these days with my other Open Combs and its a great place to start out

 

[Invicta]

YMMV

Now that we have that out of the way...a good place to start vintage would be a Gillette NEW. A good place to start "brand new" would be a Fatip. If you can swing it, buy them both - should run you around $50 to $60 for the pair...and they are easy to B/S/T if you don't like them.

Why Fatip? I hear the build quality is not great. A Muhle or Merkur would be better. I am considering an open comb but my 34C still is in its box.

 

[Leopold Bloom]

NEW Long comb is a very easy razor to use, and a great place to start, and gives a great close shave without the scraping sensation some open combs have.

 

[syngent]

Muhle has problems too,... i Have a Fatip that has no issues at all and its my smoothest most efficiant razor, but also very aggressive not sure it would make a good starting point but if your patient and dont mind taking a shave or two to figure things out it will serve you well

 

[cryhavoc]

I will suggest my fav OC, the Gillette Old Type. IMHO it is the best of the OC's

 

[DEGuy]

If you want a mild OC, look at Merkur 1904 #41 OC razor (above left); you might also want to check out Cadet's OC razors (above right) at shaveabuck.com. Each of the razors is under $30. I've used the Merkur and it's a nice, mild razor; the Cadet looks like it's more efficient or aggressive. I am waiting to receive a Cadet OC. http://shaveabuck.com/cadet-shaving-three-piece-tp01-p-781.html

 

[FL shaver]

How does the Merkur OC head compare to the closed comb? I wonder if I really would get a significantly closer shave than my 34C with the OC head. I get a DFS with a 2+ to 3+ pass shave with the 34C. What would the open comb do for my shaves?

 

[Wcoppage]

My favorite is Gillette New Improved Big Fellow. It has heavy weight. Gives great smooth shave.

 

[DEGuy]

How does the Merkur OC head compare to the closed comb? I wonder if I really would get a significantly closer shave than my 34C with the OC head. I get a DFS with a 2+ to 3+ pass shave with the 34C. What would the open comb do for my shaves?

The Merkur 1904 shaves a bit closer than the closed-comb Merkur. But it is a mild OC, even with the most efficient blades, but you would feel a difference in the shave. I found it to be the mildest of OC razors. I'd look into either a Gillette Old Type razor (eBay or B/S/T/on B&B) or try one of the Cadet razors. Many of the guys like the Mulhle R41, Fatip, and Joris OC razors. I tried an R41 and for me it's a bit too aggressive an OC razor.

 

[FL shaver]

Appreciate your feedback!

 

[DaveL]

I'll second the Gillette NEW and the Fatip. I have both long comb and short comb NEWs and a Fatip. My favorite is the SC NEW.

 

[intotheforge]

What about tradere?

 

[crfcom]

Frankly, the Tradere is a better razor than anything else mentioned in this thread. Its a hand-machined tool and that's part of the reason its going to be the most expensive option mentioned so far. Only mildly aggressive which may take some getting used to, and I'm not so sure that the new Tradere solid bar wouldn't be the better choice for you. The only issue with the FaTip is that its very aggressive and based on what you're using now, I think it would be a big change and a bit of a gamble, but at $40 its a gamble that might be worth taking, depending on your finances. As to the finish, I'll tell you flat out their quality control was invisible, but if you like the razor, you'll be in it so cheap that you could have it re-plated anytime you want and have an artisan-grade finish.

 

[gus1942]

So, I've heard a lot of good things about open combs and have been considering trying one. Any thoughts. Right now I'm using a 1947-1950 Super Speed, and am getting excellent shaves with it. My lather is made up of VDH deluxe and Proraso cream (Superlather). I really don't know if it is worth putting out the money for an open comb or not. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,

Wish I had gone to an OC years ago. My favorite is the Gillette New.


Gus/BOTOC

 

[Samjax]

The original poster mentioned his concern about making an investment in an OC. To recommend a Tradere OC for him is ridiculous and potentially a $150 mistake - until such time as he knows if he even likes an OC design. At least with the Fatip and NEW, he can easily get all, or at least most, of his money back. That's not going to happen with the Tradere unless he gets a used one for under $125 or so.

 

[DEGuy]

I agree with Samjax (he has to be a smart guy, he's enjoying the Sun in February when I'm here shoveling snow!): Tradere is only one OC and it may not suit you, an R41 may not suit you but a Gillette Old Type, Merkur 1904 #41, or Cadet OC might feel fine to you. Even the inexpensive Fatip can be a bit aggressive and some have had quality issues--I know, I had two. I think a good first bet in a mild OC is Merkur's 1904 #41; and I'd still look into a Cadet TP-01 or 02. Just one guy's opinion. By the way, Tradere's first OCs were criticized for their aggressiveness and weight; since then the company has come out with a less aggressive OC. Actually, Gillette's Old Type OC is a nice razor and does cut closer than closed-comb razors, from my experience. Along with closeness can come a bit of skin scraping--this doesn't affect some guys, but if you've sensitive skin, you may want to keep this in mind. An OC could become a razor you end up using a couple times a week rather than a daily razor.

 

[Sled Dog]

I would take up Syngent's offer of the NEW...great razor...especially at that price