Time to Try an OC?

[JeffOlson]

I've been DE shaving daily now for several months. My weapons of choice have been a Feather AS-D1 loaded with a Feather blade. Ocassionally, I will use a Merkur 38C or an Edwin Jagger with the Muhle 89 head.

My shaves are all nice and fun, but never BBS. I just don't know if BBS is possible because I have a full beard and really cannot shave against the grain. I'm wondering if I would get closer shaves WTG with, say, a Muhle R41 or Tradere...

By the way, I CAN get a BBS shave if I use my Braun electric, but what fun is that?

 

[kingfisher]

You should definitely give an OC razor a try. See how you like it. My suggestion would be a FaTip, if you want something very efficient and able to handle a tough beard.

 

[Alejandro1969]

A Muhle R41 (2011) is worth a shot. I bit the bullet and I'm so glad I did. All I can say is I get a BSS in 2 passes! It's an amazing razor!

 

[Viseguy]

R41 or Fatip are both good suggestions. The handle on the R41 is longer, and the R41 Grande has an even longer handle if that's what you prefer. And, of course, it's hard to go wrong with a vintage Old Type or NEW.

 

[celestino]

i would not recommend the R41 to try as your first open-comb. It would be more advisable to go with a Gillette Old Type or New or even the Merkurs 1904, 25C, or the Muhle R101 2010, then when you are comfortable, you can progress to the FaTip or R41.
Good luck.

 

[dpmtherrien]

From what you've written it sounds like an OC would be a good choice. Just keep in mind that the OC gives a bit of a different shave, and not necessarily a better shave. But I'd say its well worth the shot.

 

[Straight Rasier User]

For the price look for a Gillette New Razor as an Open Comb.

Older Open Combs had slightly thicker blades and the shave would be different.

Newer Open Combs can be more expensive so a Vintage Gillette New is a way to make it less expensive.

The Shave is different but, use multiple passes and you will have an enjoyable experience.

 

[Gingerbread]

My first OC was the 2011 R41. I don't see any problem in jumping headfirst into it.

 

[Mick]

you may want to give one of the Merkur slants a go before jumping off of the bridge

 

[noelekal]

You really need one of these. A Gillette short-combed New and a really sharp blade such as the Feather.