Tried an OC the other day...

[mystkm]

I scored a Gillette NEW Bar handle short comb razor a few days ago. I still haven't gotten around to cleaning it up yet...but it reminded me at some point several months ago I purchased a Mekur 1904 open comb. So, I decided to try it out, not knowing if I'd have to adjust somewhat to not having a safety bar. I threw a Shark blade in it and lathered up with some Cella (fast becoming my favorite soap) and had an incredibly smooth and irritation free shave. Loved it! Now I'm wondering why I didn't try it sooner...

On a side note, Shark blades work well for me, I wouldn't consider them incredibly sharp and good for about 3 shaves. However, I notice that stubble appears sooner than when I use a Derby blade. I do get another shave or two out of a Derby, and they seem a bit sharper. In fact, and it seems counter-intuitive, it is as if the second shave from a Derby blade is much better compared to the first. Probably just my perception though.

 

[JeffOlson]

I'm thinking of trying an open comb--a Muhle R41. Just trying to work up the nerve!

 

[Parallax]

I've got some vintage open combs. Very aggressive razors but I like them very much. Haven't figured out the models yet though. I think my favorite is a New of some sort.

 

[mystkm]

Well, I'm interested in how the old vintage Gillette NEW Bar handle short comb compares to the Mekur 1904 open comb. I've used the Mekur twice so far and love it! My only gripe, and it's pretty much a non issue, is that I wish the handle was one inch longer. Honestly, I dunno why I didn't try one sooner...can't say I had to work up the nerve to do it. I just never got around to it. I totally didn't know what to expect though, it being an OC and all...

 

[Predict]

I'm thinking of trying an open comb--a Muhle R41. Just trying to work up the nerve!

Go for it! It's not that bad. I'm using one now and I'm only a month into de shaving. Just use a very light touch and you'll be fine.

 

[Parallax]

Is there a good place to get a summary of the various open combs and how to identify them? Learning the vintage safety bar razors is a breeze. The open combs seem more complex.

 

[the_edski]

You aren't wrong. Its a fact. The first shave eliminates all the imperfections and burrs on the blade, very similar to if you were to palm strop the blade first. Hence why the 2nd shave seems better.

. I do get another shave or two out of a Derby, and they seem a bit sharper. In fact, and it seems counter-intuitive, it is as if the second shave from a Derby blade is much better compared to the first. Probably just my perception though.

 

[kingfisher]

Is there a good place to get a summary of the various open combs and how to identify them? Learning the vintage safety bar razors is a breeze. The open combs seem more complex.

The Wiki? www.mr-razor.com? The BOTOC?

I don't think it's harder than safety bar razors, to be honest.

The Reader's Digest version: first came the Old Type. These are further divided into single ring, double ring, Big Fellow, etc. Then came the New Improved, and these are subdivided (mostly by what case they came in) into Bostonians, Tuckaways, etc., etc. Then came the NEW, and these are divided into long-comb and short-comb varieties and came with ball or bar handles. There is one Tech hybrid that had an open comb. Then there are open combs from minor American makers or from other countries, such as the Eclipse Red Ring, etc.

 

[saintpat]

My long comb NEW gets weekly use from me. I rotate between that and my Muhle R89 so I get to enjoy the old and the new (or is that the NEW and the new...)

No doubt after more than 24 hours growth I'll always reach for the NEW.

 

[jbradley]

The Wiki? www.mr-razor.com? The BOTOC?

I don't think it's harder than safety bar razors, to be honest.

The Reader's Digest version: first came the Old Type. These are further divided into single ring, double ring, Big Fellow, etc. Then came the New Improved, and these are subdivided (mostly by what case they came in) into Bostonians, Tuckaways, etc., etc. Then came the NEW, and these are divided into long-comb and short-comb varieties and came with ball or bar handles. There is one Tech hybrid that had an open comb. Then there are open combs from minor American makers or from other countries, such as the Eclipse Red Ring, etc.

There is also a few TTO OCs. The Sheraton, Senator, and a few Aristocrats. Also a few English made Gillette TTO OCs. The way to tell the LC from the SC NEW is look at the end. The LC kind of looks like an L, the comb is parallel to the handle, the SC the comb points out at a 45 degree angle.

 

[Oscroft]

I'm thinking of trying an open comb--a Muhle R41. Just trying to work up the nerve!

Definitely not a typical OC, but if it suits you you'll love it - I love mine (and if it doesn't suit you, you won't lose much on BST).

 

[dpmtherrien]

I scored a Gillette NEW Bar handle short comb razor a few days ago. I still haven't gotten around to cleaning it up yet...but it reminded me at some point several months ago I purchased a Mekur 1904 open comb. So, I decided to try it out, not knowing if I'd have to adjust somewhat to not having a safety bar. I threw a Shark blade in it and lathered up with some Cella (fast becoming my favorite soap) and had an incredibly smooth and irritation free shave. Loved it! Now I'm wondering why I didn't try it sooner...

On a side note, Shark blades work well for me, I wouldn't consider them incredibly sharp and good for about 3 shaves. However, I notice that stubble appears sooner than when I use a Derby blade. I do get another shave or two out of a Derby, and they seem a bit sharper. In fact, and it seems counter-intuitive, it is as if the second shave from a Derby blade is much better compared to the first. Probably just my perception though.

The OC DE is a great razor, but takes a few shaves to get into the groove. The shave is nice, but I've found quite different from the safety bar DE.

I'm thinking of trying an open comb--a Muhle R41. Just trying to work up the nerve!

This is a very aggressive razor, the shaves are great, but be sure to back all the way off of any pressure.

 

[mystkm]

The OC DE is a great razor, but takes a few shaves to get into the groove. The shave is nice, but I've found quite different from the safety bar DE.

It is a great razor! Why I put it off/forgot about it I'll never know. I was anticipating having to get into a groove with that Mekur 1904 OC, but it went smoothly. I really did expect at least a weeper if not worse. I agree its different for a safety bar. It's just different enough to be a little different. Nothing earth-moving....but good nonetheless.

 

[Shaving_CHENG]

I picked up an OC on a whim and had the exact same reaction - why hadn't I done this sooner? Enjoy!