TTOC: Transition to Open Combs

[Amir]

Funny, how I first by-passed all of those gnarly, toothy images (here and on eBay), thinking open combs were too aggressive. Hmm, what happened to my original thought that I would be set with an assortment that included a Tech, Superspeed, HD Rocket and a Stainless Weber?

Well, esteemed B&B members provided key insights in threads and PM's, to help me expand my toolkit.

Your show-and-tells and WTS threads extolling the virtues of various open combs as effective, efficient shavers are invaluable.

Curiosity lead to infatuation, which lead to acquiring what I consider quite the trifecta: a Goodwill Empire set, a #77/88 set, and a British Aristocrat #15!

So then, how did you TTOC?

 

[StuMcB]

The #15 will knock your socks off. I wont get your head around how easy it is to use even for a TTO OC. For me my Holy Grial razor and I love it. Have shaved with nothing else since getting hold of mine since just befor Christmas.

 

[alex2363]

Joris...nuff said

 

[Mick]

First OC I bought was the Muhle R41 2009/10 model.

Very smooth comfortable razor and one that I am surprised that they no longer make as it is/was one fine tool

 

[jhamlin38]

I bought a 25c and think it's too mild. I noticed an improvement using an ikon handle. But it still doesn't hold a candle to my EJ head. Any ideas to help me ttoc

 

[gmgaj]

Gillette new. It speaks for itself.

 

[Amir]

I wanted to follow up with quick snapshots of the #15 and #77/#88 sets. How different they feel in the hand. Both are a Mistress of Great Shaves.

One is Voluptuous:



The other is Svelte:



I need sunglasses just to hold the #15! The metal box has some scruff marks. Any ideas on how best to clean up the case? The interior is immaculate. It includes 4 Blue Blades, so I guess the previous owner used it only a handful of times. The razor itself has only a few marks on the silo doors - perhaps where they touched the velvet purple liner in storage all these years. It also includes the GILLETTE ARISTOCRAT insert in block letters, selling for 29 Shillings. The blades are marked S3. Would that put it as a 1947? Did the #15 production run end with the introduction of the solid bar #21?

I believe the #77/88 set is around 1933-35. It seems to have characteristics of both 77 and 88 sets, looking at the base plate, cap points and case. So I can't figure out which it is. I tried the baking soda trick, with some success. But the knurling on the handle is nearly a white-like silver, much different than the end cap and base plate, which are very shiny.