What am I missing?

[mbrossar]

I fear my introduction to wet shaving has infected me with RAD as I find myself reading reviews, comparing razors, etc. Fortunately, thus far, I only own two razors. But as I learn this new "sport", I fear I might be missing something.

As we all know, our target razor angle is roughly 30 degrees and one of the best ways to find this is to start with the razor handle perpendicular to our skin and slowly rotate it toward our face until the blade just touches our skin. It strikes me that this would leave the safety bar or comb teeth (depending upon your preference) just off our skin. If this is correct, then what's the difference between an open comb and closed comb razor appart from how the razor holds the blade?

I confess that I am fascinated by open comb razors. I don't know if it's just the design, their reported more agressiveness or what. In light of the preceding paragraph, I am further puzzled by a few comments I have read about open comb razors.

1. Some have attested that open comb razors provide a slight pre-stretch of the skin allowing for a closer shave. Is this ascertion correct? As questioned above, if the comb does not actually contact the skin, how could it do this?
2. In a review for the Gillette NEW, it is asserted that the razor helps raise flat lying whiskers so that they can be cut shorter for a closer shave. Again, if the teeth aren't contacting the skin, how can this be?
3. Many assert that open comb razors are more agressive than their closed comb brethren. As I understand agressiveness, it has more to do with the gap between the safety bar and the blade. But most of the open comb designs I've seen (save the NEW), the blade is sitting right on top of the comb. How is this more agressive?

Can someone help shed some light?

Thanks.

 

[uberculture]

I don't have any answers, but I'm curious, too, as I should be getting a NEW in the mail... today or tomorrow.

Although I will point out that in my experience, the guard always does touch my skin. Yes, technically, on a flat surface, the blade will come in contact with your skin maybe a touch of a degree first, but in the real world, the guard usually does touch the skin.

My current theory, which I'm hoping holds true, is that the open comb allows more shaving medium to remain on the skin as the blade makes contact. But then, I haven't tried it yet... waiting for more experts to weigh in on this.

 

[mbrossar]

Yes, that's one of the theories I've heard and one of the reasons I tried an open comb in the first place (Mühle R41), but I'm not sure how much of that actually holds true. I'll be interested in your thoughts on your NEW. I've been eying one myself (feel the RAD). What razor are you using now?

 

[uberculture]

Yes, that's one of the theories I've heard and one of the reasons I tried an open comb in the first place (Mühle R41), but I'm not sure how much of that actually holds true. I'll be interested in your thoughts on your NEW. I've been eying one myself (feel the RAD). What razor are you using now?

I started with a Parker 22R, then moved up to a Slim. The slim is much better (because of the adjustability). I had eyed the R41 quite a bit before snagging the NEW off of the BST... looks like a gorgeous piece of machinery.

 

[talibeard]

Can someone help shed some light?

Thanks.

I am using open combs for a conciderable time now and haven't noticed anything to support any of your three points to be frank.

My current theory, which I'm hoping holds true, is that the open comb allows more shaving medium to remain on the skin as the blade makes contact. But then, I haven't tried it yet... waiting for more experts to weigh in on this.

This one is true but don't expect miracles.

The open comb dates from an era in which a weekly shave was custom and this is the best feature of the OC; it will cut a 5" beard with the same ease as a one-day stubble.
Another plus is that it directs the hairs a bit; very useful when the grain of your beard is all over the place (like in my neck).
Aggressiveness has nothing (repeat nothing) to do with OC's or safety bars but with blade gap so there are mild as well as aggressive open combs but this has nothing to do with the teeth itself.
All in all I prefer OC's over the safety bar but I cannot do much better than to say that it feels better.
You will just have to try one for yourselves guys !

 

[Luc]

I am using open combs for a conciderable time now and haven't noticed anything to support any of your three points to be frank.



This one is true but don't expect miracles.

The open comb dates from an era in which a weekly shave was custom and this is the best feature of the OC; it will cut a 5" beard with the same ease as a one-day stubble.
Another plus is that it directs the hairs a bit; very useful when the grain of your beard is all over the place (like in my neck).
Aggressiveness has nothing (repeat nothing) to do with OC's or safety bars but with blade gap so there are mild as well as aggressive open combs but this has nothing to do with the teeth itself.
All in all I prefer OC's over the safety bar but I cannot do much better than to say that it feels better.
You will just have to try one for yourselves guys !

+1

The other thing that I will add is that I pick-up the lather with the blade with my Open Comb. If I see teeth marks, the angle is wrong and I know it right away!

 

[mbrossar]

Thanks guys. I was starting to suspect the early success of open combs was due at least in part to more infrequent shaves. I've tried the new incarnation of the Mühle R41 and it sounds like my mileage varied. I've tried a few tricks with it and just can't get as close as I can with my HD. Well, now I know.

 

[talibeard]

Thanks guys. I was starting to suspect the early success of open combs was due at least in part to more infrequent shaves. I've tried the new incarnation of the Mühle R41 and it sounds like my mileage varied. I've tried a few tricks with it and just can't get as close as I can with my HD. Well, now I know.

The new Mühle R-41 uses the very mild Merkur/Dovo open comb head. As with all mild razors the right shaving angle is critical.
You might try to use very short strokes when you go XTG or ATG because in that way it is easier to maintain the same shaving angle.
My (new) R-41 does give a close shave but not with the same ease as some safety bar razors.
But when I take my time and do it correctly I need one pass less and do get a more comfortable shave.