Which Open-Comb to buy?
- Thread starter cdnshaver
- Start date
It really depends on what you are looking for.Are you wanting something tame or fairly aggressive,do you like heavy handles?
Paul
Paul
- Thread starter
- #3
I have the 15C and love it. There are two main reasons I went with the 15C over the 11C, 1904 OC and 12C.
1. Cheaper than the 11C and 12C and has a longer handle than the 1904 OC
2. The 15C (and 1904 OC) is a three piece razor like a Gillette Tech. You can match it up with alot of other handles. I personally love doing this for variety. This can't be done with the 11C and 12C.
The Muhles have a better finish, but you're paying for that also. The 15C was my first OC, so I didn't want to spend over $50 and then find out it isn't for me. A 15C only cost me about $30 including Shipping from West Coast Shaving. A 1904 OC is even cheaper I'm sure. Regardless which one you choose, it's said they all have the same head design so really it comes down to finish and handle preference.
1. Cheaper than the 11C and 12C and has a longer handle than the 1904 OC
2. The 15C (and 1904 OC) is a three piece razor like a Gillette Tech. You can match it up with alot of other handles. I personally love doing this for variety. This can't be done with the 11C and 12C.
The Muhles have a better finish, but you're paying for that also. The 15C was my first OC, so I didn't want to spend over $50 and then find out it isn't for me. A 15C only cost me about $30 including Shipping from West Coast Shaving. A 1904 OC is even cheaper I'm sure. Regardless which one you choose, it's said they all have the same head design so really it comes down to finish and handle preference.
I used a 12c for the first time this morning and I like the heft of the handle but the op makes a good point about the 15c.
Paul
Paul
cdnshaver, all the razors you mentioned have the same head geometry; the current Mühle open combs use the Merkur 3-piece OC head like on the 15/25C and the 41N (1904). The 11C has the same geometry but is a 2-piece design.
So the differences are mostly about weight(-distribution), handle lenght and fit and finish. Quality (fit and finish) is won by Mühle, by a mile. The 11C is the heaviest of them all with its weight more in the (short and thick) handle. The 15C is about the same lenght but with a thinner and lighter handle, just like on the 41N. The 25C is the long handled version of the 15C while the handles of the Mühles are in between the lenghts of the 15C/41N and the 25C. The diameter of the handles of the Mühles are more like the 11C but much lighter due to the hollow handle.
For me (owning at the moment a 15C, a 25C and the R41, also used the 11C) the Mühle wins hands down; it doesn't just look better but blade alignment is 100% (not so on any of the Merkurs) and the larger/lighter handle gives the best balance for the rather light OC head IMO. Worth the extra cost twice.
So the differences are mostly about weight(-distribution), handle lenght and fit and finish. Quality (fit and finish) is won by Mühle, by a mile. The 11C is the heaviest of them all with its weight more in the (short and thick) handle. The 15C is about the same lenght but with a thinner and lighter handle, just like on the 41N. The 25C is the long handled version of the 15C while the handles of the Mühles are in between the lenghts of the 15C/41N and the 25C. The diameter of the handles of the Mühles are more like the 11C but much lighter due to the hollow handle.
For me (owning at the moment a 15C, a 25C and the R41, also used the 11C) the Mühle wins hands down; it doesn't just look better but blade alignment is 100% (not so on any of the Merkurs) and the larger/lighter handle gives the best balance for the rather light OC head IMO. Worth the extra cost twice.
I favor the Ikon open comb. Nice balance, beautifully finished, and easy to shave close under control.
Hmmmm. Didn't realize the vendor had become personna non grata here...
Hmmmm. Didn't realize the vendor had become personna non grata here...
That is a great open comb option. The "New" is a great shaver. I would be lost without one......or 4.
- Thread starter
- #11
It would be nice if they were listed in a "Hall of Shame" so we know not to patronize them, Filtering doesn't help in that regard.
Another vote for the 11C.
+1... I would hate to accidently buy from one of them.
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