I have no idea why, but I all of the sudden want an open comb razor. Mostly because they look wicked cool. I'm not at all dissatisfied with my slim, just curious, I suppose. Anyway, all I know about them is they leave little stripes in your cream if your blade angle is off, and they make it hard to edge against facial hair (not an issue for me). Somebody sell me on some good reasons the open-comb design is superior... (and if you have a source for a good, cheap one to try out, I wouldn't complain either).
Why do I want an open comb?
- Thread starter uberculture
- Start date
Nah... what you really want is a straight razor.
Let's cut the chit, and get right to the point: there is no "coolness factor" for shaving with an SE (injector) or DE razor. Oh, sure; they look nice -- certainly head-and-shoulders above disposable plastic razors -- but three-inches of razor-sharp, cold steel against your face gives you a feeling unlike anything else out there.
OK, you're not ready... yet. So, why get an open-comb DE razor?
Smooth shaving!
Let's cut the chit, and get right to the point: there is no "coolness factor" for shaving with an SE (injector) or DE razor. Oh, sure; they look nice -- certainly head-and-shoulders above disposable plastic razors -- but three-inches of razor-sharp, cold steel against your face gives you a feeling unlike anything else out there.
OK, you're not ready... yet. So, why get an open-comb DE razor?
- You can't just pick it up and start shaving. The two- or three-piece design encourages you to go slowly... to be methodical and deliberate. Less chance of cutting/nicking/harming yourself. Shaving is about getting a BBS shave, in a gentlemanly fashion; not about finishing first.
- Great workmanship! There's nothing as beautiful as a triple-plated 1920s Gillette "New Standard" DE razor, shiny as a new coin and as breath-taking as a freshly-cleaned semi-automatic.
- "Lines in the shaving cream" are like breaking-trail in virgin powder. You know what I mean. No... not "nose candy"... snow!! No!! the kind which happens outdoors, at around 32°F.
Smooth shaving!
Pure snow! It's everywhere! Have you any idea what the street value of this mountain is?
Sorry, couldn't resist.Agree on all points. Also, as many have pointed out in the past, you never know how a razor will perform for you until you try it. I think I get the best DE results from open comb models and yes, they do look good.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I just froze the left half of my brain
I have an 11C that I've been considering putting up on the BST. My lower neck is very sensitive (from a medical treatment some years ago) and the open comb has always left me with irritation (as I must shave against the grain in order to make through the day). So, while I'm not qualified to be the one to sell you on the benifits...I am qualified to help you reach your own "mileage."
PM me if you are interested.
PM me if you are interested.
I have an 11C that I've been considering putting up on the BST. My lower neck is very sensitive (from a medical treatment some years ago) and the open comb has always left me with irritation (as I must shave against the grain in order to make through the day). So, while I'm not qualified to be the one to sell you on the benifits...I am qualified to help you reach your own "mileage."
PM me if you are interested.
While I haven't had any medical treatment, I have noticed that when using my 11c, I tend to get a little more redness on my neck, even if it feels like smooth sailing. I think it may just have something to do with the blade exposure, etc. of an open comb versus my Merkur Classic.
I am going to keep at it until I get it down though, as the razor seems to shave very smoothly.
I have the Merkur 15C in my travel bag. On the road I tend to not shave every day so it comes in real handy plus I really enjoy the shave from it.
I'm gonna say that the comb won't really make a difference in your shave, but the razor itself will, just like comparing a slim to a super speed even though they are both solid bar guards.
R
rainman
I'll put in my vote for the Gillette NEW longer tooth version with the fat handle. The longer teeth angled in downward fashion from the razor head cause less irritation IMO. Also, the fat handle is more solid. The ball end NEW tends to crack and the handle easily breaks down to three parts which could be a problem if it gets loose during the shave. They can also be obtained for not too much. $6-$10 on the bay for a decent working one.
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You answered your own question...
That and the fact that they are great shavers helps!!!!
I really like my NEW. I think it is an excellent razor with the right blade. I agree whole heartedly that they look COOL. Don't have one but love the way the SENATOR looks.
R
rainman
This is the nicest looking NEW variation that I've seen. Although it looks like the shorter tooth type:
I have an 11C that I've been considering putting up on the BST. My lower neck is very sensitive (from a medical treatment some years ago) and the open comb has always left me with irritation (as I must shave against the grain in order to make through the day). So, while I'm not qualified to be the one to sell you on the benifits...I am qualified to help you reach your own "mileage."
PM me if you are interested.
PM sent.
- Thread starter
- #13
Someday... I'm working up to it.
I have an 11C that I've been considering putting up on the BST. My lower neck is very sensitive (from a medical treatment some years ago) and the open comb has always left me with irritation (as I must shave against the grain in order to make through the day). So, while I'm not qualified to be the one to sell you on the benifits...I am qualified to help you reach your own "mileage."
PM me if you are interested.
I'll not interfere with the previous PM, but thanks for the generous offer... I'm leaning towards something more vintage anyway...
This sounds like a winner... next payday, I may post a WTB in the BST... actually, I think this bug started when Bob posted a picture of one of his replated NEW heads in another thread.
Thanks for the help, all!
The next step would a Bull Mastiff handle...
I love the NEW or the open comb razors. I like the way they work and the results! I think, like a slant, gem, straight razor, a NEW should be on the to-try list. As mentionned, you can get one for very cheap to try it. That's what I do now, instead of buying a very expensive razor to try it, I buy a cheap one that will give me an idea. If I like, I will buy a good one, otherwise, easy to sell or PIF!
You answered your own question...
That and the fact that they are great shavers helps!!!!
Yeah he did!
Pure snow! It's everywhere! Have you any idea what the street value of this mountain is?
I think I just froze the left half of my brain
One of the coolest movie references you could have made!
"He snorts nasal spray?......Do you think he could score me some?"
Classic.
One of the coolest movie references you could have made!
"He snorts nasal spray?......Do you think he could score me some?"
Classic.
Only 14 hours for my subtle sense of humor to pay off
TENTACLES!! N-T! Big difference!
I fell in love with open combs as my Gillette TTO RAD died down...a bit. Purchased a bunch, and while I love them I have noticed that they give there best shave with at least 2-3 days growth if not more. The safety bar TTOs seem to clog a bit as well as tug when there is significant beard growth, but the open combs have no such issue. For my daily or bi-daily shaves I stick to safety bar razors and for times when I let the beard grow a bit, the open combs provide a fantastic shave.
- Thread starter
- #19
I've been thinking about this more... I've noticed that sometimes, it seems as though the safety bar is removing a lot of the shaving medium before the blade gets there... the open comb would allow more to remain on the skin as the blade cuts. That must be a good thing.
Also, since you mentioned that it works best with more growth, are there any major detriments to using it as a daily shaver?
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