Why I want a three piece razor . . .

[kolinpl]

Hi,

So I made my foray into DE shaving with a Merkur HD which I have been enjoying over the last 5 months and getting progressively better shaves.

I have been wanting to try an open comb razor though, party because it looks cool and partly just because I want to see what all the buzz is about. Initially I thought I would get the Merkur travel razor open comb version - it looks like a neat little unit. Then I started doing some poking around and found the Muhle R41. What I like is that it is a three piece razor - I would feel more comfortable packing this thing (disassembled) in a soft shaving kit and not worry about breaking the head off like I might with my HD.

There is still something attractive about that little Merkur travel razor, but right now I'm leaning strongly toward the Muhle R41. So what, it's a little bigger . . . it's not like I take a razor backpacking with me or anything.

I found a retailer in the UK that has the R41, included with the nickel plated box . . . Right now I'm waiting to hear back if the R41 in the box is the newer, chrome plated, '2009' version, or the older nickel plated one which I'm not interested in. We'll see!

Best,

K

 

[RazorPete]

??? The merkur HD also diassembles into three pieces for easy packing. So I don't see the utility of getting the R41 for travel, as it has a better chance of breaking a tooth than the HD has of breaking a head. I would suggest just using the HD for travel and getting the R41 if you want to try open combs. But the R41 open comb is relatively mild compared to a classic open comb such as the gillette new, so you should keep that in mind if you are looking for something more aggressive than your HD.

 

[Go West Young Man]

It would take a lot of abuse to crack the head off an HD while packed in a case inside your bag, I would worry more about everything else you had packed making it through OK.

 

[mmack66]

??? The merkur HD also diassembles into three pieces for easy packing.

The Merkur HD I had was a 2-piece razor. I guess if that piece that secures the bottom handle breaks, it becomes a 3-piece razor. Either way, the bottom plate is attached to the handle, and wouldn't be as packable as a true 3-piece razor, like a Gillette Tech.

 

[GoldenMonkey]

I'd say go for the open comb style if you have a heavy or thick beard, or you don't shave often (like, you skip days, etc), not simply because they "look cool", lol. The travel razor is a little small to get an accurate example of what an OC is all about, but if you want compact and bomb-proof, and one of the best examples of an OC head, order a Bull Mastiff with a Gillette NEW head from cooncatbob...they are freaking AMAZING performers, and feel fantastic in the hand. And if you like the longer handle of the Muhle, bob also has longer handled Mastiffs, the XLs at 3 7/8":

 

[amishmotorboat]

Ok, you want to try an open comb. So why does it have to be a 3 piece?

There are one piece options in an open comb. Sheraton, Senator, 34 Aristocrat, + some british gillettes.

 

[mmack66]

Ok, you want to try an open comb. So why does it have to be a 3 piece?

There are one piece options in an open comb. Sheraton, Senator, 34 Aristocrat, + some british gillettes.

Packability was a concern in the OP.

 

[kolinpl]

Yes, packability. Maybe compactness of packability moreso than worrying about breaking it.

Lol, I do think they look cool. But also, I just want to try one. I DO frequently go many days between shaves. Thanks for the input guys!

K

 

[mmack66]

Get a Merkur 1904 open comb. That should be a 3-piece razor and it doesn't cost a lot and I read good things about it.

 

[Luc]

Merkur Classic or 1904 is also a 3 pieces. The R41 is an excellent choice. I haven't tried that model myself but Muhle is doing good work.

If you want to go vintage, Gillette NEW would be your best approach...

 

[kolinpl]

That Bullmastiff looks awesome. Maybe someday.

I had initially thought of the 1904, but kind of dismissed it thinking it might be a little light. But as I understand it the Muhle is rather light as well. I think I'm still leaning strongly toward the Muhle . . . maybe I just want to try something from someone other than Merkur, since I already have (and enjoy) the HD. I read a few reports that the fit and finish of the Muhle is better and I'm curious to see.

Any confirmation that the 1904 is a three piece? I had kind of assumed that it would be a 2 piece like my HD.

Thanks for listening!