Open Comb or Slant- update

[NatJag]

I'm looking for some suggestions. I would like to get another razor, I'm undecided which may be best for me.
Apparently I have a tough beard and soft skin (according to a bloke at trumpers, mayfair). I currently use a Mühle R89 and sometimes a merkur Futur and prefer to use creams.

I have to options I am considering a Mühle R41 (open comb version of the razor I already have) or the merkur slant. As an open comb option I may look at the 11c. Ideally I would get both, I don't want a huge collection, rather just the right tool for the job.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Update:- I purchased a vintage gillette of the bay which was an open comb. I used for the first time this morning (24 Mar 10) and found it quite agreeable. Thanks all for your input.

 

[Audiolab]

Re: Open Comb or Slant

I own both a 37c and open comb and they are not quite the same, unfortunately I think you have to try them both to see what works better for you. I voted for OC simply because I get a good shave with them and on the slant I have there is the potential for some faffing to make sure the blade is straight (there is some wiggle room on mine when tightening it up).

I like both but if you are asking for which is the better tool for the job everyday it would be the OC. The Muhle R41 is quite good, I haven't tried an 11C but do own a few other OC razors (Aristocrat's) and the R41 is a good every day razor.

 

[n1vlo]

Re: Open Comb or Slant

well outta the 2 u chose i had the 11c after i hears good reports.....and a 39c slant

i soon ditched the 11c as i found it a not so good experience,,,the 39c however was nice to use but tooooooo long...my mistake i should have got the shorter handle one

but in all honesty none shave as close or as nice as the EJ 89l....superb

 

[antdad]

Re: Open Comb or Slant

Actually there is one similarity between the two, I don't think the actual slant or open comb make a huge difference to the type of shave you get. I have a few OC's some of which are very mild indeed equally I didn't find the slant particularly aggressive either. Whether the actual slant or open comb teeth make any difference I'm not so sure, I think the usual principles apply with razor aggression....blade gap, exposure and head/blade profile.

I like the R41, but it's not aggressive and it's quite light so for the purposes of the thread I'll go for that. I haven't tried a Merkur OC.

 

[Naked Ape]

Re: Open Comb or Slant

From my experience of both:

Merkur 39c slanthammer: A good razor (though not my favourite) which I've never found aggressive, contrary to all the silly scare stories you read about slants. Nor have I had any problems with blade alignment.

Muhle R41oc: From what I can remember, this razor gave me a close shave, but it did feel a tad aggressive. I had problems with blade alignment, so I sent mine back. However, bear in mind that there are users who have nothing but praise for this razor. (Note: The open comb head on the R41 is made by Merkur)

The only way to find out which is best for you, is (as you probably know) to try them both. I'll be more than happy to lend you my Merkur 39c so you can judge for yourself, although it is heavier than the standard slant.

 

[NatJag]

Re: Open Comb or Slant

Thanks guys for your replies so far. Looks like the OC is the favorite. However written opinion is quite divided. I may take Naked Ape's offer up on a lend of your 39c - I'll PM if I do.