Open or Closed comb Razor?

R

RedNeckRash

Messages
145
Hi everyone.
Im wondering what the difference is between the two?
I have a Futur and a Muehle R89 razors, both closed comb I assume.
Im thinking of getting myself another Razor to add to the modest colection and would like to pick your brains on the differences between closed or open comb.
Also a recommendation for a good German made open comb Razor, if you think its a good idea for a novice to DE shaving to have one.
Ive pretty much got the basics and giving myself good clean nick free shaves now, also I dont seem to be getting the old Razor burn on the neck :p .
Cheers.
 
I really like open comb razors and, like their closed comb counterparts, can be either mild or aggressive. I think that the Merkur open comb is a good choice to start - it's relatively mild and can be used every day. With the Merkur models I believe the razor head is the same while the shape, size and weight of the handles provide the variety.
 
I gave an Open Comb Old Type a whirl a month or so ago, used it for a fortnight, then PIF'd it to Slash earlier this week. Was deffo more aggressive than my R89, or just about anything else i have tried, for me it just didn't do it if you know what i mean.

That said of course, if i hadn't tried it, i would never of known ;)

Try and get a loan of one from somebody and give it a whirl, it could be right up your street :)
 
I also tried an OC (Merkur, 41, '1904 replica') and found it a bit aggressive. No reason really to go for something like this, for my stubble growth, when I can have a very close shave with a 42, HD or 33C. However for some it works very well.
 
Muhle R41 is an option.

Simply put the safety bar below the blade edge is combed, as Rik said they can be aggressive or mild. The long tooth NEW is my favourite shaving razor and can be found pretty cheaply on the bay.
 
i tried one once, actually a loan from Rik, and i hated it

my technique isn't that bad but the teeth on the OC bugged my face and my happiness
 
For me the open combs irritate my skin & precipitate a rash RedN. Some guys get on really well with them, however if your skin is at all prone to irritation or razor rashes I wouldn't be in too much of a rush to try one.

JohnnyO. :shave
 
Thanks for all the comments.
I think I will wait a while before I attempt using an OC razor, seems they tend to give an agressive shave and thats not what im after right now.
Im still new to DE shaving and my face is still getting used to it.
Thanks to the very helpful member for the offer of borrowing a Merkur 11c, I shall give it a go in a couple of weeks. :cool:
 
Fair enough, the 11c isn't that aggressive.

Don't let those two put you off either, I dislike plenty of closed comb razors doesn't mean I dismiss all of them out of hand.

If you do buy one and don't like it you can always pass it on because someone will.
 
antdad said:
Fair enough, the 11c isn't that aggressive.

Don't let those two put you off either, I dislike plenty of closed comb razors doesn't mean I dismiss all of them out of hand.

If you do buy one and don't like it you can always pass it on because someone will.
Click to expand...

True, that said i do have another OC (NEW this time), which is wallowing in a bakelite box and god knows how longs gunk that i will clean up one day - possibly :? and may even try shaving with :| or maybe not :roll: :)
 
Since the 11C is the comb version of the 34C what's the comb equivalent of the 38C?

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Is it this one?


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Fido said:
Since the 11C is the comb version of the 34C what's the comb equivalent of the 38C?
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/Merkur_Rake_Edge_Safety_Razor_11.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog ... or_11.html</a><!-- m -->
Is it this one?
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/Merkur_Rake_Edge_Safety_Razor_3812_.html#a1590" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog ... html#a1590</a><!-- m -->
Click to expand...


I think the OC head is the same for all Merkur OC models just different handles so I wouldn't call the 11C the OC equivalent of the 34C even though TGS have described it as such.
 
I'd never used an open comb until earlier this week as it happens, but I snaffled one of pedro083's old type Gillettes for a mate. He'll still get it of course, but I really enjoyed test driving it, and it was a really decent shave. Despite the tramlines. :evil:
 
I tend to prefer lighter weight in an OC razor. To that extent I do like the Merkur 15c and especially the Muhle R41. I sold my 11c, I found it a good close shaver but (to me) not as smooth as the lighter two.

Boab wrote a piece, months ago, highlighting the good match of an R41 and (I know, I know) a Derby blade. I bought the R41 on the strength of that, tried it and he wasn't wrong; works an absolute treat.

:shock:
 
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