Looking for the best open comb

[ironbrewer]

Thinking about a Merkur 12C HD Long Handle Barber Pole or maybe a Coon (https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles), but should I go for a vintage Gillette?? Info on what the best open comb might be.

[xillion]

I own a Muhle R41 open comb, it is one of my favorite open combs. I also love using my British Gillette New head on Cooncats Bull Mastiff XL handle. Great weight and perfect balance for me. Best Grooming still stocks the R41 at the link below, I can't seem to find it on the Muhle Pinsel website. Also, you can't go wrong with an Old Type:

http://bestgroomingtools.com/muhle-double-edge-safety-razor-p-1061.html

[Maul555]

*cough*gillette old type*cough*

[SpeedyB]

I was actually surprised last weekend when my best shave, ever, came from a 1920s Gillette Old Type with a Feather blade. So, thumbs up to the Old Type. I know many also represent for the NEW.

[Tordu]

I dont have a good experience with the 12c. My favorite is a Gold english New, with a ball end handle. The New Standard is also a good choice for me.

[Matt555]

I have a Merkur 11C and it is very cool. Westcoast has them at a really good price too! I also really like the 2 piece, rather than 3 piece designs. That's just my personal thing though..........but I just think they make more sense, the blade automatically aligns itself and you dont run the risk of slipping while unscrewing the head and slicing your finger (while this may be unlikely, it is possible. But regardless, the 12c is a 2 piece design as well.......

[talibeard]

I own a Muhle R41 open comb, it is one of my favorite open combs. I also love using my British Gillette New head on Cooncats Bull Mastiff XL handle. Great weight and perfect balance for me. Best Grooming still stocks the R41 at the link below, I can't seem to find it on the Muhle Pinsel website. Also, you can't go wrong with an Old Type:

http://bestgroomingtools.com/muhle-double-edge-safety-razor-p-1061.html

My favourite open comb too :thumbup1: ; you can't find it because it isn't there anymore.

Another future classic out of production. :thumbdown

[SilkySmooth]

I have a Bull Mastiff with a Gillette New Head.

It looks awesome and shaves awesome! :thumbup:

[SHarris]

I love my NEW's and my Muehle R41, but they are not great shavers because they are OC's, they are just great shavers.

[Uncle Erik]

After poring over a few threads and reviews here, I pulled the trigger on a R41 this evening. I've been curious about an open comb and wanted to grab one of these before they are all gone. If I like it, I plan to find a few vintage Gillettes, too.

[mdunn]

*cough*gillette old type*cough*

:thumbup1:

cough

[Luc]

I tried a few
Gillette Old Type (US/Canadian/Brit)
Gillette NEW (US/Canadian/Brit)
Hoffritz Open Comb
Bostonian

Out of all of them, I would pick the NEW(British) with a Bull Mastiff handle.

If I don't modify anything and pick a stock DE. Hoffritz is the best!

[amishmotorboat]

Nobody said Senator yet.

[honed]

The NEW :thumbup1:

[Pike]

*cough*gillette old type*cough*

*ahhhem*gillette Improved *ahhem*

[Pike]

Nobody said Senator yet.

+1x! I picked up the *shiny* version...Sharaton...on the BST....great shaver!!

How about the #15??? A little harder to find...a couple more $...but IMHO well worth it!!

[ironbrewer]

I guess I'll just have to try a few (If you tell my wife I'll deny everything). When I started this thread I got an offer on a nearly new 12C from a member who lives less than 10 miles from me, so I figured I'ld have to try it out. I really want to try a new or a new on a Mastiff handle though. I'll have to wait a bit though.

[dpmtherrien]

I have the Merkur 1904 open comb. Veeeeerrrryyy nice it is. :thumbup1:

[D.Irving79]

DE - single ring

SE - gem deluxe

[sam o'reilly]

Thinking about a Merkur 12C HD Long Handle Barber Pole or maybe a Coon (https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles), but should I go for a vintage Gillette?? Info on what the best open comb might be.

I'm about to put a vintage English made New Gold Standard Gillette open comb on Ebay. I'm not a serious collector, just found it in a local charity shop. (Check my other posts for pix.) So I thought I'd pass it on to someone who can give it some TLC. I'm in Uk but I'd be happy to post overseas.

[Sledgehammer39]

I cannot speak of the newer Muhle razors.. But I have the older R89 open comb and I do enjoy using it.. It is aggressive but a joy to use. If you can find one give it a try. :thumbup1:

[ironbrewer]

I have to say I got my 12c and love it. I have tried a 47' milord, slim, tech, rolls, ever-ready, and the 12c is now my go to razor.

[highball]

I would say you should look for a New Deluxe

[Tony_B]

I have a Merkur "1904" which I use with a shim to give it a bit more aggressiveness :tongue_sm and all I can say its the best razor I've ever shaved with :thumbup:.

[Moe]

I have to say I got my 12c and love it. I have tried a 47' milord, slim, tech, rolls, ever-ready, and the 12c is now my go to razor.

Just curious... which blade(s)? Heavy beard? Big hands?

[ironbrewer]

Just curious... which blade(s)? Heavy beard? Big hands?


So far I've shaved with an Iridium, and an Astra, tough beard, small hands, a penchetta finest brush, and my own shaving cream.

[Moe]

So far I've shaved with an Iridium, and an Astra, tough beard, small hands, a penchetta finest brush, and my own shaving cream.

Tnx! Sounds good.

[JPM]

I have the Merkur 1904 open comb. Veeeeerrrryyy nice it is. :thumbup1:

+1. Couldn't agree more.

[ironbrewer]

I would say you should look for a New Deluxe


I'ld like a new Deluxe, but I can't afford a new Deluxe.

[Sueto]

I have recently picked up open comb fever. I ditched my 34Cs after I got an 11C. I then got a Bull Mastiff with a New head from a great member here, and orderd another Bull Mastiff. I recently aquired a Muhle R41, which has similiar if not identical head to the 11c. the R41 being a 3 piece and the 11C being fixed. The head on the R41 also fits nice on the Bull Mastiff handle.

Then this past weekend I picked up what I believe is an Old type head at the antique store. It was a tuckaway with a open comb head, but the head didn't seem to belong on the handle in the case.

Favorite so far. Bull Mastiff with the New head.

[dreadpirate]

+1 on the two versus three piece design. I personally like the HD style handle better as opposed to the 12C barber pole, but YMMV

Be fore warned; the 11C is very aggressive. Something I like - but not sure if it's for everyone.


I have a Merkur 11C and it is very cool. Westcoast has them at a really good price too! I also really like the 2 piece, rather than 3 piece designs. That's just my personal thing though..........but I just think they make more sense, the blade automatically aligns itself and you dont run the risk of slipping while unscrewing the head and slicing your finger (while this may be unlikely, it is possible. But regardless, the 12c is a 2 piece design as well.......

[dreadpirate]

Any vintage Gillette razor based on the New Long comb head (e.g., Cooncatbob custom) is also great.