Looking at Open Combs

[liv2ryd]

I'm looking at adding an open comb, my first, to the arsenal. The candidates thus far are the Merkur 15C and 1904, or the Muhle R41. I'm resistant to going vintage on this purchase, but am willing to listen. For reference, my 2 go to razors are a red tip superspeed and a slim adjustable set at 7. Understanding the YMMV proposition, what have been your experiences and recommendations?

[dpmtherrien]

I've found the 1904 to be absolutely fantastic.

I really like it when my beard is 2 or 3 days, or longer, growth. :thumbup1:

[saintpat]

Just got my first OC razor and have been using it this week. It is a Gillette New and I quite like it. Vintage is a nice inexpensive way to try this; but if you are itching for a new one go for it. My New has been more efficient on my first WTG pass than my modern closed comb razors.

Good luck!

[SOS]

I have the 2010 Muhle R41 and it's a excellent shaver, the head is either made by Merkur or it is very similar to the 15C model. It has become my go to razor, mild feeling shave that gets the job done surprisingly well. I'm probably going to buy a 1904 open because according to one of the vendors who post here, Merkur is stopping production of the open comb razors. I don't know if they are coming out with another model of open comb or what, but I want to have a back up.


I'm curious about the Gillette New long comb, it has a lot of fans.

[vitalMyth]

slightly off topic, but i've started using a multiple-razor routine for my shaves, starting with my most aggressive razor for my WTG pass, my intermediate for XTG, and my mildest for ATG. is the r41 an ideal razor to put into that lineup for the first pass? if it's mowing off significantly more stubble WTG than my merkur 38c, i will look into making the substitution.

[Shaverraver666]

Hello there!

I have the 11c and I personally think it's a great little razor, I much prefer it to the 15c It shaves really well and has a nice balance and good grip.
It seems to always give me a terrific close shave and I would highly recommend it. It's one of the favorites in my collection.

[mchad21]

+1 for the Merkur 1904.

[liv2ryd]

Thanks for the responses! Of the razors mentioned above, 11C, R41, and 1904, which is the more aggressive?

[Sunflake]

You might want to hurry if you want a 11c west coast shaving shows it discontinued as does the superiorshave.com

[kpg102]

No experience with the Merkurs, but I have the R41 and several Gillette OCs. Before trying OCs, my go-to razor was a Slim on 7. Let me just say that the R41 is much more aggressive IMHO. That's not to say I don't like it -- I like it a lot and it gives me the longest lasting BBS of all my razors. I used it exclusively for a month. But I get easier and more comfortable shaves from my Gillette NEWs, both short and long combs, as well as from my Aristocrat TTO open comb. The NEWs are probably closer to what you are used to with the Slim in terms of aggressiveness. You can't go wrong with the Gillette NEW, and you can find them in the under $20 range.

[wstruth]

I have the Merkur 12c. I find that I like the long handle and extra heft over the shorter razors. I am getting my best shaves from this razor.

[Vickers]

I consider the Gillette New short comb as the perfect razor.

[Oscroft]

The R41 is a razor I like a lot, but it's not an open comb - and it is very aggressive.

Clarification: The current (2011) R41 is not an open comb, but the old (2010) one is.

[OldGreyGuy]

I have the 2010 Muhle R41 and it's a excellent shaver, the head is either made by Merkur or it is very similar to the 15C model. It has become my go to razor, mild feeling shave that gets the job done surprisingly well. I'm probably going to buy a 1904 open because according to one of the vendors who post here, Merkur is stopping production of the open comb razors. I don't know if they are coming out with another model of open comb or what, but I want to have a back up.


I'm curious about the Gillette New long comb, it has a lot of fans.

I also have the R41 (2010), it is a great open comb razor, very smooth with lots of feedback.

I also have a long comb New and I honestly prefer it to the R41. This razor is in my view the pinnacle of the antique open combs, smooth, efficient and somewhat forgiving. They are also readily available in user grade which allows you to pick up a reasonable quality razor at a good price and in suitable condition to be used.

[liv2ryd]

So, with a lot of time on my hands due to spinal fusion surgery a week ago, I gave the vintage idea some serious research and ended up with these two bad boys off the bay...an old type ball end, and a new barrel end for a total of $39 plus shipping. Both are in very solid condition with no reported barrel cracks. They'll both need some polishing up but man am I excited to get these into the mix. Any good cleaning processess anyone wants to share? I'm usually toothpaste and toothbrush after a scrubbing bubble soak. Polish with Nevr Dull, but I'd like to hear how you handle these older items. WooHoo!

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/pict/120774116457_1.jpg (http://www.ebay.com/itm/120774116457?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648)http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/pict/300687803597_1.jpg (http://www.ebay.com/itm/300687803597?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648)