Merkur HD vs Merkur HD open comb

[npfaff]

What is the difference between the regular HD and that with the open comb? Is it simply the comb is built more for heavier beards?

[stobes21]

What is the difference between the regular HD and that with the open comb? Is it simply the comb is built more for heavier beards?

Well, there seems to be some debate as to the actual effect of an open comb. Some seem to think it makes no difference, others say that an open comb is better for when you skip a day or more and the whiskers are longer. There is also the aspect that theoretically less lather is wiped from your stubble by the notched comb than by a solid bar. Whether that is a good thing is also a matter of opinion.

Personally, I don't think it makes a lick of difference. Go with the one that you like better, or just save yourself some eventual shipping costs and buy both.

[jrodriguez]

Others may have a different experience, but like stobes21 I can't tell a lick of difference.

[JCee]

I'd say this is definitely a personal experience/YMMV kind of deal. I have both a bar 1904 and the open comb 1904. Both shave well, but my personal experience is that the open comb doesn't shave quite as close as the bar. Also, if you have any moles, acne bumps, etc, they can make it through the teeth in the comb and therefore easier to get nicked with. That said, those differences are minor and both are great razors.