Favorite Open Combs

**MacMitch** · 12-20-2009, 06:07 AM

I just got my Deluxe Bull Mastiff from Bob's Razors yesterday. It came with a "Gillette Goodwill New" head, which was the only head he had at the time. The razor combo gave me the best shave of my life. I was amazed how well it worked.

My only issue is the head is a little "fiddly". It is a little hard to get both sides and the blade on & straight. I am wondering if there is another long tooth comb out there that might shave the same but at the same time be a little more user friendly.

So what is your favorite open comb, especially if it will fit on one of Bob's handles?

**sandmountainslim** · 12-20-2009, 06:21 AM

I tell my experiences with vintage Gillettes including open combs in this thread
My pick of the litter is the Old Type Gillette, I have an Old Type on a heavy octagonal Mystery Handle and love it! Of course the NEW is also a great razor . I have yet to try the New Improved which is the other Gillette open comb.

.....if any of you fellers are lookin' for something to get me for Christmas either a NEW Improved head or one of Bob's handles would be just swell!

lol
Wp

**glassmtn99** · 12-20-2009, 09:02 AM

Gillette NEW Deluxe. One of my two favorite razors.

eric.

**cosmo** · 12-20-2009, 09:22 AM

I have become an open comb junkie.

For non-TTO, the Big boy De luxe....best for me hands down! After that, I like the Muhle R89 old type and my bull mastiff with NEW long comb.

For the TTO, open comb British aristo's ( I have a #15), and an old Gold open comb aristo (USA) are top notch from the ones I have tried.

The gold open comb aristocrat TTO is less aggresive than the #15, but still very nice and provides an amazingly pleasant more forgiving shave.

**MacMitch** · 12-20-2009, 09:46 AM

Does anyone have pictures or links to these various open combs?

**cosmo** · 12-20-2009, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by MacMitch

Does anyone have pictures or links to these various open combs?

Check out Achim's site, it is an invaluable resource.
http://www.mr-razor.com/

Also peruse the Wiki:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Main_Page

**billc508** · 12-20-2009, 11:41 AM

Get yourself a NEW type open comb, gives a very good shave, the short tooth model is a little milder than the long tooth. The old type with the thicker style cap is always a good bet, so is the TTO aristocrat, bc

**GoldenMonkey** · 12-20-2009, 11:57 AM

I got a long-toothed NEW head from Bob when I ordered my Bull Mastiff, and I love it. I also have a 1934 Aristocrat that I alternate with Bob's, and it too delivers great shaves. The Aristocrat could use a replate though, and I'm thinking of sending it off for a shiny new coat...

**skiddyrow** · 12-20-2009, 12:13 PM

The only open comb I own is a Merkur HD, so that would currently be my favorite :-)

**theperfectstorm** · 12-20-2009, 06:19 PM

1. New Deluxe - Smooth as silk. New Favorite
2. The Sheraton - Basically, an open comb Milord, also nice.

**JPM** · 12-20-2009, 06:45 PM

I've only tried the Merkur 1904, but it always get a great shave with it.

**MacMitch** · 12-20-2009, 10:29 PM

Thanks for all the great replies, all you fellow open comb fans. The link to Mr. Razor has been very helpful.

I won a Gillette Open Comb New today. I am thinking about having the head or maybe the entire razor refinished. Any suggestions on a refinishing company? Then I can use the head on my Deluxe Bull Mastiff handle.

Over twenty four hours and my first long tooth shave still looks good, amazing! Looks like I am a hard core open comb man now.

**T Rick** · 12-20-2009, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by MacMitch

Does anyone have pictures or links to these various open combs?

AsylumGuido has posted an excellent reference thread on Identifying The Three Piece Gillettes.

**Topgumby** · 12-20-2009, 11:42 PM

ABC Pocket, NEW, Sheraton, Old Type...Heck, they are all great!

When I started, I thought they were nasty face-biting Cthulhu looking things.

**MacMitch** · 12-21-2009, 12:39 AM

Funny I had just found Guido's article before returning to this post.

I will admit to fearing those teeth at first too Topgumby. I am very glad I screwed up the courage to give them a try though. I almost gave into the fear. I came close to ordering a TO from Bob instead of the New. I was very pleasantly surprised at how well they worked on my beard. I think those teeth help the blade get to the base of my stiff stubble instead of pushing it over.

**Greybeard** · 12-21-2009, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by glassmtn99

Gillette NEW Deluxe. One of my two favorite razors.

eric.

This.

- Peter

**BEAR DEN** · 12-21-2009, 02:50 AM

Originally Posted by JPM

I've only tried the Merkur 1904, but it always get a great shave with it.

+1 My first safety razor and still in the rotation!

**calcustom** · 12-21-2009, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by glassmtn99

Gillette NEW Deluxe. One of my two favorite razors.

eric.

+2
The other is the iKON.

**SRock** · 12-21-2009, 03:53 AM

NEW Deluxe, hands down.

**Pike** · 12-21-2009, 07:11 AM

I've used this British New as an alternate to my Fatboy for many years....You may think the handle is from a fatty tech in the pic...it is actually the original handle and has a much smaller dia. than the fat handle tech. Terrific shaver...often my travel razor.