Ready to step forward: Open Comb, Slant Bar, or Mergress

[funkyb]

I've been using a Merkur HD since mid-Oct and boy I love that little hunk of metal; however, after months of improvement and plenty of SCAD/SSAD and ASAD, I think it's time to take the RAD leap and try a new razor.

So gentelmen, I'm looking for your votes on what I should try next. I'm considering an Open Comb, Slant Bar, or the infamous Mergress. Any comments are welcome. For the record, I'm comfortable with my technique and am after something a bit more aggressive to master.

Fire away!

[valmara1971]

I voted open comb I love my old and new but I'm tempted by the Merkur slant too.

[funkyb]

No kidding, those slants look mean sessy ;-)

[MedicBill]

Slant Bar... so aggressive. So smooth.

[DSB]

I would go with either a Merkur slant or a Gillette Red Tip. Both are aggressive, yet very smooth razors.

[funkyb]

Thanks for the replies and comments. I'm wondering, for all the open comb suppporters - what made you vote OC over slant? I hear lots of respect for slants, while open combs get a little air but not nearly the same fanfare.

So what say you!

[rainman]

Everyone is different as you can see. I personally went from safety bar to adjustable to slant bar to open comb.

[DE Shaver]

I'm very happy with the slant but I am considering an open comb to add to the rotation, something that is aggressive.

[johnmrson]

It depends on which open comb you're thinking of.

[PhatMan]

Hi,

The 1930s Gillette Open Combs give better (closer, smoother) shaves for me than the SlantBar

Have fun !

regards

Russ

[prophetic_joe]

Slant definitely. I love my vintage Gillettes but my vintage slant has provided me with the best shaves I have ever had.

[maxman]

I'm thinking of giving the open comb a try.
Those who use them seem to love them.
I'm interested in a slant just to try.... uh oh... RAD is developing.. i can feel that warm gushy feeling inside again...

[drburt]

i went from a HD to a Jagger DE89L. It give a very smooth shave and is a pleasure to use. Now I am thinking of heading down the SE line. Just bought a nice Schick injector (I1) and can hardly wait to try it. Maybe a Gem next.

Burt

[information junkie]

have only used a mekur clssic open comb, very nice shave but i have nothing to compare it to.

[Dave Deluxe]

I voted "other".

I'm assuming you want to get the closest possible shave, which is why you are considering the shavers that you have listed above. I submit, why not consider picking up an SE razor? It's likely to best any that you have listed in terms of shaving closeness & comfort.

DD

[funkyb]

I admit I'm surprised by all the open comb votes, didn't expect that or claims that they perform better than slants. Perhaps the slant users are just a bit more vocal in day-to-day threads.

To the poster above, what makes SE perform better than DEs? I've never really considered trying one since the blade selection seems limited at best.

[amishmotorboat]

I voted open comb AND slant.
For me personally, they both give me what I need - a razor that doesn't clog easily. ymmv, but for me, open comb = clog free beard reduction via the tried and true multiple pass, while slant = beard eradication via a devil-may-care 1 pass ATG (for 1-2 day growth, wtg+atg for more days).

[Sterling Cooper]

30s NEW. I've tried 3 pieces, superspeeds, adjustables, old types a Gem and a Merkur, but for consistent close, smooth shaves nothing compares with my Bar Handle NEW.

[SmoovD]

Vintage open comb here. Slant is great and all that but you can get 3 vintage NEWs for the price of one slant.

[Dave Deluxe]

"To the poster above, what makes SE perform better than DEs? I've never really considered trying one since the blade selection seems limited at best."

I'm not sure I know the real reason why they do, I'm guessing it has to do with the angle it is used at and the fact that the blade is thicker & rigid. Whatever the reason it's an entirely different experience and something you should try if you are looking for a better shave, in my opinion.

DD