Brotherhood of the Open Comb

[elderberry99]

No, I am still trying to either locate the handle or wait for Bob to return

[elderberry99]

Will that handle fit the Long Comb new?

[OldGreyGuy]

Brethren (if you'll have me) of the OC, I have a 2011 R41, Fatip R41 (from the founding twins). I need, not want, NEED a new handle. Tradere, ikon, weber, bob (if he returns). Which is preferred here?

A little more specific, I prefer longer and heavier.

First PM bluesbishop, I'm sure that BOTOC status will soon be yours with those razors in your lineup.

All those handles are great options, the only one I am missing is one from Bob. The Tradere handle is the longest & heaviest, I think that Bullgoose is carrying them now. http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/trststflsara.html

The Weber & Ikon handles are only slightly lighter (~3g) but shorter, have a look in this thread over the last 4 pages and you will see examples of both, or the polishing Tradere handle thread.

Update: Better images of a Weber bulldog handle on a Tradere head are here in this post.

[elderberry99]

Well, I decided to go ahead and order a Tredere Handle for my newly plated New that will be coming in soon. I have one new iKon handle for the Short Comb New and the Tredere handle for the Long Comb New or visa versa. I should be all set.

[Touchy]

RaiserLeibe, gentle is the key when cleaning a gold razor. The plating is whisper thin. Clean it the way you proposed and you would say goodbye to the gold plating.
Just soap and water and a very soft toothbrush. Even scrubbing bubbles are sometimes too harsh. Use 70 percent rubbing alcohol to sanitize it after you have soaked it in dishwashing soap/water and gently scrubbed it with a soft toothbrush. No metal polishes, OK? In other words, as they say, "no Maas!"


(see what I did there?)

Whoa, dude-- I thought I had to try 'em and agree that they are my preferred shave first?! (Seriously, what a great forum!)

And BTW, I think I have read much of this monster thread... saw the baking soda and aluminum foil for silver, the Maas and newspaper, the scrubbing bubbles and Dawn, etc. But I see only a few gold-tone razors pictured here, and no particular directions for cleaning. Was going to try washing with hot soap and water, then scrubbing bubbles, then Maas. Does that sound reasonable? Any other suggestions out there?

Cheers!

+1. And you can acquire a jeweler's cloth for polishing. this are impregnated with micro particles and go a long way on silver and gold plate.

[bluesbishop]

Sorry for the lack of my posting today... Taking care of some personal issues.... Should be back on tomorrow evening.... Will return any PM's at that time.

[alex2363]

Sorry for the lack of my posting today... Taking care of some personal issues.... Should be back on tomorrow evening.... Will return any PM's at that time.

i got you......i hold the fort..

[elderberry99]

Sorry for the lack of my posting today... Taking care of some personal issues.... Should be back on tomorrow evening.... Will return any PM's at that time.

Hope all is well brother!

[alex2363]

Ok guys bring it, im not as fun as Ken so take it easy on me.

[elderberry99]

I will be gentle!

[noelekal]

I've been playing with a Gillette short-comb New and have grown to like it quite a lot. Though it requires more attention to technique than a Tech it's quite effective with Feather blades and quality lather and does a complete job on two passes with very little additional buffing required. Seems particularly good if I've let a day slip by without a shave. So, I've become a member of the Brotherhood. Looks like the New has earned a permanent position in one of the two razor spots on the two-razor, two-brush holder.

Now if I can get my signature line to reflect this I'll be there.

[mrchilli]

Glad you like it. You're one of the very few that really likes the Old Type. A lot of people think they're too finicky with blade loading, too aggressive, too harsh, yada yada, yada yada. I have a 1918 in my rotation as well. It's a nice razor that requires a light touch. I'm still trying to figure out what handle will bring out its best qualities. I like it on the Tradere pretty well. I tried it on a handle from a fat-handled Tech, and it didn't work as well. I don't have the original ball-end handle because when I got the razor it was a Frankenrazor with a ball-end Tech handle on it. Hmmm.....come to think of it, I don't think I've ever tried it on the ball-end Tech handle. Maybe it's a good match?

Wow...I AM surprised! I must have been lucky on the 'first loading', because it was right on the button. When I changed the blade a few days later I noticed the shave was a bit harsh (emphasis on 'bit'...lol). A quick perusal shown that the blade was off-whack, and it only took a few seconds to loosen it off and re-align it (about 4 seconds in total). I'm not sure about the ball-end handle as mine come with the 'other' type (not sure what it's called).



I have a few vintage Gillettes now (it didn't take long for RAD to kick in) and even though they are all GREAT razors, I knew this one was a bit 'special' as soon as I started the first pass.

[elderberry99]

I've been playing with a Gillette short-comb New and have grown to like it quite a lot. Though it requires more attention to technique than a Tech it's quite effective with Feather blades and quality lather and does a complete job on two passes with very little additional buffing required. Seems particularly good if I've let a day slip by without a shave. So, I've become a member of the Brotherhood. Looks like the New has earned a permanent position in one of the two razor spots on the two-razor, two-brush holder.

Now if I can get my signature line to reflect this I'll be there.

I have always had to do a minimum of three passes and a touch up or buff until I started with the Open Comb razor. I cut it down to two passes and sometime no touch up and a couple times got one pass and a small touch up. That is unheard of with me. I am really pleased with the New short and long combs.

[Bshell]

Sorry for the lack of my posting today... Taking care of some personal issues.... Should be back on tomorrow evening.... Will return any PM's at that time.

Hope all is well.

[Touchy]

hahaha another soul

I've been offline for a bit, got too heavy into my main threads and searching for razors on EBAy. This is a really way out pic April! You have cojones and a great sense of humor!

Glad you like it. You're one of the very few that really likes the Old Type. A lot of people think they're too finicky with blade loading, too aggressive, too harsh, yada yada, yada yada. I have a 1918 in my rotation as well. It's a nice razor that requires a light touch. I'm still trying to figure out what handle will bring out its best qualities. I like it on the Tradere pretty well. I tried it on a handle from a fat-handled Tech, and it didn't work as well. I don't have the original ball-end handle because when I got the razor it was a Frankenrazor with a ball-end Tech handle on it. Hmmm.....come to think of it, I don't think I've ever tried it on the ball-end Tech handle. Maybe it's a good match?

I only have a 20's Old Type Ball end and a OCMM for my OC lineup, but I love the Old Type. It's a very good, balanced stock handle and I use it exclusively with Feathers .I have sensitive skin and this rates with my Tech for mildness. But I only started on OCs after I had some technique down. I've only used the OCMM a couple of shaves and am still learning technique, but it is clearly improving. That's all I have to compare so far and am still looking for a NEW.

Good day, everyone. i wanted to let everyone know that i tried to give my SEs another chance, but i could not get a decent shave with them. i tried them this morning for the second time to see if i could get used to them, but i had no luck!
i tried the Damaskeene and the 1912 firstly, but too mild and then tried the OCMM which was much better, but too much irritation with the GEM blades! i have now given up on SEs except for my Cobra and will stick to my OCs for a comfortable, close and great shave! It is amazing how we all react differently to shaving products! LONG LIVE THE OPEN-COMBS!
Enjoy your weekend!

I've have dabbled in the SE DARK SIDE with 4 razors and some of these are great. The deal there is lack of blade choice. But I still love DEs & my OCs.

Sorry for the lack of my posting today... Taking care of some personal issues.... Should be back on tomorrow evening.... Will return any PM's at that time.

I had to take a break from the web and am catching up a bit. I may not be on frequently but will be checking in regularly and especially with the brotherhood. It is clearly a great thread on many issues, almost an "everything you need to know" thread.

[alex2363]

Just had another FABULOUS shave from my 1918 Old. The more I use it the more I'm convinced I've found the PERFECT razor (for me!). It was the first OC I ever used (or even saw 'in the flesh' so to speak) and from the very first WTG stroke I knew it was 'right'. The balance, the feel, the feedback...all spot-on.

Just HAD to tell y'all.......lol

I am glad you told us, the 1918 's are one of the great ones.

[top]SOTD 26.05.12
Shower, Badedas.
Hot towel.
Bluebeards Revenge, Simpsons super badger Chubby 2. VEREY nice lather !
Gillette "New" open short comb. 7 o/clock stainless.
Cold rinse and Osma block.
Acqua di Gio balm
Acqua di Gio cologne
Bay Rum hair tonic.
Tash trim.
BBS with the "New" short after two passse and a clean up.
Found the razor to be very light weight after using mainly SS DE lately.
I felt good until the wife said I smelt like a whores handbag !
Might need to lose the Giorgio Armani !
;O))

Whores handbag? Really..

First the old, and now the new.. that should be a good basis for the open comb experience, (for the record i guess the senator was the first)
Head has some plate loss but looks like it will work just fine,... after i get some time to put into the sen, then the old type, then the new.. I can then think about if and what is worth a re plate
Attachment 246554Attachment 246555Attachment 246556

I think the Senator.....

Good day, everyone. i wanted to let everyone know that i tried to give my SEs another chance, but i could not get a decent shave with them. i tried them this morning for the second time to see if i could get used to them, but i had no luck!
i tried the Damaskeene and the 1912 firstly, but too mild and then tried the OCMM which was much better, but too much irritation with the GEM blades! i have now given up on SEs except for my Cobra and will stick to my OCs for a comfortable, close and great shave! It is amazing how we all react differently to shaving products! LONG LIVE THE OPEN-COMBS!
Enjoy your weekend!

Come on, it takes time to get used to the angle and pressure, hang in there, i just got my very aggressive SE /Streamline and love it.

Hi guys,

Just wanted to let you guys know that i just had my 1st experience with a open comb razor. My open comb razor is a 1936 Gillette aristocrat TTO. The learning curve is fast, i was able to find a nice angle on my 1st pass. I wasnt scared to put pressure and after 3 passes my week long wiskers were all gone and im happy to say that i had no nicks. The blade that i used was a feather. I was also surprised to see the edges of the blades coming out from the sides but that is ok it didnt change anything to the shave experience.
Attachment 246584Attachment 246586Attachment 246587

I have one too, they are mildly aggressive. yours looks very nice and minty.

Man I'd like one of these!!!!

me too............

I have just aquuired a New Long Comb.
I just sent an e-mail to BRW. I hope they get it and send a reply.
I'd like to have it chromed. If not then I'll take it to my Harley Davidson dealer.

oh, just got that one...they chrome parts

[alex2363]

I will be gentle!

No, pleez be ruff.

I've been playing with a Gillette short-comb New and have grown to like it quite a lot. Though it requires more attention to technique than a Tech it's quite effective with Feather blades and quality lather and does a complete job on two passes with very little additional buffing required. Seems particularly good if I've let a day slip by without a shave. So, I've become a member of the Brotherhood. Looks like the New has earned a permanent position in one of the two razor spots on the two-razor, two-brush holder.

Now if I can get my signature line to reflect this I'll be there.

It does require a little more attention, but the end results is worth it.

Wow...I AM surprised! I must have been lucky on the 'first loading', because it was right on the button. When I changed the blade a few days later I noticed the shave was a bit harsh (emphasis on 'bit'...lol). A quick perusal shown that the blade was off-whack, and it only took a few seconds to loosen it off and re-align it (about 4 seconds in total). I'm not sure about the ball-end handle as mine come with the 'other' type (not sure what it's called).



I have a few vintage Gillettes now (it didn't take long for RAD to kick in) and even though they are all GREAT razors, I knew this one was a bit 'special' as soon as I started the first pass.

great report, i do agree it a GREAT razor., I have bought evry single razor out there and always keep my vintage gillattes

[alex2363]

First PM bluesbishop, I'm sure that BOTOC status will soon be yours with those razors in your lineup.

All those handles are great options, the only one I am missing is one from Bob. The Tradere handle is the longest & heaviest, I think that Bullgoose is carrying them now. http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/trststflsara.html

The Weber & Ikon handles are only slightly lighter (~3g) but shorter, have a look in this thread over the last 4 pages and you will see examples of both, or the polishing Tradere handle thread.

Update: Better images of a Weber bulldog handle on a Tradere head are here in this post.

Great advise and links as always....

[alex2363]

Id reccomend that you PM Dave fOr a replate instead of your bike shop.

Dave??

Onotoman a B&B member vendor that replates http://badgerandblade.com/vb/member.php/8180-onotoman

[alex2363]

closecut61 is his name on here. He does fantastic work, and replating razors is his specialty.

or Dave onotoman too... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/member.php/8180-onotoman