Brotherhood of the Open Comb

[alex2363]

I have been using open combs for several months now, mainly a Gillette New. Does anyone else have problems with rinsing non open combs? I can shave a 6 day beard with an oc, and it rinses clean. So gentle, close and easy. I love it. Heck, I have not touched a straight since getting an oc. What is the mildest oc available? I think I might start selling some TTO's.

I think a Short comb NEW is kinda mild for me, and what TTO's do u have for sale?

[mikeschu]

TO me they are aggressive but yet mild in nature, maybe its your prep?

I completely get what you're saying about its action but I have the same exact problem with the Merkur 34C. I do well with the LC NEW and Merkur 11C; I'm almost to a point where I'd rather not worry about it. Might give it another shot or blade first.

[MCFLYFYTER]

I think a Short comb NEW is kinda mild for me, and what TTO's do u have for sale?

Fat boy, fat tech, super speeds, super adjustables, and some others I cant even recall.

[alex2363]

I completely get what you're saying about its action but I have the same exact problem with the Merkur 34C. I do well with the LC NEW and Merkur 11C; I'm almost to a point where I'd rather not worry about it. Might give it another shot or blade first.

Well, i would stick to what works best.

[bluesbishop]

I have been using open combs for several months now, mainly a Gillette New. Does anyone else have problems with rinsing non open combs? I can shave a 6 day beard with an oc, and it rinses clean. So gentle, close and easy. I love it. Heck, I have not touched a straight since getting an oc. What is the mildest oc available? I think I might start selling some TTO's.

Well, you are already using a mild OC in the NEW, if you are looking for something milder, the Merkur 41c (1904oc) or the 2010 Muhle R41 (not to be confused with the 2011 R41)

[Winblows]

Happy "birth razor" Gam! I know the feeling . I've got mine (Fatboy) last year. It's now my most ekspesive razor in my collection and I enjoy it very much.

Ok Ladies and Gentlemen I've found my birth razor. ...

[Oscroft]

I've lent one of my Fatips to a friend, so hopefully there might be another OC convert there. And though I love the Fatips, I can't neglect my other great razors for them, so today I transferred the Indian 7 O'Clock Black blade (which had only one use on it) from my Fatip Grande to the R41.

I'd never used that blade in that razor before - and the combination was nothing short of phenomenal.

Very sharp and smooth, and it was going so well that I went all-out for BBS - WTG, XTG, ATG, and then some buffing (with a "Gillette Slide" action, which I think is great for final ATG polishing).

I got three tiny weepers which stopped very quickly, and I really didn't feel any irritation. To get some idea of the condition of my skin, I splashed on some Turkish Limon Kolonyasi, which is very high in alcohol and not really recommended for use as an AS - but I love it. And what I got was a very satisfying gentle sting, and once the lemon scent had dissipated, I followed with a splash of TOBS Mr Taylor AS.

I think it was one of the closest and most satisfying shaves I've ever had.

And just a thought on the R41 - it really is well worth making the effort to master the technique. I used it quite gingerly at first, but these days I find I can wield it as freely and easily as I would a Tech or a Superspeed.

[bluesbishop]

Oscroft .... Great feedback and input in the Gillette Black R41 combo.... That is one of my favorites combos also ... That along with the SI blade gives me the best combination of smooth an sharp and leaves me with the closest shaves I can attain. The yellow on the other hand which as you know is very sharp as well just leaves my face feeling "raw"....I may revisit that blade in the R41 as it has been months since I've used it.

I'm always amazed when shavers give up on any razor, R41, Fatip, even a Tech before trying several blades. From my findings the blade used in any razor can be that determining factor on a great BBS shave or one that is subpar. Thanks for your input!!

[Oscroft]

Oscroft .... Great feedback and input in the Gillette Black R41 combo.... That is one of my favorites combos also ... That along with the SI blade gives me the best combination of smooth an sharp and leaves me with the closest shaves I can attain. The yellow on the other hand which as you know is very sharp as well just leaves my face feeling "raw"....I may revisit that blade in the R41 as it has been months since I've used it.

Yep, the Iridium is my regular R41 blade too - in fact, I've yet to find a razor that an Iridium doesn't work well in. I've never actually tried a Yellow in the R41, so I'll have to give one a go. But as for the blacks, I'm running short so there'll be an order for a new stash of them heading off to desistores.net just as soon as June arrives (I'm not spending in May!). And I'm getting more and more tempted to get a second Fatip Grande in a different finish so I can use them for my blade tests - I'll start my next test using the EJs next week, then think about it after that.

I'm always amazed when shavers give up on any razor, R41, Fatip, even a Tech before trying several blades. From my findings the blade used in any razor can be that determining factor on a great BBS shave or one that is subpar. Thanks for your input!!

Definitely, yes - every razor has blades it works best with, and it's surprising how big the difference can be. I remember trying my first Tech with a Derby and hating it... and then I tried a Feather!

[turtle]

Oh yea baby...... ROCK AND ROLL.....

[bluesbishop]

Oh yea baby...... ROCK AND ROLL.....

Nice Turtle!! Didn't know you had a Joris! How does the Master Vegetol compare to clubmans Veg??

[celestino]

Mike, have you tried all the DEs out there?! You always seem to have one that everyone is talking about! Hehe. Great collection, my friend. How do you decide on which to use?

[bluesbishop]

.... But as for the blacks, I'm running short so there'll be an order for a new stash of them heading off to desistores.net just as soon as June arrives (I'm not spending in May!)

I've never used that site before...only see 5 packs, no 100 packs...I've only used razor blades and more for Gillette Blacks...curious on what quantity you order and if you get better pricing....would love to find them cheaper!!

[mongo1958]

The Iridiums, where do you get them

[turtle]

Nice Turtle!! Didn't know you had a Joris! How does the Master Vegetol compare to clubmans Veg??

Master is sweeter and not as "powerful" as Clubman/Pinaud. Depending on how I feel (in a VEG mood) I will pick either. They are both nice after shave scents

Mike, have you tried all the DEs out there?! You always seem to have one that everyone is talking about! Hehe. Great collection, my friend. How do you decide on which to use?

I think about what razor I am going to use for a few hours. Once I decide on the razor then it is time to think about the blade.... Then I spend some time thinking about what brush and soap/cream I want to use.

THEN.... I walk to the post office and if something arrives I change my mind and use the razor that just came in that day

I am really Jonseing to get my Leresche OC.... It should be here Monday (I hope). Takes forever to get things from France it seems. I know it will be worth it once it arrives.

[elderberry99]

When you get it turtle, just put my address on it and forward it right over to me!

[benvh]

I shave with open combs almost exclusively. Single ring or #15. Can't go back.

Ben

[jamesspo]

Master is sweeter and not as "powerful" as Clubman/Pinaud. Depending on how I feel (in a VEG mood) I will pick either. They are both nice after shave scents

Hmmm, so Vegital is a type of AS? I guess I just always thought it was just a brand name. Interesting. Never got up the gumption to give it a try..I'm so hooked on my vintage Gillette Sun-up, but I will some day.

I think about what razor I am going to use for a few hours. Once I decide on the razor then it is time to think about the blade.... Then I spend some time thinking about what brush and soap/cream I want to use.

THEN.... I walk to the post office and if something arrives I change my mind and use the razor that just came in that day

I am really Jonseing to get my Leresche OC.... It should be here Monday (I hope). Takes forever to get things from France it seems. I know it will be worth it once it arrives.

Whoa that's awesome...love that handle!

[bluesbishop]

I shave with open combs almost exclusively. Single ring or #15. Can't go back.

Ben

Sounds like you need to join the brotherhood !

[bluesbishop]

That is a GORGEOUS razor!! we will need more pics once it comes in!!!

I am really Jonseing to get my Leresche OC.... It should be here Monday (I hope). Takes forever to get things from France it seems. I know it will be worth it once it arrives.