Brotherhood of the Open Comb

**mongo1958** · 05-23-2012, 03:02 PM

Hey man, I will take one!!!

Originally Posted by elderberry99

I had ordered two iKon handles to go on my re-plated Gillette News when they come in. The handles arrived and are very nice. I posted picks already here. I come to realize that I did not need two and wrote back to the distributor and asked him if he would accept a return of one of the unused handles back. The response I got was not what I had expected. He informed me that iKon has a NO RETURN policy, even if the handle has not been mounted to a head. He said unless I wanted to claim a defect, I was pretty much stuck with the extra handle. I informed him I would not claim a defect because there was none. I just did not need two. It is what it is I guess. Just be careful when ordering and make sure you check on their policy before you place that order no matter who you purchase from. A lesson learned here!

**BigBull** · 05-23-2012, 03:37 PM

Hello BOTOC! I'm coming to you all for advice and guidance on your beloved Open Comb's...I appreciate as much input as possible. Thank you in advance!

I've been wetshaving for over 5 years, but new to DE shaving. I own a EJ89 Barley, and enjoy it. When paired with a mild blade, it's miserable. Once I got to the ninja assassin in my combo pack, it became my goto combo on the first shot. It works well for me, but I think in my quest for a consistent BBS it could be better. Obviously, the Open Comb has a certain "look" to it...and when I was researching my first DE it caught my eye. Not knowing what the differences where, I read reviews and was scared off of it due to it's "aggressive" reputation. Recently I stumbled upon a thread and saw some comments from bluebishop which peaked my interest once again in the Open Comb. He was kind enough to lead me here.

I've read quite a bit of this thread and I'm highly intrigued to go ahead and give it a shot. Convinced they are more "efficient" rather than "aggressive" I want to pull the trigger and give it a shot. Honestly, I love the look of the Muhle R41 2011, specifically the Grande. This was what I had settled on between it and the EJ89. Obviously I chose the later. Now I'm back to it. The 2011 R41 has recieved some very good reviews on this site, many of which are from you guys. Some say the original is great, others say they'd like a bigger handle. Then the Grande was released and it appears many ordered it as well. I do have big hands, and although I like my EJ it could definitely use a larger handle. I understand these two are interchangeable? Just a thought. I will state I'd rather buy new than vintage/used at this point (I also always grab the 2nd item on the shelf, rather than the first thinking most open it..weird, I know :)

So herein lies a few questions I have for the BOTOC: Why would one want to purchase a Mild OC vs a more "aggressive" one? What guidance would you provide a newbie into the OC world?

Would this be a smart purchase for a first Open Comb user? If so, would the Grande be the right move? Obviously the Gillette New comes highly recommended..can anyone speak on it vs. the R41? What other questions should I be asking to the worthy Brotherhood?

Once again, thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

**bluesbishop** · 05-23-2012, 04:08 PM

Welcome to this big, wild wonderful thread of the BOTOC!!

I always use the term "efficient" when speaking of the R41, but that being said...many of an experienced shaver has felt mauled by the R41. Good prep, proper shave angle and NO PRESSURE is the key for that razor. Is the r41 for everyone?? Nope. If you have a "young mans beard"....light growth, or skin that gets razor bumps from the mere look of an aggressive razor...beware.

Handles are a matter of preference. I have the standard R41, and LOVE it!! great razor. Just remember, handles can always be changed, and there are plenty of aftermarket handles like the iKon or our own B&B member cooncatbob's company, Bob's razor works (BRW) that offer plenty of selection to really customize any razor.

Why would one buy a Mild OC? Plenty of reasons. Smoothness of shave, comfort and also helps in the learning curve. There are plenty of great options. From the HIGHLY recommended Vintage Gillette 1930's NEW in either Long Comb or Short Comb, to more modern razors like the 2010 R41, The Merkur 41C (1904OC) , Merkur 11 and 12c.

On the aggressive side....we have more aggressive razors like the old types which can be found for great prices, to modern razors such as the Fatip, Joris, 2011 R41 and the Tradere, which isn't as aggressive as either the fatip or r41, but more so than a NEW from most accounts I've read.

A HUGE factor for me is always BLADE selection....not all blades do well in every razor.....if you go through the R41 combined thread, my reviews of the R41 had blades I loved, and other blades that left my face feeling like raw hamburger meat...like the Gillette Yellow....like it in most razors, but the R41...didn't work with the yellow!

My recommendation for first open comb?

EASY!!! The Gillette NEW....without a doubt the best bang for buck and it will transform your shaving life for ever. After that , you will want to be a member of the BOTOC!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by BigBull

Hello BOTOC! I'm coming to you all for advice and guidance on your beloved Open Comb's...I appreciate as much input as possible. Thank you in advance!

I've been wetshaving for over 5 years, but new to DE shaving. I own a EJ89 Barley, and enjoy it. When paired with a mild blade, it's miserable. Once I got to the ninja assassin in my combo pack, it became my goto combo on the first shot. It works well for me, but I think in my quest for a consistent BBS it could be better. Obviously, the Open Comb has a certain "look" to it...and when I was researching my first DE it caught my eye. Not knowing what the differences where, I read reviews and was scared off of it due to it's "aggressive" reputation. Recently I stumbled upon a thread and saw some comments from bluebishop which peaked my interest once again in the Open Comb. He was kind enough to lead me here.

I've read quite a bit of this thread and I'm highly intrigued to go ahead and give it a shot. Convinced they are more "efficient" rather than "aggressive" I want to pull the trigger and give it a shot. Honestly, I love the look of the Muhle R41 2011, specifically the Grande. This was what I had settled on between it and the EJ89. Obviously I chose the later. Now I'm back to it. The 2011 R41 has recieved some very good reviews on this site, many of which are from you guys. Some say the original is great, others say they'd like a bigger handle. Then the Grande was released and it appears many ordered it as well. I do have big hands, and although I like my EJ it could definitely use a larger handle. I understand these two are interchangeable? Just a thought. I will state I'd rather buy new than vintage/used at this point (I also always grab the 2nd item on the shelf, rather than the first thinking most open it..weird, I know :)

So herein lies a few questions I have for the BOTOC: Why would one want to purchase a Mild OC vs a more "aggressive" one? What guidance would you provide a newbie into the OC world?

Would this be a smart purchase for a first Open Comb user? If so, would the Grande be the right move? Obviously the Gillette New comes highly recommended..can anyone speak on it vs. the R41? What other questions should I be asking to the worthy Brotherhood?

Once again, thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

**mongo1958** · 05-23-2012, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by BigBull

So herein lies a few questions I have for the BOTOC: Why would one want to purchase a Mild OC vs a more "aggressive" one? What guidance would you provide a newbie into the OC world?
.

Welcome

I have a EJ89 and love it. I also have a 1904 OC. Both of them are very close in performance. A Personna Med, Astra or Feather Yellow works great in them.
IMHO an agressive razor gives a superior shave. The Muhle R41 Grande is a fantastic Razor that will load a blade accurately to line up in the razor the same way every time regardless of what blade is used. This to me is one of the reasons that the R41 works so well. The other is the geometry of the loaded blade. NOTE: I use Astra, 7 O-Clock Blue, Personna Med, Personna Israli in the R41 Grande.

I'm new to the wet shaving thing and my skin is very sensitive, I was warned by the powers that be if "I knew what I was getting" when I ordered my R41. The R41 is my favorite razor that I have EVER used. One pass is a DFS and 2 passes with some touch up on my trouble spots is BBS. Once I got the R41 I tried some other OC's. I also tried a FATIP. I hear the FATIP is a revered razor. The FATIP was not for me because it did not load the blade in a continuously predictable way. I traded the FATIP for a Fatboy. Why? Don't know, guess I want to try one out.
Bottom line here is to have an open mind and be willing to try new things as well as being able to weed out all the hype.
Good luck

Van (AKA Mongo)

**denfelo** · 05-23-2012, 06:05 PM

I picked one of these up at an antique store today.

It is an old Merkur open comb. I was wondering if any one could tell me a about it as I know nothing about this particular razor. I also bought an great condition user grade E1 Fatboy at the same shop. It cleaned up real nice as did the Merkur.

Thanks

**celestino** · 05-23-2012, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by denfelo

I picked one of these up at an antique store today.

It is an old Merkur open comb. I was wondering if any one could tell me a about it as I know nothing about this particular razor. I also bought an great condition user grade E1 Fatboy at the same shop. It cleaned up real nice as did the Merkur.

Thanks

Wow, that is a beauty! Enjoy!

**kingfisher** · 05-23-2012, 07:12 PM

denfelo, nice find.

The construction is a lot like that of an Old Type. When attempting to shave with any of the OC heads that have just three holes in the bottom plate without anything else to center the blade, you have to be careful to make sure the blade is properly centered when you tighten it down. There is a bit of "play" so the razor can be tightened with the blade not completely straight. This can lead to an uncomfortable shave.

Once the head is tightened, the blade does not move around, so if you look carefully when loading the blade, it should be a pleasure to shave with.

(Maybe I should've said "That thing is dangerous! Send it to me and I'll make sure it is properly disposed of!")

**alex2363** · 05-23-2012, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by elderberry99

the extra handle has surprisingly been taken care of now. I don't think I need to worry about it any more!

oh..oh....mafia hit?

Originally Posted by prsman23

Sooooooooo just got done with my first shave with a long comb NEW. And wow. just wow. Love my fatboy, but this thing just cut through my beard.
I had taken my full beard that I have been wearing for years down with no guard on a hair trimmer. Did my normal shower routine. Thought let's get crazy and change it up a bit. So with what is essentially a 4-5 worth of growth got effortlessly mowed down by this bad boy! Threw a brand new Astra SP in and loaded up some Razorock.
SUPER IMPRESSED. BBS everywhere but my neck (have been working on technique there and had a few rough days). Still got a DFS on the neck. Give me a few days an I might be a convert!

Attachment 245790
She ain't much to look at but maybe, just maybe after a while might get a replate. This is definitely a keeper!

just convert now, dont wait....

Originally Posted by bluesbishop

Welcome to this big, wild wonderful thread of the BOTOC!!

I always use the term "efficient" when speaking of the R41, but that being said...many of an experienced shaver has felt mauled by the R41. Good prep, proper shave angle and NO PRESSURE is the key for that razor. Is the r41 for everyone?? Nope. If you have a "young mans beard"....light growth, or skin that gets razor bumps from the mere look of an aggressive razor...beware.

Handles are a matter of preference. I have the standard R41, and LOVE it!! great razor. Just remember, handles can always be changed, and there are plenty of aftermarket handles like the iKon or our own B&B member cooncatbob's company, Bob's razor works (BRW) that offer plenty of selection to really customize any razor.

Why would one buy a Mild OC? Plenty of reasons. Smoothness of shave, comfort and also helps in the learning curve. There are plenty of great options. From the HIGHLY recommended Vintage Gillette 1930's NEW in either Long Comb or Short Comb, to more modern razors like the 2010 R41, The Merkur 41C (1904OC) , Merkur 11 and 12c.

On the aggressive side....we have more aggressive razors like the old types which can be found for great prices, to modern razors such as the Fatip, Joris, 2011 R41 and the Tradere, which isn't as aggressive as either the fatip or r41, but more so than a NEW from most accounts I've read.

A HUGE factor for me is always BLADE selection....not all blades do well in every razor.....if you go through the R41 combined thread, my reviews of the R41 had blades I loved, and other blades that left my face feeling like raw hamburger meat...like the Gillette Yellow....like it in most razors, but the R41...didn't work with the yellow!

My recommendation for first open comb?

EASY!!! The Gillette NEW....without a doubt the best bang for buck and it will transform your shaving life for ever. After that , you will want to be a member of the BOTOC!!!!!!!!!

very good advise, especially on the Blade choice, lets not forget the all importation prep time.

**denfelo** · 05-23-2012, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by kingfisher

denfelo, nice find.

The construction is a lot like that of an Old Type. When attempting to shave with any of the OC heads that have just three holes in the bottom plate without anything else to center the blade, you have to be careful to make sure the blade is properly centered when you tighten it down. There is a bit of "play" so the razor can be tightened with the blade not completely straight. This can lead to an uncomfortable shave.

Once the head is tightened, the blade does not move around, so if you look carefully when loading the blade, it should be a pleasure to shave with.

(Maybe I should've said "That thing is dangerous! Send it to me and I'll make sure it is properly disposed of!")

Thanks for the blade loading advice, I thought the bottom plate looked a little simple. I wonder how old the razor is and what model...

**alex2363** · 05-23-2012, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by denfelo

I picked one of these up at an antique store today.

It is an old Merkur open comb. I was wondering if any one could tell me a about it as I know nothing about this particular razor. I also bought an great condition user grade E1 Fatboy at the same shop. It cleaned up real nice as did the Merkur.

Thanks

Not much written up, basically early OC by merkur. Very good rzor mid aggressive.

**jbradley** · 05-23-2012, 07:54 PM

Please tell me someone here got this. I sent an offer, but would have paid what he asked if he turned it down. Didn't get a chance. Someone took it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...vip=true&rt=nc

**April Dawn** · 05-23-2012, 08:00 PM

Not me :( I would love to see that cleaned up
darn it and I just got my shining kit that Alex suggested

**bluesbishop** · 05-23-2012, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by BigBull

Obviously the Gillette New comes highly recommended..can anyone speak on it vs. the R41?

I didn't address this on my previous reply...as it as seems tonight is a quite B&B night...this thread normally can grow as much as 6-10 pages a day!! So Since no one else answered that question, here it goes...

The biggest difference for me is the angle the blade is positioned in the R41...for many this means varying degrees of "right" angle for use of the R41......for me, I use it with the handle closer to the floor....not the typical 30-35 degree most use on a DE...... to quote another founding member of BOTOC from another post today regarding blade angle and how it compares to a shavette straight...

Originally Posted by jamesspo

The R41 has a lot of blade exposure. You can have blade right on your skin from around 12 degree blade angle up to 75 degrees or so. A shavette of course is exposed as one can possibly get with a shaving implement :). So if that's what you mean by aggressive, the shavette's certainly more so, but only barely. With the R41 you can use it with support from the cap ( shallow angles ) or the comb (steep angles), or no support at all (middle angles). As such, I would say it's quite similar to a shavette, but with a bit more safety, if desired.

The NEW has a very limited effective range for shaving...but once found and dialed it is is perfect for most shavers!

Originally Posted by BigBull

What other questions should I be asking to the worthy Brotherhood?

Obviously, they one which has yet to be asked!

**jbradley** · 05-23-2012, 08:02 PM

I shouldn't have been so damn cheap, my offer was only $2 less than he asked!

**bluesbishop** · 05-23-2012, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by jbradley

Please tell me someone here got this. I sent an offer, but would have paid what he asked if he turned it down. Didn't get a chance. Someone took it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...vip=true&rt=nc

I would have paid $10 for that....I'm sure it will clean up nicely! all that black parina means one thing.....SILVER!!! and you guys know I have a silver fetish going on.......heck I once had this girl i was dating and.......................never mind......LOL!!

**April Dawn** · 05-23-2012, 08:08 PM

EEEEWWWWWW we do not want to know YUCK! You are ..like ..my BROTHER!!! EEEEWWWW

Originally Posted by bluesbishop

I would have paid $10 for that....I'm sure it will clean up nicely! all that black parina means one thing.....SILVER!!! and you guys know I have a silver fetish going on.......heck I once had this girl i was dating and.......................never mind......LOL!!

**bluesbishop** · 05-23-2012, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by jbradley

I shouldn't have been so damn cheap, my offer was only $2 less than he asked!

Damn cheap skate!!! Are you sure your'e not an accountant instead of a financial adviser???

Your starting to open up that creeky old wallet with the flies in it some.....The R41(and NEW I might add!!), the Fatip...the Weber....I'm proud of you son!! LOL!!