Which Open Comb

**blindmouse** · 07-15-2012, 09:55 AM

I've been using a Merkur HD for a few months, and have worked a Red Tip into my rotation, but am toying with the idea of getting an open comb razor. I have a pretty thick beard and want to see how it handles it. Have looked at the Merkur 1904 and a few others online. Unrelated, also toying with a slant or an R41. Any suggestions?

**StubbleShaver** · 07-15-2012, 09:56 AM

11C?

It is a Open Comb bersion of the HD

**ia_james** · 07-15-2012, 10:09 AM

There is also the Merkur 25c, which is a long handle OC. I'm debating between the R41 and the 11c, personally.

**Kevan** · 07-15-2012, 10:18 AM

Why don't you just go for a cheap Gillette Old Type or New? Junky ones can be had for some good deals on Ebay...and they clean up easily. If you like them then you can go for a Merkur or Fatip.

**cryhavoc** · 07-15-2012, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Kevan

Why don't you just go for a cheap Gillette Old Type or New? Junky ones can be had for some good deals on Ebay...and they clean up easily. If you like them then you can go for a Merkur or Fatip.

+1 Get yourself an Old Type on the Bay and enjoy

**xraygun** · 07-15-2012, 10:33 AM

+2 on the Old type.

**blindmouse** · 07-15-2012, 10:45 AM

Old type is definitely a possibility. The Merkur 1904 Open Comb is intriguing. And not too expensive either.

**Haiku** · 07-15-2012, 10:48 AM

Get a Tradere. Stainless. Made in the USA by a member here. Gorgeous. Great shaver. Superb in every way.

**Kevan** · 07-15-2012, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Haiku

Get a Tradere. Stainless. Made in the USA by a member here. Gorgeous. Great shaver. Superb in every way.

That's a lot of coin to drop on trying something out.

**Haiku** · 07-15-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Kevan

That's a lot of coin to drop on trying something out.

Yes it is. But if it doesn't work out, there's a good chance you can sell in the BST for about what you end up paying so the experiment may not cost all that much. Although it's far less than a PILS, there's no question though, it's a fair bit of coin.

**dreadpirate** · 07-15-2012, 11:02 AM

The 1904 is a (IMHO) a mild to mid razor. The Old types are more aggressive; so it depend on what you want. The 11C is not made any more, but I'm sure one will appear on the trade / selling forum soon. All of these are good choices.

**xraygun** · 07-15-2012, 11:10 AM

Keep in mind the 1904OC is has a tiny little handle.

**sgtd** · 07-15-2012, 11:19 AM

Old type or R41. Fatip is not bad either. You can now get those through Bullgoose.

**Alucard73** · 07-15-2012, 12:16 PM

Go for the Holy Grails of OC's... the 1934 Gillette Aristocrat or the British Gillette Aristocrat 15.

**Winblows** · 07-15-2012, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by blindmouse

I've been using a Merkur HD for a few months, and have worked a Red Tip into my rotation, but am toying with the idea of getting an open comb razor. I have a pretty thick beard and want to see how it handles it. Have looked at the Merkur 1904 and a few others online. Unrelated, also toying with a slant or an R41. Any suggestions?

I know the head of the 1904. I have the 985CL (travel), which has the same head with a 2 piece handle. This is a very mild razor for me and I've tried it with custom handles too. I'll recomend some more agressive razors like a vintage Gillette NEW open comb or a modern Mühle R41 2011 model. One of those will really make a difference in your rotation.

**turtle** · 07-15-2012, 01:18 PM

Before you jump off the cliff with an R41, grab a slant.

39c on top. 37c on bottom

The only difference between them is 39 = long handle, 37 = short handle

**dannymayo** · 07-15-2012, 04:28 PM

My favorite OC is my Fatip, same design as the Joris head but much cheaper. Secondly, the Gillette NEW is a wonderful razor. It should very easy to find a Gillette NEW in good condition fairly cheaply.

**a Rose's thorn** · 07-15-2012, 04:43 PM

I agree with Turtle - the slant is a close, yet mild shaver. I did what you are doing - I was using a mild razor (Edwin Jagger) and wanted to try an open comb. I got the Merkur 15c - great razor, but it doesn't get near the amount of action that the 39c and r41 get. The open combs are a closer, more intuitive shave than the safety bar. And you probably need to try one... because it is the only way YOU will know. But I wish I wasn't intimidated by some of the more feared razors. The slant will give you a great shave from day 1, the r41 has a bit of a learning curve. Good luck with your decision.

**jsj_297** · 07-15-2012, 04:45 PM

Try the merkur OC the 11c or 1904 are OC I believe. Same head as the 2010 r41 Muhle I hear. (which is my goto OC razor)

**gus1942** · 07-15-2012, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kevan

Why don't you just go for a cheap Gillette Old Type or New? Junky ones can be had for some good deals on Ebay...and they clean up easily. If you like them then you can go for a Merkur or Fatip.

+1

Gus/BOTOC