Open comb experience

**ScaredSafety** · 08-21-2006, 05:58 PM

I read this post and I need a little more input.

Sadly, RAD has befallen me, and, alas, there is no cure. After reading everyone's glowing recommendations on the begineer-friendly Merkur HD, I have decided it will be my next razor purchase. I already have a Futur, and it shaves incredible (when I pay attention to what I'm doing). But my curiosity has peaked.

My question is: which is more aggressive? Open comb? Regular? Is one more likely to give razor burn and nicks, given the same shaving conditions?

And is the comb on a DE related to the safety bar?

**With The Grain** · 08-21-2006, 06:06 PM

....

**Jim** · 08-21-2006, 06:13 PM

Kyle
The open comb is a very interesting topic that I also would like to get into more conversation about. I have tried 6 or so different open comb razors and each one had different characteristic's. I have no experience with the Murkers. The most aggressive that I use regularly is a NEW model Gillette. I can get a real good shave with her,they have a bunch of styles and a couple are much better than the others. Here are a couple of photos-

This is the style that works great for me- the comb is "formed"

This style does not work at all for me.

This is an old M+P very gentle and tame- also the nosiest razor I have ever used!

**Jim** · 08-21-2006, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by With The Grain

here is a very good thread on this imo

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2892

Thanks James I never saw that!

**ScaredSafety** · 08-21-2006, 06:20 PM

James, thanks for the link. Interesting reading on the history of the open comb.

Jim, pretty snazzy razors. That bottom one looks like a piece of art deco, with the geometric patterns and whatnot.

**TraderJoe** · 08-22-2006, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Goosemeplease

This is an old M+P very gentle and tame- also the nosiest razor I have ever used!

Have you tried any other M+P's? I've seen some rather nice O.C.'s in the apothecary here in chicago....haven't picked one up yet.

**Jim** · 08-22-2006, 10:49 AM

Joe

This is the only one I have tried- its a two piece razor and a fellow B&B member dated it in the late 40's-50's. I have no other info on it-I got it on ebay after no one bid on it- I e-mailed the seller and 'won' it for 9.00 including shipping!

I do enjoy it.

**Stauff** · 08-22-2006, 10:50 AM

I have an HD open comb and a classic long handle. I find the open comb to be more agressive; I get a closer shave but of course there is a higher risk of causing burn and drawing blood. The open comb is very unforgiving when I:
1° hurry
2°use it every day in combination w/ soap (cream protects the skin more than soap). Best result after a couple of days of stubble growth -in this case an open comb is miles ahead of any straight bar.
3°shave without rinsing the razor often enough (w/the open comb I rinse more frequently - otherwise I get an unpleasant rake-effect on my skin.)

Conclusion: An HD open comb is an excellent and very manly tool but takes some time adjusting to.