I apologize if I've simply missed threads like this in the past and am simply repeating an old debate. I've tried searching, but the search terms are so common that I get thousands of results.
I want a new razor. I'm sure some of you can understand that notion. And I'm torn between two kinds.
I've been shaving with a Merkur Futur since I started DE wet shaving, and I like it. For the most part. I like the weight, I like the look. What I don't like so much is the size of the head and how it's sometimes difficult to get into small areas like under the nose. I find I almost never change the setting, ranging between about a 2.5 to 3.5, so I don't know that I need an adjustable.
So I'm thinking it's time to broaden my horizons, and I am looking at either a Merkur open comb (the 12C, basically the long-handle HD with an open comb) or the Merkur HD equivalent with a slant bar (the model number escapes me at the moment).
Here's why I'm having trouble deciding between what some will think are polar opposites: My technique is pretty good, so I think I'd do fine -- at least eventually -- with the slant. But I've read such wildly differing opinions on the open comb that I just can't decide.
On the one hand, I've read the OC is very aggressive and therefore just as sensitive to good technique as the slant or a wide-open Futur. On the other hand. I've read it's extremely mild and could take three or four WTG passes to get anywhere because the blade lies directly on top of the comb teeth, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of skin exposed to the blade on any given pass.
What's a guy to do with that kind of polarization in opinion? Frankly, I'd rather not go the "buy it, try it and (maybe) sell it" route, but it sort of looks like that may be my best option.
HELP!
I want a new razor. I'm sure some of you can understand that notion. And I'm torn between two kinds.
I've been shaving with a Merkur Futur since I started DE wet shaving, and I like it. For the most part. I like the weight, I like the look. What I don't like so much is the size of the head and how it's sometimes difficult to get into small areas like under the nose. I find I almost never change the setting, ranging between about a 2.5 to 3.5, so I don't know that I need an adjustable.
So I'm thinking it's time to broaden my horizons, and I am looking at either a Merkur open comb (the 12C, basically the long-handle HD with an open comb) or the Merkur HD equivalent with a slant bar (the model number escapes me at the moment).
Here's why I'm having trouble deciding between what some will think are polar opposites: My technique is pretty good, so I think I'd do fine -- at least eventually -- with the slant. But I've read such wildly differing opinions on the open comb that I just can't decide.
On the one hand, I've read the OC is very aggressive and therefore just as sensitive to good technique as the slant or a wide-open Futur. On the other hand. I've read it's extremely mild and could take three or four WTG passes to get anywhere because the blade lies directly on top of the comb teeth, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of skin exposed to the blade on any given pass.
What's a guy to do with that kind of polarization in opinion? Frankly, I'd rather not go the "buy it, try it and (maybe) sell it" route, but it sort of looks like that may be my best option.
HELP!
For the uninitiated; normal usage of OR is exclusive, meaning one or the other. Inclusive means one or the other or both.
