Open comb: Different technique?

I've been shaving with a straight for about 6 months now, but I decided to grab a DE for when I'm in a rush, or because I have all sorts of AD's (also got my 11th pipe yesterday:) pic below).

So a little while ago, I picked up a Merkur HD and some Merkur blades. Now, I know some people don't like Merkur blades, but let's put that aside for this question.

A few days ago, I got a Merkur 1904 Open Comb Classic from SRD with some Derby blades. Shaving to BBS with the HD has been relatively simple, but it hasn't been as easy to get a BBS shave with the open comb. Also, I have been using Derby blades in the open comb so that may have something to do with it.

I know Derby blades are supposedly more mild, which is why I decided to try them, but I doubt that they are so mild that a BBS shave wouldn't be attainable.

So my question is this: Does the open comb necessitate a different technique, or is it not as close by nature?

Thanks!

The safety bar being open or closed should not make that much difference. What you may want to check is the angle of the head. I mean the way it holds the blade. Many times we get used to holding the handle of a razor at a certain angle and if a new razor has a different blade angle, or maybe blade exposure (the amount of blade you see between the cap and the bar) it will shave different.

As you try new razors, keep in mind the shaving angle is between the blade and the skin. Not only are brands different from one another but even models within the same brand can vary.

Hope this helps,
Ken.

I've used the open-comb "old type" Gillettes, and I actually get my closest shaves from them with the fewest passes. I have heard others say that a "steeper angle" is needed with the open combs (steeper meaning that the handle is more vertical than horizontal, though I suppose this would depend on perspective). However, I don't like going too steep because I get irritation. The Merkurs might be slightly different in their open-comb design (maybe closer to a Gillette New). You could try it with the steeper angle, and see if it works better.

Regardless, I much prefer the open-comb design over the flat safety bar. I think they provide great shaves.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oldfat1

The safety bar being open or closed should not make that much difference. What you may want to check is the angle of the head. I mean the way it holds the blade. Many times we get used to holding the handle of a razor at a certain angle and if a new razor has a different blade angle, or maybe blade exposure (the amount of blade you see between the cap and the bar) it will shave different.

As you try new razors, keep in mind the shaving angle is between the blade and the skin. Not only are brands different from one another but even models within the same brand can vary.

Hope this helps,
Ken.

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worldover

I agree. The mildest DE I ever owned was an open comb ShaveKing; my most aggressive DE is an open comb Parker. Be patient, go slow and careful on each shave, and you should see some improvement soon. If you'd like to try another open comb for comparison, I've got a Gillette New you can have for free. It aint much to look at but it gets the job done. PM with mailing instructions if you're interested.

Goshawk

Thanks! I'm still working the angle out but its getting better. The blade definitely lays closer to the comb than it would with the bar.

The open comb Gillette NEW improved, bostonian, Good Will, etc, are all my favorite DEs of all time. I would definitely get a bunch of em!

When I use DE I usually use open comb design. I have not used the Merkur open comb. I usually use Old Style or NEW. I get much better shaves with open-comb than any non-slant safety bar DE. As far as I know, I don't use a different angle or change my technique for the OC shave. However, it may simply be that my technique works for OC and not regular safety bars.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Disburden

The open comb Gillette NEW improved, bostonian, Good Will, etc, are all my favorite DEs of all time. I would definitely get a bunch of em!

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My favorite DE of all time is a GoodWill.
I have never gotten ahold of a New Improved or any sub-variety, so my second favorite is a bar-handle NEW.

Shark blades, or Wilkinson Germans.

Every razor has its own feel but I would not say that Open Comb razors take a different technique per say. The basic technique is the same...you just need to learn the nuance of the razor. The mantra of no pressure is perhaps even more relevant with the Open Combs.

Theworldover,
:OTSeeing your pipe reminded me of when my dad smoked one and I loved to watch him lighting it.Somehow the world seemed a more peacefull place while he lit it.
Iv'e been wondering about open combed razors.This gives me an excuse to get yet another razor :). I don't like merkur blades either.I use feather in my merkur slant. They last for ages but I cut me a few weepers at first with a new blade.Derbys are nice and mild though.