I'm thinking about upgrading my DE razor. What's the difference, shavewise, between razors that have combs and those that don't?
Thanks.
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I'm thinking about upgrading my DE razor. What's the difference, shavewise, between razors that have combs and those that don't?
Thanks.
Hello, Ziggy:
The choice of open or closed comb depends on your beard and your overall preference.
As a general rule, the open comb serves the heavier beard better. General rule, mind you.
I have a heavy beard and use a razor with the safety bar — closed comb. Because that's what I prefer.
Regards,
Obie
There is some thought that the open comb leaves more lather on your face when the blade passes. Not sure if that is true or not. I personally like the look of the open comb better. My beard is also very course so the open comb, which is generally more aggressive, better suits me.
Grab a couple of each and try them out for a while. You can never have too many razors?!?
Hiya,Quote:
Originally Posted by ziggy925
I've had a fair bit of experience using Gillette razors. I've used all the adjustables(except for the 195 bottom dial), plus many fixed head versions as well. That would include maybe 8-10 various open comb types. As a reference point, my favorite set up is a fatboy set on #4, with either a Feather or Iridium blade.
Every open comb type I've used has been more aggressive than the fatboy on that setting. They've all been more aggressive than a Slant as well. Some are just a click or two higher than my normal setting, and some are much higher on the dial. Milder ones would include something like a Sheraton or 1934 type Aristocrat. Razors with more bite would be the Single Ring or a razor with a New Deluxe head. Top of the heap would be a Bulldog. Now those things can really bite, even though it's not rabid. Feels like about an 11 on the Gillette dial setting.
The blade presentation is different with OC types than with other razors. Makes for a very close shave, but it may not be a comfortable one.
If you like, I have a Sheraton you're welcome to try out. I use this myself a couple times a month for a nice change of pace. Or if you'd rather try a more aggressive one, I also have a ball end New you could sample instead. This one's the short tooth version, which is more aggressive than the long tooth one. Let me know using the pm feature if you're interested in either of those. Personally, I'd recommend trying the Sheraton.
Hope this helps somehow,
Martin
+1 on the preceding advice.
IMHO upgrading your DE doesn't necessarily mean moving to an open comb DE razor, unless you have a fairly or very heavy beard. The closed comb or safety bar DE should work just fine. Then you can focus your upgrade on things like the ergonomics and/or aesthetics of your new DE razor.
Ben de shaving for around 5 years and i had 2 open combs, a canadian which i sold and a bostonian which i still have and it gives a great shave, never been one though to say they are more aggressive! pick one up and have a go.
What razor are you using now?Quote:
Originally Posted by ziggy925
What are you looking to upgrade - ie, did you want something more aggressive?
I believe Ray has it on the head.Quote:
Originally Posted by RayG
I always recommend that people use an adjustable to figure out whether they prefer a more or less aggressive razor.
You can then go from there.
Also, I should add that of my 2 favorite DE razors, one is open comb and one is flat bar.
Hi,
+1 on Grumps post.
Like Grump, one of my three favoutite saefty razors is an open-comb - an English Gillette 88, one a closed comb - a Muhle-Pinsel R109.
The other is an E model Schick-Eversharp from the mid 1930s; you might consider a SE safety razor for a change of direction. This puppy has teeth, and is certainly aggresive enough for most !
Best of luck :)
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
Interesting thread. When I started shaving at 14 or 15, and the only alternatives to the DE in the drug stores was the newly intorduced single edge injectable, I never saw a DE with a comb. Seeing them on ebay, I thought they must be just an earlier version of the standard DE. It never occured to me they might have been used for different beard thicknesses.
not mentioned here is the fact that an open-comb is better for taking out longer growth as well. only thing better for massive (length) removal is a straight...and i'm using that on "long" sessions.
have a short and long comb now...much prefer them.
as to the historical development, methinks that more men went longer between shaves in the 20's and 30's. the stubble passing through the notches of the comb allow the blade to ride closer to the skin--than if all the stubble had to pass under-as in a solid bar.
Methinks the comb is more about long stubble than "aggressiveness" but i'll say, just by feel that my OC's are about like the my FB set to six or seven. But i've not measured or directly compared 'em. must be respected, as all sharp things.
The thing I find kind of useful about using an open comb is that on each pass, if I haven't done the pass correctly, I leave cream behind. If the blade is gliding smoothly and completely over my face, than I know I am making full contact.
I never hear anyone else say this - maybe I am off my rocker lol, but it's a big plus for me.
In addition to the above comments, I have found that if you don't have smooth skin (like mine, wrinkled, lumpy and lots of scare tissue) safety bar razors with blade exposure well above the level of the bar, are very difficult to shave with. Even with well honed technique, anything above skin level (moles, etc) is a candidate for getting chopped off. If the height of the blade above the bar is small, the razor is easier to use (more forgiving), but you sacrifice closeness. I have a Feather AS, which I love using, that gives a good low irritation shave, but you will never get a BBS shave from it unless you have a very light beard (or your into shimming razor blades).
I prefer open combs with longer combs (Gillette old type, Merkur (the heads are all the same, so model is not important)). With good technique, I get great shaves with these razors. The blade lays flat on the comb, there is no gap. If the comb is on your skin, the blade is there also. No guessing about angle as you move over different terrain. But some open comb styles can be very aggressive. If the comb is short and/or there is a gap between blade and comb (FatTip, Muhle 41, etc.), even with great technique, your face may not be able to handle it.
So, which design is best? The one that works for you.