Thread: Comb or no comb?

I'm thinking about upgrading my DE razor. What's the difference, shavewise, between razors that have combs and those that don't?

Thanks.

Open Tooth vs. Regular: What is the difference? - Badger & Blade

Open tooth vs. Bar- would someone school us on the differences? - Badger & Blade

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?!?

Originally Posted by ziggy925

I'm thinking about upgrading my DE razor. What's the difference, shavewise, between razors that have combs and those that don't?

Thanks.

Hiya,

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.

Originally Posted by ziggy925

I'm thinking about upgrading my DE razor. What's the difference, shavewise, between razors that have combs and those that don't?

Thanks.

What razor are you using now?
What are you looking to upgrade - ie, did you want something more aggressive?

Originally Posted by RayG

What razor are you using now?
What are you looking to upgrade - ie, did you want something more aggressive?

I believe Ray has it on the head.

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