Thread: My thoughts on an open comb shave...

Hey guys, I have noticed some chatter regarding open comb safety razors on here so I figured I would share my recent experience with you all. I had been obsessing about what a shave might be like with an open comb vs a standard safety bar razor so I headed over to the local antique shop and low and behold, a '30's Gillette plated in gold was sitting on the shelf just waiting to go to her new home. I whipped up a hot Taylor's of old bond lather with the Vulfix and began my shave. It was smooth, comfortable and really just melted the whiskers away. The quality of the shave was similar to that of a straight razor shave. All in all it was definitely a more aggressive shave so the hype and discussion was true regarding that aspect. My face felt mildy exfoliated once again, similar to the post shave feel of a straight shave but it was not at all uncomfortable and was the absolute closest and best shave I have experienced with a safety razor. For those who are thinking about using one, I say give it a shot, I really love mine and look forward to many, many more great shaves with it. I will say be careful though, I feel this razor commands more attention and respect than your standard safety bar design...

Now, what about a slant bar...

i have also been toying with the idea of trying an open comb safety razor.. i'm considering the goodfellas..

Some open combs are particularly aggressive (e.g., Gillette Old Type) and some are extra (too) gentle (e.g. Goodfella). The mere presence of teeth on a razor really gives no indication as to the razor's aggressiveness.

As Phil said, open-comb razors vary from the mild (Goodfella) to the really aggressive (old-style Muhle).

Among the best OC DE razors were the older Gillettes. The 'Old' and its variants are mild, but shave nicely. The 'New Improved' type heads are more aggressive, and the 'New' is probably the best head design Gillette ever made - medium aggressive without being crazy.

The TTO open-comb Gillettes are another story. I've tried a bunch of them, and I didn't care for any of them.

Look up mr-razor on google for a complete listing of vintage Gillettes - perhaps you can identify your razor.

Open comb new with a feather blade is a match made in heaven,even one in fine condition is cheap and easily found.
have been a wet shaver all my life (am 63) nothing else compares.

It is amazing how many different razors are out there that all shave a little differently. My Gillette is a "new" gold plated open comb. Like I said, I found it to be quite aggressive but not uncomfortable for me. I am using Merkur blades right now but have pondered the thought of trying out a feather. I almost think that a feather blade could be a bit too much for me though. There's only one way to find out!

Originally Posted by cessnabird

It is amazing how many different razors are out there that all shave a little differently. My Gillette is a "new" gold plated open comb. Like I said, I found it to be quite aggressive but not uncomfortable for me. I am using Merkur blades right now but have pondered the thought of trying out a feather. I almost think that a feather blade could be a bit too much for me though. There's only one way to find out!

PM me your addy,will send you some feathers,If your using merkurs now,your in for a real treat

I have two old Gillette razors. One is an open comb and the other is a '66 Gillette Travel Tech with the short handle. They both give great shaves with just super market blades, but the open comb is very aggressive. I cut my self more with it than my straight edge. I could be that I tend to use the de when I'm in a hurry and can't take time to use the straight. For a fast, smooth, easy shave I would go for the Travel Tech besides my straight I think it is the best shave I have ever had. Of course those are the only two de I have tryed and I only have super market blades.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Open comb new with a feather blade is a match made in heaven,even one in fine condition is cheap and easily found.
have been a wet shaver all my life (am 63) nothing else compares.

I cannot send you a pm for some reason, I appreciate the offer but I will just buy some when I get a chance. You are too kind sir! Are they really that nice? I hear alot of raving about their edges but I have always been partial to my German blades.

cessnabird,

I am always a little un-comfortable about the term 'aggressive' when applied to safety razors.

A lot of razors referred to as 'aggressive' are not really 'aggressive' per se, they are just less forgiving of technique flaws.

For me, I think that 'aggressive'/less 'aggressive' relates to the shaving ability of the razor & blade combo, and that 'forgiving'/less 'forgiving' relates to the technique 'window' !

So we have aggressive/less aggressive and forgiving/less forgiving as two (independent ?) rating systems.

I would rate my Gillette New long-comb as aggresive/forgiving

It seems that the razors commonly rated as 'aggressive' can give smooth comfortable shaves when used correctly !

You probably think I am talking crap !!

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ