Thread: To Open Comb or Not To

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

If your feeling the combs,or seeing rake marks in the lather,your angle is wrong.

Hello, pixelfixed:

Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes, it could be the wrong angle, but after some 50 years of shaving that is unlikely. Nor do I see rake marks on my face. Unlike the closed comb, I just don't like the feel of the open comb razor. Stepping over to the straight razor side, I just don't like the spike point razor. Not that I cannot shave with it. I just don't like it. So it's a question of like and dislike, of preference of one over the other. I prefer the closed comb to the open comb.

Regards,

Obie

Funny, I was just wondering about this myself this morning.
I am looking to purchase a DE and I was wondering the purpose of the comb.
Would one of you gentleman like to explain the function of the open and closed comb?

Kindest Personal Regards,
Jochen

Re: Open comb vs. safety bar razors

The theory is that the open comb razors allow more of the lather to reach the blade, so it glides better.

Another theory is that open comb razors work better for thick growths, as the hairs can slip around the comb and get mowed down by the blade, as opposed to being squashed down by the safety bar (which could make it hard to deal with several day's growth).

I think this is hogwash (as far as intent in the designs).

My theory (completely without proof) is that OC DE razors were made first as it was easier to machine them from the metal blocks (as early DE razors were made). When they started using stamped metal for the base plates, it became easier to make safety bar heads (these were also sturdier). Of course, the companies kept both types going with some spin (just as Gillette does today with the number of blades).

OC razors do work better with several days growth, due to reasons mentioned above, but I think that was something that was noticed later and used as a marketing line.

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Having said that, when I use OC razors, I don't feel the teeth at all. Different people have different sensitivities, but I'd say that either an adjustment in blade angle or pressure should take care of that issue.

If you're going to go with OC razors, try a fat handled long comb Gillette NEW. Those generally work for the most people.

Originally Posted by JMIdeker

Funny, I was just wondering about this myself this morning.
I am looking to purchase a DE and I was wondering the purpose of the comb.
Would one of you gentleman like to explain the function of the open and closed comb?

Kindest Personal Regards,
Jochen

Hello Jochen:

Various theories surround the difference between how the close and open comb razors shave: that because of the way the open comb interacts with the beard, it is more suited to heavier beards.

I'm afraid I do not subscribe to any such theories and go with what I like. I just don't like the open comb. In your case, just to be safe, I suggest going with the closed comb razor.

Regards,

Obie

I have to respectfully disagree. In my experience, the open comb has a completely different feel and shave to it. Whether I am plowing though 5 days stubble, or cleaning up a days long shadow, the open comb is a far more aggressive thus closer shaver than any of the standard safety bar razors I own. I have a hard time believing the design was based on cost and or manufacturing techniques. I feel it was a different option and design, offering a different shave to men who prefer it. Jeremy-

Originally Posted by yohannrjm

Re: Open comb vs. safety bar razors

The theory is that the open comb razors allow more of the lather to reach the blade, so it glides better.

Another theory is that open comb razors work better for thick growths, as the hairs can slip around the comb and get mowed down by the blade, as opposed to being squashed down by the safety bar (which could make it hard to deal with several day's growth).

I think this is hogwash (as far as intent in the designs).

My theory (completely without proof) is that OC DE razors were made first as it was easier to machine them from the metal blocks (as early DE razors were made). When they started using stamped metal for the base plates, it became easier to make safety bar heads (these were also sturdier). Of course, the companies kept both types going with some spin (just as Gillette does today with the number of blades).

OC razors do work better with several days growth, due to reasons mentioned above, but I think that was something that was noticed later and used as a marketing line.

----------------------

Having said that, when I use OC razors, I don't feel the teeth at all. Different people have different sensitivities, but I'd say that either an adjustment in blade angle or pressure should take care of that issue.

If you're going to go with OC razors, try a fat handled long comb Gillette NEW. Those generally work for the most people.

Hey Jeremy,

I think aggressiveness has more to do with the head design than whether the razor has an open comb or a safety bar.

Let me give you an example:

The Goodfella razors that are currently available are open comb, but they're much less aggressive than a Merkur HD, for example. On the other hand the Fatip design Joris/Muehle heads (OC) are extremely aggressive.

I've had vintage OC razors that were all over the map on aggressiveness. An ABC Gillette is much less aggressive than the NEW, which is less aggressive than the New Improved razors. The vintage Merkur OC razors were all pretty mild. I'd say a Gillette Red Tip, and perhaps even the 40's SS (Safety bar razors) were more aggressive than the ABC Gillette, and the Merkur OC.

While you're probably right in that OC razors generally tend to be more aggressive, that's not always the case.

I'm not arguing that there are differences in the way an OC razor shaves vs. a safety bar. I haven't tried 'matched' OC and safety bar razors, so I haven't been able to directly compare the two variants on a similar head design.