Thread: First Shave with an open comb

I just got a new DE from a thrift store, I fell in love with it becauseit is an open comb and all I have at the moment is bar style so I was eger to try it out, so even before I have IDed this razor I sliped in a shark blade and went to work wondering what the differance was. Withen 3 stroks I could tell it is way more agressive than my bar style and that maybe my sharks are a wrong match up, there was minamal tug and pull but over all a very nice close shave not BBS but it was my first time with the little guy and I figure over time I can get it as close as my W&B. Just wanted to share a nice shave and brag about a new thrift store fine. (pics to come soon)

This was my experience too with an open comb DE razor. They're definitely more aggressive than the bar style DE razor.

Sjb, indeed, the open comb is a different experience. Some gentlemen love open combs and will not touch anything else. At least you experienced it and that's good. If you wish to continue with the open comb, you'll have a big choice of modern razors: Joris, Muhle R41 (the most aggressive open comb on earth, although I understand the 2013 version is slightly tamer than the previous model), FaTip, Tradere, iKon, among others, including several from Merkur. I prefer the Joris, because it is a beautiful razor, although a wee bit expensive.

OK so I need help IDing this new razor. It's a gellett I think the serial # is 549865A

The Gillette Open Comb is a very aggressive razor for a DE, perfect for a tough heavy beard. From info I have the 'New' open comb is from around the 1930's.

I have a Ikon Bamboo with the duel head. The open comb side is middle of the road actually, not too aggressive. The closed comb side is mild...great for aggressive actions like buffing and j-hooking. I also have a Tradere open comb that I consider aggressive. So not all OCs are the same.

I think you have a Gillette Old Type circa 1921 according to Gillette Razor and Blade Dating and Feature Information.

My open combs are way more aggressive imo than say my amazing fat boy or EJ all 4 of mine are Gillette vintage two are the brass/copper mix and the others standard metal not sure if stainless or a mix never really looked them up for material except for the brass mixed ones. Anyway they are great for my Monday shaves after I haven't shaven for the weekend. I've tried them on thinner hair days and I have to be very gentle or they will take skin with it, they want to eat everything in its path.
Respectfully
Christian

The Merkur OC razors are mild but still efficient. I find the gap on an EJ to be aggressive for my face, but the Merkur head is perfect. I have not compared them to the Old Type and its offspring, although I will get a chance in the near future. If you want to try the head, get the cheapest priced Merkur OC as the heads are the same on all Merkur OCs.

Open combs are also somewhat blade sensitive,sharks, are IMO the worst blade you could use in an O.C. Razor