Thread: Open Comb now Burn

I usually shave with straights, but on the weekends I lean toward DE's as that's the busiest time of the week for me. This morning I woke late and didn't have time to shave, so I shaved this evening. It was my first real shave with an open comb; near as I can tell a Gillette "Genuine" or "Old Type" razor from the 20's. No idea if the comb is long or short, but the back plate is smooth with three perfectly round holes (one for the screw cap, one for each "bullet") a thin handle with classic cracks at both ends of the tube, and the ball end on the handle (standard length).

The first pass was dream like. I usually use a Slim Adjustable passed down from my grandfather for my DE shaves, and shave with as much of the head touching the skin as possible (think, GEM Micromatic technique). I used a less perpendicular angle with the OC razor this evening and was pretty happy, thinking "I might have to keep hold of this one." But then I went into XTG/ATG second pass on the neck. Trying to keep the head against the skin as I do with the Adjustable I'm used to met with a lot of discomfort. Trying for a less perpendicular angle either cut nothing or caused pull. The end result is a fair amount of alum burn, something I'm no longer used to.

SO: Was my technique just way off base for an OC or are they just that much more aggressive? My neck is burning, and my cheek's are missing the gentle touch of my Boker. Thanks for your help.

Peace,
Jim

If it's the same OC I'm thinking of you may have a thin cap vs. a thicker. I had one that was a thin cap and felt it was very aggressive. Every DE seems to have it's sweet spot, some are more dramatic. The only other thing I can suggest doing is just a WTG & ATG and be happy with that until you get to know the OC better.

If you can find a 1935 TTO Sheraton (only comes in open comb) you will not look for another OC razor. By far the best OC shaver I've ever used. Just my .02 worth....

Trimmy, it is definitely a thin cap. I've seen the thick caps to know the difference. I won't give up on the razor yet as I like the styling and age, but if it turns out to just be that aggressive I'll probably pass it on to someone who'll enjoy it.

Razorburn, I'm not really in search of or longing for an OC razor. Picked this one up to try out b/c I liked the look of it and it was a good deal. My favorite razors have no comb or bar at all. Thanks though.

Peace,
Jim

Jim,

I have limited experience with open comb razors, but the general consensus is they are indeed more aggressive than closed comb models. Mine demands absolutely zero pressure and perfect angle before rewarding me with a great shave.

Something else you may want to consider: perhaps your razor didn't like the blade you were using? If you have a selection to choose from try another brand of blade and see what happens. Sometimes it's as simple as that, you just have to experiment a bit to see what works.

I wouldn't focus on whether or not the razor is more aggressive than any other razor.

These older DE razors varied greatly in their effectiveness and aggression. However, I've found that they all can shave well, if you take the time to figure out how to use them effectively.

I remember when I first tried a Gillette Single Ring (and Old Type razor, like yours) - I hated it, and it cut me to ribbons. I thought it was very aggressive. Now (several years later), I love the shave and consider it to be one of the milder razors I use. It was the same with the New Improved Gillettes - they didn't work for me when I first tried them, and now I love them.

So, is the OC razor more aggressive than the safety-bar razors you've been using? .....Possibly. But it's equally likely that your technique hasn't adjusted for the new razor type yet.

Keep at it, you should be able to figure it out.