hello shavers,i have 2 open comb razors; 1920s old type (promotional/courtesy from a nash dealership in saskatchewan) and a new merkur 1904/6 open comb.i have a variety of smooth sharp blades(gsb,astra sp,voskhods,astra ss,gillette platinums and wilkinsons) and they all work very well in all my other closed comb razors.however in the open combs i always get a pulling tuggy shave.fast slow adjusting angles etc,. any suggestions would be helpful,thanks gary.
Personally I have not noticed they would tug more than other razors. Old Type and Merkur OC got very similar type of head (with OT having more blade exposure). I guess they might place the blade at a similar angle. Open combs is just another way to cut the slots for stubble to exit and the fact both are open combs definitely is not a reason for them tugging. If they tug more, then it is because of the angle of the blade.
Maybe the head profile is not for you? Or you should try varying the angle (ride the cap)? Open or closed comb alone doesn't really say much about aggression and comfort.
I have found that I have to adjust the angle anytime I get a new razor. Just take short strokes and you'll be able to find the right angle faster.
Keep in mind the Gillette Old Type is similar to the Merkur 1904 in rough appearance only. They shave nothing alike. The OT is much more aggressive. The 1904 is so mild I can barely get a shave out of it. HERM
Yeah, I piffed my Merkur 1904. The Gillette OT was made for a thicker blade than modern blades. In an earlier thread, I had shaved with the OT and two blades that were made for it. There is a world of difference than modern blades. It was not aggressive at all. One day I will devote a lot of time to that pairing.