A question from a new guy here. What is the functional difference between an open comb and a closed bar in respect to function while shaving? I've heard some say open combs are more aggressive, but most say that is a myth that depends on the razor. I believe the latter so, in that case, what exactly is the difference?
I have been told that open comb is better if you have a few days growth because the teeth help catch the hair. don't know how true that is but I do know that an open comb can chop down days of growth with no problem.
Open comb doesn't push the hair down like a closed guard does, so an open comb will let you shave with fewer passes, especially if you have several days beard growth. Otherwise, there is no difference. Aggressiveness depends on blade exposure and gap, not the comb.
Here's some more info on open combs (and why they are perceived as aggressive), posted over on Badger & Blade by AsylumGuido: "The open comb style razor was the norm early on with the Gillette Old Types, New Improved and News in the three piece razors and the Aristocrat in the TTO. The open comb is more effective on longer growths and is is easier to avoid clogging. But, the problem was that the teeth were very susceptible to bending or breaking so the solid bar became more popular over time. I have heard another reason for the disappearance of the open comb was the fact that daily shaving decreased the need for the heavy beard capabilities of the razor type. Many of the early open combs are more aggressive, but it is not the comb itself which is the reason for the aggressive nature, it is the fact that they were designed for a thicker blade than the modern blades. The Gillette New was the first open comb designed for the "modern" thin blades and is a milder shave than its predecessors. Modern open combs can be less aggressive than some of their solid bar counterparts. Hope this sheds a little light."
Personally, in a blind shave test of open comb vs straight bar, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
I have 4 OCs. My Old Type Gillette is by far the most aggressive. I have a SC NEW and a LC NEW that I love. The LC I believe is the milder of the two. Then I have the Merkur 15c which is also a mild razor. They have great looks, and don't get in the way of the hairs as much as a safety bar razor.
I agree, the technique and results seem pretty much the same. Aggressiveness varies from razor to razor, but I don't think OC or CC makes that determination.
As has been said, whether a particular safety razor is aggressive or not IMO has to do with the overall design(blade exposure, weight and such) of the razor, not just the open comb or solid bar guard. As an example Red, Blue and Silver tip Super Speeds are all basically the same solid bar razor design yet all have different levels of aggression. IMHO solid bar razors replaced open comb razors because the solid bars were easier and cheaper to manufacture, not because one was better than the other.
Thanks for all the replies. Good info all around! I know the open combs are the better looking razors, and want to own one one day. With my light beard a less aggressive razor is better, so the next question is what year did the new make its appearance?
Aye, In my experience its more to do with the Blade Gap & Blade Exposure rather than the Open or Closed Comb Design that determines the Aggressiveness of a razor..... I have a GEM Open Comb Micromatic ( OCMM ) and a GEM Clog Pruf...... The GEM Clog Pruf is for all intents and purposes is the Closed Comb/Guard Bar version of the OCMM......In my experience both these razors are equally aggressive, but the Clog Pruf is far easier to use and more forgiving because it has the Guard Bar to guide the user towards the correct shaving angle...... That said.....In my experience Open Combs can be more than a tad less intuitive to use and turn into Ugly Monsters very quickly without the correct shaving angle that is so important with SEs ......The OCMM gets an Unwarranted Reputation as a Very Aggressive Razor because its harder to use and requires Perfect technique, while in actuality its not any more aggressive the Closed Comb Clog Pruf..... One is just more user friendly than the other, because one offers guidance and protection and the other does not.... Billy
I think the open comb helps you know what the correct angle is going to be. If your angle is off, it simply rakes the lather. If your blade angle is right on, then it'll cleanly take off lather like a closed bar razor.
I believe the NEW was made in the early 30's. For a mild OC razor look at the Merkur 41c "1904" open comb version. It's a modern razor with a vintage look and it's a really nice, mild shave.
