Hi Everyone, Reading most all of the mail on razors and I haven't noticed a discussion of open and closed combs on razors. What's the difference or advantage of one over the other?. Also I have read so many reviews on razors and honestly suffering from RAD I am confused by the Merkur HD it looks like it could be a 35, 34 or 37c which is it? I just purchased a Merkur 180. Howerver, I need to get another razor soon. Thanks,
Have a read on this thread, there are a couple of other ones in here too, but its all pretty much the same. Merkurs numbering system can be confusing, since it seems that every razor is covered by 2 numbers. I do believe the HD can be listed as both the 34c and 178, while there are also variations with the same head design and different handles, therefore different model numbers. The 180 is a good choice, it was what I bought when I re-entered the wetshaving world.
Thanks Bill, I still don't know what the difference is between "open and comb face" on some of the razor descriptions. I guess the heads that look like they have a comb face help shaving? I don't know. Any difference? I like my Merk 180 and plan on purchasing a Progress in the near future.
An open comb razor: A closed comb razor: (photos borrowed from countryjoescollectablestuff) So, you're right. The open comb looks like it has a comb on the blade guard. 'Open' and 'Comb Face' describe the same thing. The feature of these is that they can leave a bit more lather behind while shaving. Some folks really like this. In general, open comb vintage razors are a bit more aggressive than their closed comb descendants. This isn't always the case with modern razors. Hope this helps!
The first open comb Gillette I tried seemed too aggressive (it irritated my face) so it went into a drawer. After many new and different creams and soaps and brushes, I came across the open comb and gave it another chance. Like so many shaving products I have tried, using this razor later after more practice with technique and so on, it works great, gives me a much better closer shave than the closed comb. So if at first you do not succeed, and so on.
Great advice, especially for the new wetshaver! :signs107 While I'm not saying that a newbie can't tame a O/C razor, we have several members that started with them and learned just fine, for the most part it is more comfortable to learn with a safety bar razor.
I started with a Gillette New fairly early in my re-entry into the wet shaving world. I found it to be a very comfortable and mild shaver. I especially like to use it for my first pass if I have got more than a day or two of growth going. The open comb is said to let more of the lather stay on the face just before the blade cuts the hair, allowing for better lubrication and protection. The closed comb sweeps all the lather away. Also, I find that the open comb does not clog as fast as a closed comb when attacking multiple days worth of growth. It really seems to shine when tackling heavy jobs. It is a great razor. Maybe not for the rank beginner, but its not tricky to use at all. YMMV, of course, but if you want to give it a try, the Gillette New is not an expensive razor and is well worth it.
