I think I am becoming an open comb snob. With the exception of the Slant, which I just adore, I am finding my preference is moving away from regular DE's with a straight safety bar, and towards the open comb configuration. Over the past few weeks I have concentrated my shaves to a SuperSpeed, Fat Boy and iKon Standard which in my limited knowledge of this stuff, is a spin-off of the Gillette New Deluxe. It seems like the BBS is more difficult with the DE's that have a safety bar. Concentrating on any one pass, W/X/ATG doesn't matter, the first stroke seems to serve to clear away some of the lather and subsequent strokes on the same area are required to actually get a cutting action. The next lather starts the 'clear & cut' process over. On the other hand, the Open Comb gets busy with the first stroke and multiple strokes over the same area aren't necessary, so while the OC's are regarded by some as more aggressive, in my case it is the other way around since it takes multiple strokes across multiple passes to get close to what the OC can do in less. When all is said and done, the safety bar razors prove much more difficult for me to attain BBS. The adjustable's close the gap a little (no pun intended) but at the expense of self preservation from the more aggressive blade exposure. Have I found nirvana in the slant? Is there something missing in my technique? Blade selection? I believe I have sound technique with both lather and shave, but I would be way arrogant to think I have nothing to learn... I'm all ears [eyes, given our medium here] For sake of discussion.. My prep is always a hot shower. Soap or Cream.. either works for me and I believe my lather technique is good. One in ten shaves result in any weepers or irritation and seven out of ten are closer to BBS than DFS, but none out-right suck. Except the face gashing I did with the Feather AC.. :happy102 Yesterday I shaved with an iKon Standard with Personna Red..it proved too mild. It was very comfortable and gave me a DFS. I figured the head was pleasant enough..maybe the blade needed to be more aggressive so shaved with the same razor and a Feather. I changed creams, which I shouldn't have, but this morning I was plagued with too much stubble, even after ATG pass, and I had to finish with the iKon Deluxe OC with a large dose of caution because at that point, I was pass number four or five... My mental rambling is over and frankly, I'm not sure what kind of advice I am seeking here, but share what you will....
The only advice I will offer is, whatever works for you is what you need to stick with. Learning on your own curve always seems the most effective way to satisfy your own desires. To me, that is the coolest thing about wetshaving. You can be and are encouraged to be your own individual. Enjoy!
Good job on finding some thing that make a big difference on your shaves. Personally, I have both OC and saftey bar razors that are among my favorites. My top 2 right now are a flare-tip SS (safety bar) and NEW Standard (open comb).
I agree with Mike. My only two razors are a Gillette Tech and a Merkur HD open comb. I shave with the Merkur 95% of the time. About the only time I use the tech is when I give myself a bad shave with the Merkur (totally my fault, usually when I'm in a hurry) and I need to give the face a break. I never really broke it down or gave it much thought except that my Merkur gives me a better shave.
