Open Comb Central - The Place With Real Teeth (No R41, Hybrid or Closed Combs)

Look on the inside of the barrel and see if there is a serial number.

You can use this guide to find what year it was made if the serial number is visible enough based on the serial number.

http://www.renaldo.us/grbd.php

 

That isn't really a bent tooth.
It's a battle scar, likely won honestly, and it adds character.

 

My (ex) wife has one crooked tooth...I think I'll call the razor "Lori"

 

Thought I would add some pics of my NEW OC, 34 Crat, and Micromatic to the thread

 

Great adds!

 

Here is one I forgot to post here ...

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Gillette Old Type Open Comb Ball End NDC 1920s (from "The Weekender" by Metalfield kit)

 

My Khaki Set 1919 so it never went into combat as far as I know.

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Are these an aggressive razor? I really like the look of them.

 

Wow that's cool

 

Not vintage, but this is my new (actually used) Merkur 41C "1904":

 

Here is a Circle Travel Kit ...

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Hello
This is a general question for open comb shavers: I had my first shave with an open comb the other day and to me it felt quite a bit more aggressive compared to the vintage closed combs I have tried so far. In some historical posts on TSD it appears the consensus is that open combs are no more aggressive than closed; it's the amount of blade exposure that determines aggressiveness. Any thoughts from the hard- core open comb shavers?

 

I'm hardly "hard core" when it comes to OC razors, I'm actually very new to OC razors. But I've come to really like them. I've recently used an Old Type, a New, a New Standard and one unbranded OC that looks like an Old Type. While there may be variations, I didn't find the OC's I tried any more aggressive than any of my closed comb razors. I've found that the ANGLE of the head/blade to your skin is absolutely key to a good shave, especially on these vintage OC's. I actually held the razor against the back of my hand and examined how/when the blade touched my skin. Then I noted the optimum angle and transferred that angle to my face. Give it time, my first shave with an OC was NOT fun. Now I really like them.

 

Yes, it is aggressive for me. It demands more concentration, a lighter touch and short confident strokes. It's one good looking razor though.

 

Is it a New Long open comb?

 

Can anyone identify this razor? I bought it on eBay. It is the first and only open comb I've used and thus far has given me the best shave ever. It's my go- to razor for the foreseeable future. I believe it's an a NEW short comb but I would like to know for sure. The writing at the base says "PAT JAN 13 1920 USA other patents pending"
Thanks,

 

Spud, I believe you have a Gillette New long comb (1930's). I have the same razor, it provides a wonderful shave. Jay or GD can confirm. Beauty!

 

Thanks Herm. It's magnificent. I've been wet shaving for almost a year and recently bought some vintage razors but this one, for me, is in a league of its own. I get by far the smoothest shave of any razor yet. I might try to acquire a Bostonian sometime.

 

I'm new to OC razors too. I tried a NEW just for OC-tober. During the month I also found a New Standard (see earlier in this thread). I actually like the NS better (its prettier, too). My impression is that OC razors take a bit more "technique" but I really enjoy them now.