Seeking opinions on the Merkur 25C open comb razor

I'm fairly new to safety razor shaving. I have one month under my belt with an Edwin Jagger DE89L. So far, I love the razor, and I have had great results. I will never go back to plastic disposables. Being curious at heart, I was checking out open comb razors. From what I have read, this type of razor is more aggressive. I think I have developed a pretty good technique in using the EJ. I really love the look of the Merkur 25C, and I am seriously considering buying one. I'm looking for advice from any shaving veterans that have used an open comb razor. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

Open Comb razors are not intrinsically more aggressive than Closed Comb razors; the geometry of the razor's head and the amount of blade exposure have much more to do with a razor's aggressiveness than the comb. The Open Comb design's principal benefits are generally considered to be the ability to avoid clogging up if shaving a couple of days' growth, and aesthetics (which are entirely subjective).

As I understand it, the 25c is not considered a particularly aggressive model.

 

As Jasman said an OC razor isn't aggressive simply because of its comb design. Some are considered aggressive and some not so much..For me both OC and CC/solid bar shave about the same, I've not noticed any particular advantage to using either head "YMMV", but I enjoy using both.

I would suggest doing your research and choosing an OC that is considered to be to the mild side..That way if you find you like the OC guard, but find the shave head overly mild and want it more agressive you can then use shims under the blade to increase the aggression.

I've never used a Merkur 25C, but I have used a vintage Gillette "Old Style" OC, "NEW" OC and a Cadet OC shave head, I found all three shave heads moderately aggressive...However I found(for me) the Cadet shave head was a little smoother on my face(not sure why)..I use it daily for the first pass of a 3 pass w/touchup shave, with 2 shims under the blade attached to a "Sabi T2" handle...

I.M.O. the Cadet OC from "shaveabuck" is the better option for less money. As far as I know both razor heads are made of the same material(pot metal), but the Cadet offers more choices in handle design(length,dia.,knurling and weight) than the Merkur, although the Merkur may have a better finish...

[Addendum] The reason as I understand it for Gillette changing from OC to Soild Bar/CC was primarily economic (solid bar/CC guards are cheaper/easier to produce than OC)...

 

I went from a EJDE89 to my Grandfathers Gillette New OC short. Once I got my hands on the New I was hooked! Slim, black/red tips. 2 black beauty's (short/long handle) and 5 others after. Now I have a Muhle R41 (2013) and I can't stop. Toggle, Fatboy oh my!

 

Just curious, where did you read the OC is more aggressive? Just wondering.

 

I have allways heard the same thing about oc's being more aggressive.
By the way, I put 2 shims on my EJ89 and it did nothing in terms of a closer more aggressive shave but did alter the "sweet spot" in terms of angle held to reclaim the sweet spot.

 

The question remains - where are people reading that bunk?
Not attacking the folks who read it, of course. Just wandering what idiots are perpetuating the nonsense.

 

I've been to several websites and I have read reviews. (Royal Shave, West Coast Shaving, etc.)
Most of the reviews I have read said open comb razors are more aggressive, and not to be used by beginners.
I have also read reviews to the contrary. Again, I am pretty new to this. The only safety razor I have used is my EJ DE89L.

 

Guess it's along the same lines that pit bulls are dangerous and should be avoided as pets. *sigh*

 

There is some truth to this, but it's more of a problem due to some of the owner's than the breed. The media image of pit bulls entices some people to get one when they really shouldn't have any dog at all.

From the ASPCA (bold added for emphasis)
"Sadly, the pit bull has acquired a reputation as an unpredictable and dangerous menace. His intimidating appearance has made him attractive to people looking for a macho status symbol, and this popularity has encouraged unscrupulous breeders to produce puppies without maintaining the pit bull’s typical good nature with people. To make matters worse, irresponsible owners interested in presenting a tough image often encourage their pit bulls to behave aggressively. If a pit bull does bite, he’s far more likely to inflict serious injuries than most other breeds, simply because of his size and strength. A pit bull bite is also far more likely to draw media attention. Many dogs of other breeds bite people, but these incidents almost always go unreported. They’re just not exciting enough fodder for television and print."

 

So true.

And now, back to the OC!

 

You'll do fine. You've got all of TSD rootin' for ya!

 

Thanks for the replies. It's great to have a community such as ours.
I'm definitely going to order my Merkur 25C. I like the look of the razor, and I want to try an open comb razor.
If I stick to the techniques I have learned so far, I am confident that I will enjoy this razor. I'm looking forward to that first shave!

 

It's a nice looking razor. I'm sure you'll like it.

 

IMHO the reason many think the OC's Are more aggressive is due to the fact that some of the more aggressive razors happen to also be open comb. I base that opinion (and its just that)., an opinion) on what I learned here.

 

More myths revealed....
• Open Combs are more aggressive.
• Slants turn your face into a bloody pulp.
• Mild razors are for wet-shave newbies
• More expensive mean better when it comes to Shaving Products
• Razor hand-stropping is a waste of time
• Boar Brushes are better than badger brushes
• Badger Brushes are better than Boar brushes
• Synthetic brushes aren't worth the money
• Wet Shaving saves you money!
• Big Foot lives in the Pacific Northwest.

 

I have found the 25C non aggressive and certainly not mild. Seems to be just about right and not as aggressive as the EJ. The character of the razor head changes dramatically with a heavier handle. I find it particularly good for touching up my neck and moustache area. So happy am I that I will by a spare to see out my days just incase it's manufacturing ceases.

 

I have a 15C (same head, shorter handle)that is very pleasant and is currently my favorite.
I don't find it aggressive at all and it's similar in angle and blade exposure to it's closed comb Merkur cousins.
Mainly, I like the feel of the OC teeth which help me maintain proper razor-to-face angle,
and I like that the razor leaves little trails of soap behind as you shave. I tend to shave in "zones",
which means I'll shave N-S on my left cheek then immediately do an E-W. The soap left behind from the N-S
pass is adequate to cushion the E-W pass. Especially on weekday mornings when time is at a premium,
this helps me get a very good shave just a bit quicker.

Best of luck with your new 25C!


Happy shaving everybody!

 

NB: at least one of our members is on record as indicating that "proper" shave angle with an OC razor will not result in the "little trails of soap." Obviously, this could be a YMMV situation.

 

I am confused, why would an open comb leave little trails of soap? Isnt the blade in constant contact wit the skin after the comb? Wouldnt the blade remove ALL the soap after a pass, or am I misunderstanding?