Exposing the Myth of the Open Comb Razor

[@sooners2win]

First of all #ChopOn brother! And thank you, 49 years old and just used a merkur 25c and arko shave stick. First time ever to use safety razor and a shave stick/brush! Amazing!!!! I’ll never go back to cartridge razors 🪒

[@redblade8160]

Cap7597. Thank you for making shaving even more complicated with the different types of razors.

[@WolfRanger2008]

A rather "laid back" shave. I found it serene and tranquil. Nice work.

[@thomasanonymous594]

Thank you for this interesting video, Cap! Maybe there is time for a new video on OC razors? God bless you and your family, sir!

[@donfraysier5079]

Nice, informative video. You appear to be much farther along in your shaving journey, so I hope I can remember all of this. I will probably have to refer back to this video, from time to time.

[@Cap7597]

I appreciate you watching. Big you ever need any help, feel free to ask. :)

[@SGBass]

Comb design really does not affect aggressiveness as much as blade angle and blade gap. The FaTip Piccolo is quite aggressive, for example, because it has nearly twice the blade gap as the Merkur 41C 1904. The mildest razor I have tried is the Parker 24C: open comb, yet very little blade gap; efficient but smooth.

[@Cap7597]

SGBass I've been told I need to try the Parker 24c. I currently don't own a Parker. Do you have a favorite?

[@SGBass]

+Cap7597 the 24C would be my favorite razor of any type. I also own the 66R, but it is too mild for my wiry hair. the Merkur 1904 is pretty balanced for an open comb as well, but I find the handle a bit too slippery when wet. my favorite closed comb razor is Maggard's V3A: aggressive, but not ridiculous like the R41.

[@Cap7597]

SGBass I'm leaning toward the 24c to get in the Parker line. A few Shavers say it's a good one. Thank you. :)

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

My experience: Shaved my head with a merkur 38c for years and was fairly satisfied …around two weeks ago I picked up a Gillette thick cap ball end old type made between 1921-1928(found all this out later researching a bit) in great shape for €12.50. Even the first shave was the best one I’ve ever had and now after the third shave it’s again the best shave ever. I think I am an open comb convert.

[@RobertNES816]

Having been into wet shaving for two years I figured I'd finally try an open Comb razor. My current favorite is the Parker 56r which is a somewhat mild closed Comb razor. It gets really close yet it's very comfortable. I purchased the Parker 68s to try and well I do definitely enjoy it. Probably just as much as the 56r. The 68s is an open Comb razor, but it's still very comfortable to shave with and it definitely gets nice and close. Both razors seem about the same in terms of aggressiveness/comfort. But the 68s has a heavier handle and deeper knurling on the handle. Happy I tried an open Comb though. People kept saying open Comb razors are aggressive but it turns out both can be aggressive or smooth.

[@KingofWisdom]

I agree, open combs are nice and smooth. I love that they are less prone to clogging as well. I have a bunch of razors, but I find myself usually reaching for the Fatip Grande lol.

[@Cap7597]

KingofWisdom Thanks. That Fatip is a good one! Used properly, it provides an excellent shave. :)

[@jeff-fe9zl]

I have a Schone which is basically a rebadged Fatip Grande (it is a little modified though, it has one fewer teeth and they are a little thicker). I have to agree that it is a terrific razor and the Schone version is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

[@mmobley011889]

Great shave cap, and a ton of great info!!

[@Cap7597]

Thank you. Hopefully it'll help someone. Haha.

[@MrTelecaster101]

Cap.. Try the Phoenix Artisan Accouterments Open Comb Slant. It's Bakelite and really light but a great shaver. Its $20.00 and quite unique. Very efficient! Love the videos. I'll be making some soon.

[@Cap7597]

Bryan Wickel I'll have to look into the Bryan! Thanks. :) let me know when your videos start up.

[@maf3656]

Agree. I got one about a month ago. It has earned a place in my rotation.

[@jorgevalerio8602]

Another great video. I enjoy the information you give. An open comb razor is on my wish list. Just as soon as I get my technique down

[@andrewwilson9617]

Hello from Antalya Turkey. I have just bought the Game Changer .84 open comb. I have had 2 shaves with an Astra SP blade and they are very close smooth shaves. I only need 2 passes with the open comb.

[@alexdeleon7135]

How did I miss this episode? Oh well, good, and informative shave, Cap. I think ARKO is very good in a pinch.

[@Cap7597]

Hahaha. Glad you found it. :)

[@TheRichie213]

Arko and clubman pinaud go great together!

[@vanni9283]

I personally have a Fatip Grande which I use regularly, and I think it's very comfortable for an OC razor.

[@Cap7597]

I've heard the Fatips are great razors. I haven't gotten around to picking one up. :)

[@marcozg77]

My Yaqi Mellon (double open comb) must be one of the mildest razors available. The Ikon Tech (closed comb) one of the most aggressive.

[@gabez8]

i just got a parker 26c open comb razor. i'm super new to open comb razors so i'm kinda have some bad luck with them as far as cuts go. i'm gonna have to learn to tread carefully when i use them. what i do like about them is they can have a good balance of mild and aggressiveness. treading carefully will greatly determine how much aggression one gets. just my opinion.

[@Cap7597]

gabez8 Light pressure and good angle is the key! I love them too. :) If you have any problems, feel free to ask or write me.

[@gabez8]

Cap7597 i'm ready to give up on the parker 26c because 1) i keep getting cuts on my head (i shave my head before i shave my face) 2) like you said the weight in oc's determine how aggressive they get 3) i've used an early 60s gillette adjustable and find it to be a milder razor than today's razors. so i'm hoping the vintage gillette oc's i ordered will be milder than a parker 26c. could this be the case?

[@purumr]

gabez8 parker 24/26c needs slightly different angle than usual, try it.

[@Cap7597]

gabez8 I need to get one just to see how it is. I've had a couple Shavers say they've had problems with it. Hmmm

[@jeff-fe9zl]

It has been 4 months. Have you gotten used to the 24's angle yet or did you have to give up on it? It is definitely different. I have a 26c (the same thing with a black handle) and it cuts the heck out of my face. I also have a Schone (a rebadged, slightly modified Fatip Grande) which is supposed to be more aggressive, yet it is FAR more comfortable (and SEEMS more mild) because it uses an angle that is far more normal than the Parker. Which vintage OC did you get? I'm thinking my next razor may be a refinished (either rhodium, or gun cote from Delta Echo) Gillette New long comb.

[@cugamer8862]

I've wondered about this for a while, as someone who has tried to get the hang of a safety razor for years and struggled with it. I often wonder if the safety bar is actually pushing the lather out of the way resulting in a crummier shave. I've wondered if an open comb would help to alleviate that and this video has me interested now in picking one up.

[@newguy69]

I use a 5 blade Fusion for the cheeks and jaw, then finish it up with an open comb Muhle. Especially the neck and mustache, these are impossible to shave with a cartridge. Where the hairs are almost parallel to the skin the OC works best. Gets under the whiskers without any pressure thus no irritation.

[@Cap7597]

Yes, those some hairs can be really tough to get to. It's good you found the R41, that razor will surely do the trick! Haha.

[@jonathanlewis4077]

Good morning sir it’s Jon thanks for sharing your information razor with your experience with razor blade sir

[@Mixwell1983]

Got the arko sticks and a plastic twist top holder for it.. Would be awesome for travel, I really like the arko soap a lot. I also have van der hagen, gillette pure cream and williams mug for shits and giggles. Dont know why people have issues with williams, it is water hungry. The arko soap smells really clean to me. I got my 2 sticks free shipping on amazon for like $6, awesome soap !

[@pastrybaker72]

Hey, Cap I just came across your channel and I have a question for you. I've been DE shaving for over 2 yrs, now. I shave my head along with my face. I'm currently using a Merkur closed comb, but, I have very thick hair and it takes me several passes to complete my shave. I've never used an open comb. Unlike my face, my head is extremely sensitive. What is your take on the Merkur open comb models? I'm considering purchasing the 37c (slant), but, I've read that some open combs give a closer shave (without the irritation) than a slant. Are you familiar with the Merkur 37c? Thanks.

[@Cap7597]

Jonathan Baker Hey. Yes, I used to own the 37c slant. Good razor. And it's worth a try for the price. I'm just not a big slant fan. I like a good Open Comb. Haha. But there are several Shavers that swear by the 37c because they have coarse hair and sensitive skin. So I would at least give it a try. But just know that there is a learning curve to it. It'll take a little time getting the feel of it. Then maybe try a more aggressive razor or open comb. :)

[@pastrybaker72]

Thanks for the timely input, Cap. I'm going to go ahead and order the slant. I watched a few of your other videos, as well. Very informative. You have a new subscriber. Thanks, again.

[@Cap7597]

Jonathan Baker I appreciate it :)

[@johnblack8036]

I used to think OC razors were more aggressive. At least that's what I've read, but I've used some that didn't cut worth a damn. I had an Ikon Open Comb and I couldn't believe how mild it was. It was a nice razor, but I found it to me a finishing razor where you can go over and over again without getting irritation.

[@Cap7597]

John Black There are some great mild OC razors out there, just like there is some aggressive ones. Ikon makes fabulous razors! Thanks for watching.

[@johnblack8036]

Well I like efficient. I've used razors that felt aggressive that just didn't cut well, but it could have been poor blade compatibility with the razor. You know how that goes. I purchased the ATT SE and I said this is my last razor. One pass is sufficient at times, but you do feel the blade a bit. Then the Asylum razor came out. I borrowed it from my friend whose buys everything in sight. That thing is unbelievable. I don't know what it is. If its the perfect gap, the angle of the cutting edge or maybe it has just the right amount blade exposure. Maybe it's a combination of everything. Whatever it is, the shave is perfect. The end result is the same as any other razor, but you don't even the blade. It's nuts.

[@Cap7597]

John Black I'll have to look into the Asylum razor!! Sounds like a keeper. Haha

[@johnblack8036]

t's worth the money as crazy as it sounds. Like I said, you can achieve the same end result with many other razors costing much less. As far as the process though, the RX is head and shoulders above the rest, especially when using Kai blades. You really notice the smoothness going against the grain. I can't describe it, you just have use one to see what I mean.

[@Cap7597]

John Black It looks wicked. Single edge with a great handle. Price is high. But most good razors are higher. Haha.

[@danadcock9743]

Great information for cartridge users. Does anyone make a DE razor with open comb on one side and closed comb on the other side? Seems like that would be a great thing to utilize the advantages of both designs. I have grown old mostly using every design of cartridges from single blade through five. My favorite is the Mach 3. I started shaving with Dad's Gillette DE and nearly bled to death. Now I am old and have a beard and shave my head. I am thinking of trying DE's again. Anyone have any thoughts on head shaving with as DE? I am concerned that keeping a proper angle will be really hard when working on the back of the head.

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

And, started shaving your head with a DE yet?

[@georgebernstein1203]

Hi, when you first started this I thought you were reviewing the Merkur 1904 OC. Do you have a youtube review of that one. Thanks.

[@Cap7597]

George Bernstein Here is one video where I am using it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5SmiGulhct9iMk

[@clawhammer704]

Heck I’m still shaving with a butterfly closed comb razor from the 1950s. Still working just fine. I can shave in five minutes. Use the shaving cream from a can.

[@scottpreston5074]

Those three piece razors are a pain to open and close. I'd like to find a good open comb butterfly razor. Do you have any suggestions?

[@charlestait5303]

I feel that blade exposure equals aggressiveness not open or closed guard. My everyday is a 1912 Gillette!

[@jamespowell3712]

This is a good video my friend. Thank you

[@samdeur]

I don't like arko because of the ingredients I don't like certain chemicals used like EDTA thx for sharing I'm looking in to open comb razors perhaps I'll add one to my collection looking in at the Merkur 25c long handle

[@floridaproductions]

What blades can you use instead of that King green wrapped blade that came with the Gillette 102A/106 {1922} OC.

[@Cap7597]

floridaproductions I personally can use Gillette Silver Blue, Gillette Yellow, Voskhod, and A Derby it it.

[@floridaproductions]

Cap7597 Great, I will be new to make an attempt soon. To try one of these iconic beauties from a bygone period. I was hoping not to be messing with probably rusted out blades from years ago still in the pack. Just peaked on eBay. Some good deals on the Derby Extra Supers. Do you have preference on the OC styles......

[@Cap7597]

floridaproductions Yeah, the vintage blades can be a gamble to use. That's why I use modern blades. Safer. I'm a real big fan of the Gillette New Short Comb made in the 1930's. Also the 1936 TTO/OC is magnificent, but hard to come by and pricy. :)

[@Davids-fb9ub]

wanted this type for christmas never got it. But hey I can buy one anyway I t just would have been nice to have it on christmas. I currently shave with a safety razor micro touch

[@Cap7597]

Dave S. I haven't tried the Micro Touch, does it give a decent shave? maybe you can find a good deal soon on a good OC!!! Thanks for stopping by.

[@Davids-fb9ub]

Cap7597 No problem thank you and the advice...and the microtouch it gives you a good shave too its just I like to have different style razors yours looks cooler..I was thinking of having a small collection of them. I got my brother and dad one. You can get em at cvs for 20 bucks or online for cheap. If you want you should do a comparison video with this razor and the micro touch...that be very interesting compare. Shave one side of your beard with the micro touch and the other side with the comb razor.

[@Cap7597]

Dave S. That would be a great review!!! The one that is mostly in stores around here is the Van Der Hagen razor. Looks similar. :)

[@ThatOddGarage]

I have to say this, but my Merkur 1904 OC has been fantastic. Milder than my butterfly Weishi i had.

[@Cap7597]

Kris Mackey It is a great little razor.

[@vlstpt]

Thanks Cap for the info. Much appreciated! (VLS)

[@purumr]

hi, i have one question. which Gillette open comb is most aggressive/efficient ? is it old type/new improved/new SC/new LC/some other ?

[@Cap7597]

Phoenix In my collection, it's the Bostonian. Which is a New Improved. It has weight with a good aggression. I've heard the New Delux is even better.

[@smallies7154]

the older razors are more aggressive now cause the blades were thicker then which made them milder

[@juanmosey]

If you didn't shave for a week how would it feel?

[@jaimecunningham1057]

It kills me Everytime I see someone turning the adjustment dial on a Fatboy without opening the butterfly top first.....Terrible for the razor IMO Great video other than that....lol lots of good info ✌💈

[@graycloud057]

Open comb is the closest shave without using a straight razor.

[@charlestait5303]

Check your blade gap with an automotive feeler guage

[@kevinb3030]

Merkur 25 C Here LOVE IT !!

[@TheGelatinousSnake]

Unless you are shaving long hair growth, long enough to clog a DE with a bar… I cant imagine noticing the difference.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Thank you. What your favorite razor? God bless, Proverbs 31

[@Cap7597]

SevenDeMagnus Appreciate it. My favorite is the Wolfman Open Comb.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Thanks for sharing your favorites. As for lubricant, I'm using a regular bath soap (Dalan brand, glycerin, it's around less than a dollar) which works but I may be missing out- I want to try the connoisseur way at least once w/ good pre shave, shave soaps or cream. I wish, like in the fountain pen community (I invite you all to this community- writing w/ the fountain pen is the smoothest- it's also connoisseur) What's your favorite preshave if you use that, shaving soap or cream (if you're into creams instead) & aftershave (or could you just use 99% alcohol which I have in hand and of course 70% isoprophyll as well)? I'll do my best to find them, in time for a nice shave when my GEM 1912 arrives (I'm still keeping my cartridge powered Pro Glide Fusion and DE, just in case SE is not for me). I wish shaving stores would adapt the fountain pen industry, whereby they have samplers of their ink (it's not free but it's affordable, so you can try before you commit to buying the whole ink bottle). I invite you to the fountain pen community- connoisseur of fine writing much like fine shaving we have here:-) If the shaving industry adopts this, it'd be easier to buy affordable different types of preshaves, cream or soap or aftershave (perhaps a sampler that's good for 1 shave so that it's cheap to try and buy. It'd be easier to combine things too). Thanks in advance.

[@johnbout5921]

Merkur 41c open comb.

[@Miroku-Tono]

Cap, I agree in full brother. Open comb is the best. You have an email?

[@SevenDeMagnus]

New subscriber here.

[@elie6769]

Sounds don't change anything do lthyf aia md7b rma22td. Do the opposite of what your OCD wants. No logic