My first open comb razor

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I just knew that this forum would lead to me spending even more on shaving! After a number of years of just using closed comb razors i feel it's time to embrace the open comb! Having spent a pleasant few hours researching all the posts about open comb razors i have narrowed it down to the merkur classic 41c which I shall be ordering tomorrow. Now, do i need any more brushes?..........
 
I just knew that this forum would lead to me spending even more on shaving! After a number of years of just using closed comb razors i feel it's time to embrace the open comb! Having spent a pleasant few hours researching all the posts about open comb razors i have narrowed it down to the merkur classic 41c which I shall be ordering tomorrow. Now, do i need any more brushes?..........
Yes, there is always room for more brushes! :) P.
 
In my limited experience (2 OC, 6 SB) I noticed OCs give less comfortable but better shaves than solid bar razors. But with good slick and coushiny lather this comfort discrepancy can almost vanish completely.

Shopping wise I try to pace myself and enjoy taking time discovering, learning new products and improving my technique.

Enjoy your new razor! :)
 
In my limited experience I noticed OCs give less comfortable but better shaves than solid bar razors. But with good slick and coushiny lather this comfort discrepancy can almost vanish completely.

Shopping wise I try to pace myself and enjoy taking time discovering, learning new products and improving my technique.

Enjoy your new razor! :)
 
I routinely use the R41 open comb but I am retired don't shave every day. I can still look decent after three days when the R41 has mowed my face. Yes, a good lather is needed with an aggressive shave.

If I do need to shave on consecutive days (as today) I turn to my 1962 Gillette Slim Adjustable (Safety Bar). I open it up to 9 and use a new Feather blade. It's nearly as good as the R41, but is kinder on the face.

Who needs more than one decent brush? I have two, but one is in Southampton and the other on the far side of Europe in Nicosia. I have a second R41 there, and a Merkur Slant for when I need to shave on consecutive days.
 
I just knew that this forum would lead to me spending even more on shaving! After a number of years of just using closed comb razors i feel it's time to embrace the open comb! Having spent a pleasant few hours researching all the posts about open comb razors i have narrowed it down to the merkur classic 41c which I shall be ordering tomorrow. Now, do i need any more brushes?..........

No one really 'needs' more brushes ... but then, when did that ever stop us !

JohnnyO. o/
 
I've just gone down the same route, but went for the Yaqi DOC razor. On first impressions I think it could be used as a daily shaver - It isn't as aggressive as the R41, but gives a more efficient shave than my usual EJ89. Still getting the hang of the DOC, but so far results are impressive. I hope the R41 works well for you!
 
merkur_41.jpg
a Merkur 41c is very mild if I remember correctly but a Muhle R41 rather aggressive, first one is an open comb the second is not really even though it is sold as one, as for a new brush, yes, you need two, a Yaqi synthetic and a Maseto badger, enjoy a research
 
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a Merkur 41c is very mild if I remember correctly but a Muhle R41 rather aggressive, first one is an open comb the second is not really even though it is sold as one[/QUOTE]

I think the aggression of the razor is determined mostly by the blade exposure. Adjustables work by increasing the gap between the guard and the blade.

Yes, the R41 has a notched guard rather than an open comb (as also the Merkur Slants) - so the effect is really the same.

The Merkur Futur opens up so wide it is almost as aggressive as an R41, but the Futur has a straight, unfeatured guard.
 
You need to have your natural hair brushes dry out completely between shaves. So if you're a daily shaver, 3 natural hair brushes in rotation is a minimum. If you go for a synthetic brush, it will be dry and ready within few hours.
 
Oops... should have read the initial post better..... yes the Muhle R41 is a lot more 'aggressive'
and +1 on the brush.... Yaqi synthetics are very good for the money
 
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