Open Comb Vs Closed Comb Safety Razor | Differences Explained

In today's video, we look at the differences between Open Comb and Closed Comb Double Edge Safety Razors.

Open Comb Double Edged Safety Razors:

In contrast to the closed comb safety razor, the open comb double edged safety razor has a different design of razor head. Instead of the straight bar the open comb has a row of teeth that run underneath the razor blade. These teeth help to guide and position the hairs of the beard closer to the razor blade, so they can be cut more effectively without clogging up the razor.
An open comb safety razor generally tends to be slightly more aggressive than a closed comb razor. Although more razor blade is exposed by the teeth in the open comb head, these teeth also allow much more shaving lather to enter the cutting area to lubricate and protect your skin. One benefit of the open comb razor is that because they shave closer you need fewer passes across your face to get e really close shave. Fewer passes equals less irritation to your skin. Another benefit is for guys who shave only once in a while, weekly or less. The open comb construction allows shaving debris, bristles and lather to pass through without clogging the blade.

This is a three piece razor, the image to the right shows the difference in razor head and the row of open teeth in place of the straight bar.

Who should use an open comb safety razor?

Given the slightly more aggressive nature of the open comb safety razor they are best suited to the more experienced wet shaver. However, with time and practice you can master them to give a smooth, close shave. The key is to take your time with the razor, use short strokes and ensure that you have prepared your face properly before shaving. Use a pre shave soap or oil and a good quality shaving soap or cream to create a rich shaving lather.

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Closed Comb Double Edged Safety Razors:

A closed comb double edged safety is the most common form of razor produced today and it is one of the most popular used by millions of wet shavers around the world. A closed comb razor head provides extra protection for the user by the use of a straight, safety bar that runs the length of the razor blade.
This bar can be flat or have small grooves in it. Its purpose is to tighten the skin just before the blade cuts through the hairs. This ensures a smoother flatter, shaving surface for the razor and so reduces the risk of nicks or cuts to the skin by the blade.

This a three piece razor, you can see from the image to the right that the razor head has a straight edge bar which runs the entire length of the razor blade.

Who should use a closed comb safety razor?

A closed comb safety razor is perfect for all wet shavers, both novices and experienced users alike. It is the razor best suited for regular daily use. You must always remember to prepare your face and beard properly before shaving. Use a pre shave soap or oil and a good quality shaving soap or cream to create a rich, protective shaving lather.

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[JeanPhilippeStPierre]

Thanks to Brian's videos, I switched from using Gillette 3-4-5 blade razors to a safety razor. I only wish my father had introduced me to it when I was younger. I made the change at 54, and I’ve been free from ingrown hairs ever since. Thank you for making such a difference!

[istiaqueahmedkhan]

Looks like shaving has turned into an activity like cigar smoking. a relaxed way of taking care of a man's life.

[Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-]

Every point you made was very valid. I've bought and used an open comb razor that held the blade at a very aggressive angle, no surprises that I don't use that particular razor anymore.
After much trial and error I settled on using a combination razor where one side is open comb while the other side is closed, just because it suits how I live.
You see sometimes I forget to shave for a week and when I finally get around to it the open comb does a great job of cutting away the long growth without the problem of a razor jammed up with hair, and with a final pass after re-lathering from the closed comb side the finished shave is excellent and smooth without any bloodshed.

[leslieseabury]

Sad to see you’ve gone out of business, I’ve been a customer for a few years now and I’ll be missing you and your professionalism.

[fishyglue]

THANKS BRIAN!!! After watching your tutorial on shaving with a safety razor i bought a full shaving kit with MÜHLE R106. I am happy with the results and even the shaving itself became fun and exciting! Been using cartridge razors all my life and never tried a safety razor. Got tired of cuts, redness and the price i pay for it.
Joining the safety razor club :)

[sonicsaviouryouwillnotgetm]

Agreed. I bought both Mühle with closed and open comb because I wanted to know and have better results with less irritation with the closed design.

[andyboyd]

A good, honest, and straight to the point opinion. I like listening to this guy. Never complicates things.

[desertfox]

Well done. Thanks for the honesty, it's appreciated when social media today is saturated with monetized incentives...

In my experience, an open comb is useful for a week's stubble head shave, if it offers more gap. Naturally, with more stubble, I would use a thick lather which is easier to whisk with an open comb. Generally, with more gap and open teeth, it becomes an easier shave with fewer passes. In comparison with all other things being equal, a closed comb would either take a little more time rinsing off build-up, or an extra pass is needed. For regular shaves, I am like you, a closed comb like the R89 is perfect.

[crysty]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Chers!

[danilobernaschina]

The Shaving should be a ritual and relaxing moment, so closed comb for me

[theopinionatedbrit]

Have to agree with you Brian. The laws of physics say that you would get a more comfortable shave with a closed comb DE due to the glide being more continuous opposed to the open comb where you will have gaps. That’s the only difference, and/or benefit I can see between both types.

[robertocardona]

In my opinion, with the open comb you get a shaving more closer, but everybody has a different opinion. Thanks for your videos.

[klapaucius]

I had this dilemma myself a week ago, got an R89 and an R41 open comb head (just the head) so I could try both and decide for myself, will update this comment once I shave with both. Thanks a lot for sharing your opinion Brian, for it is valued.

[NorsePJ]

Thank you Executive Shaving for that information! I've been considering what to use on my head and this was very informative and straight to the points needed. Cheers from Down Under!

[yarekim]

My 2 Favorite Razors are the Mülher R41 and the Merkur 25C, and both do a great job.

[viciazzo]

Hi Brian, I think there is a lot of hipe surrounding the closed or open comb competition, in my experience what really counts is how much of the blade is really exposed; you can find a closed comb that is an aggressive razor and, on the other hand, you can get a very gentle open comb. And then you got to be good at pairing it up to the right blade. Nice hobby the traditional shaving one!!
Cheers from Sicily

[der-kaffeeklatsch]

I am happy to see Jony Ive after leaving Apple. He looks really good and happy.

[Angelwrites]

I have both. You're right in that the design of the razor determines how close of a shave it can be. The blade also contributes. In my experience, open comb is great to shave off lots of hair at one time. It keeps the entire razor from building up which can be so annoying on a closed comb that sometimes you might have to take apart the razor mid shave to wipe collected cream/soap and hair stuck on the blade in between the razor. With open comb it's easier to rinse it off although it still depends on the amount of hair. Closed comb does make it easier for a closer shave because with more of the comb on the face, more of the skin is being pulled evenly allowing for a closer shave more evenly over more of the face at a time. Anyway, thanks for sharing, take care!

[jimrollins]

Howdy from Oklahoma. Thanks for the explanation of the closed and open comb razors it was helpful. Think I'll go for the closed comb. Thanks again.

[srim]

Close comb is for a small stubble but open comb is for heavy beard growth. Open comb will feel a little too aggressive when you have a small stuble and still use it.