The safety razor the open or closed comb. First of all, what is the difference between these 2 professional razors? A safety razor with a double edge blade is most commonly seen in the closed comb trim. All over the world, the safety razor with closed comb is pretty much the standard for the best and most comfortable shave.
By the way, there is also a variant of the safety razor and that is the slant safety razor. But you can read all about it in our article "What is a slant safety razor".
Why should you use a safety razor with a closed comb?
A safety razor with closed comb is the shaving tool to achieve a comfortable shave. A safety razor armed with the best double edge blades are actually the most professional razors with which you can best shave the stubble on a daily basis.
You cannot compare a shave with a safety razor to a cartridge razor. So check out our top 10 with the best safety razors.
Unlike a safety razor with an open comb, the razor head with a closed comb offers a little more protection through the use of a straight safety plate that runs the length of the razor. This plate, or rod, can be flat and smooth in shape or possibly contain small grooves.
The purpose of this design is that it smooths the skin just before the blade cuts through the hair. As a result, this closed comb safety razor provides a really smooth and flat shaving surface for the blade. Precisely because of this, you avoid the risk of shaving wounds. Very important: always use good shaving soap. Just read in our blog "The difference between shaving soap, cream, oil, gel & foam" why.
There is also such a thing as an open razor. Or a shavette. These are, of course, the heavy duty blades for shaving with which you achieve excellent smooth results. But that takes serious technique. No safety built in! Check out the article "Shaving with a shavette.
Why should you use a safety razor with an open comb?
Nothing should of course but the safety razor with open comb is also refined shaving tool. Only this type is slightly more aggressive than the safety razor with the closed comb. The open comb razor is also more often used by men with more shaving technique.
This type of safety razor is also great for the heavier type of beard hair. You have to be a little more careful but it shaves like a hot knife through butter. Because the double edge blade is more exposed it grabs a little more skin and beard hairs.
You also need fewer strokes across the face to get a good close shave. The teeth allow more shaving soap to lubricate and protect the skin properly. The blade is slightly closer to the skin, in fact. Less stroking across the skin also reduces irritation. The open comb design allows shaving residue, bristles and lather to pass through without clogging the blade.
What are the differences between an open comb and closed comb?
Safety razor with closed comb
- Slightly less technique required
- Less chance of getting a close shave
- The step from a cartridge razor to a safety razor with closed comb is smaller than the safaty razor with open comb
Tip: Try one of our closed comb favorites. Like the Henson AL-13 Safety Razor from Henson.
Safety razor with open comb
- Due to the more open double edge blade, this type of instrument shaves a bit more aggressively
- You need a little more technique
- The open double-edge blade allows the razor to pick up a little more shaving soap and glide smoothly over the beard.
- Perfect for stiff & heavy beards
- The open comb design allows razor residue, bristles and lather to pass through a little easier without clogging the blade.
Tip: Try one of our open favorites. Like the Mühle R41 Safety Razor from Mühle.
And the winner is...
Unlike the battle between the safety razor vs cartridge razor, it's hard to pick a winner. After all, both are perfect shaving instruments. The safety razor with closed comb is a professional razor that is an excellent shaving tool especially for beginners. The open variant is more of a shaving instrument for the experienced razor pilot.
To conclude
For both safety razors, if this is your first time using them, take the time to learn how to shave properly with them. Then you will achieve very good results with both. Finally, to be sure, check out our article"Which safety razor suits you best". Then you will know all the ins - and outs regarding the Safety Razor!
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Of course we hope the above has made you even more enthusiastic to get started with one of the two shaving instruments.
Enjoy!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.