fergie
Shave Master
Posts: 122
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Post by fergie on Mar 21, 2015 14:05:28 GMT -6
[img src=" " style="max-width:100%;"]
Another shot of the Open Comb Micromatic..... [img src="" style="max-width:100%;"] [/p]
I have read so much about the legendary aggressiveness of the Open Comb Micromatic and I have also heard people saying that its beastly reputation has been somewhat overstated........
My shaving angle was way of course when I had my first shave with the Micromatic and my face was pretty sore and burned........I can understand why some people claim the Open Comb Micromatic is an aggressive beast.........My initial impressions were that this is indeed the most aggressive razor that I have ever came across........Too much gun ?
My second shave was an incredibly close shave, as my first attempt, but I still burned the face off myself......Heavy dose of sun stroke.......My technique was the usual SE shaving angle just off from the face.......
Then I came across a set of Open Comb Micromatic Instructions...... Enlightenment !
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Well what a turn around !.... I am now getting smooth consistent irritation free BBS. I'm finding that Gem's recommendation of head flat against the face is an absolute........And I mean flat against the face with a slight bit of pressure on the head of the razor for this shaving angle to work........
I found that the angle had to be raised slightly to get around the chin area and some parts of the neck which makes the razor markedly more aggressive, but adjust the pressure a little and all is well......
I can understand why some people claim the Open Comb Micromatic is an aggressive beast.........My initial impressions were that this is indeed the most aggressive razor that I have ever came across.......Finding the correct shaving technique with this razor offers its rewards.......A fraction of a millimetre away from the GEM instruction's and it will turn into an aggressive monster.......
Once the correct shaving angle and technique has been acquired the Micromatic behaves itself very well....Very similar to a 1924 in my view in that it offers a really efficient smooth close shave which in many ways share the end same shaving results......
Ach well......I personally have a natural affinity with the 1924......It would appear to me that GEM have went to a lot of trouble to replicate the superb shaving abilities of a British designed marvel.......They have approached it in a different cultural way......Britain produced a wolf in a lambs clothing ......America produced a lamb in wolves clothing and found a Yin and Yang balance ......One is as efficient as the other.......I like them both equally as well........
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Post by drumzalot on Mar 21, 2015 14:38:22 GMT -6
It's a good thing that the MMOC worked for you. It can be quite a love or hate situation with the MMOC. I was ridiculously cautious my first time around with this razor. When you get the angle down it isn't a beast. Keeping the head flat on the skin works for me as well. The MMOC will always give you a BBS that's for sure!
The 1924 is an incredible razor. Though it doesn't seem like it, the '24 IMO is more aggressive then the MMOC.
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Post by fram773 on Mar 21, 2015 15:49:17 GMT -6
I have a feeling most of the people that think the MMOC is one of the most aggressive razors are just newbies to SE shaving. I find it middle of the road. I use it flat against the face as well, as per the original instructions. I think the 1924 is more aggressive. I always get a closer shave out of that one and you can compare side by side the blade exposure, and tell me which one has a greater amount.
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Mar 21, 2015 15:58:41 GMT -6
Cool!
Glad that it's working for you. Carry on doing what works best.
I find it works best when the back of the razor head is pulled away from the skin slightly, but so many factors are involved, lather, almost total lack of pressure, and probably more that are basic technique.
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fergie
Shave Master
Posts: 122
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Post by fergie on Mar 21, 2015 16:45:04 GMT -6
Yeah, I have similar thoughts about the 1924........Its a very underestimated shaving tool......They are so elegant and manoeuvrable and deceptively aggressive whilst being a very smooth shaver........I don't get the stuff about them being fiddly to load and big un~manoeuvrable heads and water holding problems....... Forums are great venues for information and advice.....But sometimes ! MMMMMmmmmm.... . All the better because I bought another from the US for 6 bucks and 8 pound sterling postage........
My apologies for the missing photos....It appears as if there loaded until I post the thread then they are gone.....MMMMMMMMMmmmmmm
Billy
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Post by mjclark on Mar 22, 2015 9:29:22 GMT -6
I love the OCMM for it's performance and looks - like a lot of aggressive razors, it demands good technique and ZERO PRESSURE!! but rewards with a superb shave. And for me the ER 1924 is simply the best safety razor that presently exists
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Post by wchnu on Mar 22, 2015 15:30:19 GMT -6
Just as a reminder there are several sets of instructions in the shave school section.
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Post by prometeo on Mar 22, 2015 16:53:37 GMT -6
Very good conversation. I think the more aggressive the 1924 and then the micromatic . Using a good angle give wonderful results that exceed softness to the DE.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Mar 22, 2015 20:17:11 GMT -6
The MMOC was one of my first SE razors. I originally found it to be hyper-aggressive, but I realize now that that was largely due to my inexperience. Not only is the shaving angle different from DE's, it is different from most other SE's.
My experience with the 1924 was essentially the same. Once I found the correct angle, everything fell into place.
These are both great razors, and I enjoy using both of them.
--Bob
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Post by mjclark on Oct 27, 2015 17:04:13 GMT -6
Back to the OCMM tonight and I realise that it's a truly great heavy hitter of a razor. And it is all about the angle isn't it? Along with the ER 1924 and Streamline, this is the greatest shaver for me. The ER 1924 feels the best on the face, the Streamline feels the best in the hand and the OCMM just feels the best fun!
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Post by palmettoman on Oct 27, 2015 23:57:53 GMT -6
OK, so I have to try the "pressed to the face" thing tomorrow. I've been seeing that method and I don't recall shaving like that. My OCMM is one of my two go to razors. No bad razor burn outside of a new blade if I'm in a hurry. I'll chalk it up to technique and not that I'm weird.
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Post by mjclark on Oct 28, 2015 1:54:07 GMT -6
No razor burn here but the OCMM can make my face sore with too steep an angle. With some razors steep angle is impossible and with some it reduces irritation but with the OCMM it allows steep angle but really gives a nasty result that way - perhaps this accounts for its fearsome reputation. Last night's shave really has reminded me what a great razor this is - the shave reminds me of a Valet VC1 in the way that it's palpably powerful. You can really feel the razor doing its job.
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Post by palmettoman on Oct 28, 2015 20:43:04 GMT -6
So, I gave the flat against face thing a try. It shaved fine but not any better than how I have been doing it. Plus, it just felt strange.
Verdict: I'm weird
If it weren't for my 1914, I think an OCMM would be the only razor I use with any regularity.
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Post by mpf9ret on Oct 29, 2015 1:41:28 GMT -6
After a largely unsatisfactory few days with another Razor, I put the blade into the OC. Had not used it for some time so was a bit wary. Get the angle right and no pressure is the rule , and it works. Had a really enjoyable shave, with good results.For me it has to be up there with the 1924. My racing cert for a good shave is a Streamline.
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Post by kcb5150 on Nov 21, 2015 2:00:08 GMT -6
I don't find these to be aggressive at all really. All of the micromatics hold the blade in such a stable way I feel it's more people not getting the best read on what the blade is doing. Kind of like burning yourself with a vibrating stahly instead of using it initially without the vibe to get a feel for the geometry.
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