I first started DE shaving with my late Grandfather's Gillette DE short closed bar/classic razor at the age of 14. At that time, the only DE razor-blades I could find were the Wilkinson Blade from Woolies and so I proceeded with the feelings of manliness and nostalgia-ah the noble dreams of a pubescent teen!

It was last year I found the Mens Biz site, and to my delight the extensive range of quality and genuine DE shaving product and equipment. Still having used the above formula for nearly two decades, I was excited to feel that I could now choose something else (yes, I didn't get out much).

Having spent hours trawling for info and advice on the world of DE shaving, I decided to proceed with this Merkur Open Comb Barber Pole. I was slightly dubious as I was wanting the same but in the Heavy Short version but due to unavaliability I settled for this. On first shave, I realised how my fears were a non-event. This DE razor proved to be unfathomably amazing, to the point I wondered why I had ever continued this long without it. Many reviews urged that the open comb variety were slightly more dangerous and not for those of fairer skin or limited experience, but hey, you are already using a deadly sharp razor so what does it matter whether the comb is open or not? In my opinion, those closed comb variety may seem more "gentle", but if you need to repeat strokes over the same area this is only going to shred your face and create far more irritation, in comparrison to fewer and consise shave strokes with an open comb. The open comb is actually a very positive and effective point of the razor, as it allows you to do a full stroke without it clogging severely and thus hampering the cutting ability. It also makes it easier to rinse the glug out between strokes rather than a build-up I often experienced with the classi/closed comb. The length of the handle is excellent and far easier to weild than that of the normal short variety, and the heavier weight is a massive advantage. You can therefore use the weight of the razor to cut, rather than force it as you might with the smaller lighter range. It instills a sense of confidence, accuracy and quality I believe, something really a benefit when we all have to facilitate this past time of shaving on a daily basis. Bear in mind it also depends on your choice or preference of razor blade and this of course is a very personal one. I prefer and only use the "Feather" blade available on this site, being the sharpest available and therefore ensuring a more consistent and closer cut with one stroke, therefore minimising re-shaving and creating irritation. If price is a sticking point, rest assured that this piece of equipment will far outlast you, and possibly your 14 year old progeny however many generations down the track. The brilliance and quality of this product will far remain also past the rememberance of price, and really price in such a long term seems far more cost effective, than that which lasts and provides a less quality shave for a far shorter a time. Overall, an excellent product that anyone whether new or seasoned to DE shaving will appreciate and benefit from. Take the time to master it, make the effort to spend it and you won't be dissapointed.