Open Comb or Slant?

I just ordered the Ikon 102 Slant from Maggard about 5 minutes ago. I guess I will see what I like better. I have a Muhle R41 and Ikon 101, and find the open combs aren't quite as smooth as safety bar razors. The 101 safety bar side is excellent imo though.

Cool, glad to hear your frankenrazor worked for you!

Jeff, I'm not so sure it's a Frankenrazor. I believe the heads Maggard's sells come from the same company. They sure look the same. There are alot of inexpensive razors coming out of India lately. That's probably why the fit tolerances aren't always the best. I do really like this razor head now and it feels well balanced and look's great on my MR-22 handle.

Clayton

I just ordered the Ikon 102 Slant from Maggard about 5 minutes ago. I guess I will see what I like better. I have a Muhle R41 and Ikon 101, and find the open combs aren't quite as smooth as safety bar razors. The 101 safety bar side is excellent imo though.

I found the 102 to bit quite mild, but in a good way. Very nice shaves with it.

I just ordered the Ikon 102 Slant from Maggard about 5 minutes ago. I guess I will see what I like better. I have a Muhle R41 and Ikon 101, and find the open combs aren't quite as smooth as safety bar razors. The 101 safety bar side is excellent imo though.

I found the 102 to bit quite mild, but in a good way.  Very nice shaves with it.

After not having much luck prior, I received a 102 over the holidays and have teed it up for a run tomorrow. I like the 101 and look forward to the 102 [threads flawlessly across all the usual suspect handles too ].

I've used quite a few currently-made aggressive razors (including 37C, OC Joris, Futur, 2011 R41, etcetera), but my personal favourite aggressive, remains 2013 R41. It's somewhat more a hybrid than a common open-comb, from my perspective.  
One major difference though, between the R41, and the typical closed-bar, is the angle of attack.
(Relative to the plane of skin, the angle of the blade with R41 - for the most part - should be slightly greater than that used with the typical closed-bar; this way, I find the comb "rolls" nicely.)

IMO a slant is not necessary. You can achieve the same results by angling your razor head. YMMV, etc. I know a lot of shavers swear by them, this is just my view. I say go with the Open Comb.

I agree. Moreover, call me quirky, but one thing I find peculiar about a slant is its inconsistency, in terms of the slant orientation;
in other words (for example), a slant bar pointing up and away, on one side of the face, will point down and away, placed on the other side of the face.

primotenor,

You are right.

Mantic 59 told us that months ago.

You are both winners as are those of us who listen to that sage advice.

Thank you for your kind words. Everyman's face is different and I just report on the results on my kisser.