I have a closed comb Merkur and just purchased a genuine Merkur open comb bottom plate from this eBay vendor for under $14. Seems like a cheaper way to have the best of both worlds without having to buy two separate razors.
The vendor is techichi_shave (regarding whom I have no affiliation) and also sells closed comb plates.
The vendor is techichi_shave (regarding whom I have no affiliation) and also sells closed comb plates.