The Merkur Classic Open Comb Safety Razor is great for tough, coarse or heavy beards. The open tooth head offers more exposure to the blade and is therefore slightly more aggressive than a regular closed comb/safety-bar razor.While this model is best suited to someone with a little experience wielding a double edge razor, there is no reason why it can't be used by a beginner. The handle is otherwise identical to the Merkur Classic and it comes in a stylish chrome finish.