High End Combs – Five Plus One

Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.


You don’t have to have the best version of everything. If you truly can’t tell the difference between two versions of the same product then buy the cheaper version–it would be silly not to.

And while I’m sure many people will read this list and scoff at the idea of buying an expensive comb, others will surely appreciate the different materials, design, or country of production. There is no reason to waste money on an expensive comb, but if any of the above reasons apply to you can you truly call it “wasting?”

1) Baxter of California: Large Comb in Tortoise Acetate

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Acetate is a nearly universal material used to produce eyeglass frames, fabric for lining suits and sportcoats, and, in this case, a Large Comb. While a ton of companies produce acetate combs Baxter of California’s are among the best, being handmade in Switzerland from high quality acetate. They come in all shapes and sizes, but this one is very versatile due to it having two teeth sizes and sizable length.

Available for $20 from Unionmade.

2) Chicago Comb Co: No. 1 Comb in Black Stainless Steel

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Chicago Comb Co’s No. 1 Comb is one of the coolest looking combs on the market, with its shiny black stainless steel material and unique design. This version has medium spaced tines, but CCC is good about producing a range of different combs. If the design, metal finish or type, overall length, or tine spacing isn’t to your liking then just take a look at their other offerings.

Available for $45 from Chicago Comb Co.

3) Tender Co: Comb in Light Cow Horn

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Tender Co. embraces traditional materials and manufacturing methods, both of which show in their Comb produced from natural cow horn. Each one is made to perfection in England and comes with a 16Oz. Japanese raw denim sheath to keep it protected when not in use. This model is made with forty-two medium sized tines, which is suitable for most hair types.

Available for £38 from Trestle Shop.

4) Rocky Mountain Barber Company: Hair Comb in Sandalwood

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There are a lot of suitable materials to make combs from but some, such as wood, are heavily underutilized. Luckily Rocky Mountain Barber Company has begun selling Sandalwood Hair Combs in a variety of sizes and styles. This model features two different tine sizes/spacings to give you better control over your hair styling and comes with a leather carrying case to keep it in good shape.

Available for $20 from Rocky Mountain Barber Company.

5) Metal Comb Works: Kanto in Brass

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Metal Comb Works Kanto Comb in Brass is the classic, handled styled of comb reinvented to be made from polished brass. This material is strong and will develop a beautiful patina, but is rather soft as far as metals go — that gives it good strength and rigidity without being overly sharp as some metal combs can be. If you decide you want to protect your new, 1/8″ thick brass comb then there is no better way than with MCW’s leather sheaths, available as an add-on.

Available for $60 from Metal Comb Works.

Plus One – Kent: A 20T

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Kent has been producing hairbrushes since 1777, so we would be remiss if we didn’t include one of their combs in this list. While they produce many “normal” combs, their A20T is a lot more fun. Rather than have a normal handle, this comb folds together like a pocket knife giving it that little bit of extra flair that everyone wants in a comb. If gimmicks aren’t your thing worry not: Kent produces a wide range of (boring) acetate comes for you to choose from.

Available for $10 from Kent.