Frequently Asked Questions
How does custom-engraving of individual combs work?
We offer custom-engraving on all combs, to personalize the comb with name, initials, or other inscription. We can personalize the comb with up to around 20 letters or characters (a little over 20 is OK too).
For Matte, Mirror, and Classic stainless steel combs, we normally engrave using classic double-line font, using a vintage, early 1960s engraving machine which carves the letters into the metal. Please note that the vintage machine doesn't have all the characters currently being used - for example it doesn't have the # or ! or ? symbols, and the size of the letters is fixed. If we don't have all the characters in the vintage font set, or the inscription is too long for the particular comb, we will engrave Matte, Mirror, or Classic combs using a different machine (laser-engraver) which uses Vollkorn font - the same font used for our logo.
For Black stainless combs and Titanium combs, because the surface of those combs is harder than regular stainless steel, we always engrave those using the laser machine in Vollkorn font. We also engrave Carbon Fiber combs using a laser. If you prefer a different font please let us know your preference.
When you check out, please put what you'd engraved in the "Note to Seller" box. Yes, we can also engrave in other languages and alphabets, such as Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and others. Please contact us after you have ordered!
Can you make custom combs with our company's logo?
Yes, we can create combs with your company's unique logo/design. For company logos/designs, we use a special laser-etching processes which produces amazing results. Please contact us for more information and sample photos.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Our goal to ship all combs - including custom-engraved combs - generally within 1 or 2 business days after you place your order. We generally ship using U.S. Postal Service first class mail, and for U.S. addresses, the normal delivery time is about 2-5 business days. Sometimes it can take longer for the Post Office to deliver first class mail, especially around the holidays when the mail volumes are bigger. Because the Post Office doesn't guarantee delivery dates for first class mail, please let us know if you need the comb by a specific date. For international orders, it generally takes 2-3 weeks for packages to arrive via airmail; however, we have seen a wide range of between 1 and 6 weeks for delivery. We also offer express shipping options on all orders using UPS or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail.
Do you ship to overseas U.S. military address (APO, FPO, etc.)?
Yes, we definitely ship overseas to U.S. military and diplomatic addresses! Our website template doesn't have a "drop down" choice for APO/FPO, so when you order, please select California as the "State", and just write in APO or FPO in the "City, Town" space. We'll correct the address to reflect that it's APO or FPO (and not California) before we ship. You can also contact us after you've ordered to confirm. We've shipped many times to APO/FPO addresses without any issue whatsoever, and we always look forward to sending our honored service members the most amazing combs!
What are the differences between the regular and fine-toothed combs?
We sell medium tooth combs (Model No. 1) wide-tooth combs (Model 5); fine tooth combs (Model No. 2); combs with medium-fine teeth (Models 3 and 4); and combs which combine fine and wide teeth (Model 6). Model 5 has the widest spacing between the teeth, followed by Model 6 and Model 1. The Model 3 and 4 combs have slightly thinner teeth spread a little closer together. The Model 2 and Model 6 combs have the thinnest tines, spaced closest together.
What materials are used in the making of a Chicago Comb?
We make combs from titanium, stainless steel, and carbon fiber composite. We use these materials because they are highly durable, extremely strong, and have superior weight and feel characteristics. For the stainless steel combs, the Model No. 1 and Model No. 3 weigh 1.7 ounces (similar to a candy bar), but they feel much more substantial in hand than any plastic comb. The stainless steel Model No. 2 comb weighs 1.1 ounces, and the Model 4 weighs 1.3 ounces. Model 5 combs weigh under one ounce. All of the Titanium combs also weigh less than one ounce. (For our international customers' reference, 1 ounce = approximately 28 grams). The Carbon Fiber Model 1 weighs 10 grams (about 1/3 of an ounce) and the Model 6 weighs just slightly more.
The high-grade American stainless steel used on Chicago Combs is incredibly durable and strong. Our Titanium combs are also made of incredible pure American titanium which is both very strong and very light. According to physicists, titanium has a fascinating origin: all of the titanium found on earth was created by one of the most amazing phenomena in the universe -- the massive explosion of supernovas (giant stars) billions of years ago. The Carbon Fiber combs are made of a unique composite material which is ultra smooth, strong, and light, and which showcases the amazing anti-static and heat-resistant characteristics of the material.
Our leather cases (sheaths) are all made of high quality Horween leather. The Horween tannery has been making some of the world's finest premium leathers here in Chicago since 1905, including Shell Cordovan, an equine leather which many consider to be the world's finest leather. All of our sheaths are made in Chicago by Ashland Leather Co., whose owners, Phil and Dan, also work at Horween and obtain the leather directly from the tannery.
What is the circle (hole) for?
The circles in our Model No. 1 and 2 combs are design elements. Our philosophy is to create combs with timeless, clean, and elegant designs. The circle can be used to hold the comb and also hang up the comb after use.
How is a Chicago Comb made?
Each metal Chicago Comb begins life as solid, approximately one-tenth inch thick sheet of high quality stainless steel or titanium. The metal is laser cut to provide the most precise finish possible. The combs are then individually polished and finished to create a smooth, comfortable comb ideal for daily use. We spend a great deal of time carefully polishing each comb so the edges are very smooth and super comfortable to use. Each comb is then encased in high quality, custom packaging which beautifully presents the comb.
What are the dimensions of the combs?
For the Model No. 1, the length of the comb is 5.5 inches. The height is 1.5 inches on the side with the circle and 1.25 inches on the rest of the comb. Model No. 3 and Long Model 5 are also 5.5 inches long, and are approximately 1.25 inches high. For the Model No. 2, Model No. 4, and Short Model 5 combs, the length is 4 inches and the height is 1.25 inches. (For our international customers' reference, 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.) The Model 6 comb is 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) high.
Is a metal comb comfortable to use? Won't it catch on your hair?
A Chicago Comb is just as comfortable and easy to use as any other comb you may have used. We spend a great deal of time carefully polishing each comb so that all the surfaces and edges are smooth. Chicago Comb makes the most comfortable combs you'll ever use. We guarantee it!
Are there any tips for using a Chicago Comb?
Our combs are designed to be ergonomic, smooth, and amazingly comfortable. Any new comb, including a Chicago Comb, can feel a little bit "dry" when it's brand new, right out of the box. The combination of a new comb + dry hair can sometimes cause a feeling of pulling, especially if you have thick, curly hair, or the hair has tangles in it. The solution is to initially (for few days or weeks) use the comb mainly when the hair is wet. This will allow the comb to build up some of your natural hair oils in between the tines (teeth). This is a natural "breaking in" process which happens with all hair combs and brushes, and it'll help the comb glide more easily through your hair. You can also accelerate this process if you use a non-water based hair product like pomade. Enjoy your Chicago Comb! We want you to get a lifetime of great use out of it. Please contact us if you have any questions or issues and we'll take care of you.
Why a metal comb?
For thousands of years, combs were made of a variety of materials, including wood, shells, and metals such as silver and later aluminum. Some of the combs which survive from that period have intricate designs and were made with great attention to detail. Particularly notable are early 20th Century designs by Auguste Bonaz in France and Georg Jensen in Denmark.
In the mid and late 20th Century, however, the market came to be overwhelmed by plastic combs mass produced by the millions. Such combs continue to dominate the market today. Most make no effort to provide any element of art or design; they are designed to be inexpensive and disposable; and are imported from anonymous factories in Third World countries. Chicago Combs, both in design and manufacture, are the antithesis of that. They are well made, beautiful, and designed to provide decades of comfortable everyday use. This is also true for our Carbon Fiber combs, which are made of a unique composite material that is far superior to any regular plastic comb.
What is your return/exchange policy?
Products purchased from our website may be returned or exchanged for any reason within 60 days of purchase, unless the comb has been custom-engraved. We will refund the full purchase price less the cost of shipping for products returned in like-new condition. While custom-engraved combs cannot be returned, if there is an issue with a custom-engraved comb, please let us know and we'll do our best to help. We will do everything possible to make sure you love your comb and your overall experience!
Will a metal comb go through airport security?
This is one of our most-asked questions! The answer is "yes," there should be no problem going through airport security. We and many customers have taken Chicago Combs through airport security, both in the US and internationally, countless times without any issue. We've even taken 80+ metal combs on board a single carry-on bag during international flights to trade shows in Germany and UK with no problem. While airport security doesn't seem to pose any problem, we did hear recently from a customer whose comb was taken away at a MLB baseball park. Ballparks have some weird and idiosyncratic rules (for example, our co-owner John had an umbrella taken away when entering a Cubs game at Wrigley Field recently). So for baseball parks, maybe it's best to leave your comb at home!
Does Chicago Comb have a minimum advertised price (MAP) policy for retailers?
Yes, please contact us for more details.
We offer custom-engraving on all combs, to personalize the comb with name, initials, or other inscription. We can personalize the comb with up to around 20 letters or characters (a little over 20 is OK too).
For Matte, Mirror, and Classic stainless steel combs, we normally engrave using classic double-line font, using a vintage, early 1960s engraving machine which carves the letters into the metal. Please note that the vintage machine doesn't have all the characters currently being used - for example it doesn't have the # or ! or ? symbols, and the size of the letters is fixed. If we don't have all the characters in the vintage font set, or the inscription is too long for the particular comb, we will engrave Matte, Mirror, or Classic combs using a different machine (laser-engraver) which uses Vollkorn font - the same font used for our logo.
For Black stainless combs and Titanium combs, because the surface of those combs is harder than regular stainless steel, we always engrave those using the laser machine in Vollkorn font. We also engrave Carbon Fiber combs using a laser. If you prefer a different font please let us know your preference.
When you check out, please put what you'd engraved in the "Note to Seller" box. Yes, we can also engrave in other languages and alphabets, such as Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and others. Please contact us after you have ordered!
Can you make custom combs with our company's logo?
Yes, we can create combs with your company's unique logo/design. For company logos/designs, we use a special laser-etching processes which produces amazing results. Please contact us for more information and sample photos.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Our goal to ship all combs - including custom-engraved combs - generally within 1 or 2 business days after you place your order. We generally ship using U.S. Postal Service first class mail, and for U.S. addresses, the normal delivery time is about 2-5 business days. Sometimes it can take longer for the Post Office to deliver first class mail, especially around the holidays when the mail volumes are bigger. Because the Post Office doesn't guarantee delivery dates for first class mail, please let us know if you need the comb by a specific date. For international orders, it generally takes 2-3 weeks for packages to arrive via airmail; however, we have seen a wide range of between 1 and 6 weeks for delivery. We also offer express shipping options on all orders using UPS or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail.
Do you ship to overseas U.S. military address (APO, FPO, etc.)?
Yes, we definitely ship overseas to U.S. military and diplomatic addresses! Our website template doesn't have a "drop down" choice for APO/FPO, so when you order, please select California as the "State", and just write in APO or FPO in the "City, Town" space. We'll correct the address to reflect that it's APO or FPO (and not California) before we ship. You can also contact us after you've ordered to confirm. We've shipped many times to APO/FPO addresses without any issue whatsoever, and we always look forward to sending our honored service members the most amazing combs!
What are the differences between the regular and fine-toothed combs?
We sell medium tooth combs (Model No. 1) wide-tooth combs (Model 5); fine tooth combs (Model No. 2); combs with medium-fine teeth (Models 3 and 4); and combs which combine fine and wide teeth (Model 6). Model 5 has the widest spacing between the teeth, followed by Model 6 and Model 1. The Model 3 and 4 combs have slightly thinner teeth spread a little closer together. The Model 2 and Model 6 combs have the thinnest tines, spaced closest together.
What materials are used in the making of a Chicago Comb?
We make combs from titanium, stainless steel, and carbon fiber composite. We use these materials because they are highly durable, extremely strong, and have superior weight and feel characteristics. For the stainless steel combs, the Model No. 1 and Model No. 3 weigh 1.7 ounces (similar to a candy bar), but they feel much more substantial in hand than any plastic comb. The stainless steel Model No. 2 comb weighs 1.1 ounces, and the Model 4 weighs 1.3 ounces. Model 5 combs weigh under one ounce. All of the Titanium combs also weigh less than one ounce. (For our international customers' reference, 1 ounce = approximately 28 grams). The Carbon Fiber Model 1 weighs 10 grams (about 1/3 of an ounce) and the Model 6 weighs just slightly more.
The high-grade American stainless steel used on Chicago Combs is incredibly durable and strong. Our Titanium combs are also made of incredible pure American titanium which is both very strong and very light. According to physicists, titanium has a fascinating origin: all of the titanium found on earth was created by one of the most amazing phenomena in the universe -- the massive explosion of supernovas (giant stars) billions of years ago. The Carbon Fiber combs are made of a unique composite material which is ultra smooth, strong, and light, and which showcases the amazing anti-static and heat-resistant characteristics of the material.
Our leather cases (sheaths) are all made of high quality Horween leather. The Horween tannery has been making some of the world's finest premium leathers here in Chicago since 1905, including Shell Cordovan, an equine leather which many consider to be the world's finest leather. All of our sheaths are made in Chicago by Ashland Leather Co., whose owners, Phil and Dan, also work at Horween and obtain the leather directly from the tannery.
What is the circle (hole) for?
The circles in our Model No. 1 and 2 combs are design elements. Our philosophy is to create combs with timeless, clean, and elegant designs. The circle can be used to hold the comb and also hang up the comb after use.
How is a Chicago Comb made?
Each metal Chicago Comb begins life as solid, approximately one-tenth inch thick sheet of high quality stainless steel or titanium. The metal is laser cut to provide the most precise finish possible. The combs are then individually polished and finished to create a smooth, comfortable comb ideal for daily use. We spend a great deal of time carefully polishing each comb so the edges are very smooth and super comfortable to use. Each comb is then encased in high quality, custom packaging which beautifully presents the comb.
What are the dimensions of the combs?
For the Model No. 1, the length of the comb is 5.5 inches. The height is 1.5 inches on the side with the circle and 1.25 inches on the rest of the comb. Model No. 3 and Long Model 5 are also 5.5 inches long, and are approximately 1.25 inches high. For the Model No. 2, Model No. 4, and Short Model 5 combs, the length is 4 inches and the height is 1.25 inches. (For our international customers' reference, 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.) The Model 6 comb is 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) high.
Is a metal comb comfortable to use? Won't it catch on your hair?
A Chicago Comb is just as comfortable and easy to use as any other comb you may have used. We spend a great deal of time carefully polishing each comb so that all the surfaces and edges are smooth. Chicago Comb makes the most comfortable combs you'll ever use. We guarantee it!
Are there any tips for using a Chicago Comb?
Our combs are designed to be ergonomic, smooth, and amazingly comfortable. Any new comb, including a Chicago Comb, can feel a little bit "dry" when it's brand new, right out of the box. The combination of a new comb + dry hair can sometimes cause a feeling of pulling, especially if you have thick, curly hair, or the hair has tangles in it. The solution is to initially (for few days or weeks) use the comb mainly when the hair is wet. This will allow the comb to build up some of your natural hair oils in between the tines (teeth). This is a natural "breaking in" process which happens with all hair combs and brushes, and it'll help the comb glide more easily through your hair. You can also accelerate this process if you use a non-water based hair product like pomade. Enjoy your Chicago Comb! We want you to get a lifetime of great use out of it. Please contact us if you have any questions or issues and we'll take care of you.
Why a metal comb?
For thousands of years, combs were made of a variety of materials, including wood, shells, and metals such as silver and later aluminum. Some of the combs which survive from that period have intricate designs and were made with great attention to detail. Particularly notable are early 20th Century designs by Auguste Bonaz in France and Georg Jensen in Denmark.
In the mid and late 20th Century, however, the market came to be overwhelmed by plastic combs mass produced by the millions. Such combs continue to dominate the market today. Most make no effort to provide any element of art or design; they are designed to be inexpensive and disposable; and are imported from anonymous factories in Third World countries. Chicago Combs, both in design and manufacture, are the antithesis of that. They are well made, beautiful, and designed to provide decades of comfortable everyday use. This is also true for our Carbon Fiber combs, which are made of a unique composite material that is far superior to any regular plastic comb.
What is your return/exchange policy?
Products purchased from our website may be returned or exchanged for any reason within 60 days of purchase, unless the comb has been custom-engraved. We will refund the full purchase price less the cost of shipping for products returned in like-new condition. While custom-engraved combs cannot be returned, if there is an issue with a custom-engraved comb, please let us know and we'll do our best to help. We will do everything possible to make sure you love your comb and your overall experience!
Will a metal comb go through airport security?
This is one of our most-asked questions! The answer is "yes," there should be no problem going through airport security. We and many customers have taken Chicago Combs through airport security, both in the US and internationally, countless times without any issue. We've even taken 80+ metal combs on board a single carry-on bag during international flights to trade shows in Germany and UK with no problem. While airport security doesn't seem to pose any problem, we did hear recently from a customer whose comb was taken away at a MLB baseball park. Ballparks have some weird and idiosyncratic rules (for example, our co-owner John had an umbrella taken away when entering a Cubs game at Wrigley Field recently). So for baseball parks, maybe it's best to leave your comb at home!
Does Chicago Comb have a minimum advertised price (MAP) policy for retailers?
Yes, please contact us for more details.
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