Quick answer
Choose the BD711 Tapered Barber if you need a barber comb for clipper cutting and tight taper work, thanks to its super-fine teeth and smooth glide. Pick the BD16 Military if you want one durable, heat- and chemical-resistant comb for everyday detangling and styling.
The real difference is tooth spacing and control, not price
Both combs are UK made, heat and chemical resistant, and built with super-smooth teeth that reduce drag. The BD711 Tapered Barber is the specialist: its super-fine teeth are designed for controlled, precise work around tapers and clipper-over-comb cutting. The BD16 Military is the generalist, with a practical black finish and a straightforward design for detangling and styling.
That means the tapered comb vs military comb decision comes down to how much precision you need. If you are blending a fade or working close to the scalp, the finer spacing of the BD711 gives you more control. If you mostly comb through hair before a cut or style it daily, the BD16's simpler design is easier to reach for.
Where each comb falls short
The BD711 is less forgiving as an all-purpose comb: its super-fine teeth suit detailed barbering rather than quick detangling of thick, wet hair. The BD16, meanwhile, does not offer the same fine-tooth precision for taper work, so it is a weaker choice if clipper cutting is your main job.
Neither comb lists a tooth count or length in the catalog, so if you need an exact specification for a specific technique, check the product page before buying. Both are available in colour options, but the catalog does not confirm which colours are in stock.
Trade-offs to weigh before you buy
- Precision vs versatility: The BD711's super-fine teeth excel at controlled taper and clipper cutting, but the BD16's simpler design is easier for everyday detangling and styling. If you do both, keep the BD711 for detail work and the BD16 for prep.
- Specialist vs all-rounder: The BD711 is built for professional barbering, while the BD16 is a dependable everyday grooming tool. Neither is a substitute for the other's main job.
- Durability is a tie: Both are UK made and heat and chemical resistant, so durability should not decide it. Choose based on tooth spacing and the cutting technique you use most. Match the comb to your technique, not to the price tag.
Product facts at a glance
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BD711 Tapered Barber: Super-fine teeth designed to minimize drag and friction. Finer teeth give you more control for taper and clipper-over-comb work without pulling.
BD711 Tapered Barber
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BD16 Military: Heat and chemical resistant construction with super-smooth teeth. It holds up to regular salon use and glides through hair for everyday detangling and styling.
BD16 Military
Which comb fits you?
Best for
- Barbers doing taper and clipper-over-comb cutting who need fine-tooth control
- Anyone who wants a dedicated precision comb alongside a general styling comb
Not for
- People who only need one comb for quick everyday detangling
- Anyone who prefers a wider-tooth comb for thick or wet hair