Parker Variant- Should I keep it or not?

[tsallinia]

Hello all,

I am very glad to have joined your excellent forum

I have a first question as a new member and was hoping I could get some help. So, today I received my new Parker Variant. I have read in some other forums that the first models had serious issues and that in order to tell which model you own, all you do is to check the packaging. If it has a sticker, it's first edition. If it has silver, engraved letters it's a newer one. Mine came with the sticker on...
I have attached some photos to tell me if you think I should keep it or not.
Thanks very much

 

[tsallinia]

Maybe these will help more.

Many thanks

 

[THall]

The issues with the first release were mainly due to the black handle coating chipping away. The subsequent releases did not have this issue but are not a deep black. The handles have a more graphite look to them. The latest releases have an even lighter black/graphite appearance.

I have a first batch Variant with a satin chrome handle and don’t have any issues with it whatsoever.

 

[THall]

I recently picked up one for my son after he was born in July. Also satin chrome but I noticed they removed “Made in India” from the razor. That is probably the newest batch you can find.

Looking at your first pictures, it does appear it has the deep black coating. If you do an online search of the Variant, you can see the newer graphite color I’m referring to.

 

[tsallinia]

Thanks very much for your reply THall. For some reason the handle looks different in the pictures... It is more grey than black, so hopefully it's the new batch.

 

[ShavePastor]

Yes keep it! It's a fantastic shaver!!

 

[tsallinia]

Yes keep it! It's a fantastic shaver!!

Will do. Thanks ShavePastor

 

[emwolf]

I had a first in black that flaked. I contacted super safety razors, my vendor, and they sent me a brand new razor with a prepaid return shipping box. The new one is more of a gray color, but works great

 

[tsallinia]

Do they still have alignment problems?

I am glad you like your new one emwolf

 

[tsallinia]

Hi guys. I took a better picture of the problem I was trying to explain. It seems like the base is not built isometrically, so when I put the head with the blade on it has a (or think it has a) very slight difference in the gap between the blade and the base. I am talking about a mm difference... Is that normal and it happens to many razors (because perfection and precision is difficult), or should I return it?

Many thanks

 

[Invicta]

It seems like the base is not built isometrically, so when I put the head with the blade on it has a (or think it has a) very slight difference in the gap between the blade and the base. I am talking about a mm difference...

Difficult to tell from that picture and what setting is that on? It looks a very open setting to me. I tend to use my Progress on about 2.5 to 3. The picture looking from above in post #2 looked fairly even. It is better to measure the gaps with feeler gauges to get a better idea or use a fixed thickness and lock down to that thickness; like a steel ruler say. Spark plug gauges can also be used and they are inexpensive.

 

[tsallinia]

Thanks very much for your answer. I have uploaded a few more pictures that might help .

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[THall]

It appears ok to me from your pictures. In pictures, it can be hard to tell sometimes. If it looks even on all of the settings with a ruler, you should be fine.

 

[shave/brush]

If it shaves okay then keep it. Looks good to me.

 

[tsallinia]

It shaves ok to be honest... Definitely the best razor I have ever had

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[Invicta]

I have uploaded a few more pictures that might help .

There does appear to be a difference but is that enough to worry? You say it shaves okay. I cannot say what that difference is from the pictures but if you measure the actual razor size against the picture size you should be able to work out a ratio and hence calculate the difference in gap size to a reasonable accuracy; feeler gauges are better though. See pictures.
I also note your cap is 180 degrees out; the V in the blade support bar should correspond with the notch in the cap.

 

[mawashi]

I donno it looks off somehow. Maybe it's the the way it is machined or tightened down or something but nothing seems in line, like a deck of marshmallows.

 

[tsallinia]

Thanks for your reply. Based on your experience is that something that happens often in safety razors?

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[tsallinia]

I have misplaced the lid. Thise are photos of the proper position. Do you still see alignment issues?

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[mawashi]

I mostly have 3 piece and vintage gillette slim razors and they align up perfectly.

Only you can tell really. If you get a great shave every time who care what it looks like lol.

I will however say that it scares me a little. Most of my razors clamp the blade very well and seeing a barely supported blade gives me pause.