My 2nd DE (1st is the 38C), first shave w/ the Parker this morn.
This is a long-handled razor, longer than 38C, but not quite as heavy. Still, it has a good feel in the hand and I do like the machining on the handle, which provides a sure grip.
I'm not a fan of the gunmetal finish to be honest, and it kind of has the look of a chromed plastic. The metal is obviously not a high quality stainless but something cheaper (magnesium?) with the finish "baked on." I could kind of tell that even from the pictures, but I bought it to be my travel razor, so for that as well as for the price, it'll work.
Having said that, it seems to align and lock down the blade securely *if* you twist it down very tightly. The head itself seems to be ever so slightly out of line with the handle, making the shaving angle on one edge a little different from the other edge. I didn't try both edges today, but I'm thinking this might turn out to be a good thing - one edge could turn out to be a bit more aggressive. Could just be that QC is not that high and this was the one I got. YMMV. Like I said, if it's there it is *very* slight.
On to the shaving - I LIKED IT! It is a more aggressive razor than the 38C, so I am glad to have the variety in the ol' dopp kit. It did seem to produce a bit more irritation, so I will have to experiment with the whole blade & soap or cream combo, but I got a very smooth shave in 3 passes. I used the same brand of blade I have been using in the 38C, and it seemed that you could hear every little hair as it got cut off with a "ting!"
For 25 bucks, I'm happy, and I'm now actually looking forward to taking this little friend along on some trips. Mine came packaged in a little vinyl covered cardboard case with a snap, so it's already ready to go. Heck I can even see myself pulling this one out on the weekend at home every so often. I would recommend it.
This is a long-handled razor, longer than 38C, but not quite as heavy. Still, it has a good feel in the hand and I do like the machining on the handle, which provides a sure grip.
I'm not a fan of the gunmetal finish to be honest, and it kind of has the look of a chromed plastic. The metal is obviously not a high quality stainless but something cheaper (magnesium?) with the finish "baked on." I could kind of tell that even from the pictures, but I bought it to be my travel razor, so for that as well as for the price, it'll work.
Having said that, it seems to align and lock down the blade securely *if* you twist it down very tightly. The head itself seems to be ever so slightly out of line with the handle, making the shaving angle on one edge a little different from the other edge. I didn't try both edges today, but I'm thinking this might turn out to be a good thing - one edge could turn out to be a bit more aggressive. Could just be that QC is not that high and this was the one I got. YMMV. Like I said, if it's there it is *very* slight.
On to the shaving - I LIKED IT! It is a more aggressive razor than the 38C, so I am glad to have the variety in the ol' dopp kit. It did seem to produce a bit more irritation, so I will have to experiment with the whole blade & soap or cream combo, but I got a very smooth shave in 3 passes. I used the same brand of blade I have been using in the 38C, and it seemed that you could hear every little hair as it got cut off with a "ting!"
For 25 bucks, I'm happy, and I'm now actually looking forward to taking this little friend along on some trips. Mine came packaged in a little vinyl covered cardboard case with a snap, so it's already ready to go. Heck I can even see myself pulling this one out on the weekend at home every so often. I would recommend it.