Former Parker Hater has Changed His Tune.

[Scott0079]

Well here's the deal I owned a couple parker razors a couple years ago and I hated them, plating was rough, doors didn't close even, guard bars weren't straight...long and short nothing was right. In the spirit of second chances and a really good deal I bought a new 22r with the redesigned head and added weight all of the former problems listed above were rectified and I got a really great shave. Long and short Parker might be worth a second look.

 

[michiganlover]

Long and short Parker might be worth a second look.

Or maybe you just go lucky, and got one of the few that doesn't have serious issues....

 

[Scott0079]

possibility, but my luck in general would not promote that line of thought.

 

[siouxsie]

Problem is, they produce good ones and bad ones. Their QC is awful. You never know what you'll get. The heads can be outright dangerous and usually best case scenario is they really aggressive except for a couple models I've tried.

 

[auk1124]

A little birdie told me my wife just ordered me a 65r for father's day. Hopefully I will get a good one. It sure is a nice looking razor, judging by the pictures on Amazon.

 

[aimsport]

There is something special about the 22r. The 22r is a respectable member of my rotation which includes: EJ DE89L, 38c, GEM 1912 Jr, and Lady Gillette. Consistently excellent shaver.

If you doubt... Check what happens if you put the 22r in the hands of newbies. wanna know? Amazon 22r reviews are full of self described first time shavers that are getting excellent results.

It's more aggressive than the DE89L but somehow irritation free.

I have recommended this razor to newbies and heard back of great results.

So, okay, the older 22r and Parkers in general had/have quality problems... Negative reviews include older versions QC problems and preferences for more upscale razors.

Didn't the maker of the GEM 1912 Jr also make the Micromatic too? Give the 22r a chance.

 

[dom1610]

I own a parker 22r and have been getting some wonderful shaves from it recently. But for no good reason one of the doors fell of after my first pass this morning. Literally just finished, moved it away from my face and it fell off into the sink.

 

[michiganlover]

Didn't the maker of the GEM 1912 Jr also make the Micromatic too? Give the 22r a chance.

That's a really bad comparison. There is nothing physically wrong with the Gem Micromatic (which came in Open Comb, Clog Prof, and Safety Bar variations).

The Open Comb Micromatic is super aggressive, and needs a lite touch, but certainly can give a really great quality shave. It get's a bad name, because in the hands of newbies who shave with the wrong angle, and way too much pressure it can rip your face up quite well.

 

[bob.e]

my 96r is one of my favorites

 

[mdevine]

I have a 65R and it is well made. I like my slim and SS better but get better shaves with the Parker than I do with my Tech.

 

[siouxsie]

There is something special about the 22r. The 22r is a respectable member of my rotation which includes: EJ DE89L, 38c, GEM 1912 Jr, and Lady Gillette. Consistently excellent shaver.

If you doubt... Check what happens if you put the 22r in the hands of newbies. wanna know? Amazon 22r reviews are full of self described first time shavers that are getting excellent results.

It's more aggressive than the DE89L but somehow irritation free.

I have recommended this razor to newbies and heard back of great results.

So, okay, the older 22r and Parkers in general had/have quality problems... Negative reviews include older versions QC problems and preferences for more upscale razors.

Didn't the maker of the GEM 1912 Jr also make the Micromatic too? Give the 22r a chance.

I had the old version - fail. I have the new version, still don't like it.

 

[dtb]

The 82R is a wonderful TTO! I honestly think it is one of the nicest TTOS ever made. The grip, balance and shave are all supreme. I think parker deserves tremendous credit for lauching new models, uping their quaility and their innovative designs.

I have many Parker razors and have not had a single issue with any of them! The quality and design improvements over the past year or two they have made are wonderful and they should be applauded!

 

[Danricgro]

I also have a 82r that is well built and is a great shaver, couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Jaymo]

I was a newcomer to SE shaving when I first tried my Micromatic. I had shaved twice with my Gem travel razor and decided to see what the hoopla was about the MM. I was fortunate in that I had read all about the MM here BEFORE shaving with it. I was VERY careful to use no pressure and get the angle just right. If used correctly, the MM gives a fantastic shave.
Can't speak for the Parkers, never tried one. Have tried a Ming Shi, and it was great for money(It was free), but I wouldn't pay a lot of money for one. It is a nice mild shaver. Perhaps too mild, but it works well with Bic blades. It's great for the day after you get a little too aggressive with a good razor.
The only things I would change about the Ming Shi would be to make the handle less slick and make the entire razor from thicker metal. Then I'd buy one without reservation. I don't think you could cut yourself with it, if you tried, nor could you give yourself razor burn with it.

 

[texbilly]

I had two Parkers more than a year ago and was not too impressed with either their build or shave quality. However, I'm currently using an EJ DE89L on loan from Darjeeling Express and read its head is made by Parker? If so, I do think their quality has improved. Still a little mild for my tastes, but the fit and finish is excellent.

 

[raisindot]

Scott, glad you liked it. I have an older 22R and had no problems with it whatsover. I don't think I'm one of the "lucky" ones here, since many people on this board have had no problems with their Parkers and have attested to this, running contrary to the opinions on certain people on this board who have NEVER tried or owned one and yet every time the topic comes out will act like Pavlov's dog in posting a "Parkers are crap" reply. (To which I have and always will counter with this same reply)

The only people worth listening to here are those who have tried them. Yours is a good experience, as is mine and many others. Still others have had bad experiences and will never buy them again. Fair enough.

Jeff in Boston

 

[michiganlover]

However, I'm currently using an EJ DE89L on loan from Darjeeling Express and read its head is made by Parker? If so, I do think their quality has improved.

I am not sure where this misinformation is coming from, but the Edwin Jagger razor uses a head made by Muhle. It is most certainly not made Parker in anyway, shape, or form.

The newer style Parker head looks a bit like a Edwin Jagger/ Muhle head, but only from a distance. A close up inspection of them side by side would clearly show they are not the same head.

 

[michiganlover]

running contrary to the opinions on certain people on this board who have NEVER tried or owned one and yet every time the topic comes out will act like Pavlov's dog in posting a "Parkers are crap" reply. (To which I have and always will counter with this same reply)

Sorry Jeff, but I have ZERO interest in buying a razor that suffers from inconsistent quality, and horrible quality control.

Despite the fact that I have not tried a Parker (and very likely never will), I would recommend the members of the board support companies who are striving to turn out consistently good products, that have good quality control.

I will not willingly support a company that is more concerned about making products cheaply, in detriment to their overall quality.

 

[texbilly]

I am not sure where this misinformation is coming from, but the Edwin Jagger razor uses a head made by Muhle. It is most certainly not made Parker in anyway, shape, or form.

The newer style Parker head looks a bit like a Edwin Jagger/ Muhle head, but only from a distance. A close up inspect of them side by side would clearly show they are not the same head.

Well in that case, I really like the EJ/Muhle head! So, do EJ and Muhle razors only differ by their handles?

 

[michiganlover]

Well in that case, I really like the EJ/Muhle
head! So, do EJ and Muhle razors only differ by their handles?

Yes, the Edwin Jagger, and Muhle razors differ only in their handles. I have a Muhle R89, and really enjoy it's knurled handle.