My Parker (2010 Model), 99R (TTO) Razor Reveiw

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Price: Rating 10
Hey…what can I say…for around 30 bucks w/ 10 Blades…I’d say I got a real good deal (if I don’t say so myself)

Quality: Rating 9
I can say that Parker has greatly increased its quality and durability in their Razors (especially the 2010 Models). I have been using this for many weeks now and have no complaints…I’m really pleased with this Razor. Although not Stainless Steel like my old Gillette Fat-Boy, I believe their 2010 design with brass over nickel plating could stand up with the best and more expensive Razors out there.

User Friendly: Rating 9
I believe one of the best aspects of this Razor is the weight which I like a lot …not yet a monster but at 3.2oz, it has more weight than my Parker 96R, and is a ‘plus’ for ease of shaving.

Grip: Rating 9.5
The grip on this Razor is very ‘sure’ even when wet and the handle is big enough because this Razor has a 4in textured (machine-turned), handle to ‘fit’ even the Wet-Shaver with ‘Bear Claws’ for hands. The ‘Barber Pole’ is what is the neatest thing about this Razor…it just feels soooo great in my hand.

Ease of Blade Replacement: Rating 9
The ease of Blade replacement is ‘quick, easy and flawless’ with the TTO doors opening with no slippage and/or ‘creakiness’ and TTO doors are ‘tight’ when closed using the knob on the end.

Aggressiveness: Rating 10
This Razors performance in terms of aggressiveness is outstanding, depending on the ‘angle’ you use. By far, the most aggressive Double-Edge Razor I have ever used (certainly more aggressive than my Parker 96R).

Adjustability: Rating 9
The edge ‘gap’ on both sides with the TTO doors closed is very even and the blade (I use “Shark” SS Blades), edge is evenly exposed, (although on my Parker 96R…there is a bit of unevenness with regard to the blade edge being exposed). Also, depending on the angle you use, this Razor may / will need in my opinion…your most special attention, because…one ‘hurried’ slip and OMG …you’re may get ‘cut’ pretty bad (may have to ‘call-in-sick’ that day).

Balance: Rating 8
The Barber Pole Handle is beautiful to say the least…a ‘beauty’ to behold. It’s heavy enough not to affect the balance (it seems the Parker for 2010 did some really good R&D this time), in my opinion a very well made and ‘fun’ Razor to use.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Jmz25JbPL.jpg

Thanx

Christopher

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Glad that you are enjoying great shaves with your Parker .. Gillettes are brass plated with nickel also. There were a few exceptions but mainly brass plated with nickel.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Glad that you are enjoying great shaves with your Parker .. Gillettes are brass plated with nickel also. There were a few exceptions but mainly brass plated with nickel.

Thanx Sledgehammer for your reply

Christopher

 

[JamieW]

I don't know why Parker doesn't get more love around here. I put my 82R back into rotation a couple of weeks ago, and have been getting fantastic shaves from it. It actually shaves better than my Slim and is heftier as well.

 

[DougK]

Parker's quality control has historically been a little spotty which is probably why you don't hear much about them around these parts.

My first DE razor was a Parker 91R that sometimes exposes the blade slightly unevenly; this could be a manufacturing issue with the razor or it could be slight differences between different makes of blades. I've never been able to pin down the cause. When I get a blade to fit correctly, the 91R provides amazingly good shaves and is worth every penny I paid for it.

 

[auk1124]

Seems that Parkers can range from relatively mild (some of the three piece heads) to horrifyingly aggressive (some of the TTOs). If they would ever get their act together on the QC issues in their TTOs they'd have a heck of a nice range of razors.