RAZOR REVIEW: Parker
RAZOR NAME: Variant Adjustable Safety Razor
COST: $57.00 (or there about)
SPECS:
Weight- 4 oz.
Handle Length- 3 1/2" (knurled Design)
Overall Length- 4"
Material- Brass, Satin Chrome Finish
Country of Manufacture- India
ABOUT: According to their website (so it must be true...), Parker Safety Razor products are hand crafted and undergo extensive engineering and quality testing. A family-owned business, Parker Safety Razor produces products that are a reflection of their commitment to excellence and value. Well, there you have it. They also claim to have been around since 1973. With that, I assume these are not the same people who make pens, but I could be wrong. If they did, they could combine the two, at which point my friend Ron would say, "Is it a pen that shaves, or a razor that writes?".
THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY:
GOOD-
As the owner of 4 double edge safety razors, and one face, I've got to say, this shaver has climbed to the top of my favorite razor list. I'm not sure if that's because it was the last one I purchased, or because I'm really digging this on-the-fly adjustable, super heavyweight, feedback singing, instrument of shavology.
The adjustment range is from 1 to 5, and NOT 1 to 11, as others might suggest if you read their reviews. Yes, you can give it one more 180 degree turn before it completely dismantles the head, but according to the directions, that's incorrect usage, and subject to jail time if you're caught. I've only gone up to 2.5, and have not had the inclination or need to take off more skin, at a higher level, so I'm not sure why someone would want to "turn it up to 11". What I really like about the adjuster, is that it seems really tight, and I don't have to worry about it moving out of adjustment once I've selected a number.
Weighing in at 4 oz, compared to my other razors, it felt more like 4 lbs. Now that I'm used to the weight, I really like the heft. There is no need to apply any pressure, just drive it across your face, and let it do its thing. The sound feedback this razor gives is quite amazing! I never thought I could play a tune while shaving, but this brass made instrument is a true challenger to the trumpet I once played poorly in middle school.
As far as post-shave results, this is a really good slicer, leaving me with a very smooth finish. It's also probably why I'm having such a hard time taking it out of rotation, and allowing the others to play. I've also experienced no nicks as of yet, and have been using this razor for several weeks now. The knurled handle is a nice touch, eliminating the need for a kung fu-style grip. The price-point on this adjustable razor is below most other adjustable styles I've seen on various websites. This makes it a really reasonable purchase if you're looking to dive into the adjustable razor end of the pool.
BAD-
This razor is (or was) available with a black finish on the handle, but apparently there have been issues with the finish coming off in short order. Those who have suffered such sorrow have said that Parker has been upstanding in replacing those, and have also gone back to correct the application process so as to eliminate any future unhappy customers. I have to say that thus far, my satin finished gem looks no less for wear. The other bad of this razor seems to be its current state of unavailability to the consumer wishing to lay down cash for said razor. I can only assume this is in direct correlation to the good I mentioned earlier.
UGLY-
The jury is still out on this satin finish look. Only time will tell if the wear and tear of periodic whisker removal causes unsightly blemishes. I do know that the shiny chrome finishes of my 2 year old Edwin Jagger's make me beam with pride, wanting to put them on display for friends and family. My wife won't let me however, so they stay in near the bathroom sink. Hopefully, that same pride will be felt with my new Parker Variant in several years. If not, I just might send it off for a custom two-tone paint job. If you're a microscopic inspector, you'll probably find slight imperfections when compared to others in the shave den. That being said, the shave more than makes up for anything unsightly.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely no buyers remorse here! This was a purchase I'm very satisfied with, and would buy again.
RAZOR NAME: Variant Adjustable Safety Razor
COST: $57.00 (or there about)
SPECS:
Weight- 4 oz.
Handle Length- 3 1/2" (knurled Design)
Overall Length- 4"
Material- Brass, Satin Chrome Finish
Country of Manufacture- India
ABOUT: According to their website (so it must be true...), Parker Safety Razor products are hand crafted and undergo extensive engineering and quality testing. A family-owned business, Parker Safety Razor produces products that are a reflection of their commitment to excellence and value. Well, there you have it. They also claim to have been around since 1973. With that, I assume these are not the same people who make pens, but I could be wrong. If they did, they could combine the two, at which point my friend Ron would say, "Is it a pen that shaves, or a razor that writes?".
THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY:
GOOD-
As the owner of 4 double edge safety razors, and one face, I've got to say, this shaver has climbed to the top of my favorite razor list. I'm not sure if that's because it was the last one I purchased, or because I'm really digging this on-the-fly adjustable, super heavyweight, feedback singing, instrument of shavology.
The adjustment range is from 1 to 5, and NOT 1 to 11, as others might suggest if you read their reviews. Yes, you can give it one more 180 degree turn before it completely dismantles the head, but according to the directions, that's incorrect usage, and subject to jail time if you're caught. I've only gone up to 2.5, and have not had the inclination or need to take off more skin, at a higher level, so I'm not sure why someone would want to "turn it up to 11". What I really like about the adjuster, is that it seems really tight, and I don't have to worry about it moving out of adjustment once I've selected a number.
Weighing in at 4 oz, compared to my other razors, it felt more like 4 lbs. Now that I'm used to the weight, I really like the heft. There is no need to apply any pressure, just drive it across your face, and let it do its thing. The sound feedback this razor gives is quite amazing! I never thought I could play a tune while shaving, but this brass made instrument is a true challenger to the trumpet I once played poorly in middle school.
As far as post-shave results, this is a really good slicer, leaving me with a very smooth finish. It's also probably why I'm having such a hard time taking it out of rotation, and allowing the others to play. I've also experienced no nicks as of yet, and have been using this razor for several weeks now. The knurled handle is a nice touch, eliminating the need for a kung fu-style grip. The price-point on this adjustable razor is below most other adjustable styles I've seen on various websites. This makes it a really reasonable purchase if you're looking to dive into the adjustable razor end of the pool.
BAD-
This razor is (or was) available with a black finish on the handle, but apparently there have been issues with the finish coming off in short order. Those who have suffered such sorrow have said that Parker has been upstanding in replacing those, and have also gone back to correct the application process so as to eliminate any future unhappy customers. I have to say that thus far, my satin finished gem looks no less for wear. The other bad of this razor seems to be its current state of unavailability to the consumer wishing to lay down cash for said razor. I can only assume this is in direct correlation to the good I mentioned earlier.
UGLY-
The jury is still out on this satin finish look. Only time will tell if the wear and tear of periodic whisker removal causes unsightly blemishes. I do know that the shiny chrome finishes of my 2 year old Edwin Jagger's make me beam with pride, wanting to put them on display for friends and family. My wife won't let me however, so they stay in near the bathroom sink. Hopefully, that same pride will be felt with my new Parker Variant in several years. If not, I just might send it off for a custom two-tone paint job. If you're a microscopic inspector, you'll probably find slight imperfections when compared to others in the shave den. That being said, the shave more than makes up for anything unsightly.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely no buyers remorse here! This was a purchase I'm very satisfied with, and would buy again.
