Parker 80R Super heavy Weight Butterlfy?

[TobyH]

New to this DE shaving and want to get my first razor (sounds like my first shave!!).

Like the look of this http://www.shaving-shack.com/parker-80r-super-heavyweight-butterfly-open-safety-razor.html#

Anyone got any experience of it, any good?

 

[Chester]

The rainman review is here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=136705&highlight=parker

... and the biggest point was that it was of very poor quality without even shaving with it. The second review (from someone who got one that was in decent shape, and actually shaved with it) seems generally positive. Read for yourself. I'd recommend looking at all the razor reviews.

Parkers tend to be viewed very poorly, here. My first razor was a Parker 91r, and the main advantage to it is that the handle will fit gillette heads, and it is a nice handle.

The best dollars I've spent on razors is on the vintage gillettes. 40s superspeeds and flare-tip superspeeds are easy to find on B/S/T (post to the WTB thread, if you're interested) and they're very dependable.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet

 

[ajkimmins]

I like my 90R. No experience with the 80 though.

 

[michiganlover]

Parkers tend to be viewed very poorly, here.

+1

The general consensus is that Parker's are absolute crap. There are many many better razors to be had for not too much more money.

Look at a Muhle, Edwin Jagger, or Merkur instead.

 

[Chester]

The general consensus is that Parker's are absolute crap.

... you have such a gentle way of expressing these truths.

-- Chet

 

[Pioneer]

If you asked for my advice, I would say look elsewhere - there are plenty of nice vintage razors that can be had for the same price. But, as they say, ymmv.

 

[raisindot]

Once again, and continuously again, I will refute those who make claims about the quality of Parkers without having ever tried them. Do yourself a favor and take the words of these people with a grain of salt. Instead, evaluate the opinions of those who actually have used these or read the reviews yourself.

While many people who have actually tried Parkers dislike them or have quality control issues with them, a number of us, including me, have never had a problem with their Parker razor (mine is a 22R). As I've said before, the only reason I stopped using mine was because the people here convinced me to give it up and get vintage razors instead.

In that sense, I agree with that sound advice. You're much better off avoiding spending $50 for a new razor when you can find better qualify vintage razors in fine condition for often a third of that price here on B&B. You're going to end up getting one of these anyway, so why not save yourself the money you would have spent on a new Merkur?



Jeff in Boston

 

[michiganlover]

Once again, and continuously again, I will refute those who make claims about the quality of Parkers without having ever tried them. Do yourself a favor and take the words of these people with a grain of salt. Instead, evaluate the opinions of those who actually have used these or read the reviews yourself.

You defend Parker in nearly every one of these threads. While I would agree in principal that there are likely Parker's that exist that are free of problems, I don't agree with recommending that a newbie to this hobby take a chance, hoping that theirs is one of the good ones.

Why take that chance when razors that don't have quality control issues are available for the same cost, or a few dollars more?

Worst yet, a newbie has untrained eyes, and may not be able to spot the flaws of a bad razor. Their bad experience with the damaged razor might turn them off on wet shaving.

Why not instead make solid recommendations that will ensure their first experience is a good one?

I am sorry, if I am paying good money for a product, I expect it to be perfect. If I am paying good money, I shouldn't have to worry if I beat the odds, and have one of the good ones.

 

[DE Shaver]

I am sorry, if I am paying good money for a product, I expect it to be perfect. If I am paying good money, I shouldn't have to worry if I beat the odds, and have one of the good ones.

I agree with the essence of this statement, which is... If I pay $30 for a razor, it better have the level of quality to match. Considering you can pick up a used vintage razor for under $20, the razor QC should be consistent and the razor in very good condition.

 

[Kevan]

My first razor was a Parker 90R. It was okay. Not crappy but it just wasn't for me. I ended up giving it to a friend, and he's pleased with it.

My advice? Don't go with the Parker, but don't go vintage Gillette either. Unless a member here is kind enough to sell you one on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum, you'll probably get burned on Ebay. There, Gillettes typically go for high prices or you'll be outbid on a 40's Superspeed by a guy who already has 16 Superspeeds and 10 Adjustables. Or you might get lucky and pick up a great little razor at the sub-$20 mark that cleans up nicely and gives you great shaves.

Your other route would be to spend about $35-$45 for an Edwin Jagger, Muhle, or Merkur razor. The Edwin Jagger DE89L is a superb value.

 

[K.T.]

Your other route would be to spend about $35-$45 for an Edwin Jagger, Muhle, or Merkur razor. The Edwin Jagger DE89L is a superb value.

+1

I have a Parker 82r. While I was initially underwhelmed by the quality of the finish, it functioned perfectly and gave a shave that I really liked a lot. I liked it so much I considered getting another one.

Then I heard about the quality issues others were having. My unhappiness with the finish turned to relief that at least I got one that worked normally. As I tried different razors, I found others that liked better, and my 82r is now at my GF's house.

If I were to pick up a factory-fresh starter razor knowing what I know now, I would undoubtedly go with an Edwin Jagger 89(L). It's only a few dollars more than the Parker, and it's superior in almost every way. Muhle makes a version using the same head, and Merkur makes some nice new razors, as well.

Otherwise, look to proven vintage razors, Gillettes, Injectors, Gems, etc. The Gillette Tech is the classic vintage starter DE razor, and the Schick Krona is great, too. Both are mild and are great to start with, and maybe to stick with. Both can be found for very reasonable prices.

K.T.

 

[raisindot]

You defend Parker in nearly every one of these threads. While I would agree in principal that there are likely Parker's that exist that are free of problems, I don't agree with recommending that a newbie to this hobby take a chance, hoping that theirs is one of the good ones.

Because, sir, you have never tried one, and yet in every post about Parkers you diss them based on an experientially unfounded bias against this brand. Thus, I shall continue, in the name of providing the OP with an appropriate experiential rebuttal, counter with my own positive experience as a satisfied Parker user.

OPs in these threads will, hopefully, make the appropriate decision based on their review of all comments in these threads and, in the end, will embrace our mutually complimentary advice of eschewing new razors altogether and joining us enablers in drinking the magical Kool-Aid that leads to vintage razor RAD nirvana.



Jeff in Boston

 

[buvaiser]

i've also had great experiences with the parkers. i've dropped my 98R twice (once onto the bathroom tile, once in the tub). the thing is 4.3oz, one of heaviest on the market outstripping all the merkurs in weight except the vision and futur. it still doesn't have a scratch on it and shaves exceptionally well and consistently with cheap razors(sharks) and even better with feathers.