Parker 96R

[spinsheet]

A few days ago I ordered a Parker 96R safety razor. Had I any idea that there was actually a forum dedicated to shaving I would have asked this before buying, but I has no idea. Is the Parker a decent razor? I am is the process of learning how to use a straight razor and in the meantime I thought that I would toss the disposables in lieu of a DE. Any thoughts on the Parker? It also comes with 10 shark blades. I have not seen anyone comment on those blades here, how do they rate?

Both the razor and the blades got very good reviews on Amazon but I would trust this groups opinions a bit more.

I posted this question in the straight razor place forum and was advised to also post here as you guys would be more into safety razors then them.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[onotoman]

Hi Todd,

You'll be fine with the 96R - Parkers tend to be 'middle of the road' in terms of aggressiveness. Just go steady until you get used to it.

I've never used shark blades but I suspect that they may not be the best blades in the world, so if you get a poor shave, don't blame it on your technique or the razor until you've tried something like Derby, Wilkinson Sword or Perma Sharp - I'm sure the guys in the USA will have favourite blades too

Good luck and enjoy your DE experience.

 

[ajkimmins]

I love my Parker 90R. So far I have not found a blade that does not work in it for me.

 

[Masterblaster]

Here's a link to a B&B review of the 96r:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=P&t=79615

 

[scottb]

I have found Parkers to be a little unpredictable--I've had 4 of them, and they've included my most aggressive razor and the mildest razor I've ever used.

That being said, they have given me some great shaves, and given the price of Merkurs or Jaggers they can be a great start. If yours is too rough, a vintage Gillette off ebay is a safe bet.

Good luck!

 

[cvac]

Based on the quality control issues (uneven blade gaps) I've seen with Parkers, I would not buy one. Hopefully the one you receive will be okay. If it's not, return it (assuming you can) and buy a different razor instead.

 

[sodajerk]

Welcome!!

My 60R I used on was not too aggressive but I was uncomfortable and stopped using it. As someone else said, they seem to be middle of the road and should be good to start with.

 

[cnconner]

I can't comment on the Parker, but I use Shark blades daily. I find them to be like Crystals and for me, better than Derby's. The best thing you can do is order a blade sampler pack and go through the blades till you find something you like. It'll take time to settle on something, but that's part of the process.