Parker DE Razors

[NavyLaw]

I just ordered a Parker 22R and a Parker 91R. Does anybody have any tips on quality, quality of shave, technique or advice they can share? Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Steve

 

[slantman]

Depending if your 22R is the older head or newer head. I just sold the older 22R and it was perfect. Even blade exposure and opened and closed tightly but more to the aggressive side. If yours is the new head pay attention to quality and all of the abov. I also owned a 91R and it shaved OK but less aggressive. If either of your new razors has issues return them for a replacement or refund. There is probably going to be positive and negative comments about Parkers.

Congratulations and happy shaving

 

[NavyLaw]

Great advice. Thank you so much. Wil definitely keep my eye out for quality and such. Any preference of baldes? Steve

 

[c0ry]

My first DE was a Parker 91R and I unfortunately hate to say it, but I greatly regret that purchase. The razor was defective and the blade was highly exposed on one side and slightly exposed on the other. I have a scar on my chin that was caused by that razor, which I don't think a proper DE would be capable of causing.

However, take this with a grain of salt--I've heard great things about the Parker razors. My friend ordered a 91R at the same time as I did, and his is perfect.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I've never used a Parker DE, and from the reviews and comments I've read here at B&B they sound like a cheap product. I've also read where some members have had some very good results with their Parker's.

Just based on that, I'd tend to stay away from their DE's.

 

[raisindot]

The 22R was my first DE razor. It was a great starter razor, taught me the ropes, and I never thought of it as being overly aggressive (if it were, I probably would have stopped using it for that reason). I never have any technical problems with it, althoughs others here have had various QC problems with different Parker models. As others have said, really check everything out--TTO mechanism, even-ness of blade exposure, etc. If there are any problems, In terms of blades, try out different kinds. If this is your first DE razor, you might want to start with the less-sharp brands, like Derbys, or the smoother brands, like Israeli Red Personnas. I wouldn't start off with a Feather or Super Irridium in any DE razor. And you may want to avoid using whatever default blades come with it, because they're generally of lower quality.

Jeff in Boston

 

[bran]

A parker 11R is my first razor, followed by a Muhle R89. I have greatly enjoy my Parker. The shave is great (I have a really thick coarse beard which requires 1 WTG and 2 ATG passes) with Red Isaeli Personnas. I have not had any problems with shave angle. The blade exposure is uniform across the bar. Mine has the horn handle which is a great fit in my hand and does not slip at all.

I would by another without reservation.

 

[NavyLaw]

The 22R was my first DE razor. It was a great starter razor, taught me the ropes, and I never thought of it as being overly aggressive (if it were, I probably would have stopped using it for that reason). I never have any technical problems with it, althoughs others here have had various QC problems with different Parker models. As others have said, really check everything out--TTO mechanism, even-ness of blade exposure, etc. If there are any problems, In terms of blades, try out different kinds. If this is your first DE razor, you might want to start with the less-sharp brands, like Derbys, or the smoother brands, like Israeli Red Personnas. I wouldn't start off with a Feather or Super Irridium in any DE razor. And you may want to avoid using whatever default blades come with it, because they're generally of lower quality.

Jeff in Boston

Jeff,

Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciate it. What do you, or any of these seasoned veterans of DE shaving, think of the Shark blades that come with the new razor?

 

[awesomefunn]

The reviews here seem to think they are pretty sharp. Some post that they find them a little less sharp than feathers but sharper than the Red Personnas.
I shaved with them and they seemed fine. So far my favorite somewhat inexpensive blade has been the Astras.

http://bestgroomingtools.com/edwin-jagger-double-edge-safety-razor-lined-chrome-p-1254.html <-this is my favorite razor so far. If the parkers dont work Id recommend trying it.

 

[Ray-Vigo]

I have a long handle Parker here. It's an OK razor. I stopped using it when I got into using vintage Gillette razors. The better half uses it sometimes for her legs now. For my face, I wasn't impressed.

 

[Swampfox]

My first DE was a Parker 22r, and I liked it. It is a good learning razor, that I do not regret making my foray into wetshaving. I do not use it any more since I discovered the Gillettes, then Krona and now Injectors and other SEs. A Parker is rather inexpensive, and easy to learn with, so for a new westshaver, a Parker is a good choice.

Jeff,

Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciate it. What do you, or any of these seasoned veterans of DE shaving, think of the Shark blades that come with the new razor?

I love Sharks! They are my favorite DE blade, followed by Green Gillette 7 o'clocks. They hold up after several shaves, and give close, comfortable shaves.

 

[poppi]

Have a 91r and it's a fine razor. Just be sure to line up the "P" on the top and bottom plates. That will give you even blade exposure. If you don't, it will be uneven and could cause you some shaving discomfort.

I think you will enjoy the Parkers.

 

[Doug_in_NNY]

I got back into DE shaving about six months ago, with a Parker 22R and Shark Platinum blades. I don't know if my 22R is the newer style head or not, but it worked well for me. I now use a variety of Gillette DE razors, along with a re-plated NEW head w/ a Mastiff handle from Bob's Razor Works, and a Mergress. I have no regrets having begun with that 22R.

I do like Shark Platinum blades. I am now using Astra Superior Premium Platinum, and I like them as well, maybe better. There's a wide variety of good blades out there. The challenge is to find the right razor and blade combination for you. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good quality shave cream or soap to make the razor-and-blade combination work. I have settled into creams, and I'm trying a variety of the 3 Ts and Harris.

Take time to try different things. Listen first to your own experience. But a good way to know where to go next is to listen to experienced users. By that I mean, Listen to those on B&B who have actually experience with this or that product or razor. I don't put must stock in opinions that are merely expressions of rumor or prejudice.

Doug

 

[mplaz-OFD]

My first DE razor was a Parker 90R long handle that came with Shark blades. Apparently I got lucky. My razor has no QC issues at all, TTO workes fine, blade exposure is even, etc. The 90R is a fairly aggressive razor, but I love it. I have since expanded my collection to include a '56 flair tip SS, fat-boy and Gem 1912. I still use my Parker! I love the Shark blades. They are a reasonably priced, reasonably sharp blade. You will get a lot sharper edge with a Feather, but if you are just starting out the Sharks are perfect to get your technique down with. At least that is what my experience was. Good luck and if I may offer one more bit of advice: The gentlemen on this site can help you with any questions you have. They are really great at making newbies feel welcome! Good luck, Matthew

 

[michiganlover]

I've never used a Parker DE, and from the reviews and comments I've read here at B&B they sound like a cheap product. I've also read where some members have had some very good results with their Parker's.

Just based on that, I'd tend to stay away from their DE's.

Paul, that is the reason why I have to this point avoided them as well. While there are good razors made, there also is horrific razors made, and for that reason a newbie is better off with a razor that doesn't suffer from quality control, such as the excellent Edwin Jagger DE89L, or Muhle R89.

 

[RSC]

My 91R has even blade exposure and works fine for me as my only DE razor. There is a small nick in the plating, but this doesn't affect performance and overall I'm happy. I might go for an adjustable some time in the future.

It will be interesting to hear what you think of these, even though I'm not in a position to take action, already owning one.