Parker Shavette

[adios_mach_3s]

Hello Gents,

I'm in need of some advice. I really would like to learn the art of straight razor shaving, but just the shaving part. So, here's a question - is there anyone out there that somewhat regularly uses a cheap shavette and hasn't jumped full fledge into the world of straight razor shaving (razors, hones, strops, etc.). In case it's not obvious, I'm trying not to add too much to the cost of this already expensive hobby.

Thanks,

Roger

 

[California Cajun]

Hello Gents,

I'm in need of some advice. I really would like to learn the art of straight razor shaving, but just the shaving part. So, here's a question - is there anyone out there that somewhat regularly uses a cheap shavette and hasn't jumped full fledge into the world of straight razor shaving (razors, hones, strops, etc.). In case it's not obvious, I'm trying not to add too much to the cost of this already expensive hobby.

Thanks,

Roger

I think the Parker shavette is better than the other shavettes out there, and that it would be wise for you to try straight razor shaving with one of those. You can use regular DE blades.

Although I am a devoted straight razor shaving enthusiast and some may disagree with me, I believe it makes sense to invest as little as possible to try something. If I had it to do over again, I would have started in the manner you are suggesting.

 

[sychodelix]

It is a good idea, in theory. When it actually gets down to it though, a real straight is dramatcally more forgiving than dragging a DE blade across your face. I tried it, and first few shaves went pretty well. The 3rd shave and a few little mistakes and my face looks like I got tangled in barbed wire. Shavette shaving is not recommended IMHO for a beginner. YMMV, but you have been warned. A whipped dog sight unseen razor and strop will only set you back less than $60 and is much easier to learn with.

If you do try the shavette, I strongly suggest using a milder blade and then corking or stropping it. And then it will still be sharper than a traditional straight, but slightly less dangerous.

 

[adios_mach_3s]

If you do try the shavette, I strongly suggest using a milder blade and then corking or stropping it. And then it will still be sharper than a traditional straight, but slightly less dangerous.

Thanks for the input.

I don't understand, doesn't corking or stropping the blade sharpen the blade? So, what would be the purpose of using a 'milder' blade and then sharpening it?

 

[Fileroman]

Stropping/corking actually smooths (slightly dulls) the blade.

Ron

 

[adios_mach_3s]

Stropping/corking actually smooths (slightly dulls) the blade.

Ron

Ah - thanks!

 

[ladykate]

I'm with the 'Parker is not the best option' crowd but I own one and have used it enough to go through several blades. It will give you a close shave but it is unforgiving. Serephim and others use one regularly (the Parker is popular) for trips and such. They would be handy for that. I use a Feather AC or clone for trips. It is just as sharp as a Parker but it has a better balance... and costs a lot more. Having said that, a CJB (Feather clone) is only about $50. Still... even a Feather clone is not a regular straight and can be unforgiving... I know of what I speak.

You can get a milder introduction with a real straight - save your DE to do touch ups until you get the regular straight working to your satisfaction. Whippeddog is a good deal and Larry is helpful. You will have more tied up in the Whippeddog straight but not a lot more. A full kit - which includes a razor and will let you maintain your razor for quite a while - is less than $60.

As far as corking - that is, running the blade across a cork to slightly dull it - I have never been pleased with the outcome - but I've only tried it with DE blades for the shavette and my corking-fu may have been on the blink.

With all my reservations, the Parker can be used and it will give you a close shave. Let us know what you decide and keep us up on the results.

 

[seizure]

I tried a Parker before ever trying a straight. After using it, I pretty much decided to stick with DEs. The shave was alright, but I had to be so careful that it took forever. Any slip ups and I'd have a weeper.

My attitude changed when 1) I realized shavettes were less forgiving than a straight and 2) I stumbled my way into a pair of my grandfather's straights and wanted to give them a chance.

I have not touched a DE in 3 weeks as a result... And I'm going to be selling some DE stuff on the BST soon. I think I'm converted to actual straights, but shavettes just weren't for me (at the time, may revisit it once I have my technique down more).

 

[ricardo9505]

i just came back from the barber and he used a parker srw to line me up. nice. I'm looking into buying one and then maybe a feather straight razor (shavette) with replacement blades. they are pricey at $1 each.

 

[Mick]

The Parker is a very economically way to get a peek into straight shaving

 

[ladykate]

i just came back from the barber and he used a parker srw to line me up. nice. I'm looking into buying one and then maybe a feather straight razor (shavette) with replacement blades. they are pricey at $1 each.

If you are talking about Feather AC blades, you can get Pros for about $13 plus shipping (free shipping if you buy enough other stuff) so the cost is less than .70 per blade. Even if you pay the list price, a Pro blade lasts much longer than a DE blade. I was dorking around in another thread and did 19 shaves with a Guard blade. Admittedly, I was willing to accept a 'regular straight razor' shave but the blade would still pass an HHT at the end of 19 shaves.

If you do magical math, the cost of Feather blades is less per shave than many high-end DE blades. If you get 10 shaves, you are paying about 7 cents a shave. You can also strop the non-Guard versions if you want to stretch the use even more. Serephim used stropping and lapping film on his and seemed to think he could have kept the one blade going indefinitely. I've used stropping - I'm currently on shave 9 with a Kai blade and I stropped it yesterday - got a BBS with it today.

 

[Kentos]

At 20.00 it's a fair buy in. I say go for it.

 

[sychodelix]

Don't avoid getting one on my account. If you do, just be VERY careful. My lip is still sore where I sliced it yesterday.

 

[dpmtherrien]

All I use are disposable blade straights, and the Parker's are very nice. I have 4 of them, along with my Feather's and Kai straights. Nothing at all wrong with the Parker's. You just have to go slow until you get your technique down with them. Once you get comfortable with any open bladed razor, the shaves are really nice.

Don't buy into the hype that the disposable's are not the real thing. No regular straight can match the sharpness of the disposables.

 

[imfallen_angel]

Got one, works great, just gotta take your time.

Used it a few times, and not to push too fast, I just do most of my face and switch to my DE for the harder parts and touch ups.

 

[drawonme]

Tried it. Bled.

 

[akira2a]

Tried it. Bled.

Same here, it was fun to try but was too unforgiving and Rough for my zero Straight Razor experience. and I prefer smooth and comfortable shaves so I am sticking with DE razors for now.

Just a FYI: be careful, the moment you are not paying attention to what you are doing, It Will Bite. Good luck with it and have fun and be safe.

 

[smalltank]

The idea of trying a parker is a good idea..technique/angles..etc..but as far as do the edges really compare..I doubt it...but the idea of trying one to want to go to a real straight isnt a bad idea..no stropping/honing needed

 

[sychodelix]

Oh believe me...shavettes are real straight razors. Never doubt that.

 

[drocu]

It is a good idea, in theory. When it actually gets down to it though, a real straight is dramatcally more forgiving than dragging a DE blade across your face. I tried it, and first few shaves went pretty well. The 3rd shave and a few little mistakes and my face looks like I got tangled in barbed wire. Shavette shaving is not recommended IMHO for a beginner. YMMV, but you have been warned. A whipped dog sight unseen razor and strop will only set you back less than $60 and is much easier to learn with.

If you do try the shavette, I strongly suggest using a milder blade and then corking or stropping it. And then it will still be sharper than a traditional straight, but slightly less dangerous.

Great advice here. I wish I had skipped the Parker SR1 and saved myself the pain/money/time. Actual straight razors are much easier to learn with. If I could do it all over again, I'd skip the shavette.

Actually, if I could do it all over again, I would have waited on purchasing and using straight razors. I think I jumped into that game too quickly and have been spending more time using my safety razors lately.