Parker variant-adjustment “slipping”?

[rmac]

Decided to try the old variant for the first time in a long while, set it on 3 and went to town. After the first pass I rinsed the razor and face and picked up the Parker again. I usually turn up the aggressiveness to 4 for my second pass but when I checked the razor it seemingly had ‘shifted’ itself to around 3.5.

I set it back to setting 3 for the next pass and carried on shaving. About half way through I checked the adjustment and to my shock the razor had again adjusted itself but now DOWN to about 2.5! Again I adjusted back to setting 3 and finished the shave and as I write this the razor is sitting in its stand and staying put at setting 3.

I don’t hold the razor by the adjuster when shaving and only adjust in between passes so the only thing I can think of is some sort of thermal expansion or contraction within the razor? Have never had this happen before with any of my adjustable razors (merkur progress, vision and futur, various Gillettes) so am baffled as to what could be causing this?

Anyone else experience similar issues?

 

[Umma2gumma]

Two Variants, no such issues.

How easy is it to turn the adjustment knob ? There should be some resistance.

Also, it may be a stupid question, but are you sure that you completely locked down the top cap ? I.e. inserted the blade and turned the knob all the way towards 1 or + until it wouldn’t go any further before opening it up to 3.

 

[rmac]

Two Variants, no such issues.

How easy is it to turn the adjustment knob ? There should be some resistance.

Also, it may be a stupid question, but are you sure that you completely locked down the top cap ? I.e. inserted the blade and turned the knob all the way towards 1 or + until it wouldn’t go any further before opening it up to 3.

I have 2 variants myself (purchased the one in question when I dropped one) and both have some resistance to movement. The older variant (the one I dropped) has a more ‘fluid’ movement but it’s still noticeable.

And I always make sure when loading a blade that the arrow lines up with the top cap and that the adjustment goes right down to either zero or ‘+’.

 

[tejolot3]

as I write this the razor is sitting in its stand and staying put

Well, that's good, at least.

 

[rmac]

Just as an update guys, I tried the variant again today and although the issue seemed to have been resolved the razor creeped once again. I even tried turning up all the way to setting 5 but it still slipped back down to around 3.5

Straight to the trash bin with this one, I’ve got no time in my life for things that just don’t do what they should.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a reliable adjustable razor? I’m not willing to spend the hundreds on something like a Rex but don’t want to go bargain basement either, for fear of getting another dud

 

[Umma2gumma]

Just as an update guys, I tried the variant again today and although the issue seemed to have been resolved the razor creeped once again. I even tried turning up all the way to setting 5 but it still slipped back down to around 3.5

Straight to the trash bin with this one, I’ve got no time in my life for things that just don’t do what they should.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a reliable adjustable razor? I’m not willing to spend the hundreds on something like a Rex but don’t want to go bargain basement either, for fear of getting another dud

Did you try contacting Parker ? They are likely going to make it right.

I have two Variants, a 5 years old original with a graphite handle, and a new OC with a “chrome” handle. My only issue with them is the quality of finish - on the graphite one, the once shiny, deep gray finish had faded to some dull light gray with greenish tint. And on the silver one, there are darker spots on the handle that somewhat go away after a vinegar application. So they do seem to have issues with their finish quality. I “fixed” the graphite one with some Testor’s model paint, not something I am happy to be doing on a $60 razor, but it does shave great.

I'd contact Parker before tossing it.

There's also a couple other things to check:

1) Look at the knob. When it is at zero, is there any gap between it and the handle ? There should be no gap or an extremely small one.

2) Are the threads on the cap stripped ?

 

[rmac]

Did you try contacting Parker ? They are likely going to make it right.

I have two Variants, a 5 years old original with a graphite handle, and a new OC with a “chrome” handle. My only issue with them is the quality of finish - on the graphite one, the once shiny, deep gray finish had faded to some dull light gray with greenish tint. And on the silver one, there are darker spots on the handle that somewhat go away after a vinegar application. So they do seem to have issues with their finish quality. I “fixed” the graphite one with some Testor’s model paint, not something I am happy to be doing on a $60 razor, but it does shave great.

I'd contact Parker before tossing it.

There's also a couple other things to check:

1) Look at the knob. When it is at zero, is there any gap between it and the handle ? There should be no gap or an extremely small one.

2) Are the threads on the cap stripped ?

Would Parker help me with a razor I purchased almost 7 years ago? Not sure how long they look after products but I feel like this could be too much.

In terms of the gap, I’m not sure how much of a gap there should be but below image shows the adjustment knob turned all the way down and the subsequent gap present.

I’ve taken a picture of the threads also, I can’t see anything untoward ?

 

[Umma2gumma]

The threads look better than mine.

The gap looks fine to me.

I would try & call them. What do you have to lose ?

 

[tejolot3]

Would Parker help me with a razor I purchased almost 7 years ago?

I would try & call them.

On the 'Customer Service' portion of their website, it says, "Please contact your retailer or stockist where you purchased your products." That doesn't sound promising.

 

[cpcohen1945]

Straight to the trash bin with this one, I’ve got no time in my life for things that just don’t do what they should.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a reliable adjustable razor? I’m not willing to spend the hundreds on something like a Rex but don’t want to go bargain basement either, for fear of getting another dud

I sympathize with your frustration.

The Pearl Flexi that I got recently seems to be working fine. Fully-machined, matte chrome-plated brass, good grippy handle. Considerably cheaper than a Rex, a bit more expensive than the Variant. There is also an open-comb model.

It's heavier than most razors, but I adjusted quickly to that. The balance is good, for me.

 

[cf1]

Get a Rex off the BST if you like some heft. If u like bladefeel get the ambassador. If not get a konsul


If too much $ and are cool with a vintage - get a great cond Fatboy(my preference better weight balance) for about $60 or slim for about $40. Price is approx and uncased.

 

[ERS4]

I have never had any issues with gap slipping on various machined adjustable DEs.

If you don’t like their price, the Gillette fatboy/slim with a “click-to-turn” function can also avoid slipping problems without breaking your wallet.

 

[rmac]

Get a Rex off the BST if you like some heft. If u like bladefeel get the ambassador. If not get a konsul


If too much $ and are cool with a vintage - get a great cond Fatboy(my preference better weight balance) for about $60 or slim for about $40. Price is approx and uncased.

I have a vintage Fatboy that I got back in about 2006 for about £25. It’s pretty good but I’m convinced the adjustment doesn’t work properly. It’s seemingly either on setting one or nine and nothing in between. I haven’t used it in years but I just love the fact it’s still in one piece after many years, unlike the Parker Variant which I have retired indefinitely

 

[Quaznoid]

This is why I stick with Gillette adjustables.

 

[dotKomo]

This is why I stick with Gillette adjustables.

My Fatboy is 65 years old and still going strong!