Parker 22R - Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor & 10 Shark Super Chrome Blades
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List Price: Our Price: $28.77 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Product Reviews of Parker 22R - Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor & 10 Shark Super Chrome Blades
Product Review: I finally grew up!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow! What an experience. The last time I tried a double edge razor wet shave was in elementary school, when I got to pretend shaving without a blade. As I grew older, I saw my father switch to an electric shaver, with which I began shaving, and then I switched to a single edge disposable, then double edge, then triple. I had come to believe that no shave could be satisfying, and that all "new and improved" razors were hype. Then I read about how a double edge safety razor is better for the environment, did some research, and tried out the Parker 22R Double Edge Butterfly Safety Razor and 10 Blades. Amazing. At 56 years, I feel like I'm finally growing up and learning how to shave for the first time. The razor is well-balanced and well made. I think it could last a lifetime. The 7AM blades are a joy to use. I was prepared for nicks, but have only had them when I rushed a shave using my old gel instead of taking my time and using good lather. For once, I have learned to "let the razor do the work". I just guide it around and have fun.Product Review: I like this razor
Summary: 4 Stars
This razor was my first DE razor, and i have waited over a month to review it. Over all i really like this razor, its nice looking, easy to open, and a rather good balance. My only real problem with it is the handle. While it looks nice with its gun metal finish and groves, it is very slippery. I actualy wrapped a rubber band around the handle to help me hold on to it. Takes away from the looks, but works. As far as the shave, it gets very close and i have had no trouble with razor burn or cuts (that were not my fault). Over all if you are starting out this makes a pretty decent razor for the money. I plan on trying a few others but plan on keeping this one around.Product Review: I think I need to go with a vintage model to get quality...
Summary: 1 Stars
It seems there are few consumer items produced to the durability standards of yesteryear. Not getting wistful in my old age, and not yet a senior citizen regardless, just usually the case and true here as well. I never bought a safety razor new before but vintage (antique?) ones are often sold at flea markets and elsewhere and I tried one years ago. Needless to say though they're not allowed at basic military training so I switched to ordinary blades and didn't consider switching back for a long time.
Any blades work perfectly well as far as I know, maybe the expensive European ones last longer but the advantage to safety razors is lower expense over time, plus it creates less trash so maybe Al Gore will send you a Christmas card? Along similar lines, check out ARKO foaming shave soap. A stick of soap meant to be rubbed on your face, instead slice it up and mold it into the bottom of a wide diameter shaving mug, foam it up with a badger brush and PRESTO, foam to rival a modern canister.
But back to brass tacks. I've had this for a couple months and tightening it enough to get the blades in what seems like the right position has led to to structural failure of the lower half of the closing mechanism. Dad was plant engineer and maintainence supervisor at a cannery so figuratively at least I learned at my Father's knee how to property tighten, without overtightening, a screw, bolt, or mechanism like this. In hindsight the quality (tensile strength perhaps?) of the metal in this razor is like comparing serious hardware to the screws/nuts/bolts at WalMart. Am I being too harsh because of my particular bad experience? Doubtful, especially as for a comparable price, there are plenty of antique stores nearby with high quality safety razors and I look forward to looking at what's available, carefully inspecting and comparing mechanisms, and ending up with a comparably priced razor that I'll be happy with for years to come. .
Product Review: I want to love this razor, but....
Summary: 4 Stars
First off, I love the way this razor looks...the gunmetal finish and the handle design are very handsome..why I bought it in the first place..secondly, I love the way it feels...it has a nice heft to it and the longer handle is a good fit to my hand...heck, I love the way it shaves, it's my first ever DE...I started with a Trac II many years ago...DE razor and a brush and soap make shaving something I like to do instead of something I have to do...so my only problem is a slight design flaw...the twist to open knob on this model incorporates most of the handle instead of just at the end, like most butterfly style razors, so if I'm not careful, it's possible to open the cover slightly while shaving, which means the blade might slip around a bit causing nicks and cuts...that being said, I really like this razor, but am planning on exploring the world of 3 piece DE(most Merkurs are this style)as I feel these razors might hold the blade more solidlyProduct Review: If you have wanted to try using a safety razor.....
Summary: 5 Stars
....this is a great place to start. This is my first safety razor. I wanted to make the switch to save money, since "modern" razor replacements constitute a costly recurring expense. I had also read that safety razors provided a superior shave to even the the latest multi-bladed razors.
I can verify this is indeed the case. The learning curve for this razor is not as steep as I had thought, though you cannot simply drag it around the face and neck as most current razors allow the user to. The amount of time I spend shaving is only a little longer, but this is due to applying quality shaving products, and carefully using the safety razor to produce a baby-soft shave with multiple applications of shaving cream and shaving over multiple passes. The time is well spent, and I find that a shave using this method will last much longer than before.
This is not to say you won't have some cuts or razor burn at first, since your skin has to adjust, as does the the user to new shaving habits, but the investment of time, and money is well spent.
This razor is very solid and has good weight, something you want in a safety razor since you use the weight of the razor resting against your skin to move the blade around as opposed to pressing down as most modern shavers are accustomed to doing.
The razor comes with two packages of blades, each containing 5 blades. A blade will last the typical user about 5 shaves if proper attention is paid to the correct amount of shaving cream, use of hot water, and proper care of the razor. The Ten 7AM Platinum blades are good, though I will be trying other brands of blades to determine which I like the best. Replacement of the blades is easy using the butterfly function.
If you want to try using a traditional razor that delivers great quality for an excellent price, this is the best unit to start with. Very recommended.