Parker Men’s SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor With 5 Parker Platinum Blades

So I bought this in 2013, coming back to do a review. Still holding up strong! Can’t beat the price and works perfectly. Nice clean shave, fits the hands nice and cleans up edges crisp. Can’t say this was a bad purchase. Saved me hundreds if not thousands f dollars on replacement blades.

I know, stupid review title. But what wasn't stupid was my purchase of the Parker SR1 stainless steel razor. After viewing straight edge shaving videos on Youtube (which I recommend), I became fascinated with the thought of trying it myself. When I saw the prices for disposable blades for the straight edge, I saw $ signs.I think it really has become criminal what companies like Schick and Gillette are charging for disposable blades. They've also become completely carried away with creating blades with as many as five razors! Apparently you also need a battery for some, why, I have no idea. I used to use Atra Plus double blades with some sort of moisturizing strip. I even bought generic Rite Aid brands which were much cheaper but they were still about $1 per blade. I also typically got only a week out of a razor because of all the shaving cream and stubble that got caught between the blades. Trying to shave Monday after skipping the weekend usually meant changing the blade or trying to scrape all that gunk out of there. Yes, it's what I and most Americans have been raised on and it's definitely easier than a straight edge.I originally purchased 100 Derby brand blades ($8.49), the plastic shaving factory razor, and a vile of styptic powder (you'll need this) all for about $22. That's 100 blades which last about 5-7 days depending on how thick your beard is. You can do the math but you don't need to be Einstein to know you are saving an unbelievable amount of money on razor blades. The problem with the plastic Shaving Factory razor I bought is that it's simply cheaply made. Eventually the round hinge will wear down and your razor will swing freely. The Parker is all metal, it holds the blade much more tightly and you'll discover there's a little rust on both razors when you change blades. The Parker is much easier to clean with a little toilet paper and water. I personally believe that the Parker for some reason, maybe due to its sturdiness, causes much fewer nicks and cuts. All in all, it's a great well made, professional straight razor.This is a longer review than I intended but I might as well give you the heads up on shaving with a straight razor. The good news first, you CAN learn to shave with a straight razor and nick yourself very infrequently, like anything else it takes practice. For example, I haven't had a single nick in 2 or 3 weeks of daily shaving. I use regular shaving cream, maybe a brush is better but Edge gel with Aloe Vera is fine for me. I can get a good close shave in about 5 or 6 minutes. Then again I've been doing this for about 6 months and perfecting my technique.Now for the bad news, in the beginning, you will cut yourself. One time I cut myself bad enough to consider tossing the blades and razor asking myself "I can easily afford regular disposable razors, why am I putting myself through this?" You will come to a point where you'll wonder if it's worth the hassle and some will go back to disposable Gillette's or maybe an electric razor. That's fine, I'm not an evangelist for straight razors. Then again, if you're careful (practically run the razor horizontal to your skin, remember the angle of attack is about 10 degrees, that's nearly horizontal to your skin), don't rush, keep the skin wet and add shaving cream to areas you want to shave again, go SLOW in the beginning, watch Youtube videos for some pointers. Rinse the razor in cold water. Shave after a shower or after washing your face with hot water. The upper lip was tough until I realized I can push my nose out of the way! Stretch your skin, contort your face to get as much of a horizontal surface as you can. Develop a routine and shave the same way every time.Well that's about it, sorry about going on so long, this was supposed to be a review about the Parker SR1 and yes, I highly recommend it. Apparently it's what professional barbers who still give shaves use. It's a little odd how the blade fits in the razor but you'll get used to it quickly. Regarding my shaving experiences and advice, I hope it helps. I don't know exactly when it happened, but there was a day when I said, "Hey, I haven't cut myself in 2 or 3 weeks". After I noticed while changing blades I had used about 1/4 or 26 of the 100 blades I figure probably six months. I hope my advice helps and you will learn to master shaving with a straight razor in half the time it took me. Good luck.

A Really Nice Straight Razor Alternative:First off I can only comment on my own experience as I realize that others may have had a bad experience with this product.Now I must say that my experience is and has been completely positive and my Razor arrived quickly and I am "Very Pleased" over all with the Fit and Finish of the Razor which I consider vital for a 'Cutting Instrument' and one that you will be putting next to your face,.Granted I took note of some of the complaints others made about the flimsy plastic handle, So I spent a couple dollars extra and got the Razor with the metal handle which I think was a "Wise Choice" and I'd advise you to do the same.Why only 4 stars?, Personally I am happy with my Razor, But there were some visible tool marks on the inner part of the razor which detract a bit from its appearance but not "Its Shaving Quality"......But we have to use balance here and you cant expect a 20 Buck item to be as polished as a $150 dollar razor and while we are on the topic of expensive straight razors I've had 3 and 2 of them shaved me well, But this twenty dollar 'Blade Holder' will shave you just as close and with a lot less hassel if you only take the time to learn and believe me its easier than you think.Personally its an easier razor to learn on but If you are a first timer,I'd just start out on cheeks and giving yourself a light trim until you get the feel of this just a bit but do remember the following:1.Give Yourself Some Time As There Is An Exposed Steel Blade Here And You Will Get Cut If You Hurry.2.Please, Please do not shave with a straight if you are shakey, Or your kids or dog want to jump up and play.Or you are upset!.......3.If you have "SMALL CHILDREN" please don't leave this lying out with a blade in it, Or exposed where they might easily get to it,.Now my shave went very well and I was pleased as I haven't used a Straight Razor in a while and only had a very slight nick and ended up with a super smooth face, And to be sure you can get cut with one of these but your hand would have to slip or you'd do something rash as unlike a regular straight razor there isnt a LOT of blade exposed here so you do have a 'Safety Margin' But its still wise to use care.Even so this is a 'Very Good' way and inexpensive way to learn how to shave with a straight razor.......Now after you've used this a season if you wanna buy an expensive razor do so, Me I kinda like the classy look of the Parker as it will give me just as good a shave a lot cheaper, And I DO get comfort from the fact that if my hand "DOES SLIP" then most of the blade is shielded and only a small part is 'Really Exposed' plus you dont have the hassel of stropping or having to send your razor out to be honed.But To Each His Own.....Personally I like the idea that I can order custom blades from Amazon, Or if push comes to shove as we do live in uncertain times I can easily get blades from my local store or 'Swap Mart' Where I could buy a 20blade pack cheap, And then break them in two and then I have 40blades.....Now like any other razor it will take time to learn to use this, And you will have to try different blades and shaving cremes to see which one works best for you, And please remember to use a hot towel on your face first and then see how easy the whiskers come off.That was the only negative in my own shave as the blades provided while good wearnt as smooth as I'd liked but I'll try some other blades until I find the ones that work best for me, So keep in mind if your first shave isnt positive, You may need to try a different blade or a different type of shave creme or soap, Another thing to keep in mind is to watch a UTube video on straight razor shaving to get a few pointers.Now the main things I'd remember is to go slow, Use lots of hot water, watch your blade angle and just use very light pressure on the blade tho later as you learn the ins and outs you'll be able to go faster as there is a learning curve here and believe me you'll be surprised both at what you learn like using your hand to stretch your skin out,And DO NOT use a high angle at first, Keep that blade shallow until you get your technique down pat.Myself I used the Shark Blade, Palmolive Shave Creme, And slowly shaved with light pressure and I did fine, Just stay calm go slow and you will get a Good Shave.Later If you want to try a Different Blade or Shave Soap remember that Amazon has all you'll need and at good prices too.So go slow and Enjoy.Nuff Said:Indiana ED