Hello friends, I am a fellow shave enthusiast. I have been wet shaving with a DE razor for 4 years now. I have mainly used 2 razors up until now; the Merkur 34CHD and the Edwin Jager DE89. The blade that is my go to is Astra SP. I used a boar hair brush, a semogue 730 HD and use primarily Proraso Red and Blue shaving cream, with some rotation of Geo Trumper Lime and TOBS avocado. I have been getting phenomenal shaves ever since I made the switch to a DE razor. Try your mind magic on someone else "King Gillette", lol.
Recently on my birthday, I was gifted this beautiful Parker razor and brush set by my dad.
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I am from India and have thick/coarse beard, with medium growth and sensitive skin. So I was really skeptical about changing my razor. But since it was a gift and it looked so nice, I decided to try it. I have to say that I am impressed. Parker as a company has come a long way about improving the quality of their products. Hats off to them.
Razor: Parker 118B Brush: Parker WNPB Pure Badger.
Although I am more of boar hair brush user, I like the badger brush that I got, especially when I am making bowl lather with proraso. It holds plenty of water, creates a thick and creamy lather, with just a almond sized dollop.
I make a 3 Pass shave and shave every other day. I do first pass WTG, second pass XTG and 3rd pass ATG and no touch ups. Touch ups tend to give me irritation some hours after the shave.
The razor feels sturdy and nicely balanced, perfect for the two finger and thumb grip and the pinky can be used for more control during the ATG pass.
The razor is a tad bit more aggressive than the merkur, and the shaving angle is more like 45 degrees. It took a week to adjust to the new angle, in Merkur the angle is 30 degrees. Also to much regret, I found that the Astra SP blades were a bit too aggressive in this razor and was causing weepers and razor burns. So after going over a few forums, I found this blade made by Personna:
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They work so good with this razor, and I mean OMG! I am getting some of the most smooth and close shaves of my life! (No exaggeration)
The box cost me 12 dollars (US). It is written on the box "Made in Israel" but the wrapping mentions a place in Connecticut, USA. A bit confused about that, and also the box mentions barber shop quality, comfort coated. Would like to know a bit more about these blades if anyone else has used them.
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This is my "Shave Den" so to speak:
To perfect my technique and truly judge this razor, I am going to not change any variable of my shave for the month of June. I will stick to using the following things:
Hot shower Prep + light facial scrub
Bowl Lathering
Shaving Cream: Proraso Red Sandalwood
Razor: Parker 118b
Brush: Parker Pure Badger ( Has been broken in before using this month)
Blades: Personna Super Platinum Comfort coated
aftershave: Pinaud Clubman (Love this thing)
aftershave balm: Proraso Blue ( I wait 20 mins after applying the aftershave and then follow it with the balm. If I don't use it I get flaky cheeks, ugh, not good)
The Proraso Balm works wonders folks. It will help your skin heal and relieve any irritation caused due to shaving mistakes. It has saved me big time while experimenting with new razors. I think it is fairly priced, and you only need a small amount (less than most balms) to apply a think layer on your face. Within 30 minutes virtually all irritation has disappeared and your face feels "Un-tightened" after the shave.
Gents, keep up the old and wise tradition of wet shaving and have a wonderful Monday Morning shave. Will keep updating my findings as I go along the month. Cheers, gents.
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