And that's the best case. That assumes they're giving you their honest opinion and don't have an ax to grind.
I read a review on the Parker Variant and it was very positive. What i don't like much is that it's a bit "one of the same" as far as handle goes. What i liked in some Parkers, was how unique their handles seemed to be. This is more "classic". Sooner or later, i will probably buy one. Worst case scenario, it will be too aggressive and i will not use it ever again, i guess... But first i must learn technique better, because i am very clumsy still. I was surprised i didn't cut myself with the Weishi the first time. I don't think a Parker would be so forgiving. Yeah, Amazon reviews, are always a problem. Here more than in USA i think, as reviews are less. Some are always strangely too positive to be true... I myself had in some products attempts by 2 chinese shops to pretty much "bribe me" to remove a negative review. Not in razor related stuff, but gets you thinking... I also noticed in blades and razors reviews that some were clearly made by cartridge users that tried to shave with the same way they would shave with a cartridge and butchered their face. Which makes you wonder, how many other cartridge users are in those reviews, that are not so obvious... But, it's all i had... before coming here.
I have 3 Parker razors, 96r, 22r, and an 82r, all twist to open style. I love TTO razors and Parker makes some of the nicest looking ones available today. They are definitely more aggressive than a Weishi razor. I don't use mine much because of it. I have gone the vintage route and have 2 Gillette slim adjustables and 3 Lady Gillette Blue Starburst razors that I use when shaving with a DE. The Lady Gillette Blue Starburst razors are very mild IMO. I get my best shaves with them, even when using blades I couldn't use before (Shark and Van der Hagen). If you like the looks of the Parkers you should get one to have in your collection, but you will probably find the shave not as comfortable as the Weishi, at least that has been my experience. Lady Gillette Blue Starburst
Thank you. The first one, is very pretty. Very nice handle. I like it the best. This is my fear too. I don't want aggressive razors. I can already shave well with the Weishi, so why risk my skin... And is it worth to get a razor that i will never use, instead of a razor that i can use... Hmm...Anyway, i guess i will have time to decide. I am already at 2 razors, which are probably 1 too many for a newbie...
My first DE was a Parker 29L. I'd call it mild, which works fine for legs. I've since bought a Gillette Super Adjustable and just today, my Parker Variant came in. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, as we had to caulk the tub today. I like the feel & the weight of it. More in a few days.
The Parker Variant is my primary razor -- has been since I got it in January (though I just received a Supply SE I'm playing with). It's a finely made razor. It's adjustable, with a design much like the Merkur Progress, so you can dial up the aggressiveness you like, from mild to very aggressive. It managed to oust my Futur as my primary razor, which I used exclusively for over six years.
If you can get any of the Gillette Adjustable's they are worth the price. Bought my Slim in the early 60's for $1.98 been using it and Fatboy and BB ever since. But if you prefer a new razor, the Parker Variant is a Parker break through, It copies the Merkur Progress in head design But improves on everything from there, It adds handle Grip, Weight, Length, Head Geometry and is very well made. Parker QC has improved greatly. I've been shaving with if for about a week and has given me fantastic shaves, As with other Parker's you don't have to worry if the razor is too Mild or Aggressive, it's adjustable. Differences from the Gillette's are that the Variant is noticeably heavier and the the Gillette is a TTO and the Variant is a 2 piece, loading the blade is different. We can write about what razor is best for US all day long, But you must decide what razor is best for YOU.
I had a chance to try my Parker Variant today. So far so good. It's heavier than my Super Adjustable & has a bottom dial, unlike the SA. (That's the one thing I don't like.). I got a very smooth, close shave in setting 1. I got one nick, which I am chalking up to technique. It does handle a bit differently than the SA and that takes a little learning. So I like it, but haven't decided if it will be my primary yet. That will take a few more shaves.
Follow-up on the Variant-after using it for a few shaves, on setting one, my technique is better. But I am finding that it irritates my skin, no matter what I do. It is well-made but clearly too aggressive for me.
I have the variant and I've shaved with each setting. To me all settings are aggressive on feel. The reason is that huuuuuge gap between blade and safety bar. I've caught my lip on setting one . lol I couldn't imagine shaving legs and armpits with it.. you are a brave one.
The looney thing for me? Shaving the armpits is actually easier than shaving the face. I've done it with razors that ripped my face up, but gave a smooth clean shave under the arms. It may be because the skin itself moves around better, so it's harder to 'catch'
I only own the Parker variant. The only other Parker I wanted was the 87r. Personally the razors look cheaply made. It's just my personal opinion. I didn't get the 87r because of the bad reviews due to quality. If you want my opinion, I would get a Gillette slim adjustable. The reason is because you can dial in your aggressiveness as your technique improves. Also, out of the Gillette adjustables, you can find them the cheapest. But the fatboy and super adjustable are great choices as well. If you are merely going with finding a pretty razor that compares to what you heard of the DE89, that's going to be hard. Most only compare the DE89 and merkur 34c to each other. I have a de89 and it shaves great. I have over 40 razors and although most are vintage, I can honestly say that nothing shaves the same as the DE89. The way it shaves feels completely different.
Nope. Many are aggressive, but plenty are mild to medium. Both open combs and safety bar/closed combs can be mild or aggressive. Ikon's Shavecraft Tech is a closed comb that is at least as aggressive as aggressive open combs like the Muhle R41, ATT H2, PAA DOC (stainless version). There are lots of mild to medium open combs: Merkur 11, Parker 24. I find the Gillette New Type to be right at medium.
