First looks and Aesthetics Believe me when i say it looks ALOT better in the pictures online then in person. From online it looks like a solid piece of steel that is very well built. In person, at the end of the scale, the two blades are touching, which is good. On one side of the scale, at the end of it, a very little piece is missing, probably due to poor manufacturing. This piece did not show up in the picture because it is so minuscule. The line under Parker is already starting to fade after three shaves. Do not expect to get a perfect razor, as it is only twenty dollars. Other than that, it is a tool that does its job and does it well. Don't let this part deter you from buying because I only listed the bad parts. There are more positive features than negative. Reloading Reloading is very simple and cheap because it takes half DE blades. All you have to do is flip over a little switch, take apart two pieces, pop in a blade, and close it. That is all!! Weight- Light stainless steel. We are in the middle of a addition so I could not find the scale. It is very well balanced from my beginner standpoint. The head is not much heavier than the rest of the razor and vice-versa. Beginner Friendly- Absolutely. Take your time and you will not nick yourself. No problem navigating my face. This is my first and only shavette razor. Is it recommended?- Yes, as an intro to shavette shaving. It is much better than the Dovo shavette, which is just a piece of plastic. This has no plastic. How does it work?- Like a razor should, it shaves! Because it is light, It will probably be used for touching up areas like the side burns once I get my Weck Sextoblade from PLANofMAN. Thanks again PLANofMAN, I do not know your name, sorry. If you have a beard and want to touch up lines it will be good for you because when it hits hair, you can feel it stop. This will probably be converted to a camping and travel razor because if it breaks it is cheap, and it comes in a nice cardboard carrying case. It got as close to BBS as anybody would want and my sideburns seem to stand out more after touching them up. Packaging- Comes in a cardboard box lined with some type of red felt material. Inside is your razor, obviously, five shark blades, and an instruction manual on loading that you will need if you have the IQ of a rock. Overall Rating- I give it a 6 out of ten. For the money that you pay it is very well built. There are more razors out there for twenty dollars that just looked like garbage. A definite buy for a first razor, camping razor, or a travel razor. The reason I did not give it a higher score is because I had my hair razor cut at a hair salon one time with a very heavy straight razor. I can not remember the name, but it seemed it would last a lifetime. This razor will not last a lifetime.
Nice review Vin! You should do a comparison with the Weck once you get it and have some time. Would be interesting to see. I was very close to buying one of these then at the last minute opted for a Whipped Dog sight-half-seen. My Dad who's a knife enthusiast eventually coerced me into getting a straight after strenuous daily discussions on honing and different blade styles
That sounds like a good idea for a review. I will probably get a real straight somewhere down the road. This razor (astra) still shredded through my beard after being used three times, which it will not do in my DE.
Yeah I hear that shavettes are extreme aggressive and quite hard to shave with. I take my hat off to you sir. I like Astra's too, they are in my top 3.
Parker SR1 Str8 RAZOR SHAVE REVIEW: I am a total NEWBIE at sr8 razor shaving and was pleasantly surprised at the shave I got and the quality of the razor. .The blade was decent, Shark, 5 half DE blades came with the Parker SR1 str8 razor. At $24 total (that's including shipping, $17 for razor and 5 half DE blades ((Shark)))...rating: 10 for total package. I ended up with a BBS shave given the fact that this was my first str8 and using one! .I need to perfect my technique of course...the chin area was difficult but my cheeks and neck were the easy areas. Quality is very good for what it is and supposed to be; I would prefer metal scales rather than painted plastic and a longer blade/realestate...but this is a good length for the mustache area and corners of the mouth. Smoothness doesn't really come into play this is more for the blade you use and you can always change it out if not happy with the curent one; also, user technique plays a part. This is one razor that is easy to maintain. .The Parker SR1 is a disposable blade str8 razor. .When the blade dulls, just change it out and let the razor air dry before storing it...THAT'S ALL! .I am a handicapped guy so this razor is very easy and practical for me, for a guy that wants to str8 razor shave without the maintenance of "traditional" str8's (i.e. stropping, sharpening, dropping and breaking the blade, etc.) I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting one of these for the beginner to str8 razor shaving; as for the pro, get one for the ease of use for vacationing or camping or for the novelty. A fun new tool to learn. WARNING: THIS IS NOT A TOY...RESPECT THE BLADE (BECAUSE THE BLADE IS FIERCELY SHARP) AND TAKE YOUR TIME, PRACTICE...DON'T GIVE UP! Most of all, ENJOY AND HAVE FUN!
Cool reviews...Congratulations to both you guys...I love shaving with a Shavette...Man if you got BBS the first time and no blood...congratulations...my sink look like a scene from 'Helter Skelter' every day the first week I used mine.. But now I love it...although my adams apple and bottom lip area are still problem areas for the shavette....everywhere else is BBS-city. I need to fine the right angle and grip for those two areas and I'll be cool...
Hey, thanks guys for the advice and kudos...I will try to keep posting as much as I can. By the way, I am waiting on two Weck razors that I read about in previous posts on here and am excited to try them; also, I too have the new Feather AC SS non folding and am excited about trying this one as well and will post as soon as I've used it. Thanks again, guys!
I use one of those every day and I love it. I have used it on my wife's legs and other stuff and it does a good job there too.
I ordered one of these today with some Derby shavette blades. I want to try a straight razor but I have no idea if I will stick with it so rather than invest several hundred dollars for something I may not like, I'm going to try this first and see how I get along. I will upgrade later if all goes well.
If you don't like it at first try to stick with it for a while, the shaves only get better. I got to that point that no DE razor gives me as smooth or irritation free shave as a shavette does. Just be careful with it and never forget what you're holding against your throat
I started reading g at the beginning of the the thread, and was like what! No, I didn't promise to send anyone my last remaining Weck! Then I saw the date. For what it's worth, vin switched over to useing the Weck and straights. I don't think he uses the Parker anymore.
