Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've noted that most reviews for safety razors focus on how much better using a safety razor is than a disposable or replacement head system. While this is COMPLETELY true, it tells you nothing about the actual razor you are considering buying.
I've been using the Parker 22R for over a month now, and I have definitely fallen in love with using a safety razor, but I suspect there are razors that are MUCH better than this one.
The bad: the finish is beautiful, and I didn't have problems with the grip, however, the finish is flawed on mine, with discolored spots all over, especially on the bar, and it gets a very grimy look after a shave if you don't wipe it down each time with cotton.
The butterfly wings open well enough, if not perfectly smoothly, but the razor doesn't sit perfectly evenly in the head. The result is, you need to tap the edge of the razor (SOOOO not safe) to get the blade to sit straight (or run the risk of carving your face up).
Also, some have said this razor is a bit too aggressive for beginners. I am not sure if its just because the reviewers didn't adjust the blade to be straight, or if their face just doesn't love this razor. I've had no problems with it being too aggressive (as long as you use good lather).
The last bad, the 7AM blades this comes with are absolutely terrible. Do NOT use these on your face, or you will never want to use a safety razor again. They leave patches, and there is no such thing as a close shave with them. Pick up a variety pack to find one you like, but make sure it includes Derby (I like them the best of all I've tried so far).
The good: Once you have a good quality blade set in this razor so it is straight, it's easy to use and pretty gentle. The weight is quite nice, the handle is a great length, and it's pretty cheap. I haven't tried other safety razors yet, so I'm not saying this is the best one to get started with, but my learning curve was one shave. No complaints there.
Words of caution for first time safety razor users: a good razor is important, but the blade you use in it is the most important. Get a variety back to find what works best for you, it's the best thing you can do for your face.
Also, the shaving soap/cream you use is INCREDIBLY important. The general rule is, if you can find it in your supermarket or Walmart, you probably don't want to use it. Cans and foams are totally out of the question, they dry your face out despite your other best practices, and it WILL cause your face to get shredded and give you razor burn and ingrown hairs. Nothing from nivea, neutrogena, or other big names works.
I was fortunate enough to find one in Rite Aid that works pretty well. It's from the Real Shaving Company, and it's called pro-lather. It's the best I've used so far, but I am certain it's far from the best available.
If you are a first time safety razor user, your best bet is to buy soap or cream on Amazon, since it's so incredibly difficult and expensive to find a good lather out in the world. The only places I saw real shaving soaps around were the Body Shop (but they only had one choice, but it did smell and look fantastic) and JC Penny, but they only had the lab created stuff, and nothing really natural.
To sum up: Not a bad razor, though I'm certain there are better, the blades it comes with are garbage, get others (I like Derby), and make sure you buy a good soap or cream to lather with (you'll need a badger hair brush to whip it up properly), and give yourself time to get the hang of using a safety razor. It is very rewarding, in terms of having a smooth face without burn, bumps, or ingrown hairs, and it just is a pleasant tiny morning ritual. (It's hard to explain, you'll understand within a month!)
Click Here to see more reviews about: Parker 22R Double Edge Butterfly Safety Razor and 10 Shark Super Chrome Blades
The Parker 22R is a classic! The razor is all metal - genuine brass frame with nickel/chrome plating. This razor provides an incredibly smooth shave when coupled with the SHARK blades. The Parker 22R weighs 3.0 ounces and is perfect for both new and expert wet shavers!. We believe this razor will rival any on the market for shave closeness and comfort - even those costing much more. The head on this razor has been designed to angle the blade for a smooth and comfortably shave. Don't let the beautiful looks of this razor fool you. It is meant to shave with and it will reward you with a barbershop shave every time!
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