Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor – Professional Shavette...

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.

If you're tired of relying on barbers for that perfect beard and mustache line-up, then the Parker Men’s SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor is the solution you've been looking for. This razor, paired with the included Parker Platinum Blades, has revolutionized my grooming routine, giving me the precision and control I need to achieve professional-looking results at home. I'll be honest, it took a few cuts and nicks to get used to handling this razor. But trust me when I say, the learning curve is worth it. Once you've mastered the technique, you'll never look back. With patience and practice, I've transformed from a novice to a precision-grooming pro, all from the comfort of my own bathroom. The key to success with the Parker SR1 razor is patience and attention to detail. Take your time, be careful, and before you know it, you'll be lining up your beard and mustache with the skill and precision of a seasoned barber. Plus, the included Parker Platinum Blades ensure a sharp, clean shave every time, reducing the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs. What I love most about the Parker SR1 razor is its versatility. Whether I'm shaping my beard, edging my mustache, or tidying up my sideburns, this razor delivers consistent, professional results. And with its durable stainless steel construction, I know it will stand the test of time, making it a worthwhile investment in my grooming arsenal. In conclusion, if you're ready to take your grooming game to the next level, look no further than the Parker Men’s SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor. With patience, practice, and precision, you'll soon be achieving professional-quality results from the comfort of your own home. Say goodbye to costly barber visits and hello to the satisfaction of mastering your own grooming routine with the Parker SR1 razor!

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

I bought the Parker SR1 on the recommendation of my barber after telling him that I wanted a straight-razor style shave without all of the maintenance and ambiguous degrees of sharpness. I wanted something that took patience to use, but without as much frustration and unnecessary risk. After getting comfortable with it over a few months, I most recently shaved my dad with it, and as the title suggests, my girlfriend even shaved me with it—all without incident! It's as safe, close, and inexpensive as those three categories are allowed to get to each other. (For those new to straight razors and shavettes, I will be referring to the anatomy of the razor. The diagram in the picture should be used as a reference for some of the terms used below.) The shape of the flat side of the razor as it approaches the blade's edge has enough of a gap leading up to the exposed blade that it very slightly depresses the skin passing under the edge at a 30* angle. To me, this seems to enable a closer shave than a straight razor, and I still haven't cut or nicked myself thanks to this extra "pulling" effect and the consistent sharpness of the disposable blades. The only drawback is that the cream or soap is a bit more difficult to swipe off, but this shouldn't matter if you occasionally rinse it with hot water. For what it's worth, I've never noticed the blade moving off of alignment, even after slicing through cardboard with it for a test run. I prefer stainless steel scales to rubber or plastic ones. The razor is light, as are most shavettes, but I would say thanks to the scales and the length of the whole thing, it's noticeably heavier than a Dovo. The weight of the razor is more than sufficient for cutting without your own pressure, so be careful not to underestimate it. Also, the scales on this puppy stay in place. Several popular shavettes have extremely loose scales that swing up and down. While this allows for some cool switch-blade action, it's hardly safe or practical. It's much better for the scales to stay in place so that your fingers can be dedicated to a steady grip, and so that the blade remains closed even if it drops on the ground. The shank is extremely thin, which may be a bit awkward at first. Make sure you're in the habit of keeping your thumb nice and close to the edge for maximum control, since any other grip could be too loose, especially for backhand strokes or difficult areas like the tip of the chin. I found the grip comfortable after the first shave, but it would be nicer if there were some way to improve it, especially for when the razor is wet. The toe is far enough from the blade that you really need to pay attention for areas such as the sides of the neck, but no other design would really make sense. One thing to note: if you're worried about opening and closing the area where you place the blade, look for the slight indentation in the tip; it's meant to allow one finger to lift while the other keeps the blade in place. I'd suggest doing it over the sink in case the blade falls out. As long as you're paying attention and not doing anything TOO too risky, this is an extremely comfortable, affordable, and badass way to remove the hair from the face. I was absolutely amazed by the quality and continued reliability of this razor, as were my equally relieved dad and girlfriend. (Concerning the free shark blades: they're good to learn with, but I started using Personas once they ran out. I'd suggest a similar transition to a sharper blade whenever you can, or experimenting if you have less thick hair or more sensitive skin.)

About 6 months ago I decided to switch from an electric to a Gillette pro-fusion. A few weeks later I decided to "man-up" and go to a double edge (DE) razor. About 4 months ago I took the ultimate plunge into testosterone driven shaving, the straight edge. After doing a lot of research I decided to go with this replaceable blade straight edge, sometimes known as a "Barber's Razor." I've read that the sharpening and honing skills needed to maintain a traditional, non-replaceable blade straight edge are almost as difficult to master as the shave itself. Maybe someday I will try that style of straight edge, but will stay with my SR1 for now. Having used this razor for over 4 months, here are my observations. * The razor seems well constructed, especially for the price. * It feel comfortable in the hand and well balanced * Changing the blade is safe and easy, once you pick up the technique. You need to separate the two halves and swing them away from each other. Lay the blade the lower half lined up with the pegs, set the top half over the blade, lining up peg to hole, then clamp it shut. * If I'm typical, you will cut yourself when you are learning. Not nick, CUT. Friends and coworkers are going to notice. I use Proraso Styptic Gel, which can stop bleeding on a cut. A standard styptic roll-on or stick that might work on a small nick, won't work well. * The most common time you are going to cut yourself is when the blade first contacts the skin. Make sure you lay it flat, or with a very low angle, then raise it slowly as you move it across the face. * Sounds obvious, but always be aware of where the blade is. Accidently bumping it against the skin as you move the razor to another area can cause a nasty cut. * I find I am less likely to nick or cut with a new, sharp blade. I replace the blade with each shave. If I try to use the same blade more than once, the shave is not as good, and cuts are more likely. You can get 100 Derby blades for about $7 so cost is minimal. * Use a good, shaving soap or cream. Do NOT use the gel or foam stuff in a can from the grocery store. This is critical. I like Proraso Shaving Soap and Taylor of Old Bond Street creme, but I'm sure there are other good ones. * Watch some videos on YouTube to see different techniques. * Shaving with the grain seems easier to master than against the grain. However, for a clean shave you will need to do both. * Practice shaving your face, with and against the grain, without a blade on the razor so you can experiment with hand placement. Try shaving with dominant hand only or switch left to right hand depending on location. * During you first several shaves, stick to the easy flat parts, such as check and neck. The area around my lips and chin is still a challenge for me. Until I got more confidence I did those areas with my DE razor. * Don't straight razor shave if you are in a hurry, distracted, or stressed. At first I limited my straight razor shaving to weekends. If you are in a hurry to get ready for work, you don't want to have a bare razor to you face. You will make mistakes. You will bleed. You need to have plenty of uninterrupted time. * Don't expect this to be a great shave at first. You are learning the technique and you may have to touch up certain areas with a DE or other razor. * This is a learned skill that takes time. After 4 months, I still consider myself a novice. Be patient.

Save your money and buy this straight edge razor. Used it as soon as I received it. I will say that I have been using a double edge razor for about 8 months now, but needed something better to line up the beard. No cuts at all, but I had some practice with the double edge razor. With the double edge I cut myself at least the first 3-4 times before I was able to get the hang of it. I do believe this has helped me with working this straight edge. This straight edge razor feels like quality. Has a little weight to it and forsee it lasting me years in end. Money will be saved as a 100 pack of Parker Razors only run about 7 bucks. I don't see myself running through all the blades until at least a year and a half with shaving every other day. This has paired nice with the double edge razor. I wish I would have come across these sooner. CHEAPER THAN DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB.

Considering the price, I couldn't complain...too much. The shaver itself is metal, I can say that much; but it doesn't feel as sturdy as a conventional straight razor. Hence, the price. When I opened the blade arm to place a blade in it, I noticed a large spot of corrosion on the finish which has not come off. Since it's on the inside, I really don't mind. I don't see that part often enough to care. The pins that secure the blade and blade arm aren't symmetrical, and tend to catch as you try to open it. Caution should be used when replacing blades. I usually insert my thumbnail into the rounded end to force the arms apart first, pulling can result in slipping...which could end as scene from a horror movie. The replaceable blades make for easier maintenance, but lack the keen edge of a well honed and stropped straight razor. If you're a beginner, and want to practice and stay within budget, this razor is a start, but I would also recommend any of the Dovo name brand razors to start. For travel, or when I don't feel like honing one of my nicer blades, this razor will suffice, but it drags on the hair more noticeably than a classic razor.(A well sharpened one) I would compare it to using a disposable vs a nicer conventional razor...it gets the job done well enough, but doesn't leave your skin too happy. If you're a serious straight razor fan, go with a Dovo or Thiers Issard blade and save yourself the disappointment. This razor hasn't presented me with any significant issues...but a strip of machine sharpened steel will never match the polish and smoothness of a hand honed and stropped piece of carbon steel. (Or stainless.) If you're considering starting up with straight razor shaving, consider this...a hot shave takes some time, is meant to be an indulgence. Do you want a blade that can just cut the hair, or a blade that glides across the skin and through hair? With a well honed straight razor, proper lather, and a nicely steamed face, I get less razor burn now than if I had used something from Gillete. (Shudder) This razor is STILL in my cup, I DO use it, but I prefer my classic straight razors...if I feel up to stropping that early in the morning. One thing...make sure you keep your Parker clean!! Clean with hot water after each use and dry off with a towel. Don't forget, clean under the blade too. Gets a bit nasty in there if you neglect to clean it. A note about the blades...unless you're shaving peach fuzz, replace them after each use. They're cheap, and it will save you a lot of blood in the process. (This is a subtle hint to buy extra blades...the 5 included blades will last a week, maybe two.) I would also recommend the purchase of real shave soap. Shaving cream or gel from a can do not have all of the same ingredients that shave soap does. Shave soap helps soften hairs, condition skin, and generally smells much nicer. A good badger hair brush turns this shave into a modicum of what a traditional shave can be. If you do make the switch for good, check out vintagebladesllc.com for some classic razors. They hone each "shave ready" blade before shipping so that they are really ready to shave with. They also carry a full line of soaps, styptic pencils, aftershave lotions...lots of things that can make your face look and feel really nice. There is also some information available on the site, for people new to wet shaving. Keep a stiff upper lip...or you'll cut it shaving, I did.

First: Don't let anyone on here try to tell you that this is a quality made piece of hardware. It's not. While it is made of stainless steel, it's very rough-cut on the shank side. Not a smooth finish. You can see very deep tool marks. The handle, while being well-balanced, is stamped, hollow steel secured with a cheap rivet. The rivet on mine was set so tight that when I pivot the handle, it scratches up the shank. This left a very deep, circular gouge in the shank. The ink markings are starting to wear away...after a month. The finger hold just past the pivot on the shank side didn't get deburred like it should have. Mine arrived very rough around this area. I took a light piece of sandpaper and removed the burr myself. This is just to give you an idea of how cheaply made this thing is. It's made in India. Take from that what you will. Second: This is a HORRIBLE shaver. I'm used to a real straight razor that you have to strop and hone, but decided to give a safety straight razor a try to see if there's a difference (and I got tired of the maintenance cycle of my old blade). There's a difference...and it's not a good one. The blade only sticks out about a millimeter past the holder, which makes it very difficult to determine where the real blade is vs the holder. The blade is too short for me. I'm used to a longer blade. I used Shark blades, and they just tore my face to pieces. Nicks, cuts, razor burn (which I'm really not used to).I'm not sure if my regular razor is just that much sharper, but it seems that these don't even last one full shave with me. I was replacing them halfway through, on my first pass. I know the blades are cheap, but it's very aggravating to have to change out a blade mid-shave. Now, I'm an advocate of straight and safety razor shaving, but this piece of junk just doesn't do it for me. It's in the trash, where it should be. I guess I expected too much for $20.