Parker Men’s SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor With 5 Parker Platinum Blades

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!