Parker 74R Satin Chrome Long Handle Butterfly Open Safety Razor for Men Double Edge Heavyweight Razor Includes 5

I usually shave every other day, using Arko shave soap and an Omega boar bristle brush I've had for around 5 years. I decided to try a Parker razor out of curiosity. I usually shave with a Muhle R 89 3 piece. The Parker is much milder than the Muhle. I was really pleasantly surprised. The build quality of the Parker is really great. Nice weight, nice knurling. The butterfly mechanism holds the blade firmly, no slop. Nice razor, especially for the price! Read more

This razor is definitely on the larger side of most safety razors out there, but it still has good balance and the longer handle may be preferred by many people. The knurling is well done so you don't really have to worry about losing your grip when shaving. The doors open and close without issue, but I can feel that the turning mechanism isn't the smoothest out there. My vintage Gillette razors still have everyone else beat on that front. Using this razor with Gillette Minora Platinum DE blades, I noticed that the amount of blade exposure is slightly uneven, barely noticeable with the bare eye, but it is there none the less. Shaving with the aforementioned blade and Bundubeard's Sanga Symphony soap gave a comfortable shave that was still quite close, so I'd say it's somewhere between mild and medium aggressiveness leaning slightly more towards medium. No nicks or anything of the sort. Apart from the blade exposure issue, I don't like the fact that the knob for operating the mechanism is completely closed, so there's no way for water to drain through the handle. An aesthetic nit pick of mine would be that the satin finish doesn't look as good as a properly done polished nickel or chrome plating job. You could always have it replated when the finish eventually wears away. Overall, I'd say this would be a good razor for starters or old hands alike. If you don't want a 3-piece razor like the Merkur 23C as your starter, this Parker model might be worth looking at. Read more

I've become a Parker Razor fan after satisfactory experiences. The 74R is no exception. The razor is well-balanced, not quite as proportionately "head-heavy," as, say the Variant. The TTO mechanism works flawlessly. Aggressiveness is slightly more than medium level. Lastly, I purchase the satin finish and it is a thing of beauty. There's something sleek and architectural about the design. The photo doesn't truly do it justice. Would definitely recommend it. Read more

Have tried several Parker safety razors over the years with varying results (from bad to unusable). This was the worst by far. Like other Parkers I've tried it seemed very well made so no issue with build quality, which leaves design. Used the same Feather blade I had used 2-3x's before on one of my Merkur handles. Didn't feel it at the time, but in the end I had blood streaks running down my neck. Face was still burning the next day, so I waited 2 days before shaving again. In the meantime, I returned this Parker and bought another Merkur (42C). Used the same blade that left me bloody with the Parker and didn't have a single nick with the Merkur. Done with Parkers from now on. Read more

I saw where the blade was not equal on both sides of the razor but the razor that I received is spot on and I got a great shave also-Thanks to Parker for another quality product 👍 Read more

I like the weight of this razor and the satin type of finish a lot. I also like the beefier handle. However, when I place a blade in the head and tighten it up the blade is offset, especially to one side. About the razor; it is at least a medium aggressive razor and probably just a bit more than medium. I still shave with it and it will give a very close shave and otherwise feels OK. However it makes think I have to be more careful do to the offset blade issue. And it seems regardless of the blade I use this offset issue occurs. But I’m not going to say every 74R will not seat the blade properly - some make work perfectly - this is just my experience. You can’t return this item so if it happens that you purchase this model razor and it doesn’t hold the blade properly you’re stuck with it. Read more

The "angle of attack" of the blade makes for a closer, more aggressive cut. Regardless of blade brand, it is best to change after two shaves, if you have a coarse beard, in order to reduce cuts and abrasion. Overall, the razor is of good quality and it's size and the texture of the handle makes it easy to use. Read more

Trying to get away from plastic "gimmick" cartridge razors mainly because of their negative environmental impact. The Gillette Mach-5 was the easiest & smoothest shave I ever had, but I'm almost out of them, and when my stash is depleted I will not be buying any more. I dusted off my old British-made Gillette double-edge blade holder and quickly remembered why I didn't use it: The handle is skinny and all the weight is in the head, making it hard to maneuver, and I nicked up my face pretty bad. Decided I needed a better balanced razor, so after much deliberation I decided on this Parker. It feels good in my hand; very hefty and well balanced. It gives an impression of better control ... but I nicked & scraped myself even WORSE when I tried shaving with it. There must be a secret technique to shaving with a double-edged blade, which I am going to have to learn if I want to still have a chin. Perhaps a cleanly-peeled jawbone will be the style next summer. I can only hope. TL;DR - This razor is nice but it will not give you a smooth shave unless you know how to use it. Read more