I actually got back into using a safety razor when I saw one at a local "dollar" store and bought it. I like the sound and feel of the double edge razor vs. the multi-blade razors which I had been using. It reminded me of the old days when a barber used a straight razor - the sound of the blade smoothly scraping across the skin. That dollar razor felt nice, but I had to be very careful using it or I'd cut myself shaving. Also, I'd have to unscrew the handle in order to change the blade. I decided to look online and upgrade to a nicer razor - since they are not to be found in any retail stores around here. I decided on the Parker 90R because it was not very expensive and had the "butterfly open" feature, which I remembered from when I was young. I give it 5 stars. When I used it for the first time it was so smooth that I was not sure it was cutting - but it was. It gives an excellent shave - very smooth and still gives the sound and feel of a blade scraping across the skin. Blades are super-cheap compared to the disposable razors, and I don't feed so environmentally wasteful since I am not throwing away an entire plastic handle when I need a new blade. The weight is perfect, as is the length of the handle. I never liked an electric razor because they don't work as well as a blade, you have to keep them recharged and I like the fresh feeling of using water on my face. This razor is an excellent choice. If you are switching back to this type of shaving, just drag the razor a little more slowly across your face than you would a multi-blade razor. I find the shave better and much more refreshing. With this Parker 90R I have not cut myself, which I had done with the old razors when I was younger. Its weight and the curvature of the shield above the blade reduce/eliminate cuts. Again, just go a little slower and enjoy the shave. You'll get excellent results. Read more
This is the first product review I've written on Amazon. Nothing I bought here before has really inclined me to take the trouble, but this little razor, well - it's almost life-changing. Bold statement to make for something as insignificant as a shaving implement, but it's warranted in this case. I used to look at shaving as a necessary annoyance. It wasn't pleasant, but my wife doesn't like a beard so I made myself do it. But being as annoyance, I usually slacked off in doing it which resulted in my shaving once a week, if that (my beard doesn't grow terribly fast). Which resulted in my usually sporting a few days' worth of beard, an unkempt look. However, once I picked up this razor, all that changed. Why? To put it simply, what used to be a necessary annoyance has become a pleasure I look forward to. Seriously. I now wish my beard grew faster so I could shave daily. Using a safety razor necessitates a few other things: a good shaving soap/cream (I recommend the Omega shaving soap available from amazon), a good brush (badger hair is best), and using an aftershave is advised, if not necessary. All these things feel great on the skin and are just plain *fun* to use. It also necessitates that you pay attention to what you're doing rather than just going through the motions. However, the reward is a shave that's much closer to anything you've ever managed with the multi-blade razors while at the same time feeling easier on your face. No razor burn, just smooth skin. Last but not least, hell, using the safety razor/brush combo just makes you feel... male. Now, about this particular razor: - Quality: very good. It's heavy and feels like a solid, quality tool in your hand. Doesn't rust and is easy to rinse. - Design: excellent. The butterfly design makes it easy to replace blades and remove them to rinse after shaving. The shape of the razor helps find the correct angle for shaving. It's hard to describe, but to put it in simplest terms it just fits naturally: placing it against your face in the way that feels natural ends up being just the right angle. - Cuts and hacking up your face: complete myth. It's not difficult at all to shave without ever nicking yourself (I think I've done it twice in 2 months). Note about multi-blade razors: They're dominant in the market not because they're superior to the safety razors, but due to profit margins. Anyone can make razor blades for safety razors and as a result, they're available for around $0.10. However, the Mach3, etc. cartridges are only made by their manufacturers and by controlling their manufacture, they're able to jack up the price - they can cost over $3.00 each. Makes sense from a profit standpoint. Read more
