Parker Safety Razor 91R Super Heavyweight Double Edge & 5 Blades

I’ve been wet shaving for almost a decade now and just recently started experimenting with unfamiliar products such as Proraso & TOBS creams and preshaves. I’ve been using the same AoS Badger brush for nearly 10 years now and have been happy with the quality of the product, the feel, and the lather the brush produces. I also started experimenting with more reputable blades such a as Feather and Voskhod. However, I’ve been using the same Van Der Hagen/MicroTouch safety razor since I’ve started traditional shaving. Mostly bc of the price and convenience of being able to grab one at many local drug and grocery stores. I would definitely recommend the VDH razor for anyone starting out fresh with a DE razor, however I do want to mention that I’ve probably replaced about 2-3 of the VDH razors. All because the butterfly components would suddenly stop working. My mentality in the past was, “at $15 and to have only replaced it 2 or 3 times is significantly better economically in comparison to purchasing a bunch of disposable razors.” The VDH for years helped me reduce irritation and razor bump in comparison to the multi blade cartridges that would get clogged beyond further use and really irritate my skin.However, I was finding my last VDH that I’ve been using for about 4 years was leaving alot of nicks on my skin, no matter the method or blade I was using. I started to do some research and finally started looking seriously at upgrading my razor.I ran into a lot of very appealing products such as the Merker 34c (I think that’s the model) and others. I also saw some videos from Razor Emporium about “best beginner safety razors.” Coming from a father of 4, I’m very budget conscious and really wanted something that works great, has good quality, and isn’t super expensive. Razor Emporium mentioned this razor, the 91r because of its ability to produce a great shave at a low cost. They also confirmed that my VDH was kind of garbage as I assumed.I shaved with the Parker 91R for the first time last night using a Voskhod blade, Proraso green preshave, and Proraso Green Shaving Cream and all I can say is, “WOW!” No nicks, no irritation, and after a 3 pass shave (wtg, xtg, atg) this produced one of the best shaves I’ve experienced in years. As someone who has been using a DE for several years I believe this product to be good for anyone at any skill level. I typically don’t leave many reviews on products, but felt compelled to share this to help someone who may be on the fence about purchasing one of these. Strongly recommend!

I did a ton of research before settling on this razor. I like the idea of a double edge shaver, I like that it's easier on my face than disposables. I love that the blades are super cheap. I was worried that I'd cut myself all up, and that there's a learning curve to using it. A lot of guys that use old school razors seem to be into the shaving hobby (who knew that was a hobby?). In the shaving websites are a host strong opinions about fancy brushes and shaving mugs and soaps and accessories. If you buy all of that stuff, you could be into this for over a hundred bucks and you don't even know if you're going to like it! To make it worse, some say it takes 15 minutes or more to shave. I liked the idea of the razor, but who has that kind of time to dedicate to shaving in the morning? I've got a job, kids to get on the bus, anyway, these kinds of things scared me away a little.All I can say is after one use I was totally sold on this thing!First, if you're trying this out for the first time and aren't sure if it's for you, don't worry about the mugs, soaps, and brushes. They're nice, and a good shaving soap does a much better job than most cream in a can, but to just get started buy yourself a decent razor like this one and use up your canned shaving cream. Regarding the style of this razor (3-piece) I was sure that I wanted a butterfly-type one (the kind that you twist and it opens up), but this three piece type is easier to clean out when using it. And let me assure you that it couldn't be easier to take apart and put together. The blade lines up perfectly without any issue. A few twists of the handle and it's all back together. At no time do I worry about cutting my hands, you handle the blade in exactly the same way as if you were putting it in a butterfly style razor. Hold it from the sides, no difference. Plus, it's easier to travel with as you can take it apart. I'm sure all types are good, I happen to like this one just fine.So don't worry about the extra junk to buy if you want to use this kind of razor. Just buy the razor and a nice stand (I bought this  Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand from Super Safety Razors  which looks great and fits the razor perfectly for 20 bucks). Aside from looking great on my sink, it's easier to grab the handle in my opinion at a 45 degree angle than one that hangs the razor in a perfect vertical. It also holds a brush in a way to allow it to properly dry out and look good in the process. I used up my shaving cream in a can, it worked just fine with this razor (though I do like my new shaving soap better). If you're on the fence, buy a brush and all that stuff later once you're comfortable it's for you.Finally, if you want to enjoy using a DE razor like this, it's really important to be sure you practice proper shaving techniques. I was raised on electric shavers and disposables, so I never really learned the proper way to shave. Disposables don't provide the best shave, but they're foolproof and allow you to shave in any direction over and over without cutting yourself. They also tear up my face and give me razor burn. There are lots of websites that you can get this information from, but in a nutshell: Shave after showering to soften the beard, applying no pressure to the blade on your face, keeping it at a 30-45 degree angle. It's not necessary to push on this razor because it's so sharp and the weight of the head does the work, which is one of the reasons why it's so much easier on your skin. Shave with the grain of the beard to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, rinse your face with cold water to close up the pores, buy a styptic pencil (two bucks) if you do nick yourself, and use a quality shaving lotion afterward. I recommend the Aveeno product  Aveeno Men's After Shave Lotion, Fragrance Free 3.4 fl oz (101 m , it rates pretty well on not having a bunch of toxic chemicals in it, and it feels awesome.The first time I used this razor, I didn't nick myself at all. The blade cuts through the stubble easily and makes a very satisfying crunching sound as it does so, as opposed to a disposable that sounds more like scratching along the beard. It's easy to clean out the blade while shaving, this thing never clogs like a cartridge does. I didn't find this razor any more aggressive than my disposable Gillette cartridges I was using before, I think if you find this provides an aggressive shave it's more from your technique (for example, shaving against the grain or applying too much pressure), than this razor. Your choice of blade and shaving cream does matter too. I've found it to be very forgiving and haven't hurt myself with it once. Shaving takes me no longer than normal. There are lots of blades to choose from, when you find a kind you like, you can buy them in bulk. They're so cheap you could change the blade every time you shave (not necessary at all) and you'd still spend a small fraction of what even inexpensive disposables cost.I love it, my face feels great after, and I actually look forward to shaving! Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand from Super Safety RazorsAveeno Men's After Shave Lotion, Fragrance Free 3.4 fl oz (101 m

I've got sensitive skin and a tough thick beard. Two days without a shave and I start looking like a member of the Taliban. I went through the whole family of Gillette products. From the trac II through the atra onto the mach 3 and lastly the fusion. The fusion is probably best in the cartridge class, but even with the best in class, razor rash rode shotgun on many morning commutes. To add insult to injury, 5 o'clock shadow would come in around 2 pm. So some days I would have to shave again at lunch to look neat and trim for an afternoon client meeting. This was a real pain with no end in site. I started doing a bit of research and I found that my problem was caused by the shaving cream and razor.Step One:Ditch the canned shaving gels and creams. They are not worth the money. Go with a good quality shaving soap or fine shaving cream in a tub or jar, with a good badger hair brush. I personally use a Vulfix super badge hair brush with Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream and it's fantastic.Step Two:Buy a good DE razor and blades. I started with a Merkur adjustable and it was OK but not great. I then tried a Parker 22r next. OK as well, but the shaving profile is a bit aggressive and I find the handle a bit slippery when shaving in the shower. I picked up the 91R after reading the reviews and I have to say it's a great razor and I'm not going to switch.It's heavy so there is no need to push down when shaving! The long handle with checking make it very easy to hold and guide while shaving in the shower. The shaving profile gives a really close shave but no razor rash or nicks.Blades:I like Sharp and Feather. Careful, these are really sharp blades, Feather also make surgical blades in the same factory, so they really understand sharp.When you shave:Touch the guard to your skin, slowly raise the handle until the blade touches usually about 35 degrees. Use short straight strokes following the grain of your beard. Don't push down on the razor, let it glide and cut the hair. After the first pass feel your face, if you still have stubble, re-lather and do a second pass across the grain. Avoid going directly against the grain. If you must. make it a very gentle 3rd pass. Use an aftershave moisturizer without alcohol to sooth the skin. Ask your wife, girlfriend, sister, etc. they will hook you up with a good one.Lastly rinse the razor well after you shave. You can dip it in a bit of rubbing alcohol to drive the moisture out to protect the blade. When you break it down to change the blade, clean all three parts well. It only takes a minute or two.This razor with your favorite blade and cream is years of inexpensive, environmentally friendly, super close, painless shaves. A really great way to start the day.

Haven't used a double edge safety razor in over a decade, but i discovered it is like riding a bicycle, you never forget it. This razor is a great buy for the price it carries, and i found many of the previous feedbacks very useful in choosing my first double edge razor (i read feedbacks from all the other models, including the Merkur ones). I will defenetely try some different models after using this one for a while, yet again, i believe i have made a good investment.Also, after reading many feedbacks i resolved to settle on purchasing: 1.Proraso Pre and Post Shave (awesome by the way, love the old school feel to it, and awesome price compared to other products) to get that good lubrication going on. 2.Proraso Classic Shaving Cream with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol (I remember my grandfather using something similar way back when over in Europe) 3."My Nick is Sealed Easy Roll-On Applicator" ( a worthy substitute to the septyc pen our elders used) 4. I know a good badger brush is REALLY important yet i was hesitant to spend between $40-$60 for one and chose instead to go with Omega Stripey 100% Pure Badger Shaving Brush with Stand #63171-Made in Italy (i am not expecting 100% pure badger, of course for the money i spend, but it is a good company, and it is a great product for the price spent; the stand is a plus, since it's a must if you want to prolong the life of your brush)All in all for a little over $100 i have a modest yet awesomely effective shaving kit, and let me tell you. Everything you've heard about the best shave ever it is true. After learning how to first shave with a double edge razor and doing it so for a while, i fell prey to the whole "More Blades = better shave corporation" bull and after trying their products for over a decade realized "How Many Blades does one need for a good close shave"? Well folks the answer is one sharp blade rather than 3-5 dull ones. And the money i am saving (despite a rather pricy first investment) is a bonus. A $3-$10 shaving cream product will last you months while the blades are cheaper than crtridges and can be used for more shaves than a cartridge. It really goes to show us that our forefathers really did invent something worthy, and they did know more about shaving than our generation does. Let's boycot the many blades and get a better shave while at it!

Long have I sought a razor with both fine tooling and a keen edge -- reminiscent of the sabers I wielded in my youth. On summer evenings, atop the knoll of my home village, my father would stand beside me, instructing me in the art of the Majestic Slice, and say, "Son, this blade was my father's, his father's before him, and his father's before him -- and now it is yours. Its edge is true and its purpose is grave. Fear not its power, its deadliness, its vibrating keenness; it will serve you faithfully if you hold it dear and treat it as you would your own progeny."I took his words to heart as I came of age, seeking true adventure the mountains of my homeland with that saber strapped across my back. The blade was my stalwart companion, my guardian, my friend. It slew my enemies and defended my loved ones. And then, one day, in mortal combat with a dark guardian, it was split in twain and rent asunder in a shimmering silver dust. I was stricken.For many years, I could brandish scarcely the most delicate of blades. In the kitchen, no santoku suited my purposes. In the garden, no utility knife proved up to snuff. In the sacrifice of lambs, no dagger cold be sufficiently honed. Deeply did I despair, for no edge could compare to the one I had known so well -- until I discovered the Parker 91R and the sample blades contained therein.Verily, they did cut with fine precision and deft, accurate assuredness. My facial hair could not withstand the onslaught, and I laughed with joyous abandon as I stood, immersed in the thundering waterfalls of the great mountain, slashing the whiskers from my countenance. I wept tears of joy, for the blade rang true in my recollections as could only the true bretheren of my father's sword. A wondrous razor was this razor, and a Majestic Slice did it slice well and deeply in the thicket of my beard. I would speak to all men who seek a blade, who wander the land in search of true precision, and tell them these words: that the 91R is an excellent razor, and that it proffers a darn good shave.