Posible transition razor after the Parker
For those who might be interested in "moving up" but don't want to deal with stropping and honing I would suggest giving the Feather SS a look.
Yes, you are buying blades - but we have members getting 7 to 30 shaves out of a blade depending on beard/experience etc.
Yes, the blades cost a lot more than DE's - I'm paying $0.60/blade for Feather Pro's and getting 12+ shaves out of them at the moment. And I know that for 60 cents you could get 6 blades or 12 halves and get a new blade every day...
But having shaved with a Parker and many of the DE blades out there (Feather, Astra Blue & Green, Derby, Dorco, Shark, Persona) and a variety of Straights (too many to list) I have to say I wish I had tried the Feather earlier.
Yes, a "real straight" is in a class by itself, but everything comes with trade-offs.
When I'm at home and have the time I enjoy using something from the rotation.
On the road or have to get out the door and still want to shave with a Straight? It's the Feather SS or the CJB Blade Holder (Korean Feather Clone)
Flying out early and don't want to shave in the AM? - A PM Feather 2 Pass + and I'm good all day, it can be that close.
The variety of blade types allow you to customize the shave to a certain extent.
If you don't like it you can probably get most of your money back in the classifieds - they sell quickly.
Shave ready is only a blade change away, and it is an amazing shave with a little practice..
(Hint, the lowest amount of pressure you can use and still maintain contact...soft touch)
If you are getting good results out of a Parker you should be able to make the transition in 3-7 shaves or less. My first was a lot of weepers and a couple nicks, the second was just a couple of weepers and by #5 they were great. It takes less pressure than a conventional straight so many tend to burn/weep when they start. And they are sharp so you have to take your time and mind your skin tension at all times.
Just a thought...