Parker 22R

Greetings, friends.

I've read a lot of posts here and I need to make disclaimer first. I don't have a lot of money to invest in things, so I try to get the most "bang for the buck". I do my research and check around, then spend my money (for better or worse).

That being said, I knew I couldn't afford the high-end double-edge razors. I also wanted something new. Using a razor that belonged to someone else (no matter how good I cleaned it) was just...weird for me. So I wanted something that was new and nice.

To try out a DE, I first got an Anbana (Amazon.com: ANBANA ® New Classic Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor with 1 Razor Blades, Mirror & Case: Health & Personal Care), which was a very low-cost way to get started with DE razors (I paid about $8.00 for it). I decided I liked it and then invested in the Parker 22R (about $30.00). The Anbana is essentially a clone of a Weishi (which is, in turn, branded as the One Razor on TV peddled by the guy from Pawn Stars). Decent razor, but short handle and very light.

Now...personal preferences come into play here, so I'm saying this based upon price point and quality knowing I was on a budget.

When I got the razor, I immediately noticed that nice long handle (4" long) and the gunmetal finish on brass. Very solid feel and very nice heft to the razor. I chose to use one of my Shark SuperChrome blades and got a very, very nice shave from it. The razor felt solid in my hand and the knurled handle was each to hold and control. I've seen folks complain about the quality on the Parker brand handles in that they don't center the blades well, but that doesn't seem to be an issue on my 22R. I flipped it over several times and felt no difference in the shave or angle between the sides.

All in all, I feel that it's an excellent razor for the money. I may eventually get a low end Edwin Jagger, but for now I won't spend the money on another handle. My 16 year old daughter has laid claim to my Anbana and has fallen in love with it along with Derby blades.

Have a great day, everyone.

-Goatee

Congrats on a thoughtful, logical approach. But do look into buying a blade sample package and experience other brands. You might find an edge you like better than what you now use.

The main difficulty i have found with many of the Asia import razors is that it really is important to assure your blade is aligned as you tighten the cap/doors. The central ridge/bar is a bit thin and the blade twisted a bit and allowed me to cut myself as a lot of edge was forward on one end.
Good for the money though!
~Richard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Geezer

The central ridge/bar is a bit thin and the blade twisted a bit and allowed me to cut myself as a lot of edge was forward on one end.
Good for the money though!
~Richard

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Ya, Richard. Sounds Awesome......for the money! :eek:

Thanks for the advice guys. I had purchased a sampler pack when I purchased my Parker shavette (uses 1/2 of a DE blade). That was when I decided I liked Shark and Derby blades. However, I have found using a DE handle to be a completely different experience (I enjoy them both depending on my mood). Although the Shark and Derby blades are very good, I've heard good things about Feather and a few other brands.

I have a pretty tough beard with odd grains on my neck (and even a "cowlick swirl" on my neck). My beard laughs at electric razors and I used disposables until about six years ago (any disposable with less than three blades was useless and I never got more than three shaves out of any disposable, no matter how much I paid for them). After that I switched to the straight razor style shavette. It wasn't until I saw the Pawn Stars guy selling the DE handles that I considered investing in one (most of the "good" ones are out of my budget). Once you get the handle, though, the blades are priced excellently (MUCH less expensive than disposables).

I think I will use some Christmas money for a new batch of DE samplers to see what I can find out. The Shark and Derby blades will be an excellent frame of reference for me.

Thanks again.
-Goatee

Try the 24C from Parker, open comb! I have an EJ 89 and Parker 22R that haven't been used since I got the 24C! Very mild open comb razor, gave me the best shaves with Gillette 7 OClock Sharp Edge Yellows and Shark Super Stainless are a close 2nd.