Thread: Can shaving daily with an agressive razor do harm to your skin?

Hi fellas,

After a bit of trail and error, I've ended up with a 91r, and a handful of different blades.

I found straight razors didnt' quite turn my crank, although I got good enough at them, that they DID give me a good shave.

I tried the shavette, and they just felt too flimsy, and somewhere in between.

I have recently tried a Feather popular TTO razor, and although it shaved well, I find the plastic handle and TTO head to be a bit cheap feeling, and I just couldn't get past it.

I really like the style of the 3 piece parker head, but its fairly aggressive. I do find I get a bit of heat (not burn) after a shave, but otherwise close shave with little to no redness, plus its built like a tank.

Will this be okay for my skin long term?...... I dont want to end up looking like leatherface down the road!

Thanks,

Ryan

Hello, Ryan:

I know that Parker 91R is an aggressive razor. I found it quite unpleasant and eventually sold it to someone who likes aggressive razors and is still happy with it.

Although I am not a dermatologist, I would assume skin under daily assault from such a razor could receive some damage. Again, it's only an uneducated assumption.

If I may ask, why not try a milder razor and stop worrying? There are other high quality razors. I always recommend the Edwin Jagger razors for their overall quality. They are also not aggressive as the Parker 91R. The Merkur 38C "Barber Pole" is a bit more aggressive than the Edwin Jaggers and it is highly regarded.

I don't see the reason for being a prisoner of sorts to the Parker 91R.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks Obie,

Well, actually with one pass on the neck, and two on the face, I find it does the job nicely.

Also, I feel like Ive spent a lot on trial and error, and wasted too much money trying to figure this out. I think this razor could work with the right blade and technique.

I figure its easier to dial down an aggressive razor when you want it to be aggressive, and next to impossible to increase the aggressiveness of a mild razor when you want a quick close shave. I'm fairly new at this, and thats purely opinion.

Ryan:

You are very welcome.

On the other hand, if I may suggest, you might try the Edwin Jagger or the Merkur 38C with Feather blades. There is a chance you can find measurable aggressiveness that is well balanced.

In the end, though, what you prefer is what matters. A little experimentation and improvisation might solve your problem with the Parker.

Good luck.

Stay well.

Obie

Thanks again Obie.

I'll see how the next shave goes with a fresh Feather!

I don't think the aggressive quality of a razor can do you any harm. It's more the user using a razor in an aggressive fashion. That's where the problems start.