Thread: Advice on new safety razor purchase

Hey guys I'd like to venture into the world of safety razor shaving, I've been shaving with a straight for almost 2yrs and never had an itch to attempt a safety razor till now hahaha Im looking at the Parker 22r, Parker 99r, feather black economic razor any advice would be great thanks

I have the Parker 22R, and while it's a serviceable razor it's not for newbs IMO. Parker, or at least that particular model, are known for blade gap defects - one side is more exposed than the other. I was able to tame it, but only after I had some DE experience. You're better off getting a Merkur, EJ or a vintage Gillette (if you can manage to find one).

Yep, I had the Parker 22R once...it was my first DE and it felt like dragging a rake across my face.

Haven't the other two you mentioned but I jest recently sold my Feather SS and that was a fine smooth shave. Not sure if its plastic brother is comparable.

IMO I'd go with a nice vintage Gillette, maybe a Fatboy or super speed.

Check out some local antique shops (if you're impatient like me ). They can usually be bad for 5-$20 and typically clean up well assuming its not completely shot.

Originally Posted by jes007

Hey guys I'd like to venture into the world of safety razor shaving, I've been shaving with a straight for almost 2yrs and never had an itch to attempt a safety razor till now hahaha Im looking at the Parker 22r, Parker 99r, feather black economic razor any advice would be great thanks

My first safety razor was a Parker 91R and it was defective. The reason I mention it is because I blamed my inexperience for the poor shaves and kept trying to use it.

For that reason I would buy a higher-end brand.

• A vintage Gillette SuperSpeed or Schick Krona is the mildest if you have sensitive skin.
• I would rate the Edwin Jagger DE89 a bit more aggressive, and I haven't heard any negative reviews about it.
• My first safety razor in good operating condition is a Merkur 34C HD. It is a little more aggressive than the Edwin Jagger in my opinion.

I think you deserve a good razor with a sampler pack of blades to determine which brand you like. For a beginner I would recommend either Personna Prep Blades (Medical Personna) or Astra Superior Platinum blades.

If it were me I'd go with the Merkur 34C (3" handle) or Merkur 38C (4" handle). My favorite blades are the ones I recommended.

My very favorite safety razor is a Merkur 37C (3" handle) or Merkur 39C (4" handle). The safety bar underneath the blade is slanted downward. I get better results with fewer strokes. I don't know if I would recommend that one for a beginner.

These are well worth the money.

Jess,
ZeroCool gave me my first DE razor, a vintage Gillette. I have been hooked since then.

I must thrown in another vote for vintage Gillette, although I would recommend an open comb like the New Standard (my favorite DE right now) or just the New. Whichever you can find at a reasonable price.

I think ima go with a Edwin jagger de89 seems like a nice bang for the book for a quality razor thanks everyone

jess07:
Choose the Edwin Jagger DE 89 and you're all set. Some gentlemen have already suggested this razor. The EJ DE 89 is not only a handsome razor with impeccable workmanship, it is also a fine shaver, not too aggressive and not too mild, but just right. My experience with the Parker extends over several models, including the ones mentioned here. I no longer own them. Keep it simple and go with the EJ.