Parker shavette question?

I have traditional straights but decided to buy an inexpensive Parker shavette just to see what it was like.

It will definitely not be replacing my traditional straights or DE's for that matter but I have a question regarding blade replacement.

Is there some "trick" or technique to keeping the blade from moving as you are bringing the two piece blade holder back together? This is before the step where you swing down the final locking piece.

I just got this today but every time I put the blade in place and try to move the two sides the blade moves.

If anyone has a Parker shavette I'm sure you must have developed some technique regarding replacing the blades.

I know exactly what you mean. What I do now is this.
Open razor
Orient so that the shaving edge is facing up, towards the ceiling
Carefully place the half blade on the pins, again shaving side up, so that gravity is holding the blade on the pins.
Slightly pry apart other half of razor and slide into place (obviously taking care to not disturb the blade.
Close it up

Works for me very well.

Attachment 119748

You can tell from the picture that the blade is just resting on the pins.

Hope this helps.

+1 on lakechuck, make sure your are bringing the bladeless side from above downward which further secures the blade. Then site along the blade to see if the exposed part is even. If it is not even, I would spread the side slightly and gently push (fingernail) blade into place. That part might not be recommended but I only used my Shark blades once so, I took my chances of destroying the edge. I don't know about you but I found the Parker a less forgiving instrument than a straight, even if it didn't need the fingernail adjustment.

Thanks guys. Yes, it is less forgiving (sharper)!

I didn't intend on replacing my straight with this. This is just for "fun" :) It was an inexpensive way to try out a shavette.

It was also an experiment of sorts. I frequently have to touch up the upper lip and chin area with a DE after using a straight.

I wanted to see if that was a technique limitation of mine or just a sharpness limitation of the blade.

I found out I can get a close shave in those areas with the shavette so maybe I'll work on honing my blades a little more :)

BEGINNERS: Do not buy a shavette. Just buy a straight first. It doesn't cost anymore (whippeddog).

I have this razor and never really have a problem putting the blade in. I basically do it like above though. Theed first time I didn't know it came fully apart and slide the razor in the gap when the catch was up.

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Originally Posted by sharpy

BEGINNERS: Do not buy a shavette. Just buy a straight first. It doesn't cost anymore (whippeddog).

I have this razor and never really have a problem putting the blade in. I basically do it like above though. Theed first time I didn't know it came fully apart and slide the razor in the gap when the catch was up.

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Whipped Dog sells straights for $15?

No, sorry I should have explained better.
The parker shavette I bought off ebay cost about $25 inc postage, (did I get ripped off ?)
Whippeddog straights are going for $30 inc postage. Hopefully mine will turn up in the next few days..

From what everyone says here about straights vs shavettes, I really don't seen the point in getting one. But that's just me ;)

I got my shavette for weekend flights when I don't have luggage to check and its all carry on. I don't have a DE.

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Originally Posted by sharpy

No, sorry I should have explained better.
The parker shavette I bought off ebay cost about $25 inc postage, (did I get ripped off ?)
Whippeddog straights are going for $30 inc postage. Hopefully mine will turn up in the next few days..

From what everyone says here about straights vs shavettes, I really don't seen the point in getting one. But that's just me ;)

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I have one and I started with one actually. They area not bad...just different. It had been written a little less forgiving and that is true..but the mechanics are basically the same. The feel is almost the same and in my opinion don't do a bad job.It it's just a bit different. I would not tell anyone not to get one but I would definetly recommends regular straight tho.
Some people just have no inclination to Stropping or honing. They are great for travel as well.
I have a parker as well.
It does the job..
Now to put a new blade in..just separate the halves a bit more and when closing it will be like putting it on top as opposed to sliding then together

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Originally Posted by sharpy

No, sorry I should have explained better.
The parker shavette I bought off ebay cost about $25 inc postage, (did I get ripped off ?)
Whippeddog straights are going for $30 inc postage. Hopefully mine will turn up in the next few days..

From what everyone says here about straights vs shavettes, I really don't seen the point in getting one. But that's just me ;)

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Make sure to let me know how you like it. I'm thinking ill probably get a new strop/razor kit from SRD, mostly because I want an unused razor. It seems most people have good experiences with WD. I imagine you'll have several to compare it to?

Use both, actually the three, straights, Shavettes, and the Feather ac's. like all three types. Even the Parker clones that are delivered for under $5us.
Used a Parker clone on vacation every day for 2wks. Used it with a new Derby 1/2 blade each day. Great shaves.
Most of my straights are the 10-15$ eBay ones that I've 'fixed' up. More than once I've had to finish off a trail shave with a Shavette.

I am enjoying the shaving with my parker shavette, it seems in the US you can get them for 6 times cheaper than over here :/

I absolutely love shaving with my shavette. Haven't even tried a proper straight. Would love to but don't think I have the discipline to hone & strop on any kind if regular basis. Thought about getting one & having it professionally seen to but that just sounds expensive.

I will be getting my shavette today and trying out some passes with it this evening. Gotta start somewhere I suppose. I will most likely post a new thread later this evening to let you all know how it went. I have seen so many mixed reviews on the shavette, that it is good, bad, hard, easy once you get use to it and so on. Clearly it is a YMMV type of instrument. I have wanted to do straight shaving for a while now, but the funds were not available for the razor and strop setup just yet, so I will make do with this for a little while. This thread has been an interesting read as well though. Talk to you guys soon!

If you haven't yet.... Easier to use the 1/2 blades if you cut them in half rather than snapping them. They fix better as they're not bent.
Eventually you can buy the factory 1/2 blades. Derby. Shark. Etc

I started out with a Parker and did just fine. I don't think that telling everyone who is a beginner to steer clear of shavettes is the world's best advice.

Some people really aren't that interested in the maintenance aspect of shaving, and to those people, I say go for it. Get a shavette. As is the case with everything, there's a learning curve...the blades are sharper than a straight. In the beginning, you most likely get cut. As you learn your angles, you'll get better and won't cut yourself as often or at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sharpy

BEGINNERS: Do not buy a shavette. Just buy a straight first. It doesn't cost anymore (whippeddog).

I have this razor and never really have a problem putting the blade in. I basically do it like above though. Theed first time I didn't know it came fully apart and slide the razor in the gap when the catch was up.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Raulski

I absolutely love shaving with my shavette. Haven't even tried a proper straight. Would love to but don't think I have the discipline to hone & strop on any kind if regular basis. Thought about getting one & having it professionally seen to but that just sounds expensive.

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This is why i stick with my SE.

I have a Parker and think it pretty good for travel. If the blade is a little crooked I give it a very gentle push with my finger to seat it before locking it in place. I also got a Monsieur Charles a couple weeks ago($3 shipped, I couldn't pass) and I think that's gonna be my new travel shavette. I personally don't see anything wrong with someone starting with a shavette. While they can be "harsh" they also remove a lot of variables that can be overwhelming at first. As far as technique, there is very little difference in my oppinion.

My only real complaint with the Parker that I got is that the scales are a bit on the chinsy side; it doesn't feel entirely solid (thinking they possibly used aluminum for the scales, and stainless steel for the spine and shank). It would have been nice for them to go stainless all the way through, but this doesn't effect the shaving aspects. Can anyone out there recommend another good brand of shavette that uses a half DE? I may look to replace mine when it finally goes kapputz.

Started on a Parker shavette. The trick to keeping the blade from moving off the pins is to separate the top holder a little and lay it on top of the already seated blade; then hold tightly together as you engage the hinged holder. At least it worked for me. It is pretty important to make sure the blade is sitting in the holder straight to avoid some nasty nicks/slices. Good luck

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Originally Posted by Natz

I started out with a Parker and did just fine. I don't think that telling everyone who is a beginner to steer clear of shavettes is the world's best advice.

Some people really aren't that interested in the maintenance aspect of shaving, and to those people, I say go for it. Get a shavette. As is the case with everything, there's a learning curve...the blades are sharper than a straight. In the beginning, you most likely get cut. As you learn your angles, you'll get better and won't cut yourself as often or at all.

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My first shavette was a Dovo and it made me look like a Hollywood Halloween creation. Much later I got a Parker and it was so much easier to use without the carnage. The Dovo is too small and light and the Parker has more of the weight and feel of a straight. I can use either one now, but as a beginner that wasn't the case.

I agree with those who say a true straight is easier to use because that was my experience as a beginner. But it's a shame to have to buy a razor, strop, and sharpening stones before knowing if it is something you really have a desire to pursue. For that reason I'd recommend a Parker shavette with a regular old razor blade split in two for starters.

I bought a cheap shavette while I was waiting for my striaght to arrive and to start myself on the learning process. The problem I'm having, is that it doesn't seem to cut my stubble at all. I even changed blades and still got the same result. Any ideas?

I would guess that you have to experiment with angle, pressure, and beard prep.

I'm going to keep at it, it just gets frustrating.

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Originally Posted by One2mny

I'm going to keep at it, it just gets frustrating.

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One option hasn't been mentioned.:p This very good shavette holds a blade very firmly, and you can make it STICK OUT the way you like more. I insert and fasten a blade so that it protrudes about 5 - 7 millimeters outwards. And I have fantastic shaves because such shavette imitates a broad straight razor with a flexible edge. The shavette starts to make a very pleasant crunching sound while shaving. If you insert a blade like the instructions say, it will be total crap (for me, for example). Good luck!

here you go friend let gravity do its job and push the top peice away from the blade.

IMG 1849 1) - YouTube

Dont get frustrated, they do provide good shaves all it takes is a little practice.