Thread: 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.



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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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?