Thread: Parker SR1 too short?

SR newbie, I thought I'd start with a 'shavette' style to see how it goes before investing in a proper SR. Went with the Parker SR1 with some Shark 1/2 blades. I've read the disposable blades are a good shave in several threads, but I'm having trouble with the edges. The width of the blades are barely 1.5" which is half the width of most straights. So my question is this: would I be less likely to cut the hell out of myself with a longer blade like what I'd experience with a proper SR? It seems like all the cuts I'm experiencing are from the edges/tips of the blade that come in contact with the curves in my face. Or I could be bleeding just as much as the average noob. Getting better on my third shave attempt today, but can't help feeling like I'd be getting a safer, less bloody shave with a full length shaver. Any thoughts?

Using disposable blade straight such as your Parker requires more finesse and a lighter touch than a regular straight. A longer blade tends to make it easier as the same pressure, applied over a longer blade, reduces the force at any one point. You might find a DE blade with a larger radius at the point and heel to help reduce nicks from those areas. I have used several blades in my Dovo shavettes but not Sharks. Merkur sells longer shavette blades that fit the Dovo with an appropriate holder. A touch easier but not that much. I don't know if your Parker can take a longer blade. The Feather system, while more costly, is effective and more forgiving. Regardless, the skill you are building now will make a regular straight seem easy, if you move on to one. I find a shorter straight can be more effective especially on the neck. Sounds like your progress is good for three tries. Go easy and light, be careful of too steep of angle on your blade, and you will progress quickly.

I used that Parker SR1 shavette during my transition from a DE to SR. The SR1 gave me an aggressive shaving experience and many cuts; I used (1/2) Derby Extra blades on it. I also had the problem where the blade tip would bite into the curve of my neck; there's nothing like a sting to the neck to get you to pay attention.

I called it quits after a month and got myself a Dovo SR. Looking back, I realized that my trasition would have been better if I went straight from the DE to the SR.

The SR1 shavette is an inexpensive way to test the SR world, but a Feather shavette would provide better shaves during this test phase.