Parker 91R Double Edge Safety Razor - Three-Piece Heavyweight Safety Razor with Brass Frame & Chrome Plated Knurled Handle -5 Premium Parker Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades Included

I did a ton of research before settling on this razor. I like the idea of a double edge shaver, I like that it's easier on my face than disposables. I love that the blades are super cheap. I was worried that I'd cut myself all up, and that there's a learning curve to using it. A lot of guys that use old school razors seem to be into the shaving hobby (who knew that was a hobby?). In the shaving websites are a host strong opinions about fancy brushes and shaving mugs and soaps and accessories. If you buy all of that stuff, you could be into this for over a hundred bucks and you don't even know if you're going to like it! To make it worse, some say it takes 15 minutes or more to shave. I liked the idea of the razor, but who has that kind of time to dedicate to shaving in the morning? I've got a job, kids to get on the bus, anyway, these kinds of things scared me away a little.All I can say is after one use I was totally sold on this thing!First, if you're trying this out for the first time and aren't sure if it's for you, don't worry about the mugs, soaps, and brushes. They're nice, and a good shaving soap does a much better job than most cream in a can, but to just get started buy yourself a decent razor like this one and use up your canned shaving cream. Regarding the style of this razor (3-piece) I was sure that I wanted a butterfly-type one (the kind that you twist and it opens up), but this three piece type is easier to clean out when using it. And let me assure you that it couldn't be easier to take apart and put together. The blade lines up perfectly without any issue. A few twists of the handle and it's all back together. At no time do I worry about cutting my hands, you handle the blade in exactly the same way as if you were putting it in a butterfly style razor. Hold it from the sides, no difference. Plus, it's easier to travel with as you can take it apart. I'm sure all types are good, I happen to like this one just fine.So don't worry about the extra junk to buy if you want to use this kind of razor. Just buy the razor and a nice stand (I bought this Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand from Super Safety Razors which looks great and fits the razor perfectly for 20 bucks). Aside from looking great on my sink, it's easier to grab the handle in my opinion at a 45 degree angle than one that hangs the razor in a perfect vertical. It also holds a brush in a way to allow it to properly dry out and look good in the process. I used up my shaving cream in a can, it worked just fine with this razor (though I do like my new shaving soap better). If you're on the fence, buy a brush and all that stuff later once you're comfortable it's for you.Finally, if you want to enjoy using a DE razor like this, it's really important to be sure you practice proper shaving techniques. I was raised on electric shavers and disposables, so I never really learned the proper way to shave. Disposables don't provide the best shave, but they're foolproof and allow you to shave in any direction over and over without cutting yourself. They also tear up my face and give me razor burn. There are lots of websites that you can get this information from, but in a nutshell: Shave after showering to soften the beard, applying no pressure to the blade on your face, keeping it at a 30-45 degree angle. It's not necessary to push on this razor because it's so sharp and the weight of the head does the work, which is one of the reasons why it's so much easier on your skin. Shave with the grain of the beard to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, rinse your face with cold water to close up the pores, buy a styptic pencil (two bucks) if you do nick yourself, and use a quality shaving lotion afterward. I recommend the Aveeno product Aveeno Men's After Shave Lotion, Fragrance Free 3.4 fl oz (101 m, it rates pretty well on not having a bunch of toxic chemicals in it, and it feels awesome.The first time I used this razor, I didn't nick myself at all. The blade cuts through the stubble easily and makes a very satisfying crunching sound as it does so, as opposed to a disposable that sounds more like scratching along the beard. It's easy to clean out the blade while shaving, this thing never clogs like a cartridge does. I didn't find this razor any more aggressive than my disposable Gillette cartridges I was using before, I think if you find this provides an aggressive shave it's more from your technique (for example, shaving against the grain or applying too much pressure), than this razor. Your choice of blade and shaving cream does matter too. I've found it to be very forgiving and haven't hurt myself with it once. Shaving takes me no longer than normal. There are lots of blades to choose from, when you find a kind you like, you can buy them in bulk. They're so cheap you could change the blade every time you shave (not necessary at all) and you'd still spend a small fraction of what even inexpensive disposables cost.I love it, my face feels great after, and I actually look forward to shaving!

One of the smoothest shaves forme. I have sensitive skin and psoriasis.Not an aggressive razor, so may not be for everyone, but I love it.

I’ve been wet shaving for almost a decade now and just recently started experimenting with unfamiliar products such as Proraso & TOBS creams and preshaves. I’ve been using the same AoS Badger brush for nearly 10 years now and have been happy with the quality of the product, the feel, and the lather the brush produces. I also started experimenting with more reputable blades such a as Feather and Voskhod. However, I’ve been using the same Van Der Hagen/MicroTouch safety razor since I’ve started traditional shaving. Mostly bc of the price and convenience of being able to grab one at many local drug and grocery stores. I would definitely recommend the VDH razor for anyone starting out fresh with a DE razor, however I do want to mention that I’ve probably replaced about 2-3 of the VDH razors. All because the butterfly components would suddenly stop working. My mentality in the past was, “at $15 and to have only replaced it 2 or 3 times is significantly better economically in comparison to purchasing a bunch of disposable razors.” The VDH for years helped me reduce irritation and razor bump in comparison to the multi blade cartridges that would get clogged beyond further use and really irritate my skin.However, I was finding my last VDH that I’ve been using for about 4 years was leaving alot of nicks on my skin, no matter the method or blade I was using. I started to do some research and finally started looking seriously at upgrading my razor.I ran into a lot of very appealing products such as the Merker 34c (I think that’s the model) and others. I also saw some videos from Razor Emporium about “best beginner safety razors.” Coming from a father of 4, I’m very budget conscious and really wanted something that works great, has good quality, and isn’t super expensive. Razor Emporium mentioned this razor, the 91r because of its ability to produce a great shave at a low cost. They also confirmed that my VDH was kind of garbage as I assumed.I shaved with the Parker 91R for the first time last night using a Voskhod blade, Proraso green preshave, and Proraso Green Shaving Cream and all I can say is, “WOW!” No nicks, no irritation, and after a 3 pass shave (wtg, xtg, atg) this produced one of the best shaves I’ve experienced in years. As someone who has been using a DE for several years I believe this product to be good for anyone at any skill level. I typically don’t leave many reviews on products, but felt compelled to share this to help someone who may be on the fence about purchasing one of these. Strongly recommend!