Reddit reviews Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Professional Barber Razor and 5 Shark Super Stainless Blades
We found 51 Reddit comments about Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Professional Barber Razor and 5 Shark Super Stainless Blades. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Genuine stainless steel blade arm (not aluminum) - Professional Quality for Barbershop use or at homeRounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment to minimize cutsSnap/Lock blade holder along with inserts to ensure secure blade insertion.Includes 5 Shark Stainless Professional razor bladesA genuine Parker Safety Razor product! For over 40 years, Parker razors have been imitated, but never duplicated
Hey, thanks!
That would be the Feather Artist Club DX
Originally got hooked up with them because their blades are the best I've ever used.
Used those blades in a cheapy Parker SR1 (which is an awesome product too, btw, esp for beginners!)
I'm a wimpy baby-man that would probably kill myself with one of these, how does the razor you linked rate in terms of nicking yourself? Pretty easy to pick up and use?
I'll even nick myself every once in awhile with Gillette's no-more-tears razors, so I'm curious... would like to look into something better if there is an option because yeah... the blades aren't cheap.
Even better than a safety razor:
$18, one time
Followed by:
[$18, every TWO YEARS] (http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Professional/dp/B002OND3LO/ref=pd_sim_hpc_6)
And that's if you change the blade more often than you need to. In two years, you'll spend $144. This will cost you $36, including the initial investment.
It looks and seems scary. And yes, you'll cut yourself the first week a few times. But, really, it takes a few days to learn, and you're good to go forever. Well worth the effort and a little blood, IMHO.
You'll save hundreds.
This is more fun.
Shavette is great for shaping up, DE didn't get it that close edge for me either, now I use both. This one is all stainless steal I've had it for 2.5 years and still in mint condition, it holds the blade a lot more sturdier than those plastic ones...
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416058017&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+shavette
you can buy manliness
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1279441953&sr=8-1
Why do you hate your face?
I would shave with my old Mach 3 for like 2-3 months per blade (shaving 2-3 times a week usually) /w some cream and that worked well, but wasnt as close of a shave as I would like.
But the straight blade feels good man. I just got a cheap one to see if i would like it This one. I figure Ill run through all of the disposable blades I got and if I still like it, Ill upgrade to a regular one that needs to be sharpened and such.
I got myself 240 razor blades for under $20, to fit my stainless steel barber's straight razor, which was also under $20.
Damn, I've never felt so much like a spammer.
Sorry for the late response. I'm actually using a Parker Straight Razor handle with Derby blades. I'm not sure how this compares to an actual straight edge razor.
Edit: I should mention that this was my second shave with this blade. I'm not familiar with the feeling of a dull blade. Should I be using a fresh blade every shave, considering the blades are disposable?
My solution:
I do it but I'm just starting out. I mainly started because I was tired of paying out the ass for replacement blades, but also because it gives you a better shave and you can get to a lot more areas of your face than with a regular razor.
If you just want to try it out and see how it is, you can get something like this which uses razor blades instead and it will basically do the same thing. If you want to buy a regular straight razor it's going to get a bit costly at first. Unless you buy a "shave ready" razor, you will have to sharpen it yourself.
Also be prepared for razor burn. After the first time shaving with this I had the worst razor burn since I first started shaving, but it only takes 1-2 shaves before you stop getting it. It's also not as difficult as people may think. You don't really need all that much force to shave with one so if you do cut yourself it won't be that bad.
Here you go!
Bought my own straight razor not so long ago for less than $40 with 120 blades. They no longer have that specific set, but I can recommend this razor, this soap set and some extra blades.
Not sure if it shows for everyone else, but under the blades it has all three of these items for $46.85. That's enough to shave for a year if you shave about once every three days and change a blade every time. This also keeps you from having to strope the razor and possibly mess it up, which is something that can ruin your shaving experience.
That said, your first few times with a straight razor is going to suck. Pure and simple. You're going to nick yourself and feel awkward. After a few months at it, I will never go back because of the money saved and how naturally it feels now.
My bad! DE is short for double edge, as in a double edged safety razor (like this). It uses a disposable blade. A straight razor is like this and has a blade that requires care and maintenance to keep it sharp. A shavette is like a straight razor, but it uses a disposable blade.
I got my straight razor from WhippedDog.com. Larry Andreassen, who runs the sight, offers good deals on restored vintage straight razors. There are a few brick-and-mortar stores that will sell them, but new razors are fairly expensive and aren't necessarily better than old ones that have been properly cared for. You can get safety razors and straight razors from online stores, Amazon, or even garage sales and such (but it's best to know what to look for).
I'll be sure to! You're making me feel so special.. "your unique face"
Although I know it will go better than the week or two where I thought using this would be better than cartridge shaving
I use a Parker SR1, with either Feather or Shark blades.
Shavettes are much less forgiving than a traditional straight razor in regards to technique, but still provide a nice shave.
A disposable blade SR is called a shavette. Most barber shops in the US are now required by law to use these rather than traditional straight razors, due to health & safety concerns (blood-borne illnesses and whatnot.)
The two most common brands are Dovo and Parker
I've picked up a Dovo one myself but not had a chance to use it yet.
They accept regular DE blades broken in half, or special longer single-edge blades
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VXMMZW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Love it. Amazon says I bought mine in Apr 2012. So we're going on 4 years and haven't regretted it a bit. Never even thought to replace it with a different one. I shave ~3 times a week and have a shaped beard (less shaving surface) so I'm slow to go through blades. Amazon says I bought Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades 30 Ct on Apr 2012 when I bought the handle. Then I switched to Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades - 30 Ct on August 2014. Plus a $12 Tweezerman shaving brush.. That's $77.59 (mostly upfront) but only $1.73/mo since I gave up cartridges (not including shaving soap)... The brush is just starting to get to the point where I am looking at replacing it / switching it to my travel brush. Financially, it's so worth it to give up cartridges. In regards to the blades, I may switch back to Feather.
I started with this (Nov 2011) and I have never cut/bled so much in my life haha. Holy crap did this take some practice. Eventually, I gave up.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PQZEHQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Yes, I own both this (Parker SR1) and the white plastic handle SRW version. In short, I have had mixed results. The white plastic is my go-to razor. The metal one is the WORST razor I have ever used.
SR1
SRW
After becoming a little more comfortable with DE shaving, I decided to try my luck with a shavette. Seeing what was available on Amazon, I ended up going with a Parker SR1. It was $17.88 at the time but is now showing as unavailable. The main reason I went with the Parker over the Dovo is that the Parker does not use a plastic sleeve to hold the blade in place. I was worried that the plastic would wear out and split. Not to mention, the Parker is lot cheaper.
Over all, I'm impressed with what I received. For the price, I don't think I could have asked for anything more.
I wrote some of my thoughts in the captions of the images so check those out. I'm not a professional photographer so please excuse the lighting.
I used the razor for the first time a short while ago. What I learned was that I need to work on my technique, both before and during my shave.
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thanks!
1. Single Malt Scotch
2. Good Watch
3. Straight Razor Shavette + Kit
4. Decent Pocket Knife
5. Shoe Shine kit
6. Fountain Pen
7. Leather Wallet
8. EDC flashlight
9. Men's manicure set
10. Bottle Opener
To piggy back on other comments, consider a replaceable-blade straight razor. It has the lack of honing of a DE, the affordability of disposable blades, and the badass feeling of a straight. I just got a Parker SR1 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PQZEHQ) and I love it so far!
I have hated shaving for quite some time. But, a few months back, I bought this razor on a lark: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
I'm in love. I really enjoy the hell out of shaving now that I'm shaving with a straight edge. Shaving has become something of a soothing ritual... take the brush and lather the soap up, hot steamy water to the face, shave face with a straight edge, repeat (closer shave when you do it twice), cleanup and replace blade for next shave.
I find myself shaving more often than I need to. Maybe it's just an excuse to play with a knife. I always have loved playing with them. Perhaps it's the challenge of getting the hand/eye/pressure coordination just right that I enjoy so much. Regardless, I like shaving now. I'm getting a very close shave, and as an added perk, it's hella cheap.
Items I use:
The razor. I would suggest getting a razor with a replacable blade unless you really enjoy sharpening your razor and stropping it every time you're going to shave.
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
The brush and soap. I can see myself upgrading these, but regardless, I'm really rather happy with them.
http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Premium-Shave-Brush/dp/B001A3HPT0/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_b
You'll inevitably nick yourself. A small dab of styptic pencil, and it stops the bleeding and cleans the wound. Stings just a bit, though.
http://www.amazon.com/Clubman-Styptic-Pencil-1-Pack/dp/B000WB02J6
After my first shave, I liked it so much, I straight away bought another 120 replacable blades. Nothing like a virgin blade every time you shave.
http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Professional/dp/B002OND3LO/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0
I use a Parker SR1 not sure if it counts as a DE or a straight razor since it's a little of both
there are straight razors that use the disposable blades, you just need to bend them and break them in half. so when you buy 100 blades, you're really getting 200.
No, there are straight razors with a disposable blades like this one called shavettes http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ
and this one http://shavenation.com/images/PARKER%20BLACK%20SHAVETTE%20w%20LOGO.png
The original video showed this at 4:22. See how clunky the blade looks when he's shaving the guys neck? It's a disposable cartridge. It doesn't look like Hawley is using one like that in the shaving video
i had the same one (my barber sold one as well), but i didnt like the slide that holds the blade. eventually, it got loose and would slide when i dipped it in water. i bought the parker SR1 recently, and i love it. the parker holds the blade differently, more securely.
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/tags-on-product/B002PQZEHQ
> a SE for £10 which includes 100 blades
The SE's that have replaceable blades are referred to as Shavettes. You can buy blades for them or buy DE blades and snap them in half. I have a shavette and I just use my DE blades. I have This One. When you see people suggest blade sampler packs for DE shavers who are starting, that same advise applies to the shavette. I dont use my shavette very much because my beard hair on my neck grows from my chin out which makes going against the grain very difficult. Any cheap "true" SE that is cheap is not going to be able to be honed properly and/or be able to hold an edge. Honing service from maggard razors is only $20 but if you buy a vintage SE it may need restoration as well which is more expensive.
> I swear they put some addictive drug in it
Thats called caffine! But I wouldn't be surprised if there was some cocaine in there as well!
Used to have this problem also, maybe just not as severe. I would always get itchy rash type things and ingrown hairs on my neck. The following worked for me, but it may not for anyone else considering everyone is different.
First, I only shave after I get out of a nice hot shower. Really opens up the pores and gets the hair soft. Then, instead of using typical canned commercial shaving cream, I switched to hair conditioner, and it works well, with the added bonus of adding a little moisture to your skin in the process. To actually shave, I switched to using one of these instead of one of the "five-blade-40-dollar-high-tec" razors. I know it's not technically a true straight razor but I'm in college ballin' on a budget so it's what I can afford. It will take some time to get good at, and you will cut yourself in the process, but once you get the hang of it, it is a much closer shave. Then, rinse your face, dry it off, and throw on some mild scented aftershave.
As suggested, /r/wicked_edge is an incredibly helpful community for things like this.
TL;DR stopped using commercial shaving cream, bought a "straight razor," shaved with the grain, fixed all my problems. /r/wicked_edge plug
I am willing to spend up to 60 bucks.
I have seen a couple of cheap ones on Amazon though.
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404958813&sr=8-1&keywords=straight+razor
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SRW-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002ONHBBW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404958813&sr=8-3&keywords=straight+razor
Firefly and Serentiy
Jedi bathrobe or Sith
Tardis bowtie
Straight razor kit and Razor
I have a Parker, Sanguine and an CS-102. These are all quite inexpensive units that I bought to give them a shot.
http://amzn.com/B002PQZEHQ
http://amzn.com/B00GNRC8XG
http://amzn.com/B00O9NCCBO
The Parker and the Sanguine are really light. The CS-102 is made with a few other brand names but has a much heavier body that feels much more solid. I use Feathers and absolutely love to shave with the CS-102. I am looking forward to trying out a few other brands.
I just got my shavette the other day. I've had 2 shaves with it and am a big fan so far. From what I've noticed, your preshave prep and technique are critical! A good preshave lotion/oil, a nice hot towel to the face, and a good quality soap are important so you're not fighting over poor prep AND the learning curve. Since you're using 1/2 of DE blades, you're pretty much using a brand new blade everytime, plus it has sharp corners so technique is a must. Accurate angles and no slips of the hand. As long as you take your time it can be a very relaxing shave just like DEs or SRs. Plus, obtaining a nice BBS shave with something that requires skill to achieve is very rewarding. I'm a fan.
I think they get a lot of hate from DE shavers because they require a lot more skill, and from the SR shavers because you're not honing, stropping, and caring for the steel yourself. Too hard for one group, too easy for the other. Personally, I just like to enjoy the act of shaving and have a nice smooth face all day.
What if I bought something like this? /u/Faultylogic83 suggested that I snap the disposable razors in half, and essentially double the blade stash.
Yeah, honestly I bought it to even out another order on amazon and get free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002PQZEHQ/ref=mw_dp_img?is=l
Since it hasn't been mentioned, I personally started with a straight edge razor with disposable blades, of the type you usually see in a barber shop. No stropping, no extra equipment. After getting very comfortable with it, I am planning on getting a traditional straight edge as an upgrade.
This razor handle, with this badger brush, and enough blades to last a year would run you about $40. Throw in whatever soap you want, and you've got a very cheap starter kit.
I'm thinking of ordering this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002PQZEHQ
Is it good?
Pretty much yeah, brush, soap, cream, pre-shave oil, after shave, whatever. It all works for an SR.
If cost is an issue right now and you want some quality gear, then you can also start with a shavette as /u/proraso said. They're much cheaper, generally run from 20-50$, for example Parker SR1 will run you for about 20$, you can then use half of a DE blade like this.
Also the whipped dog razors I linked are, at least according to /r/wicked_edge quite decent quality, if you want something better than the flawed ones, there's also the sight unseen razors. As far as I know these should all be honed and shave ready upon arrival. You can also find cheap strops and basic honing supplies there.
If you want quality, you can buy pretty much any straight razor made by Dovo and get a quality product. For stores ShaveSmith, Straight Razor Designs and Maggard Razors are the ones that pop to my head if you want pretty much a guarantee of a high quality product. Anything you buy from these guys is bound to be excellent.
that is a parker shavette
You can get a $20 disposable straight of reliable quality. My personal favorite is the Parker, which you could get on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_7F0Ewb3Y641NK
When it comes to soaps, the Arko shaving sticks are about a dollar each and one has lasted me 11 months (daily facial use, weekly body use)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VAWZ2U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_GI0EwbTC63WK0
Hope that helps!
To answer some questions a shavette is a straight razor that you can change the blades of. They are affordable but some people hate them. I guess you would call whipped dog a company but he sells affordable refurbished razors that are the best deal you can get. Shy away from the flawed razors on his site. If your SO has no gear you may want to get him a brush and soap. I think most of us started with Van Der Hagen that you can find at Walmart or Target.
You could definitely do it, but it requires a fair amount of gear (several gradations of stones or sanding films and a strop) and some expertise. If you really want the straight razor experience, maybe try something like this (which uses disposable blades) first: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PQZEHQ/
I use the Parker SR1 and I think it gives a good shave, but it's the only straight razor I've ever used, so I don't really know how it compares to the normal ones. Like you said, there's almost no maintenance involved, so it's good for beginners like me. I would definitely give it a try.
https://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467255235&sr=8-1&keywords=Parker+SR1
Something like that was what he was using - I'm sure you could find one on the Japanese site although barbers supply places probably have 'em cheaper.
This is the razor I received: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324883300&sr=8-1
And go ahead and tell me those things you were going to. I wanted a cheaper razor as a trial run, but after such a wonderful shave, I'm going to invest in a more permanent razor in the future, and those things will be important.
I just switched from cartridges myself and was in a similar position about two weeks ago. I figured I'd start of with a Parker shavette before I invest into a good SR.
A boar brush from a reputable brand like Mühle will run for about 20-30$ and last you for years.
The Proraso sensitive shaving cream was recommended to me here and I have been super happy with it so far.
As far as blades are concerned the best way is to order a sampler pack. I like the Personna and Feather blades best so far but it's really a matter of preference. I have thick hair and sensitive skin so I can't go against the grain with some blades (Shark, Derby, Astra) without irritating my skin. Might be totally different for you though.
This tends to upset people, but if you're interested in a straight razor but feeling uncertain about it, I recommend starting with a shavette:
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ
At just $20 it's a lot cheaper than a real straight razor, it's much easier since you don't have to worry about doing any sharpening yourself, and you get a feel for how a straight razor differs from a DE.
The reason many people disagree with this is because they believe the shavette is fundamentally different from the straight razor. "Shavettes are not entry-level straight razors" they say. "The optimal blade angle is different." "You can't hone and strop your shavette to your liking." "They don't weigh the same as a real straight razor." "They aren't as forgiving as a real straight razor."
Honestly I think these arguments are misguided. Shavettes make excellent entry-level straight razors because they teach you the most important things about shaving with a straight razor as opposed to a cartridge or DE: blade angle, and stroke direction. Blade angle is something that most DEs don't give you much flexibility on, while both straights and shavettes do. By stroke direction I mean that unlike a DE, which is like a straight extension of your hand, the straight razor or shavette sticks out of your hand at a 90 degree angle. It's a different feeling and different physical movement. If you can't master either of these with a shavette, then you won't be able to do it with a real straight. So why not start with a $20 shavette instead of a $100 straight (+extra for strop, etc.)?
The rest is completely irrelevant to a beginner:
Ok fellas, bring it on. Just remember that I'm trying to save this guy $80+ and the nightmare of having a bad shave and trying to figure out if it's his shaving technique, honing technique, or stropping technique (or some combination) that's to blame.
TLDR: If you are interested in a straight my advice is to start with a Parker SR1 first.
I have a similar one, parker SR1. (basically the stainless steel version of yours. It was cheaper in the UK for some reason). http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1395542108&sr=1-1&keywords=parker+sr1
You need a strop to even use those straights. They probably need to be honed as well.
From a shavette standpoint, this is the one I will get next: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CJB-Kamisori-Razor-Plus-20-Dorco-Super-Blades/251616608247?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27538%26meid%3D9a572faf8b9e46a595c79507806cfd59%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D11353%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D121077775441
This is what I use now: http://www.amazon.com/Luxor-Master-Deluxe-Safety-Barber/dp/B0056GBIIQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1417701973&sr=1-1&keywords=luxor+razor There are unbranded versions of this on ebay that are cheaper, but I have prime, so I bought from here.
This one is also recommended:
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1417701941&sr=1-1&keywords=shavette
IMO, if you are spending more than $20 on a shavette, and it's not a feather knockoff or feather artist club/ doesn't have some sort of custom scales, you're getting hosed. I don't like the Dovo Shavette because for one, it is overpriced, and secondly, the plastic blade holders are prone to breakage, whereas you'd be hard pressed to break the holders for any of the ones I've attached.
I would also consider looking into DE razors before transitioning to a shavette, but it's not crucial. Maggard has well priced starter kits which include everything that you should have before using a shavette anyway (proper soap and brush, alum block, blades), which include a nice stainless DE razor for around ~$40. I would NOT recommend using a shavette with any sort of aerosol gel. It's not going to provide adequate protection. Hope this helps.
EDIT: The Vanta razor in the previous post looks like a superior option compared to the Luxor I received, just an fyi.
> the quality is nearly as good
Gillette is quality? Spoken like someone who has never used a straight razor.
Even if you go with a straight razor with replaceable blades (instead of a single blade that needs to be resharpened) you're still saving a ton of money -- 100 blades for $5 -- and getting a much nicer and smoother shave.
After having used a straight razor for almost two years, I could never go back to cartridges. I had to use a cartridge razor the other day (just ran out of blades) and good god was it a miserable experience.
I would recommend a shavette for your intro to good shaving, as well as a few accessory essentials. This razor is 20$, and the other kit is about 20$, but will be useful for any future shaving experience.
http://smile.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420674217&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+sr1
http://smile.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Premium-Shave-Brush/dp/B001A3HPT0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420674242&sr=8-2&keywords=shave+set
http://smile.amazon.com/Alum-Block-Osma-Pack-Value/dp/B004QVCIKE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1420674265&sr=8-4&keywords=alum