Parker Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor – Heavyweight Chrome Handle for Closer Shaves – Includes 5 Razor Blades – Ideal for Men with Thick or Coarse Beards (26C - Graphite Gray)

It's been over a month since I received the Parker 26C, but due to a series of snafus, including but not limited to an abscess in my jaw, I haven't been able to review it until now. Before I go into the review itself, I must state that what you're looking at is an OPEN COMB safety razor. By their nature, open comb razors are more aggressive than standard razors like the Weishi butterfly. By 'more aggressive', I mean they give a closer shave, but in the hands of a newbie wet shaver, they can and WILL LIKELY cut and leave razor burn. For this reason, most wet shavers, particularly those who have storefronts will recommend a standard razor to newcomers. If you're looking to buy your first safety razor, I suggest you bookmark the Parker 26C and make a note to purchase it as your SECOND razor, once you've learned how to properly use a safety razor in general, and know what your skin and beard need for a good, close, and smooth shave. As an individual with a thick beard and sensitive skin, I've found that pressing a hot, wet towel to my face for a few minutes and applying a tiny amount of olive oil as a preshave works wonders to prevent irritation and nicks. Alright, with that done, onward to the review! The Parker 26C is absolutely beautiful! Highly polished chrome plating on the two piece head, and on the handle end pieces, and a highly textured black handle surface that may or may not be aesthetically pleasing to some(looks great to me!), but makes it virtually impossible to slip through soapy fingers. Although it is indeed more aggressive than my Weishi butterfly razor, the sheer weight and rough, almost sandpaper-like grip in the hand provides absolute control, while the open comb leaves enough lather behind to allow for a couple extra cleanup passes. Dorco blades, which went so well with my Weishi, are prone to 'skipping' and irritation in this razor, but I was still amazed at the closeness of the shave. Even considering the fact that my first use was somewhat hurried due to both an impending appointment and a back that was trying to spasm, I was completely astonished with the level of control made possible by the weight and exceedingly grippy handle texture. The extremely rough finish borders on uncomfortable when first held in wet fingers, but initial sensations were forgotten the instant my back tried to seize in the middle of a pass. What happened next is something I still have trouble believing. The razor stopped cold and pivoted slightly as if it were part of my hand while I shifted position, and I was able to continue the pass as if nothing happened. For the longest time, I thought it would take me years to get that kind of precision out of a safety razor, and the first time I used this one, it was as if I came out of my mama's belly with it attached to my hand. It's not just experience that saved me from a severe cut yesterday, it was the hardware. Don't get caught up in price or aesthetics, and for the love of God, don't look at the textured handle and think 'that looks uncomfortable'. Parker spent years researching handle finishes and textures looking for the perfect combination that would allow the shaver to stop the blade on a whisker and maneuver the head with surgical precision right out of the gate. Sadly, my Parker 26C is so well made I don't know if I'll ever have to make another purchase from Super Safety Razors, but I keep browsing their store in case I'm wrong. Their razors are excellent(as if I need to repeat myself), and their customer support is equally so. If you're new to wet shaving, they'll gladly answer your emailed questions in around two hours and get you started with the best razor for your needs, regardless of your level of experience with wet shaving. I could go on and on about this razor, and Super Safety Razors in general, but common sense should compel most people to throw one of these lovely Parkers into their cart for immediate purchase. My work here is done.

After a week of shaving with the Parker 24C razor, I couldn't be more pleased. The fit, finish & build quality are on par with my Edwin Jagger. I've been DE shaving for a little over a year, mostly with the EJDE86. I also have a 1966 Gillette Flare Tip Superspeed, and they are both excellent razors. I have also been through nearly every blade available, and although I was getting good shaves regularly, and great shaves occasionally, I just wasn't getting the consistent, irritation-free BBS (or near-BBS) shave I was looking for with my everyday shaves. I have a dense beard that grows in several different directions, so different beards obviously respond differently to different razors/blades/prep. My first shave with the Parker 24C was so-so, as it took me a couple of days to get the angle and grip tuned in (like any new razor). Day 2 was one of the best shaves I have ever experienced. After day 2, the shaves have been getting better, and easier. The biggest difference for me is that I have had no - zero - razor burn with this razor, and as I write this, I can't keep my hand off my face as it is baby smooth. Granted, I respect the "zero pressure" rule, as every wet shaver must, with any DE razor. But for me, it has been a lot easier to get a BBS shave with no pressure and total comfort with the Parker 24C. In this razor I have experimented with 3 blades I already had in the drawer - Gillette Silver Blue, Astra Superior Platinum, and Bic Super Chrome. They all gave me equally good results in this razor. I admit, I have not used any of the Shark blades that came with the razor, as I have used them in the past and they weren't the right fit for my beard - Your mileage may vary, and I didn't buy the razor for the Shark blades. A lot of people use them and love them, so you might too. For me, my beard, and my routine, I have found the daily shaver I have been looking for, and the consistent comfortable, BBS shaves I've been after since I started DE shaving. And at this price, you can't go wrong. I may even pick up a 26C just because I like the 24C so much.

Nice quality DE Razor and my first open comb. Though some minor imperfections on the chroming of the head, the razor looks great. Functionally, the razor has heft and is heavy enough to allow it to glide lightly along the face, with no pressure needed to cut, even with several days growth. The handle has a nice sturdy feel and good finish.... the knurling on the handle greatly enhances grip and control. The razor works well with a day growth or with multiple days growth... I recently shaved with two weeks growth and had no pulling or catching and I typically need to shave daily, as I have a "5 O-clock shadow" by late afternoon! Was hesitant to purchase an open comb razor, as I have sensitive skin and a thick coarse facial hair, and was worried about the reported aggressiveness.... however, I find the shave, smooth, clean and close... it has been a pleasure to shave with the past two months! I have not tried the Shark blades yet, but have used Van Der Hagen, Persona and Derby blades with the Parker... currently my favorite blade with the Parker is the Persona, which is my favorite over all blade with my closed comb DE razors as well. Very happy with the Parker 26C, and interested in trying out other Parker razors... has also excited me to try other DE Open comb razors as well!

Ho acquistato il rasoio di sicurezza Parker da 100 grammi e devo dire che è stata una scelta azzeccata. Il peso si sente subito tra le mani, dà una sensazione di solidità e controllo che con rasoi più leggeri non si ha. Questo aiuta molto a fare passate precise senza dover premere troppo, riducendo il rischio di irritazioni o tagli. La qualità dei materiali è davvero buona, si vede che è un prodotto ben fatto e resistente, che durerà nel tempo. Mi piace molto il design classico ma funzionale, è semplice da montare e pulire. Inoltre, il bilanciamento è perfetto, così la rasatura risulta fluida e confortevole. Consiglio questo rasoio a chi vuole passare al metodo tradizionale senza complicazioni, con uno strumento che dà sicurezza e ottimi risultati. Perfetto anche per chi cerca un’alternativa più economica ma di qualità ai modelli più costosi.

Bought this razor to keep company for my Parker 24c to run different blades for different times to shave. These are actually the same razor heads with different handles designs but size wise identical. Grip is very good on 63c and is insane on 24c. I have very hard facial hair and weak sensitive skin. I've tried many safety bar and slant razors but these open combs do the best job on my face - when I shave it has to be BBS and no irritation. And they deliver with my little help. My fave blades for regular other day shave are VI John Super Platinum (India), Shark Super Chrome, GSB, and Feathers - when I missed my shaving schedule. 63c is a very good (go to) razor for me. Good finish, great look and feel and for the money I highly recommend it.

The razor was a little intimidating. It was a really thin sharp razor blade and I got worried, as it was my first time safety razor user, that I was gonna slide and cut myself and bleed to death. It got little scratchs on my knees but that was it! The razor was really easy to use and steardy, and you get the hang of it really easily. Nice little first safety razor, would definetly recommend! I had one that kept unscrewing from the bottom, and that one screws from the top and it never unscrewed!

Superb open comb razor. Not too aggressive. Not too much blade feel. Gives a perfect close shave. Very grippy handle. Good weight and long handle.

Guter und schöner Rasierer der nicht Aggressiv ist.