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Parker Variant Adjustable Safety Razor, as it is different to the standard Mekur one everyone seems to end up going for (my rebellious streak). But it isn't out yet, and it isn't the cheapest option out there...
It is out. It is also out of stock. However, the latest update I have seen is "Update: production due to start for European sales mid-April 2017" on Shave Lounge.
+1 on the 37C..a superb efficient razor.I started with a cheap Chinese tech clone. It was actually not a bad little razor. Then I wanted something old, then something new, then something different, then something more aggressive, then something more adjustable.
I went for a slant (37c). Then, after buying and selling a few things, this is where I am at and why:
- A slant (37c), because it is dead easy to use, and super efficient, plus I like the reaction people have when they see a slant for the first time.
- A Gillette Tech, because it is genius design, a classic of sorts, good for travel, and one that I can pass on to one of my sons when they start shaving. Shaves just fine too.
- A Gillette Slim, because adjustables are useful to work out how aggressive you want a shaver to be, and I love a 1964 product that is in perfect working order.
- A Progress, because I liked a vintage adjustable, and wanted to try a modern one (albeit that I have subsequently learned that the Progress designed dates from 1955)
- A Gillette Starburst - because it came in a bundle, but is actually a Rocket in disguise, and is an easy to use, dependable razor.
I started with a Merkur VISION 2000, not a good experience, did not understand what I was doing and expected excellent results out of the box. Did not realise that DE shaving is about steady reduction - multiple passes.
Went to a Murker 34c, watched a lot of YouTube DE tutorials and spent more time on good prep - started to get better results. Once I was confident that I could get good results, consistently, I then decided to experiment more.
I am lucky, as I can get to Dundee quickly and Ian at the Gentleman's Groom Room is excellent. In terms of choosing a razor talking with an expert and getting the chance to see razors and to hold these helps.
Now when I choose a new razor, I look towards reviews from posters here (as well as regular trips to the Groom Room) and then start to do more reseach. I do have a preference for a razor that sits between mild and aggressive. Looking at the comments here helps me guage how a razor performs and I appreciate that YMMV. I am also more interested in the quality and look of the razor - although performance is the first criteria. It is amazing looking at the shave of the day to see different set-ups and razors. Often this wet my appetite to add to my rotation. Last autumn Ian was all excited with the Muhle Rocca - when I got the chance to see the Rocca, it was a must buy and I had no doubts. Most recently from comments here, I went for the Hone starting with the 15a and then also going for the 15.
My advice for a next razor - think about what you want from a shave and what floats your boat, explore the options and then go for it, whatever it may be.
All the best,
Chris
...My advice for a next razor - think about what you want from a shave...
Like Matt, went for a DE89 as per a recommendation. For me it came from PaulHFilms on Youtube.Recommendations really. I went from the DE89 to the Parker 24C as a second razor as I was told it was a gentle as the DE89 but more efficients. Others have come from trying firsthand from passarounds here: Schick Adjustable, Merkur 37C slant. None have disappointed. I went on to try a straight too based on advice here. I don't use it regularly but fun when I am in the mood.
Put your name down for some of the passarounds. The Schick Adjustable has no wait at the moment and is a lovely SE razor.
...as I cannot get on with an open comb razor...
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