Parker Variant Adjustable Razor, Satin Chrome

Review for Parker Variant Adjustable Razor, Satin Chrome

This has replaced a Razor that was given to me by my wife's mother that belonged to her dad that was probably over 50 years old! It was much better than the **** 'disposable' razors I had used but the shave was never great. My new Parker Variant Adjustable Razor gives an exceptional shave no matter the blades I use. I use it on setting 2 out of 5 for the closest and it gives me the best shave I have ever had. I have a beard that is like course steel wool and no matter I get a great shave every time. I feels really good in my hand and looks great too!

Looking forward to shaving!

I'm enjoying my new DE razor. I look forward to shaving.

The variant was purchased as a gift to my father after he inquired about my shave. He loves it. I like being able to make slight adjustments, depending on the blade I’m using, and how long my beard is. The razor is well made, has a nice weight, As far as value? Blades are cheap, soap is overpriced ( make your own, it’s easy) the variant is a little more than I wanted to spend, but I’m sure glad I got it.

Not for beginners, but great with practice

Bought the Parker after a few years of using a Merkur 23C long handle. The Merkur is a great 3pc razor, but over time I found it to be too mild for my taste when it came to mowing down really coarse growth after 3-4 days. It would require multiple passes and I could never get a perfectly glassy smooth shave, even with Feather blades. Though a very comfortable shave, there just wasn't enough blade exposure/angle to make it the most efficient, effective shaver for me and my wiry scruff. For people with lighter beards, I'd highly recommend the above set-up as a great option. I bought the Parker variant with the pink gold handle and it's a totally different beast. This thing is weighty and AGGRESSIVE. The blade is way more exposed even on the lowest setting compared to the Merkur, and the angle on it will have the blade running much flatter against your face. The feeling is more akin to a barber's shavette. Feather blades are now too sharp for me with this set up, so I switched to Wilkinsons. After some experimentation with it, I adjust the knob on the bottom to 2.5 for the first downward pass letting the razor's weight do all the work, re-lather and then use the least aggressive setting for a second upward pass against the grain using a very light touch. No need for a third pass, and barely any touching up is required. For me it's the best shave. I can't imagine anybody needing the most exposed settings this razor allows, but experiences are personal. My preferred combo is: hot shower, Prorasso Red pre-shave, warm lather with Prorasso Red, Parker Variant with a Wilkinson Sword blade, cold rinse, and Nivea post-shave balm to calm any redness. Perfect every time.

A Working Razor

This is a heavy razor and as long as you let it’s weight do the work you will enjoy an outstanding shave. Start on 1 as the instructions recommend and work your way up. This razor also gives you excellent audio feedback. The only minuscule criticism I have is that it gets particularly hot running it under hot water. I like this razor a lot.