If you are new to wet shaving or looking for a straight razor that’s bargain priced, the Parker SR1 is a great choice. It’s not top shelf by any means, but it produces a quality shave when wielded correctly and is forgiving enough for the beginner.
Straight razor shaving or safety razor shaving is considered by many to be an art from. Many guys’ view grooming as an experience and as such a quality instrument is a must. The Parker SR1 features a stainless steel blade arm and is rounded at the end to help minimize cuts.
Parker boasts a professional barbershop quality shave with some distinct safety features that are important for the beginner. Let’s take a look at some of the technology and features available on the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor.
Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor Features
As I stated early, a straight edge razor wielded by the hands of an experienced gentleman can produce the closest shave possible minus cuts. Traditional straight edge razors feature a single blade and do not offer the ability to change out blades. These types of razors can be quite expensive but again, considered by many the truest form of artful and sophisticated shaving.
The Parker SR1 on the other hand features a blade arm that houses a blade. Blades can be changed out as needed. The Parker SR1 comes with 5 Shark Super Stainless ½ blades. Although, the SR1 can use single edge as well as ½ double edge blades.
I know my first bout with wet shaving was intimidating. I was extremely scared of cutting myself and getting a nasty scar. For that reason, I’d like to ease your mind a bit and talk about some of the safety features.
First off, the Parker SR1 is rounded at the end of the blade arm. Secondly, there is a snap-lock feature as well as inserts that work to secure the blade in place. So you don’t need to worry about the blade jumping or coming loose during a grooming session.
As far as blade selection goes, the Parker SR1 comes with 5 Shark ½ blades. You can opt for a different brand, but I would stick with Shark blades until you feel confident in your shaving ability and your new razor.
For seasoned pros, I recommend the Parker SR1 as a budget razor. For the beginner, I feel like it’s a great place to start. There are safety features that can help put your mind at ease. And really, shaving is a mental experience. If you’re afraid of cutting your throat, you are more prone to having an accident. Be sure to choose a time when you are alone and can focus. Use a hot wet towel to moisten hair and skin and use a nice lather. Finally, take your time and enjoy the experience. If there are certain areas you don’t feel comfortable using a straight razor on such as the neck or below the chin, practice on the jaw line or cheeks and use a disposable on the other areas until you become more comfortable.
What Other Guys have to say about the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor
Over 500 guys rated the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor at a 3.8 average rating out of a possible 5 star rating. As I said, this is not a top shelf razor and for less than $20 it’s hard to find fault with a razor that simply gets the job done. Some of the comments made about the Parker SR1 include:
“It feels very good in the hand, has a nice weight, and holds the blades very securely” and, “Very good product, I highly recommend this to anyone wishing to try straight razor shaving.”
I forgot to mention weight. For guys who have used a straight razor or safety razor you know how important the feel and weight are. For those who haven’t, having an adequate weight allows the razor to do its job without unnecessary pressure. This also reduces the chance of getting cut.
The feel of a razor should be comfortable. It should fit easily in hand and have enough weight for confidence but not to heavy as to weigh your hand down and cause even more applied pressure.
Again, this is a great razor to start out with. If you have any questions about the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor or wet shaving in general don’t hesitate to contact me or leave a comment. Currently, you can purchase the Parker SR1 from Amazon through the following link.
Do you own a Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor? If so, please share your thoughts in the comment section and help other guys make a more informed buying decision.
