Ask Aaron Q/A: The Parker 80R vs The Parker 82R
Aaron answers a question about the differences between the Parker 80R & Parker 82R
David Kennedy, from UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron. I’m interested in purchasing a Parker 80R and just wondered if this has the same head as the 82R which you have previously reviewed? Thanks in advance for your reply.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Kenedy,
The Parker 80R and 82R are very similar razors. Both heavy weight and with butterfly opening doors to load the blade. Upon doing some research it appears that these razor will have the same “feel” and exposure. The difference is these razors lies in their cosmetic appearance. One razor, the 80R, has a crosshatch knurling (engraving if you will) upon the knob and handle while the 82R has horizontal lines machined into the handle and knob. I think you’ll get the same feel from either razor, so purchase the razor with the most appealing design to you! Thank you for your question!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. Smooth shaving, Aaron.”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Special April Offer – Free leather case with every Parker DE razor
Buy any Parker Double Edge Razor (shavettes not included) and we will give you a free Parker Leather Case (worth £7.19).
This fine leather case, manufactured by Parker, is ideal for travel or for simply storing your razor.
It is primarily designed for the Parker range of razors however, it will hold a similar size and smaller razors - e.g. Merkur 34C up to a 38C.
To get your free leather case, simply follow these 3 steps:
1. Add your chosen Parker double edge razor to the basket
2. Add the Parker Leather Case (code SHPCASE) to your basket
3. On your basket page use code: PCASE to deduct the price of the case from your basket.
Please note that hits coupon code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount code.
Ask Aaron Q&A: Finding the best double edge shaving products - Is it a case of trial and error?
Charles Singleton, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, it seems to me that double edge shaving is not as clear cut as shaving with my Mach 3! Now I have a wide choice different blades, razors, creams and brushes. Looking at reviews on websites and forums I get confused as to what to choose because when I find something that has a positive review I usually find an equally negative one! Is it just a case of trial and error as I can see this getting expensive?!”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Singleton,
Yes! I agree the many choices and options can be a bit overwhelming. If I can let me offer some products and advice to help get you on your way.
To start with get a good brush such as a Simpsons, Vulfix, Kent or Bluebeards Revenge. This paired with a good cream such as Bluebeards Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso, Geo. F. Trumper’s and Truefitt & Hill will increase the quality of your shave a lot, even if you decide to keep going with your Mach 3. Should you take the plunge and go with a safety razor the Blue Beard’s Scimitar, Merkur HD, and the Parker 98 or 99R razors will be great ways to start. The most subjective part of wet shaving is the blade. For blades I really suggest you start by buying a single pack of each brand and figure out which rand works best for your face and hair types. Gillette, Merkur, Derby and Israeli made blades are great to start with. I highly suggest waiting on the Feather blades until you gain more experience. They tend to be *cough* VERY unforgiving of student mistakes.
These suggestions should narrow down the choices for you and I hope you enjoy your journey into wet shaving!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q&A: I keep cutting myself, am I using the right double edge razor blade?
“I bought a Parker 82R Super HeavyWeight Butterfly Open Safety Razor along with Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edged Razor Blades and to be completely honest have stopped using it after about 6 or more shaves due to the amount of cuts under neck and at corner of mouth. Am I using the correct blade? Why is this happening (I was so disappointed I now use a 150.00 Braun series 9 electric but would love to have carried on using a proper razor, and have always been a wet shaver since 16 so 24 yrs now,” asks Paul Ewing, from the UK.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Ewing,
Thanks for your question! If you are relatively new to wet shaving I suspect the Feather blades are the culprit. The Parker is a good razor, but the Feathers are extremely sharp and have the reputation of being called “ninjas” on wetshaving forums because of their sharpness. They are great blades but can very unforgiving especially to the beginner. I suggest finding some other blades such as Derbys, Gillettes, or Israelis to use for now. Once you have more experience under your belt revisit the Feathers, they might become your favorite blade!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Looking for an inexpensive double edge razor?
If you are a guy who is after a close and comfortable shave but has had enough of the more expensive cartridge razors then look no further than the remarkable double edge razor. And when you do need to replace the blades you will find that quality double edge blades are available at just a fraction of the cost.
A double edge safety razor is able to provide a shave that is much closer and smoother than with cartridge razors too. This is because the two blades are able to cut the hairs at various angles and you will find that performance is improved somewhat.
So what double edge razors should I consider buying?
When you have decided you would like to try a double edge razor to see if it is the right shaving tool for you, the next stage can sometimes be a little daunting, especially with all the products on the market.
Merkur 510 Chrome 'Progress' Safety Razor (Long Handle)
There are many top quality double edge razors you can now get online, and at prices you can afford. These include safety razor models from major shaving brands like Merkur and Parker. We will consider a few of the most popular razors below:
Parker double edge safety razors – The fact that you can now get a three piece safety razor with a nickel plated finish for under £20 just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really close shave. Why not go for an 89R model or the 91R?
Merkur double edge safety razors – Again, for under £20, you will be able to get a quality razor in the 33C Classic which is chrome plated and a great beginner model for those starting out in improving their technique. For a few pounds more you could also consider the 23C Long Handled Classic which is perfect for those with larger hands.
Whichever model you eventually go for, you can be safe in the knowledge that these razors offer a great level of performance and due to the big savings they offer, will certainly pay for themselves.
Why use a shavette instead of an open razor?
A shavetteis a razor that is similar to a straight or cutthroat razor, with the main difference relating to the fact that its blades can be changed. These razors are available from well-known brands such as Parker and Dovo and so you can be assured of a quality product. If you are wondering whether you should consider one above a typical open razor, then check out the points below.
The shavette is a distinctive and stylish razor that is proving to be very popular at this moment in time. The key reason for this is that as the blade does not need to be frequently stropped or sharpened, it can save time for those who are in a hurry, but still want to experience the luxury of a wet shave. Therefore, the preparation time for the shave is greatly reduced when using a shavette.
As with a safety razor, the shavette can be fitted with disposable blades, which slide into place and can be changed from time to time. This gives the user a greater flexibility to replace the blades when required, yet still be able to enjoy the closeness of a shave you can only get by using a straight razor.
A shavette is quite affordable and standard double edged razor blades are not all that expensive. These products are great when travelling as you won’t need to take the other shaving equipment such as a strop or hone with you.
So, you may be wondering after hearing about these advantages why anyone would use anything else. Well, the blades can still be very sharp and so they are usually recommended for more experienced (and patient) wet shavers. If you make any errors with this lighter razor you can easily cut yourself, so with a steep learning curve extra care is needed when using a shavette.
In the end it is up to you to decide if a shavette is for you or not. Many people still prefer the extra comfort a straight razor gives you, and don’t mind taking the time to prepare a razor for shaving. For these shavers, there is no substitute for the real thing. Other people prefer to keep both to hand, so there is always a spare razor ready to use. Whatever your view on this, there is no denying that shavettes are an excellent quick alternative to an open razor.
Follow Nick Gibbens on Twitter @nickgibbens
More articles by Nick Gibbens
-
Stay connected:
-
Keep up to date
-
-
