Parker 29L "UNISEX" Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor & 5 Shark Super Chrome Blades

Good

The razor is good quality and shave really well ! Never gonna go back with the plastic one after this discovery !!

In a world of mustaches and beards, I watch men that run around bragging and gloating about the color, size, or fluffiness of their facial hair and I was envious. Life just seemed to be so wonderful for them.I could envision my imaginary bearded self dressed in flannel and stomping through the woods (axe over shoulder) just to return home to my log cabin where some sort of red meat is waiting on the stove.Sadly, after almost 20 years of trying to grow a beard, I gave up and in a fit just began shaving everything to match my ridiculous face. The shaving addiction started and the next six years are a bit of a blur as it seemed that I was happy to throw all caution to the wind and throw money out the window for razors and cartridges. Doing the math at one cartridge a week +shave cream +new handles if needed + razor bump prevention creams I know I’ve spent at least $1,000-$2,000 over the years with the addiction.A couple months ago I was out of cartridges and I was fiening hard so I grabbed my daughter, we whisked off to the store, and as I stood there holding my 5 pack of Mach 3 razors for 17$ my daughter looked at me and asked “Mommy!? What are those?” Ashamed I hid them behind my back and just as I did a guy walked up, chuckled to himself, and said “I didn’t know women used these too!”Yes that’s right- I’m a girl, always have been, and even though I’m blonde and have fine hair I was buying men’s razors because they seemed to work better and cause less irritation in the more sensitive areas. I make good money but I couldn’t see continuing to dump money into this shaving situation so I went looking for other options which led me to this.From other people’s reviews and tips I also purchased a sampler pack of blades. The first day I had it, I’d just play with it in my hand amused by the weight and feel of it. The sample pack of blades, I laid out like baseball cards. I felt like I was five and I had found treasures of some sort.The first shave was slow because I wanted to make sure I did it right. I used a Feather razor and I did nick myself right under my kneecap. I showed someone the nick the next day and his reaction was “I don’t even think that qualifies as a nick it looks like a mosquito bite”. I haven’t nicked myself since (it’s been a month) and now it takes me the same amount of time to shave with this as a disposable but since it seems to shave closer I don’t have to shave as much. I haven’t had to change the 0.31$ blade yet.I just make sure to take it out, dry it, and store it after each use(takes seconds).Biggest selling points for me?1) CHEAP!!2) Absolutely no irritation anywhere to include the land down under and it’s maintained Brazilian style. No special shaving creams and no after products just a clean close shave without bumps.3) Sounds silly but I feel like an adult with this thing.

This is my first and only safety razor (for now... ) and it seems to do its job nicely.I like the butterfly mechanism - the first time I used it, I unscrewed the bottom a little as I was shaving, but after that I learned not to and it has been no problem keeping the blade in securely.As far as technique goes, I had seen all these videos on how to hold it at a low angle, how to use only the weight of the razor to shave... I thought it was going to be a foreign shaving experience, but honestly, I hold it pretty much the same way I held my old disposable razors (though with less pressure against my skin). The point is, you need to experiment a little with how you hold it and use it to make it work for you. I'm still nicking myself a little (especially with the super sharp Feather blades) but I definitely haven't had any actual painful cuts or anything like that.The Shark blades it comes with are uninspiring. I got one of the blade sampler packs, and so far prefer the Astra Platinums and the Feathers to the Sharks.I'm not using a brush, scuttle, fancy shave soap, etc. - I just got some shaving cream from Trader Joe's and that seems to be doing a fine job. I follow up with drugstore lotion, or if I'm feeling fancy, some kind of body oil.I decided to get a safety razor because I didn't like the amount of waste I was generating from buying disposable razors, I was seduced by the idea of a super close shave and silky smooth legs... and because honestly, it just seemed cool and different. This razor is meeting all three of those expectations, and I would definitely recommend it for any leg shaving lady who is interested.

I originally bought this shaver to get off the disposable razor and blades merry go round. The expense was driving me crazy. Now I'm so glad I took the plunge. This razor is wonderful, makes me feel special when I shave, and guess what, no more expensive disposables to buy. I use it for my legs with Whole Foods GLYCERIN soap. Words to heed - do not shave when running late or distracted. Pay attention and let the razor weight do the work. I do have a bench in my shower to put my leg on, so this helps. I rinse and dry it off each time I use it to keep it nice, and it has it's own special dish I rest it on when not in use.It took me six months to get up the nerve to use it on my underarms, and it was like a whole new level of smooth when I did. There's a small learning curve learning the angle that works best and letting the weight of the shaver do all the work, no need to press down.Regarding the blades, people say to get a variety pack and find your favorite. I went with a big box of Derby's, which are fine, but I actually preferred the blades it came with so I wish I had tried more brands.If you are a first time beginner lady user, like myself, when it comes and you have to put the blade in yourself. Unscrew the knob on the bottom of the razor and drop it in the blade, screwing the knob back tight again. You can feel it if it comes loose while shaving, it won't feel right. Just re-tighten knob.One of the best purchases I've ever made for myself. Highly recommend!

OK, full disclosure - I'm a dude and I really like this razor. This is a single-piece, closed comb, twist-to-open (TTO) razor. My wife got one and really liked it and I followed with the purchase of one for myself. I've been shaving with this razor for 3 years and love it. It's advertised as a "unisex" razor and is marketed as such due to its relatively long handle.(4"), Although many men prefer a shorter handle for face work and travel ease, I like the long handle for face shaving as it allows me good palm control as the ball of the handle falls nicely across my hand. The razor is solid brass with chrome plating. The handle weight is nice and overall balance is good. Blade alignment has been consistent and good, but check to make sure that the handle ball is snug before each shave. Being a closed comb design, this razor lacks the "open combs" that are often found on male-specific safety razors. These are really only important if you don't shave regularly or wish to do some rapid "scaping" and don't want to waste time with short passes and frequent rinsing. This is a very nice quality razor that is great value for money. For the shave-o-philes - blade of choice is Gillette Silver Blue, shaving soap (various triple-milled), brush is Parker pure Badger. If you're thinking about switching to DE shaving for a better, cheaper and more luxuriant experience, this is a great razor to live with!