Parker 91R Heavyweight Long Handle Safety Razor – Classic 3-Piece Double Edge Razor for Smooth, Close Shaves – Brass Frame with Textured Chrome Finish – Compatible with All DE Razor Blades

I did a ton of research before settling on this razor. I like the idea of a double edge shaver, I like that it's easier on my face than disposables. I love that the blades are super cheap. I was worried that I'd cut myself all up, and that there's a learning curve to using it. A lot of guys that use old school razors seem to be into the shaving hobby (who knew that was a hobby?). In the shaving websites are a host strong opinions about fancy brushes and shaving mugs and soaps and accessories. If you buy all of that stuff, you could be into this for over a hundred bucks and you don't even know if you're going to like it! To make it worse, some say it takes 15 minutes or more to shave. I liked the idea of the razor, but who has that kind of time to dedicate to shaving in the morning? I've got a job, kids to get on the bus, anyway, these kinds of things scared me away a little.All I can say is after one use I was totally sold on this thing!First, if you're trying this out for the first time and aren't sure if it's for you, don't worry about the mugs, soaps, and brushes. They're nice, and a good shaving soap does a much better job than most cream in a can, but to just get started buy yourself a decent razor like this one and use up your canned shaving cream. Regarding the style of this razor (3-piece) I was sure that I wanted a butterfly-type one (the kind that you twist and it opens up), but this three piece type is easier to clean out when using it. And let me assure you that it couldn't be easier to take apart and put together. The blade lines up perfectly without any issue. A few twists of the handle and it's all back together. At no time do I worry about cutting my hands, you handle the blade in exactly the same way as if you were putting it in a butterfly style razor. Hold it from the sides, no difference. Plus, it's easier to travel with as you can take it apart. I'm sure all types are good, I happen to like this one just fine.So don't worry about the extra junk to buy if you want to use this kind of razor. Just buy the razor and a nice stand (I bought this Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand from Super Safety Razors which looks great and fits the razor perfectly for 20 bucks). Aside from looking great on my sink, it's easier to grab the handle in my opinion at a 45 degree angle than one that hangs the razor in a perfect vertical. It also holds a brush in a way to allow it to properly dry out and look good in the process. I used up my shaving cream in a can, it worked just fine with this razor (though I do like my new shaving soap better). If you're on the fence, buy a brush and all that stuff later once you're comfortable it's for you.Finally, if you want to enjoy using a DE razor like this, it's really important to be sure you practice proper shaving techniques. I was raised on electric shavers and disposables, so I never really learned the proper way to shave. Disposables don't provide the best shave, but they're foolproof and allow you to shave in any direction over and over without cutting yourself. They also tear up my face and give me razor burn. There are lots of websites that you can get this information from, but in a nutshell: Shave after showering to soften the beard, applying no pressure to the blade on your face, keeping it at a 30-45 degree angle. It's not necessary to push on this razor because it's so sharp and the weight of the head does the work, which is one of the reasons why it's so much easier on your skin. Shave with the grain of the beard to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, rinse your face with cold water to close up the pores, buy a styptic pencil (two bucks) if you do nick yourself, and use a quality shaving lotion afterward. I recommend the Aveeno product Aveeno Men's After Shave Lotion, Fragrance Free 3.4 fl oz (101 m, it rates pretty well on not having a bunch of toxic chemicals in it, and it feels awesome.The first time I used this razor, I didn't nick myself at all. The blade cuts through the stubble easily and makes a very satisfying crunching sound as it does so, as opposed to a disposable that sounds more like scratching along the beard. It's easy to clean out the blade while shaving, this thing never clogs like a cartridge does. I didn't find this razor any more aggressive than my disposable Gillette cartridges I was using before, I think if you find this provides an aggressive shave it's more from your technique (for example, shaving against the grain or applying too much pressure), than this razor. Your choice of blade and shaving cream does matter too. I've found it to be very forgiving and haven't hurt myself with it once. Shaving takes me no longer than normal. There are lots of blades to choose from, when you find a kind you like, you can buy them in bulk. They're so cheap you could change the blade every time you shave (not necessary at all) and you'd still spend a small fraction of what even inexpensive disposables cost.I love it, my face feels great after, and I actually look forward to shaving!

I've got sensitive skin and a tough thick beard. Two days without a shave and I start looking like a member of the Taliban. I went through the whole family of Gillette products. From the trac II through the atra onto the mach 3 and lastly the fusion. The fusion is probably best in the cartridge class, but even with the best in class, razor rash rode shotgun on many morning commutes. To add insult to injury, 5 o'clock shadow would come in around 2 pm. So some days I would have to shave again at lunch to look neat and trim for an afternoon client meeting. This was a real pain with no end in site. I started doing a bit of research and I found that my problem was caused by the shaving cream and razor.Step One:Ditch the canned shaving gels and creams. They are not worth the money. Go with a good quality shaving soap or fine shaving cream in a tub or jar, with a good badger hair brush. I personally use a Vulfix super badge hair brush with Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream and it's fantastic.Step Two:Buy a good DE razor and blades. I started with a Merkur adjustable and it was OK but not great. I then tried a Parker 22r next. OK as well, but the shaving profile is a bit aggressive and I find the handle a bit slippery when shaving in the shower. I picked up the 91R after reading the reviews and I have to say it's a great razor and I'm not going to switch.It's heavy so there is no need to push down when shaving! The long handle with checking make it very easy to hold and guide while shaving in the shower. The shaving profile gives a really close shave but no razor rash or nicks.Blades:I like Sharp and Feather. Careful, these are really sharp blades, Feather also make surgical blades in the same factory, so they really understand sharp.When you shave:Touch the guard to your skin, slowly raise the handle until the blade touches usually about 35 degrees. Use short straight strokes following the grain of your beard. Don't push down on the razor, let it glide and cut the hair. After the first pass feel your face, if you still have stubble, re-lather and do a second pass across the grain. Avoid going directly against the grain. If you must. make it a very gentle 3rd pass. Use an aftershave moisturizer without alcohol to sooth the skin. Ask your wife, girlfriend, sister, etc. they will hook you up with a good one.Lastly rinse the razor well after you shave. You can dip it in a bit of rubbing alcohol to drive the moisture out to protect the blade. When you break it down to change the blade, clean all three parts well. It only takes a minute or two.This razor with your favorite blade and cream is years of inexpensive, environmentally friendly, super close, painless shaves. A really great way to start the day.