Parker SRB Straight Edge Barber Razor – Stainless Steel Blade Arm & Resin Handle – Uses Half Double Edge Razor Blades – Includes 5 Pre-Cut Blades – Professional Shaving Tool

I have had this shavette for a few weeks now and at first I got a few cuts about 7 in all but nothing serious on my first try. I have watch several YouTube videos on how to use this razor and I’m steadily improving my technique but no where near getting a BBS shave yet there are some areas around my lower cheeks and neck where I’m not sure how to get to them without really cutting myself up but I’ll figure it out eventually.The quality of this razor is excellent and the blades are really easy to replace but you still have to be careful. I chose the SRB because of its black handle (scales) which gives it a vintage look. I’m really enjoying this shavette and steadily getting over my fears of using a SR. If I had any complaints it’s that the Parker logo isn’t on the shank as seen in the photos nor does it say Made In India on mine…I don’t know if Parker has decided not to use their logo or not on this particular shavette but I can live with it as it is. For those who want to get started in using a straight razor but don’t have the time, experience or money for upkeep as in a normal straight razor this is an ideal way to go.

I'm in my late 40s, and finally had it with always having miserable shaves. I've tried all manor of expensive and cheap disposables, and several electrics (whose ability to chop up my face without cutting all the hair is amazing), and finally decided to just give a plain, old, straight razor a try.I'm glad I did. I confess that I have a beard and moustache, so don't have complicated angles when shaving (only do my neck and cheeks). Preparation is key, new users should look up the "proper" way to shave with a straight razor. I shave more closely than I ever could with a disposable or electric, without the irritation that I often got with them.What's even better is that the straight razor works on any length of hair with great consistency... it's as easy to shave a week's (or even a month's) growth as it is to shave a day's growth. Try that with a safety or multi-blade disposable, where the hair gets clogged up in the works. With no place for the hair to get stuck in, you can do a long, smooth stroke without having to unclog anything.The bonus for a novice with this razor is that you don't need a leather strap, and can replace the blades instead. That saves on your start up cost, and frankly, this set is cheaper than a lot of the higher end disposables with a comparable number of blades. One trick I've learned: the water is what dulls the blades, so afterwards make sure the blades are cleaned and DRIED, they will last longer. That's easier with a straight razor than a disposable.I've only gotten one nick so far, about comparable to what I'd get with other razors given the time frame. The nick was a bit worse, but not terrible... still just a small nick. That was like the second time I used it, and I haven't cut myself since, so it's been over two months without any issues.This is a great starter for someone who wants to try the straight razor.

I decided to break away from Gillette and other cartridge razors like those to save money and decided on trying out straight razors.After the 'sticker shock' effect, I added up how much I spent per year on blades and the price for a good quality, entry level straight edge didn't look so bad. So having never used a straight edge before I started watching videos on YouTube on how to shave with one. One thing led to another and I started talking to my wife to ease her into a $189.00 razor purchase I wanted to make and she suggested (after almost choking on her Coke) I try to find something a little cheaper. Her arguement was that I may not be able to use it or like the shave and she continued on, reminding me of my electric razor collection that just doesn't do the job on my heavy beard. So off to Amazon I went and here I am.In many of the comment sections for the videos I watched, many folks suggested starting out with a 'Shavette'. They're inexpensive and easy to learn with. Then I found the Parker SRB; right up my alley and about $170.00 cheaper.The Parker SRB's handle (called 'scales') is made of plastic; two pieces rivited together securing a stainless steel blade arm. The blade arm is made up of two stainless steel arms that can swing apart to secure a double edge blade on two copper pins. Once the blade is dropped onto the pins, the other half of the blade arm swings back into place and is held in position by the same two copper pins which hold the blade in place. Then a copper pin holding a stainless steel pressure clip swings down to strengthen the whole blade arm and razor blade as one unit. There was also a sticker on the scales. In the ad picture it looks like a medallion embedded in the scales, not so. The first thing I did was to remove it.Keep in mind that this was my first time ever using a blade like this and took my time on both beard prep and shaving. I did what's called a 'double' or 'double pass' and 45 minutes later, I gotta tell you, my face, while being still ugly, is smooth as a baby's butt. I did nick myself twice in some tough spots but hey, this is my first time.The Parker SRB is very light in the hand and is easy to manuver and grip. Some previous reviews said it felt cheap or flimsy and that may be compared to an Olive wood straight edge that you'd pay $189.00 for; but this isn't that. I needed to learn how to shave with one of these and I will. I'm told it takes about 100 shaves to become proficient and along with that your speed increases too. So if this lasts 100 shaves it was well worth $17.88 price tag. 99 more to go!