Parker Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor – Heavyweight Chrome Handle for Closer Shaves – Includes 5 Razor Blades – Ideal for Men with Thick or Coarse Beards (26C - Graphite Gray)

It's been over a month since I received the Parker 26C, but due to a series of snafus, including but not limited to an abscess in my jaw, I haven't been able to review it until now. Before I go into the review itself, I must state that what you're looking at is an OPEN COMB safety razor. By their nature, open comb razors are more aggressive than standard razors like the Weishi butterfly. By 'more aggressive', I mean they give a closer shave, but in the hands of a newbie wet shaver, they can and WILL LIKELY cut and leave razor burn. For this reason, most wet shavers, particularly those who have storefronts will recommend a standard razor to newcomers. If you're looking to buy your first safety razor, I suggest you bookmark the Parker 26C and make a note to purchase it as your SECOND razor, once you've learned how to properly use a safety razor in general, and know what your skin and beard need for a good, close, and smooth shave. As an individual with a thick beard and sensitive skin, I've found that pressing a hot, wet towel to my face for a few minutes and applying a tiny amount of olive oil as a preshave works wonders to prevent irritation and nicks.Alright, with that done, onward to the review!The Parker 26C is absolutely beautiful! Highly polished chrome plating on the two piece head, and on the handle end pieces, and a highly textured black handle surface that may or may not be aesthetically pleasing to some(looks great to me!), but makes it virtually impossible to slip through soapy fingers. Although it is indeed more aggressive than my Weishi butterfly razor, the sheer weight and rough, almost sandpaper-like grip in the hand provides absolute control, while the open comb leaves enough lather behind to allow for a couple extra cleanup passes. Dorco blades, which went so well with my Weishi, are prone to 'skipping' and irritation in this razor, but I was still amazed at the closeness of the shave. Even considering the fact that my first use was somewhat hurried due to both an impending appointment and a back that was trying to spasm, I was completely astonished with the level of control made possible by the weight and exceedingly grippy handle texture. The extremely rough finish borders on uncomfortable when first held in wet fingers, but initial sensations were forgotten the instant my back tried to seize in the middle of a pass. What happened next is something I still have trouble believing. The razor stopped cold and pivoted slightly as if it were part of my hand while I shifted position, and I was able to continue the pass as if nothing happened. For the longest time, I thought it would take me years to get that kind of precision out of a safety razor, and the first time I used this one, it was as if I came out of my mama's belly with it attached to my hand. It's not just experience that saved me from a severe cut yesterday, it was the hardware. Don't get caught up in price or aesthetics, and for the love of God, don't look at the textured handle and think 'that looks uncomfortable'. Parker spent years researching handle finishes and textures looking for the perfect combination that would allow the shaver to stop the blade on a whisker and maneuver the head with surgical precision right out of the gate. Sadly, my Parker 26C is so well made I don't know if I'll ever have to make another purchase from Super Safety Razors, but I keep browsing their store in case I'm wrong. Their razors are excellent(as if I need to repeat myself), and their customer support is equally so. If you're new to wet shaving, they'll gladly answer your emailed questions in around two hours and get you started with the best razor for your needs, regardless of your level of experience with wet shaving. I could go on and on about this razor, and Super Safety Razors in general, but common sense should compel most people to throw one of these lovely Parkers into their cart for immediate purchase.My work here is done.

Awesome razor it shaved really well and smooth it doesn’t give me any problems at all.I would highly recommend it.It is well made and looks great.

I will start by stating that all razor reviews are very subjective. What is wonderful for me may be terrible for you. However, many of the "greats" of wet shaving like the Parker 24/26C razors.The only difference between the 24 and the 26 is the handle. I have used this razor in the 24C version for 6 months. It has done well with most of the blades I've put into it. I especially like my results with the Wilkinson Sword Classic , Voshkod, Ladas, Nacet, Personna, Gillette Blue and the 7 O'clock (in yellow and black).Interestingly enough, Kai and Feather blades, which are great in many of my razors, don't work too well for me in this razor. YMMV.The Shark blades that come with Parker razors, in my hands, on my face, with my shaving technique are very rough in ANY razor that I use. But Lord blades, made by the same company, though not great, work OK for me. Many people like Shark blades, so by all means give them a chance.Don't let the "dreaded" open comb scare you off. Contrary to popular myth, an open comb is not inherently indicative of an aggressive razor. That is a function of blade gap and blade exposure. This is a razor that I am comfortable giving to a newbie as their first razor. I actually bought this style razor as a gift for a young man just starting out with wet shaving. One caveat, an angle of 40' rather than 30' may give you a better shave. There are some excellent YouTube videos by describing the proper angle to hold the 24/26C razor.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Update...I put an heavier iKon handle on this razor and it has become my travel razor as well as a tie for my favorite razor. As the razor it ties with is my Feather AS-D2 which costs runs from $150 to $185, that is fairly rarefied company. the Parker 26C also is a bit more forgiving of the shaving angle AND the Feather really works best only with Feather and KAI blades which tend to be about the most expensive around.

Overall a really solid razor. I had a problem with my first razor but Howi replaced it immediately and I'm very happy with it.I really like the grip and weight of the head on it. I've used other razors that have had a good grip and were light and I've also used razors that were heavy but had terrible grip. This has a great combination of both. The texture along the handle never loses grip even when soaking wet and the weight of the head assists in making shaving easy. Like any other safety razor the blade you use makes a big difference but the head and grip of the handle is where you have to start.The only reason I gave it 4 stars is I have had some burning on my neck after using it. I have been using a safety razor for a year now and this is the first time I have experienced this. It may have something to do with the open comb but I'm not sure yet. It doesn't cause razor bumps but just a little bit of burning.I would definitely recommend this razor to anyone looking for a great razor at a great price.