Great review. I recently picked up the Parker Variant and I absolutely love it. It's got nice heft, it feels well built, and the fact it's adjustable has made my life so much easier. I'm still new to the world of wet shaving, been doing it for about 6 months. Something to note is that I have *VERY* coarse hair. Even my 5 o' clock shadow stubble is super coarse. Because of this, I've always had trouble shaving. Always been something I encounter a ton of discomfort with. Once I stepped into the world of wet shaving, it was a noticeable improvement in comfort, but I still ran into some issues here and there with razor burn. The first razor I picked up was an Edwin Jagger DE89. After some experimentation I settled on Astra Platinums and Feathers as being the best blades for me, but I would still run into some issues with pretty harsh razorburn in troublesome spots. I figured this was all down to my technique. Well after 6 months of shaving with it, with no noticeable improvement, I decided to look into more aggressive razors. I had always thought that more aggressive = more pain, but that's pretty far from the truth. The truth is, it just depends entirely on your own skin and hair. I wanted an adjustable razor, because at least then I would have flexibility. I didn't want to pay for a super aggressive razor that I couldn't use. I figured at least if it were adjustable, I could always dial it back if I needed to. I settled on the Parker Variant because of the price and construction. When it arrived, I did a shave with about 2 days worth of growth. For good measure I used Astra Platinums as well. I first tried a setting of 1, then went to 2, etc. Eventually I found myself all the way on setting 5, and it was hacking through my hair like a hot knife through butter. I did a typical 3 pass shave, and interestingly enough, keeping it on 5 even on the 3rd pass is exactly what I needed to get that nice, smooth shave and prevent irritation. The milder settings didn't really do anything at all, even on that 3rd pass when I had damn near no hair left. It was really surprising, given my previous assertions about razor aggressiveness. Razor aggression in general is kind of a murky subject, at least from all the stuff I've been able to read up about it. I never quite knew what it really meant. I'd always get a technical definition when asking someone about it or looking it up, never a practical one. Never an explanation of what benefit an increased razor gap actually provides to the end-user. For me, a massively aggressive razor is the exact thing my face needs for a good, irritation free shave, which seems really contrary to most of what I've researched. Was all around a really surprising learning experience. My best guess as to why milder razors always gave me so much trouble is because, instead of cutting my hair, they just dragged along it and pulled. And to get that close, desired shave, I almost always found myself instinctively applying some pressure to the razor which always caused trouble. None of that happened when I used the Parker Variant. It's especially interesting because my entire life I always thought I had sensitive skin. That is apparently as far from the truth as possible. My skin isn't sensitive, I've just been spending my whole life using razors that don't have enough ass behind them to actually cut through my hair. While the more mild settings of the Parker Variant don't really do the job, I at least now know for sure what kind of razor I should get in the future. I'm sure I'll stick to the Parker Variant for a long time though. I am very happy with the quality of shave I can get out of it. It was like night and day. I'm so glad to finally be as close as possible to achieving that "perfect" shave. Being able to walk away from the bathroom sink after applying an aftershave splash, and not feeling a million different stings is really nice. It's even nicer when I can do that every single day. My whole life I've never been able to do that. Shaving every day was always impossible for me because of all the discomfort. It's really, REALLY awesome that's no longer the case.

@limp6986

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story. I too have coarse facial hair and I've been hesitant to try an open comb or a slant razor because of how "more aggressive" they supposedly are and the sense that that means more aggressive on the skin and more irritation. After this, I'll definitely try an adjustable in the very near future. I'm also curious about the slant razors as I actually tend to not shave in a straight motion on the neck area, because of my uneven hair growth in that area. I also seem to get less irritation if I shave the same way i used to with the multi blade gillettes: first pass with the grain, second pass against the grain. Across the grain always burns my face. I'll buy the R41 replacement head to try open comb first and because it's cheap to try. I usually shave once or twice a week only.

@reddevil211287

4 жыл бұрын

Super helpful comment! Thank you 😊

@andrewpayne3298

Жыл бұрын

thanks for the detailed reply i have a cheap £10 amazon de razor but now feel its time to invest in a proper razor and as like you i don't know how aggressive i need the razor i feel adjustable the best option

@spartan456

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewpayne3298 Things have changed quite a lot over the years with wet shaving. It has been quite a long time since I last looked into it, but I eventually upgraded my Parker Variant for a Rockwell 6S. This is also an adjustable razor, but not in the usual form factor of an adjustable. It is "adjustable" in the sense that the razor ships with multiple plates, each one providing a different level of aggression. It is a little inconvenient having to change plates throughout a shave as opposed to just twisting a dial, but honestly the way I look at it, the less complex the inner mechanism, the longer lasting the product. The Rockwell 6S is basically a bunch of chunks of machined stainless steel. No moving parts. It'll last forever as long as you don't damage the threading. I believe Rockwell has released a more traditional adjustable razor which I've heard is just as good as the 6S. I had thought about getting it but I figured I shouldn't. The 6S will outlive me and whoever picks it up after I die, and probably outlive them too. I definitely do recommend a nice adjustable razor, whether you get something like the Parker or something a bit more different like a Rockwell 6S. Having the adjustability is great and it will let you more easily find that perfect combination for your skin and hair. I actually no longer shave my face in its entirety. I keep my beard, but I use my DE razor to tidy up the edges as this works *exponentially* better and is far more comfortable than trying to do it with an electric shaver. It also produces much cleaner looking results. I pretty much just keep the "6" plate on my Rockwell 6S. I have not found much use for using the milder plates. This may be crossing into "TMI" territory, but I have found the more mild plates to be particularly useful for uhhh, _other_ parts of my body. It sounds scary but I promise it isn't. You can totally manscape those places with a DE razor and it is vastly more comfortable than using an electric. The "1" plate on the Rockwell does an excellent job with this. And the fact that the plates themselves are swappable means I'm never touching my face using the same parts as what touches my _other_ places. So it is very hygienic. Shave on, brother.

@andrewpayne3298

Жыл бұрын

@@spartan456 thanks so much for the detailed reply

I have the Variant and the Futur. I prefer the Variant.

Thank you. I’m new with DE razors and learned a great deal from this video. I now want to get an adjustable

Thanks for comparing these two. I think I was leaning toward the Parker, if only for the look. Nice to hear the shave is similar to the Progress.

Great video! Incredibly helpful to me as I've owned the Variant since it was released but don't have the Progress. I will be looking into purchasing the short handle version in the future.

I enjoy using the Variant. Also, the base easily rinses away soap like my Timeless razor.

Good review Matt. I have the Variant and the "Mergress XL", Eric Meir does a great job tuning the Merkur, adding the tail piece and polish. Both shave me great, although the Parker is less expensive. Can't go wrong with either. Enjoy!

Well, since a year now, i use my merkur vision. Great shave, first pass with an aggressiv setting, second pass with a mild setting. First pass against growth direction and second pass 90° to it. I like the big knob in my big hand.

Great video Matt. I am excited to try my Rockwell 6C tomorrow..

Love my Merkur Progressive and also rotate it with Rockwell 2C with 5/6 plate, still get bbs with both razors

I use a Merkur MK23C long handle 3 piece safety razor and absolutely love it!

I have the Progress and the Permasharp is in my top 3 blades. I find anything over setting 3 is too aggressive and some blades will chatter too. Setting 2 or 3 for a 3 pass shave and setting 1 for a clean up is my ideal technique.

I've been a Merkur 34c user for my face for many many years, but decided I'd like to add an adjustable razor to my choices. Great video, I'll be going with the Parker Variant - silver! I use the Leaf Shave Razor for my Head Shaver. It is a fine machine! (I know this video was done years ago, but info doesn't change)

Hi Matt- Very nice razor comparison video; thank you. Nice details on both razors which will be helpful in choosing one for a future purchase. Happy New Year🎉and best regards!

The Merkur Progress seems interesting. I'd love to get one when I have a chance.

Thanks for the review. Going to give a few of the Parker Variants as presents.

I have the Merkur Digress XL B. This is sold through The Gentleman's groom room. It costs £55 to retro fit or £95 complete. I picked mine up for £50 nearly new. I would not have paid the difference from a standard Progress. Great review Matt.

Thanks for the info, Matt!

Bought the Parker adjustable razor and found that 1 is perfect for my neck and 3 is good for my face. I didn't think using such a low setting would actually shave close. But it absolutely did and didn't cause any irritation at all. It's more forgiving then my Parker Slant Razor. But the Slant makes quick work of long hair so I guess there's a use for both.

At first, I disliked the cream-colored plastic knob on the Progress, but then realised this is what it looked like in the 1950s and now have no problem with it. I have an Art-Deco, "traditional" shaving scuttle that is cream-colored so it makes sense. My razors are the Merkur 38C, 39C and the Progress 510. With the long handle versions, I get the impression I have more control over the razor.

Ordered a new Merkur Progress with the travel box, which is damaged, for 39 Euro. Normal price is 65 Euro now. Looking forward to try it!

Well done 👍! I look forward to your new videos in 2019.

Enjoyed your review. I only have the Parker Variant but I have found it a very good razor. I am able to use some of my less favorite blades that received in sample packs with good results. I was debating between the Merkur and the Parker when I was first contemplating the razor purchase. Glad to hear I did not go wrong in my purchase.

@sukhoi3535

4 жыл бұрын

Try treet platinum work will whit parker variant

I bought the parker a yr ago. Best razor I've ever owned

Great comparison for both of that Razors

Interesting review, Matt. 💈👍🏼 I find it important to emphasize that the "Merkur Progress" is a real vintage razor as it came on the market in the same year like the famous "Gillette FAT BOY" and is still in production, whereas the "Parker Variant" is a modern knock-off of the "Progress".

Good comparison. I have the Parker Variant and look forward to comparing it with my Gillette vintage 1963 slim adjustable waiting for me in the UK. Hope its OK as it was not cheap, refurbished and apparently in mint condition. I enjoy your videos, thanks 👍

Been considering an adjustable recently. I use both Merkur and Parker safety razor, so this review was really good for me. Not sure if to give the Futur a chance though. Thanks for the video.

I like the Merkur Progress a lot because I like Short handles, I have more control over my razor.

Another great review....Thanks! Have a Wonderful and Happy New Year with family Matt! See ya “Next Year” as my daughter likes to say!👍🎊😊🎊

I have a 15 year old Merkur Progress and it's reaching the end of it's life. The head is no longer coming out easily for blade replacement and even with the markings lined up, the numbers rarely align properly. I may try he Parker if the end result will be the same.

I own the Variant. I find it to be a capable shaver. Thanks for the review.

Nice comparison great video

Ive had the Parker variant since it came out and 2wks ago i finally realized that the blade gap is more open on one side on my razor.

I heard that the grip on the Parker Variant has better knurling. When the Parker first came out, there were some reports about issues with the paint/ surface on the black handled version.

Nice video, Matt. 💈💈

Great comparison, I think I prefer the Progress.

Nice! never tried either of them....

I use the Merkur Progress regular handle or short if you prefer and prior to that it was a 1964 Gillette slim and my Merkur is my daily go to now I thought my Gillette was the best but after back and forth different blades and setting My 64 slim is in semi retirement....love your videos by the way.

Just got the Parkar with blades very smooth and a great adjustable razor. I put it up against my Viking Magi adjustable razor an amazing difference in the adjustability of the razor itself.

I have a Parker Variant. It shaves great. I rotate it with my Rockwell as my go to razors.

@stanley1976

3 жыл бұрын

Which Rockwell?

@davidbenvie9870

3 жыл бұрын

@@stanley1976 Stan, at that time it was the 6C. Last Xmas I got a 6S. It I have to choose I’d pick the 6S because it’s heavier

I prefer the Progress, but I blinged mine out to get it that way. I put a bronze Opgress knob on it and a 34G gold top cap on it. Looks much nicer than the Parker…but had to spend extra money to get it that way. Out of the box the Parker is probably a slightly better product…but the Progress is up-gradable with aftermarket parts.

Excellent review - I just got the Parker, have been wondering about the comparison. Difference is finish! I also like your T-shirt, love black with blue lettering, very classy.

I had over 25 razors but I downSized to about 13-14. So when using a different razor everytime, sometimes it takes awhile b4 you see a certain razor again. Especially when you Shave every 2-4 days! 💈😁✌🏻💈 It’s been that way with my Parker Variant. Seems like it hasn’t got its turn in awhile. Well...I did just recently get 3 new razors added to my Rotation. A 37C Gillette Short Comb and a Gillette RedTip. 😅👌🏻 can’t help myself sometimes. Just know that I have my Variant all set up ready to go for my next Shave!

Great info. Any opinion on the quality of these DE’s over time?

I always thought the interesting thing about these razors is the blade angle - I end up holding the handle much closer to my face than with most DEs. Which is fine as long as I remember! I mostly use the Rex now as I think the extra weight feels better in the hand, but it’s angle is much larger, almost like one of the classic Gillette adjustables.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you like the Rex ;)

enjoy the showdown videos

Hey Matt, love your videos and shaving expertise you have been sharing around from a long time😊.By watching your videos I ordered a Merkur 34c HD. It has been a splendid experience using the HD, but recently its bottom knob came off from the handle. I have tried everything but the knob won't go back inside the handle. This has made me really sad as I loved shaving every day with my 34c HD from last 1 year. Can you help sharing some ideas, as how to put it back in? Hoping for a response 😊

This was quite helpful. I'm still a newbie when it comes to shaving with a safety razor. I really like the idea of the adjustability of these. Thanks so much for the review, brother. Have a blessed day! ✌

Matt, neither can complete with the Rex! Happy New Year to you and your family.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@Jbmacrone

3 жыл бұрын

The Ambassador is the creme de la creme!

Hi Matt. I like the Variant mostly for the aesthetic. They shave very similar, if not identical. I do think the Merkur "Mergress" can be ordered as is, meaning I don't think it is an after market part, but I could be wrong. Would mind sharing more about your shaves: do you always use cold water, and if so, why?, and, do you usually do one pass only? Thanks!

Variant all the way!

Hey Matt what do you think of getting The MUHLER106 for beginners that are getting into Straight razor shaving? Btw love your videos new to your channel.

I'm sure they are both good. I just feel the parker is a copy and I have a thing against copies.

Parker ages terribly. Had one and it’s not with me anymore because the quality controls of Parker are poor

The Variant head is a little bulkier than the Progress. I found it easier to find the proper cutting angle with the Progress.

Hello, I am new to safety razor world (new as in only a week ago i saw my first video about them, lol) and I would like your opinion about butterfly mechanism (aka tto, twist-to-open) Vs two-piece or three-piece. I am shopping for safety razor now and I like the practicality of the butterfly mechanism but will I be sacrificing quality and performance? I am targeting the Parker 99R. If I end up going away from the butterfly style, I will end up getting the Merkur 34c instead. Your opinion will be immensely appreciated.

Sir, make a comparison video of Parker 94r razor with Merkur 37c, if possible.

Where do I look to find the after market know for the Merkur? Any one know?

Hay Matt!

Merkur is a great razor but I have to say that I prefer the parker! Do you review also stainless steel razors? What about the TATARA!?

The whole idea of a knockoff irks me. I’d choose the Merkur just on principle.

I'll stick to vintage Gillette razors. I would consider a vintage Merkur but I'm not very familiar with any of their line of razors

Hey!! Thank you for the video. How would you compare these 2 to Rockwell Model T? I'm currently using the Rockwell 6C, but I would like a real adjustable razor (not needing to switch plates) with a bit longer handle, and I'm not sure of which one to buy. Hope you can help

*I normally used the Parker Variant cranked up to 11.* *But I recently purchased a Muhle R41 TWIST. It just may be my grail razor.*

I’ll stick with the Rex as my adjustable. Solid SS for me is the way to go.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you like the REX ;)

I like the variant because firstly it's my country razor and second it's gives me close smooth shave

@rokoshrokosh

5 жыл бұрын

joy ghosh But it’s not sold in India!! If you want to buy a Parker, you have to import it!

@joyghosh7239

5 жыл бұрын

@@rokoshrokosh if you are an Indian you should know about apni dukan which is amazon so if you want that razor buy it from amazon

@rajansharmaadv

4 жыл бұрын

@@rokoshrokosh you can easily get it over AMAZON I am also in INDIA and purchased one from AMAZON INDIA.

@rajansharmaadv

4 жыл бұрын

Very nice razor.

Any issues with blade alignment on the Progress Matt? Did you have any struggle getting the blade and top cap square, as I've heard that's an issue.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

No i didn't - seemed easy enough.

Hi. You said hot shower and splash of cold water before shave? Is this cold water method good for skin irritation or something else??? Thank you for answering.

@RazorEmporium

3 жыл бұрын

Great for general skin health

I see in other videos where on TTO adjustables people are opening the doors then adjusting - is there a reason for that? is it necessary?

@RazorEmporium

2 жыл бұрын

It certainly is easier on the mechanism

In your video you mentioned that at home you splash your face with cold water after getting out of the shower. Any reason for the cold water? I’ve always been used to hot/warm water pre shave on the face and then cold water after the shave to close the pores. Perhaps there are benefits I haven’t heard of before for doing cold water pre shave.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

we did an entire video on cold water shaving- check it out. Most people who try it never go back to hot water.

@MrDejank16

5 жыл бұрын

I checked it out and did my first cold shave this morning and I must say I'm liking the cold shave. I'm one with sensitive skin and coarse board and no irritation this morning especially in the neck area. Thanks for the suggestion.

Howdy from The Ranch in the Sierra Nevada Mountains!!! Always wondered about these 2... My Focus: 'The Progress' or lack there of??? THE PLASTIC!!! WHY, oh Lord, Why Plastic and not Metal? Is it a negative or a positive? Increased danger from dropping... True. All metal reduces that risk... True. After market metal replacement available? Yes. (I didn't know this! It could be a game changer for people out there) I guess what I would like to know is what was the thought process behind this choice during the design process. Could it have bee a cost issue? i wouldn't think so... I imagine the cost in production between a metal or plastic 'knob' has to be rather nominal. So Why? Is just for looks, tradition, or is the functionality of plastic superior in some way... Those are my questions about this razor... (It would be Great to see You do an interview series with Razor manufactures and pick their brains.) In my opinion the Progress is a really nice looking razor with a unique Bakelite style adjustment knob and whether it is tradition or a tip of the hat to a time gone by this Razor stands out as a marker and monument to this time and the men who shave today. Would I swap out the plastic knob for a metal one? Nope. I Like it and if one day I should own this fine Razor it will stand out in My humble collection. This is My Opinion and I am Unanimous in it.

I chose the Variant over the Progress based on the plastic knob only. So far I've had great shaves with the Variant.

@Tobins_throwbacks

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, plastic knob is ugly

@Midtnfishing937

5 жыл бұрын

Claude Johns plastic is not as durable for one thing.

Variant FTW! I have no doubt that the plastic tip of the Progress is durable but, damn, it is *ugly*.

@petermikus2363

3 жыл бұрын

I actually think it looks pretty good for dome reason

@buckturgidson1448

3 жыл бұрын

@@petermikus2363 de gustibus non est disputandum - 👍🏻

Silly question, how effective are double sided edge safety razors to shave other body parts vs only the face?

@williamcass68

3 жыл бұрын

Have you looked at the Leaf razor? It uses regular DE blades and works exceptionally well as a head shaver.

@chgofirefighter

3 жыл бұрын

@@williamcass68 Yes, I actually have it.... Sadly, it has made my head bleed in a few spots with nicks, cuts, etc. Defender razor works extremely well

@williamcass68

3 жыл бұрын

chgofirefighter sorry to hear that. I got a couple knicks when I first got it and realized that it worked better when I loaded all 3 blades...and was careful with my technique. It’s good that you found something that works for you.

Could you recommend the best all in one starter kit? I would like everything from the stand, bowl, razor brush ext.... Thanks!

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

We have a "most recommended" kit on our site and the title says it all ;)

---->shirt

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

great idea!

Seni gören de ustura ile tıraş oluyor sanacak. Yukarıdan elle yanağı gerdirmeler falan :))

How do they compare to the Rex adjustable

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

Well I'm a bit biased. But we will doing some formal Rex reviews / show downs in 2019 ;)

@rokoshrokosh

5 жыл бұрын

Different breed of cat; the Rex Ambassador for starters is all stainless steel and that puts it in a different planet, not just another league. Then there’s the shave- out of this world for the Rex. Of course, the price reflects all of this…

Hy Matt I by Progres ,very good ,I have FUTUR Excellent. I have King C GILETTE ,I have Wilkinson Premium swords. What Still I need to by as last 🪒 Razor.,??? What you think??? Regards from swiss

@RazorEmporium

Жыл бұрын

Rex ambassador of course 😁

@dukamrgud1934

Жыл бұрын

@@RazorEmporium adjustable ??? Or not??? THANKS for answer

Fatboy over both, I want the shirt

I tried the Parker Variant and it tore up my face. Yes it was lined up correctly. Could it be just got a bad one?

How do they compare to a fat boy or slim?

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

No comparison in my opinion. Honestly apples and oranges.

I don't know what it is with people reviewing hardware without shaving their entire face....it's like reviewing a car and only driving it on the highway.

@RazorEmporium

5 жыл бұрын

I hear you but I think that it's unfair to claim that people who don't shave their entire faces are somehow less of a wet shaver. I've shaved my mustache and chin area plenty of times. :)

@_multiverse_

5 жыл бұрын

I'm just saying that to fully review a razors performance you need to shave all areas of the face as people who are buying one will most likely be shaving the whole face. Does it fit under the nose well? How does it handle contours of the neck and chin ect ect. Just doing cheeks and sideburns doesn't really tell us much other than that it does well shaving those areas.

Had to toss my 96R for uneven blade exposure and gap. Additionally, it would loosen while using, causing nicks and cuts. Pure garbage. Just say no to Parker.