Parker 96R - Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor Review - Price is good, build is not.

This is my first foray into shaving with a safety razor. I've used a mach 3 for about 10 years, and a shick quattro for a year. Becoming frustrated with the price of replacement cartridges, and the poor quality of shave, I decided to go old-school, and have found many helpful articles and reviews on safety razors. I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money on this project, since saving money was part of the goal. I found the Parker 96R on amazon, which looked to be a good balance of price, quality, and features.

The first shave was terrible, but I chocked it up to not adequately softening by beard. I nicked myself pretty badly and had terrible razor burn. But I had only prepared myself with a hot washcloth on my face. The next shave, I showered first and it was awesome! Smooth, no nicks, and no razorburn. Ha, I figured it out... So I shaved again two days later with good results. I thought it was settled, but the next shave was TERRIBLE again. Blood everywhere. Nicks and razor burn with not even that close of a shave.

What I discovered is that the blade sits unevenly in this razor. It is not wide enough, such that when the correct amount of blade is exposed on one side of the razor, there is too much exposed on the other side. You can try to correct this by shifting the blade over, but then there is too much exposed on the other side every time.

I like to shave with only one side of the razor, then go to the other side only for the next shave. I rotate sides, then flip the blade and rotate sides again to evenly use the blade. What I noticed is that I can consistently get good results on one side only, and started paying close attention as to how the blade sits on the holding mechanism. I discovered that it is badly machined, and has slop in how it fits the blade.

I am going to return this razor, and get something more precisely made. Getting a good shave requires more than this razor has to offer. I'm looking at a Vikings Blade. It is more simple.

On the Parker 96R I do, however, like the butterfly mechanism and the handle balance feels nice. I just wish it was made better.

Another Blog: Restoring Pure Raw Manliness with the Vikings Blade

Elkaline Double Edge One Blade Safety Razor Review - Not Really Safe

I received the Elkaline Double Edge One Blade Safety Razor in exchange for my unbiased opinion. The razor came in a very nice case that included a mirror for shaving on the go or a closer view while shaving. It also included 5 blades each wrapped separately in paper. There is a spot in the case where the blades sit nicely below the razor. There was also a nice solid metal stand to hold the razor in place nicely and not easily can it fall off. The grip on the handle makes for easy holding without dropping. The razor has some weight to it. 

The blades are very easy to put in and the 2 door like covers cover over the razor blade very easily. By twisting the bottom of the handle it allows for these door like pieces to open and close for blade insertion without a hassle. I did not find this razor to be a safety razor since it very easily cut me while shaving. Maybe it's the angle I was using it at or something but i have never used one of these before and have no real clue about the best way to hold the razor while shaving. 

With its weight it is kinda odd to hold shaving. It shaved nicely though I have 3 seperate cuts on my leg from using this and do not recommend it to others who have never used one. Though nicely made to me it is not worth the hassle of bleeding and scabs healing for days on end.


Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl Double Edge Safety Razor Review

The vikings blade safety razor review

Don't even know where to start with the Vikings Blade. I was thinking there was a format to writing reviews and since I couldn't find any, I'll just go right into it. I have used a lot of shaving sticks in my life. I once thought moving from the single edge to the double edge was all my face needed. Don't get me wrong; the double edge is far better than the single edge. I didn't even know why I had a thing for lightweight until I got the Vikings Blade.

I think the heavyweight of the razor pushes the blade closer to my skin. For the first time in a long time, I can get clean, smooth shaves repeatedly. So for me, the first thing I noticed was the weight. I can't really say the exact weight because I was not that excited to start weighing my razor. Then the chrome finishing makes the product very appealing. It gives off this shinning appearance especially when under a light. If you are much into appearances, then you would love this product.

Although I hardly have cuts when shaving, I haven't had any since I started using the Vikings Blade. With my experience with several brands, I have to say the Vikings Blade is really easy to use. I mean it shaves effortlessly. I believe I will be sticking with this product for a long time, until something better comes up of course!

You can get the Viking Blades on Amazon and Website.

The Vikings Blade Could Just Be the Next Best Thing

Usually when I want to purchase a product online, I spend hours going through the reviews - the Vikings Blade was no exception. I do this because I know there are many paid reviews out there these days but a closer look will always reveal the perceived quality of the product by real users. I decided I was going to wait till about 1 year before I do a review of my Vikings Blade. It's almost 10 months now and I feel this blade is deserving of an early review.

The first thing I love about the Vikings blade is how less aggressive the blades are when in use. I had an Edwin Jagger that although gave lovely cuts, I had to battle to be careful not to injure myself because of how aggressive the blades were. After all these months, the razor is still as effective as it was from the beginning.

The only issue I had was with the additional 5 blades attached to it. They just didn't meet up to the standard I wanted. So I purchased extra blade (which were cheap) and I haven't had any issue with it. The Vikings Blade is heavyweight which gives it a great amount of strength to allow for handling and close shaving. While I wait to see if it beats my 1 year mark, I have to say that so far so good, I like the product.

Find the product on Amazon or Website

Breaking Through the Barriers: The Vikings Blade Safety Razor Success Story

To fully understand the success of any business, one would have to look back to its beginning. The Vikings Blade by Julian Vue is living proof that when a company is focused, goal oriented, uncompromising in quality, and have a great customer satisfaction guide, there's no limit to what it can achieve.

Julian Vue began the company in Melbourne, Australia - where the headquarters is currently based - and has been able to build the brand into one with an international status. As of today, the company's bestselling product is the Vikings Blade. In a market that is dominated by the big players with decades of experience, it takes a product with extraordinary characteristics to be able to carve any meaning niche for itself. The Vikings Blade is an embodiment of super quality and customer based product.

The North American double edge market is one of the toughest to penetrate worldwide. The Vikings Blade did not only stand before this barrier, it did an amazing job of breaking through it. As sales volume continuous to rise with each past yearly quarter, the product has left industry speculators and competitors in awe of its success.

Website: www.julianvue.com/

Vikings Blade razor review

The Vikings Blade is a good product but to me, it is not as perfect as they claim it to be. This should be easy to understand if you have tried out several products. So I got the Vikings Blade and decided I was going to use it for about 3 weeks and see how it goes. Up until that time, I have been using the Edwin Jagger but began to have issues with its blade aggressiveness.

The Vikings Blade is indisputably beautiful and attractive to anyone who sees it. It also comes with accessories that most other brands or products don't include. My personal favorite is the travel case that has a mirror. The blade is not as aggressive as my Edwin Jagger and us quite smooth and gentle on my skin. It has a butterfly head which has its advantages but doesn't exempt it from its associated disadvantages. While the butterfly head allows for quick change of blades, it’s also a mechanism that is easily prone to looseness.

If you want the best out of the product, you have to be very gentle on how you use it and ensure you take note of this mechanism. That's the only con I seem to have observed so far with mine.