Parker SRW Straight Edge Razor with 100 Platinum Stainless Steel Single Edge Blades for a Close Barber Shop Shave

This is just perfect as far I am concerned. Unless you are a connoisseur, I see no need for anything more than this. Let start by saying I bought this when I had no experience using such handles to shave. I had to replace it after about a year ONLY because I carelessly packaged it in luggage and the plastic handle cracked. One may say "I'll get the stainless SR1 to avoid that problem" DON'T do it! I tried it as a replacement... it is useless, awful design. You can see my review on the SR1 for more info.Bottom line is... now that I am more experienced... I am convinced that the balance and control on this is sufficient as long as your skills are matching. I can't imagine needing anything much more substantial... perhaps something a bit more heavy, and heavy duty is desirable... but I wasn't interested in getting a pure straight-edge (because of maintenance and cost) and most other similar handles (and there are not many to choose from that I can see... didn't seem worth the extra, AND after my experience with the SR1 I decided not to chance another manufacturer or model.)Some quick notes to the beginner: 1. Use shaving soap! Do not use regular shaving cream! Regular shaving cream will not work... you are better off making a fine lather of ivory than using shaving cream. 2. Let the razor glide... do not apply excessive or nearly any pressure! The term "glide" never meant so much until you try a handle like this... it means almost nothing in the commercials for disposables. HINT: if you feel resistance, any feedback at all stop taking the swipe and start a new one... you are losing the glide. If you feel like you bumped something but it didn't hurt... you will probably find you made a cut. 3. Following from 2... have a styptic pencil on hand for those little cuts, very handy to stop the bleeding. 4. If you make a cut don't freak out or give up. Minor cuts may bleed quite a bit... even if they are tiny... use the pencil to stop them, and you shouldn't have to worry about scarring with smaller cuts. You will cut yourself especially in the beginning. 5. Remember why you did this... it is about the closest shave you can get, and a fraction of the cost of trendy disposables... and it makes for great conversation. Once you get the technique down... you will use it for life. It may take you 15-20 minutes your first couple times... it did for me... now I can do it in under 10 with minimal to no cuts. 6. Oh yah- in addition to getting the proper shaving soap, you really ought to get a proper brush for applying it (and a bowl). If you are concerned about cost or if you are going to stick with this... I included among other links... a link to a great starter kit... it includes soap, a brush, and a bowl. The soap is good, the bowl just fine... I can't imagine needing another, the brush... is good for starters... but it is poorly made and will fall apart over time.I also include links for replacement good replacement soap, and a better brush.kit (great for beginners)http://www.amazon.com/Van-Der-Hagen-Premium-Shave/dp/B001A3HPT0/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1soaphttp://www.amazon.com/Conk-Worlds-Famous-Shaving-Weight/dp/B000MXGMHU/ref=pd_sim_hpc_3brushhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BWNR9A/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00styptichttp://www.amazon.com/Clubman-Styptic-Pencil-0-33-812000/dp/B00112WRB6 (these are also available at Walgreens).Feel free to email me any questions about how to shave... I self-taught myself, and got it down really good. There are some write-ups people have done online... but they miss some things. I plan on doing one of my own.

First off, let me start by saying my facial hair grows rather quickly and being an artist, I enjoy changing my beard and goatee styles throughout the year. I used to shave with disposable Gillette razors, which was a big waste of money and lacked the precision I was looking for. I ended up doing some research,and realized it was time to make a switch. I bought a badger brush, brush stand, Taylor of Old Bond Street sandalwood shaving cream and the Parker SRW Straight Edge Razor (close to $40 altogether).This is my first (and so far only) Straight Edge Razor.The first shave was as if I was donating blood to my sink but the end result was worth the struggle. It took a few shaves learning the discipline and proper technique on using the razor without getting any nicks/cuts, but I got the technique down and it has become a really enjoyable and fun experience. The precision is phenomenal and I look forward to every time I shave knowing I can shave with confidence with lining up my beard. I warn first time users, make sure you at least watch some videos on YouTube on how to properly handle any straight razors so that you don't accidentally cut your face up and end up walking around looking like you got into a fight with some ninjas. The key is to take your time and let the weight of the razor do the work; rushing can become your worst enemy. Once you have polished your shaving technique, you will be rewarded with an overwhelming, seductive, smooth face.Though getting started cost me around $40-$50, in the long run it is much cheaper buying replaceable blades (100 blades for less than $10) instead of buying disposable razors (18 razors for around $12-$15) and shaving cream in a tube.I also bought a Parker 99R Safety Razor not too long ago. The Parker 99R Safety Razor gets the job done; a much closer shave than disposable razors, and better for gents/ladies that are in a hurry since the technique is much easier to learn than the SRW. In comparison, the Parker SRW Straight Edge Razor is an even closer shave and has superior precision than the Parker 99R Safety Razor, but takes patience to master the skill. I hope the review helps, thanks for reading!