The Parker 22R Gunmetal Finish Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor for Men is a precision-engineered grooming tool designed to deliver a superior and comfortable shaving experience.
Manufactured by Parker Safety Razor, a company with over 45 years of expertise in crafting high-quality shaving products, this razor embodies a blend of classic design principles and modern functional enhancements.
It is engineered to provide a close, smooth shave while addressing common shaving concerns such as razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Design and Construction Excellence
The fundamental engineering of the Parker 22R focuses on durability, user comfort, and optimal shaving performance.
Heavyweight Design for Effortless Shaving
A distinguishing characteristic of the Parker 22R is its heavyweight design. This all-metal construction contributes to a substantial feel in the hand, which is crucial for safety razors.
Unlike lighter, less expensive razors, the significant weight of the Parker 22R allows the razor’s own mass to perform the majority of the shaving work.
This inherent weight reduces the need for applying manual pressure, thereby minimizing common shaving issues such as pulling, tugging, and blade drag.
Customers frequently report that the razor feels “very solid” and has “good weight,” making it particularly suitable for first-time users as it naturally glides over the skin. This design philosophy ensures a more controlled and stable shave.
Premium Materials and Durable Finish
Each Parker 22R razor is handmade with a genuine brass frame. Brass is chosen for its robustness, providing a solid and long-lasting core structure.
Following construction, the brass frame undergoes an electroplating process. This advanced plating technique is applied to achieve a “beautiful and durable finish,” ensuring that the razor is not only aesthetically appealing but also resilient to wear and corrosion over years of use.
The gunmetal chrome finish is particularly praised by users for its visual appeal, with descriptions such as “beautiful,” “nice,” and noting that it “looks great” and maintains its appearance over time.
The manual assembly process for every Parker Safety Razor further underscores the commitment to producing a high-quality product.
Ergonomic and Secure Handle
The Parker 22R features a heavily knurled handle. This textured design is engineered to provide a “sure grip” for the user, even when hands are wet and soapy during a shower or bath. The knurling enhances control and safety, reducing the risk of accidental slips during shaving.
Customers appreciate the handle’s feel, noting its “comfortable to hold” nature and “visual intrigue”. The handle length of the Parker 22R is specified as 3.75 inches, contributing to its overall balance.
Functional Mechanism and Blade System
The operational design of the Parker 22R is focused on ease of use and consistent performance.
Butterfly Open Mechanism for Simple Blade Changes
A key innovation in the Parker 22R’s design is its “butterfly open” mechanism. This intuitive design greatly simplifies the process of blade replacement.
To insert or remove a blade, the user simply twists a knob located at the bottom of the razor’s handle. This action causes the butterfly doors at the razor head to open, allowing for “simple and effortless” blade insertion or removal.
This feature is particularly beneficial for those new to double edge shaving, as it eliminates the need to disassemble multiple parts of the razor, making the learning curve shorter and the process more straightforward.
Comprehensive Blade Compatibility
The Parker 22R is delivered with five Parker Premium Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades. These blades are manufactured using stainless steel from Sandvik of Sweden, and are subsequently coated with a proprietary platinum and polymer blend.
This specific coating is engineered to ensure “long lasting and smooth shaves,” with Parker emphasizing that “All razor blades are not the same”.
While the included blades are considered good quality, the razor is also compatible with other brands of double edge razor blades, offering users the flexibility to experiment and find their preferred blade type for optimal shaving results.
The availability and significantly lower cost of double edge razor blades compared to multi-blade cartridges also present considerable cost savings over time, with one customer noting that the razor can “pay for itself in a year”.
The Shaving Experience: Performance and Benefits
The Parker 22R is engineered to deliver a high-quality shave that addresses common concerns and emulates a professional grooming experience.
Elimination of Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs
A primary design goal of Parker Safety Razors, including the 22R, is to “eliminate razor burn and ingrown hairs”.
By utilizing a single, sharp blade that cuts hair cleanly at the skin’s surface, rather than multiple blades that can tug and cut hair beneath the surface, the Parker 22R aims to reduce skin irritation.
This design intent contributes to a smoother and more comfortable shave, closely replicating a “Barber Shop Shave experience” in the user’s own home.
Close Shave and Optimal Aggressiveness
Customers frequently report that the Parker 22R delivers a “close shave,” transforming the act of shaving into a “pleasant experience”. The razor is categorized as “medium aggressive”.
This level of aggressiveness means it provides an effective cut for daily shaving for those accustomed to safety razors, without being overly harsh.
While some users may experience a slight “blade feel,” it is generally described as “not uncomfortable”.
The razor is designed to hold the blade at an optimal angle, facilitating a close shave for many users with minimal nicks when proper technique is applied.
Recommended Shaving Technique
To achieve the best results with the Parker 22R, users are advised to pay attention to their shaving technique. Experts and experienced users recommend maintaining a 30-degree angle between the razor and the skin.
Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid pressing down on the razor; instead, allow the razor’s inherent weight to do the work.
Applying too much pressure can easily lead to cuts, especially since safety razors are less forgiving than multi-blade cartridges.
Using shaving gel or soap is also recommended to ensure a smooth glide. The Parker 22R is versatile and suitable for “All” skin types.
Its design makes it suitable for both men and women, with female users noting its effectiveness for body shaving when proper technique is employed.
Product Specifications and Availability
The Parker 22R (Item model number: PSR 22R) has product dimensions of 6 x 6 x 6 inches and a listed weight of 4 ounces.
Another specification indicates a weight of 3.4 oz, however, the consistent customer feedback emphasizes its “heavy” and “solid” nature, aligning more with the 4-ounce designation in practical feel. The razor is manufactured by PARKER SAFETY RAZOR in the USA.
The Parker 22R holds a strong customer satisfaction rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 817 global ratings. It ranks as #184 in Men’s Safety Shaving Razors.
The Parker 22R is available for purchase at $29.99. It can be purchased from Super Safety Razors, shipped by Amazon Fulfillment.
Customers can benefit from fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Delivery can often be as quick as one to two days.
It is important to note that this item is generally non-returnable, though a refund or replacement can be requested if the item arrives damaged or defective.
Customer Feedback Synthesis
Based on hundreds of customer reviews, several key themes emerge regarding the Parker 22R:
Build Quality:
Customers overwhelmingly describe the razor as “well-made,” “sturdy when tightened,” and note its potential to “last a lifetime”. The solid metal construction and craftsmanship are highly praised.
Ease of Use:
The razor is considered “easy to use,” particularly for beginners to double edge shaving. The butterfly mechanism simplifies the blade loading process, making it intuitive.
Shave Quality:
Many users report that the razor provides a “close shave” and makes shaving a “pleasant experience”. It is often described as “excellent” and delivering “great results” compared to cartridge razors. Some even consider the shave “sublime” and among the “top of the top”.
Value for Money:
The Parker 22R is frequently highlighted as an “excellent value for money”. The long-term cost savings from using inexpensive double edge blades are a significant factor in this positive assessment.
Weight:
The razor’s substantial weight is consistently appreciated, as it contributes to an easier and more controlled shave by allowing the razor to do the work.
Aesthetics:
The gunmetal chrome finish and overall appearance receive positive feedback, with customers describing it as “beautiful” and noting that it “looks great” and stays looking new.
Cut Quality:
While many customers report “no cuts or sharp edges” and praise its performance, some users do mention experiencing “cuts” or “nicks” during use.
This variation typically underscores the importance of proper technique with a safety razor, particularly for new users.
Final Verdict
The Parker 22R Gunmetal Finish Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor for Men offers a meticulously engineered, durable, and highly effective shaving solution.
Its heavyweight design, genuine brass construction with advanced plating, and user-friendly butterfly open mechanism are key technical features that combine to provide a close, comfortable shave intended to reduce irritation and ingrown hairs.
Backed by decades of manufacturing expertise and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback on its build quality and value, the Parker 22R stands as a recommended choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, long-lasting, and economically efficient grooming tool.
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