Hi Mark, I had the first shave just now with my Parker Variant. I set it on 2 1/2 and raised it to 3 1/2 for the more difficult areas. I was using a new Derby blade which gave me a fairly good shave but I could feel the 2 days growth being cut whereas with my Feather razor It just glides over my face and you don't really feel it cutting. I think the Derby blade wasn't really sharp enough even though it was new. I will try a Treet blade in the Parker next time. A blade I haven't tried yet. I really loved the razor though and the speed of adjustment as compared to my 6c Rockwell. Also, after your review I saw I have ordered the Q-Shave adjustable razor. Very cheap, about 14 English pounds! Take care my friend, Dave.
Hi, Dave. Yes, it sounds like baldes and your Variant are going ot be a YMMV situation. However, overall, I'm certian you're going to get some great shaves with a wide range of blades.:) Enjoy!:)
@@MarkSzorady I finally got around to my inaugural shave with the Variant, and it was fabulously close (with a few weepers), without any irritation. I love that I can adjust the aggression based on the portion of the skin I'm shaving, which pass I'm on in the shave cycle, and the type of blade I'm using. BBS in three passes. It's a great razor, and I'm so glad I picked one up. Thanks again for the great video review. All the best.
Right you are, Even on the mild settings you still get that loud feedback, going to use mine this week. Lol and looking at my comments from 2 years ago
Hi again! Mark, I received this razor yesterday along with my Feather AS-D2. Used the feather today (superb!), so the next shave will be with the Parker. I hope you are well Sir! Dave.
Hi, Dave. I think you're gonna love this razor!:) Nice weight and heft.:) Very robust.:) I like that it has that classic safety razor via the handle knurling.:)
@@MarkSzorady Thanks Mark! What blades would you recommend for the first few trial shaves? I was thinking Astra, Treet or Derby. I'm keeping the Feathers for my AS-D2. Stay safe my friend. Dave.
@@davesheppard8797 Astra Greens, absolutely. Treet is a good pick, oo.:) . Derby extra for sure. Currently, I like the Lord Platinum. Gillette Platinum and Nacet. Viking Blade Mild. if you want more of a hard edge then Shaverboy and Shark Stainless.
This is one of my very favorite razors (just under my Muhle Rocca), I love the simple 2-piece construction, the weight and excellent grip, the head is a bit bulbous for getting under the nose, but I always have a goatee, so not an issue for yours truly. It’s not quite as precise as the 3-piece razors, so I use my Muhle R106 and Nacet blades for detail work/edging along with it. I get excellent shaves with Voskhod blades in my Variant.
Great videos, Mark! I have to say that I absolutely love your content. I am looking at purchasing the Merkur Progress, but I was wondering what you think between the short vs long handle. I am thinking about the long handle as it also has a bit of extra weight, but I don't know if its worth the money as I never tried the progress long or short handle. What do you think? Thank you
Razvan, I like and appreciate the Variant's extra weight.:) I also like the handle's knurling due to it having a more classic safety razor look. However, I must caution that disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the Variant is a bit more difficult than the Progress. I talked about it in a recent Monday Morning Mailbag: ruclips.net/video/0tzz7YEZAy4/видео.html the Variant's colmpression ring is a bit shorter and the shoulder on the bottom knob doesn't give enough clearance. Hence, my fingers get in the way. I need touse a needle nose pliers to complet the re-assembly. not a deal breaker at all. I just don't clean the inside of the Variant as often as I do the Progress. But, I enjoy using the Progress.:) I like the classic look of the razor which is a throwback to the 1950s, especially the off-white plastic knob.:)
Reminds me I have to use my Parker Variant for my next upcoming shave. I haven’t used it in quite some time. Hate to say that but you know when your razor collection gets up there , the longer time before you get to use certain razors. I have 12 razors in my rotation so lol and are use them in whatever order I feel like. Once I use one I put it down a certain way and that lets me know that I used it and let’s me know to choose another safety razor that I haven’t used. After the Variant I’m going to use the Fatip Grande , RazoRock BLACKHALK, Gillette gold ball end tech and my late 1940’s SuperSpeed... after that I’ll be back at the top of the BATTING LINE UP ! 💈😁✌️💈
Mike, I like that system.:) So,you have your razors lined up and then set them down, after use, in a different way to let you know they've been used.:) I have to come up with something similar. Thanks.:)
I forgot you had a Variant! Love mine especially with Nacets, Gillette Silver Blues, and Personna Redz! Lol I bought mine for 10 bucks! With about 15 samples of shave soaps. As you can imagine I got one of the earlier ones with the flaking problems. Can’t beat it for $10 though! I decided to get a toothpick and take the rest of the chipped paint off and now it’s just brass. Looks better IMO
She Shaves with Jill I wonder if I can fix mine that way.... I have one of the original ones where , When you Tighten it all the way down it goes to 5 instead of 1...
Hi Mark- Great shave and razor review; thank you! Does the VB Gentlemint pre-shave oil contain menthol or does it just have a mild mint scent? I generally avoid menthol products. Thanks and all the best, Mark!
It is a mild scent. I'm not sure if it contains menthol or not. I don't think I detect any. Again, I cannot be sure. Vikings Blade can probably help you there. vikingsblade.com/ and then click the red "Contact Us" tab on the lower right.:)
Chris, I like them both. However, two different razors. I give the edge to the Meiji for heft and its asymmetrical ahead. The Meiji is an original and built like a tank. It's rather unique and stands out in the world of new adjustable razors. To be fair, The Fatguy, being a replica, is going to have the Fatboy as its watermark for comparison. I just may use this for a MMMB.:)
@@MarkSzorady I think I got better shaves with Meiji because of the weight and the odd flex of the blade. I had shaves that were effortless and left me baby smooth. The fat guy is an aggressive razor in my opinion and usually nicks me somewhere every time I use it. I’m not sure if the batboy was any better because I’ve never had one but I think I’ll stick to the emperor. I’ve tried different blades in there as well.
I just shaved with mine for the first time today! Got a lot to learn though... Also confused as to how far your suppose to tighten it. Once you feel the razor start to tighten there is a clear "2" full turns before it bottoms out. So do you do the first turn, or the second turn... I have no idea
I"ve never counted the number of turns.:) I just tighten until it bottoms out. But yes, I checked.:) It appears to be two turns. then, stop at setting 1. Then, simply dial upwards to increase aggression.:)
Or 256to4, your comment came thorugh in my email but is not appearing in this comments section. I'm not sure why. But, you commented, "I bought one and wish I had not. It's like putting a small hammer up to the face, the head is so heavy. Clunky and chunky. Now it's an expensive paper weight." I'm really sorry to hear this. However, please don't sell it or toss it. I recommend you set it aside and continue doing the wet shave. In a few weeks, come back to it. Maybe even try a different blade. Just give it a break and then come back to it. the next time around, it may surprise you in a good way.:) I've done this with razors, soaps, brushes, etc. And each time, for whatever reason, my initial negative impression has been shown to be wrong.:) One more thing, did you make sure the hash mark and triangle where on the same side of the razor head when you loaded a blade?
Hi Mark, I started off with the Godfather about a year ago, very interested in the Rockwell 6S... but definitely looking @ the Parker Variant as the go between. Thanks for the review. By the way... just saw your "Teeter Hang Up" Commercial a couple hours ago... WAY TO GO!!! TWO THUMBS UP!!! Thanks again. So far the Astra is my FAVORITE Blade. (Supermax... the worst)
Alan, lot of variables with this answer. :) The Chieftain from Vikings Blade brought me back to the traditional wet shave so it always has a soft spot in my heart, and it continues to give me great shaves.:) The Stonehenge is also a favorite. Love the wight and theoverall look, plus it shaves great! I like the new PAA Meta4. Wow! Another top end razor. PAA's ascension twist adjustable razors are fantastic as is the Rex Supply Envoy. these can be pricey though, whereas the Vikings Blade are a bit more affordable. Shor handled Edwin jaggers work well for me. The Futur was my really first classy higher end adjustable razor .:) Vikings Blade Emperor and Crusader adjustable razors continue to deliver outstandingly smooth shaves. They're wonderfully, deceptively smooth shavers.)
@@MarkSzorady Thanks very much for reply and that’s amazing choice Mark never tried tho lol. I truly love Karve SS with Plate C it’s their blue ribbon very nice smooth shave.. The Key is right plate on razor and Blade this is what I have experienced due to so many nicks cuts irritation it was blood draw and I suffered till I figured out my self that took maybe 1-2 yrs lol... Also I have Charcoal Goods Level 2 and Everyday very nice and shaves smooth...to me it’s artistry from Brian Twilley and one of a kind that makes me appreciate it a lot.. I was thinking about your brush from PAA Solar Flare I have to get that at some point lol..however my PAA Aerolight is very nice brush it’s got a fan knot 💈👍🏼 Take Care Alan H
@@alanh8101 My plesure. I've heard of the Karve razor and wet shaves love it.:) The Charcoal Goods three plate system form West Coast shaving is very good.:) I enjoy plate #2, as well. It remonds me, should also add the Rockwell 6S.:) And the vintage Gillette Slim and Fatboy.:)
@@MarkSzorady Hi Mark I had Rorckwel 6S mirror finished I traded it for wolf whiskers brush lol.. I will get it back tho eventually... About Gillette Slim and Fatboy do they shave nice?? Is it aggressive compare to feather as-d2? Bottom like I’ll add em anyhow as it’s history & vintage can’t go wrong. Alan H
@@alanh8101 .The Gillette Slim and Gillette Fatboy are adjustable razors.... Adjustable from 1 to 9. So, mild or aggressive, you can dial in the shave you want.:)
The Variant's retention ring, in relation to the inner shaft, is a bit different. For me, it requires using a small needle now pliers to reinsert into the handle. Whereas, with the progress, I can do this by hand.
@@MarkSzorady so just pull hard like the progress/34c/37c etc? That's what I'm reading. But like the merkur ones, the ring must be in the recess or you risk damage that can cause the razor to not function as designed I personally remove the rings from my merkur besides my progresses. Much easier to clean making it a 3 piece but the progress is adjustable so I leave it as it is but do disassemble to clean.
Preshave oil is garbage and a waste of money I suggest either proraso or paa the cube or razorock Joe preshave soap. But of course ymv and if u enjoy oil, more power to you.
Illuminati089, your comment is valid.:) I've seen many a forum discussion on this.:) Many wet shavers make their own pre-shave oil and save lots of money in the process.:) I agree, Proraso pre-shave is terrific.:) Razorock Joe preshave soap is now on my list!:) Thanks!:)
Excellent review Mark and I too love my Parker Variant! It's just a great affordable adjustable.
Thank you!:) And I agree!:) Nice razor!:)
Hi Mark,
I had the first shave just now with my Parker Variant. I set it on 2 1/2 and raised it to 3 1/2 for the more difficult areas. I was using a new Derby blade which gave me a fairly good shave but I could feel the 2 days growth being cut whereas with my Feather razor It just glides over my face and you don't really feel it cutting. I think the Derby blade wasn't really sharp enough even though it was new. I will try a Treet blade in the Parker next time. A blade I haven't tried yet. I really loved the razor though and the speed of adjustment as compared to my 6c Rockwell. Also, after your review I saw I have ordered the Q-Shave adjustable razor. Very cheap, about 14 English pounds!
Take care my friend,
Dave.
Hi, Dave. Yes, it sounds like baldes and your Variant are going ot be a YMMV situation. However, overall, I'm certian you're going to get some great shaves with a wide range of blades.:) Enjoy!:)
@@MarkSzorady Many thanks Mark!
@@davesheppard8797 My pleasure.:)
Great video, Mark. I purchased one of these tonight from Amazon. Looking forward to my first adjustable shave.
Thank you for the kind words.:) Great to hear you purchased the Variant!:) Enjoy!:)
@@MarkSzorady It's scheduled to arrive this week. I'll keep you posted. Best wishes.
@@thomasressler Good deal.:)
@@MarkSzorady I finally got around to my inaugural shave with the Variant, and it was fabulously close (with a few weepers), without any irritation. I love that I can adjust the aggression based on the portion of the skin I'm shaving, which pass I'm on in the shave cycle, and the type of blade I'm using. BBS in three passes. It's a great razor, and I'm so glad I picked one up. Thanks again for the great video review. All the best.
@@thomasressler Very glad to hear!:) Wonderful!:) It really is a terrific razor!:) Enjoy!:)
Great review. Mine arrived today.
Right you are, Even on the mild settings you still get that loud feedback, going to use mine this week. Lol and looking at my comments from 2 years ago
Mike, my gosh! Has it been 4 years? I have to use mine again too.
Hi again! Mark,
I received this razor yesterday along with my Feather AS-D2. Used the feather today (superb!), so the next shave will be with the Parker. I hope you are well Sir!
Dave.
Hi, Dave. I think you're gonna love this razor!:) Nice weight and heft.:) Very robust.:) I like that it has that classic safety razor via the handle knurling.:)
@@MarkSzorady Thanks Mark! What blades would you recommend for the first few trial shaves? I was thinking Astra, Treet or Derby. I'm keeping the Feathers for my AS-D2. Stay safe my friend.
Dave.
@@davesheppard8797 Astra Greens, absolutely. Treet is a good pick, oo.:) . Derby extra for sure. Currently, I like the Lord Platinum. Gillette Platinum and Nacet. Viking Blade Mild. if you want more of a hard edge then Shaverboy and Shark Stainless.
@@MarkSzorady Ok thanks Mark! I will let you know how I get on. I love my Feather AS-D2!!
Dave.
This is one of my very favorite razors (just under my Muhle Rocca), I love the simple 2-piece construction, the weight and excellent grip, the head is a bit bulbous for getting under the nose, but I always have a goatee, so not an issue for yours truly. It’s not quite as precise as the 3-piece razors, so I use my Muhle R106 and Nacet blades for detail work/edging along with it. I get excellent shaves with Voskhod blades in my Variant.
Great videos, Mark! I have to say that I absolutely love your content. I am looking at purchasing the Merkur Progress, but I was wondering what you think between the short vs long handle. I am thinking about the long handle as it also has a bit of extra weight, but I don't know if its worth the money as I never tried the progress long or short handle. What do you think? Thank you
Razvan, I like and appreciate the Variant's extra weight.:) I also like the handle's knurling due to it having a more classic safety razor look. However, I must caution that disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the Variant is a bit more difficult than the Progress. I talked about it in a recent Monday Morning Mailbag:
ruclips.net/video/0tzz7YEZAy4/видео.html
the Variant's colmpression ring is a bit shorter and the shoulder on the bottom knob doesn't give enough clearance. Hence, my fingers get in the way. I need touse a needle nose pliers to complet the re-assembly. not a deal breaker at all. I just don't clean the inside of the Variant as often as I do the Progress.
But, I enjoy using the Progress.:) I like the classic look of the razor which is a throwback to the 1950s, especially the off-white plastic knob.:)
Reminds me I have to use my Parker Variant for my next upcoming shave. I haven’t used it in quite some time. Hate to say that but you know when your razor collection gets up there , the longer time before you get to use certain razors. I have 12 razors in my rotation so lol and are use them in whatever order I feel like. Once I use one I put it down a certain way and that lets me know that I used it and let’s me know to choose another safety razor that I haven’t used. After the Variant I’m going to use the Fatip Grande , RazoRock BLACKHALK, Gillette gold ball end tech and my late 1940’s SuperSpeed... after that I’ll be back at the top of the BATTING LINE UP ! 💈😁✌️💈
Mike, I like that system.:) So,you have your razors lined up and then set them down, after use, in a different way to let you know they've been used.:) I have to come up with something similar. Thanks.:)
I forgot you had a Variant! Love mine especially with Nacets, Gillette Silver Blues, and Personna Redz!
Lol I bought mine for 10 bucks! With about 15 samples of shave soaps. As you can imagine I got one of the earlier ones with the flaking problems. Can’t beat it for $10 though! I decided to get a toothpick and take the rest of the chipped paint off and now it’s just brass. Looks better IMO
Excellent review. This razor is on my short list when I decide I want another
Thank you.:)
You'll really love this razor.:) Well worth the purchase!:) Hope you get one soon.:)
AP makes some great brushes.
Agree!:). Happy New year! :-)
I was able to release the knob on my Parker Variant. It also has the clip you squeeze to re-install.
She Shaves with Jill I wonder if I can fix mine that way.... I have one of the original ones where , When you Tighten it all the way down it goes to 5 instead of 1...
@@magnoliamike, mine goes to 5+ also tightened all the way down. I think they all do.
She Shaves with Jill So that being said , when I have it on 1 it’s really on setting 2 , and in setting 2 it’s really on setting 3... and so on?
Not really.
She Shaves with Jill then when I shave on its lowest setting (5) what setting is that lol?
Hello Mark. Very nice shave!
Thank you very much!
Hi Mark- Great shave and razor review; thank you! Does the VB Gentlemint pre-shave oil contain menthol or does it just have a mild mint scent? I generally avoid menthol products. Thanks and all the best, Mark!
It is a mild scent. I'm not sure if it contains menthol or not. I don't think I detect any. Again, I cannot be sure. Vikings Blade can probably help you there. vikingsblade.com/ and then click the red "Contact Us" tab on the lower right.:)
So I have the emperor Meiji adjustable and the fat guy adjustable and I think the emperor wins hands down. Thoughts?
Chris, I like them both. However, two different razors. I give the edge to the Meiji for heft and its asymmetrical ahead. The Meiji is an original and built like a tank. It's rather unique and stands out in the world of new adjustable razors. To be fair, The Fatguy, being a replica, is going to have the Fatboy as its watermark for comparison. I just may use this for a MMMB.:)
@@MarkSzorady I think I got better shaves with Meiji because of the weight and the odd flex of the blade. I had shaves that were effortless and left me baby smooth. The fat guy is an aggressive razor in my opinion and usually nicks me somewhere every time I use it. I’m not sure if the batboy was any better because I’ve never had one but I think I’ll stick to the emperor. I’ve tried different blades in there as well.
I just shaved with mine for the first time today! Got a lot to learn though... Also confused as to how far your suppose to tighten it. Once you feel the razor start to tighten there is a clear "2" full turns before it bottoms out. So do you do the first turn, or the second turn... I have no idea
I"ve never counted the number of turns.:) I just tighten until it bottoms out.
But yes, I checked.:) It appears to be two turns. then, stop at setting 1. Then, simply dial upwards to increase aggression.:)
@@MarkSzorady awesome! Yes I was thinking that must be correct, thx for the help man!!
@@donkyuhbuhts540 no problem. My pleasure.:)
Does the Parker feel like a "better" razor than the Merkur?
Or 256to4, your comment came thorugh in my email but is not appearing in this comments section. I'm not sure why.
But, you commented, "I bought one and wish I had not. It's like putting a small hammer up to the face, the head is so heavy. Clunky and chunky. Now it's an expensive paper weight."
I'm really sorry to hear this. However, please don't sell it or toss it. I recommend you set it aside and continue doing the wet shave. In a few weeks, come back to it. Maybe even try a different blade. Just give it a break and then come back to it. the next time around, it may surprise you in a good way.:)
I've done this with razors, soaps, brushes, etc. And each time, for whatever reason, my initial negative impression has been shown to be wrong.:)
One more thing, did you make sure the hash mark and triangle where on the same side of the razor head when you loaded a blade?
Hi Mark, I started off with the Godfather about a year ago, very interested in the Rockwell 6S... but definitely looking @ the Parker Variant as the go between. Thanks for the review. By the way... just saw your "Teeter Hang Up" Commercial a couple hours ago... WAY TO GO!!! TWO THUMBS UP!!! Thanks again. So far the Astra is my FAVORITE Blade. (Supermax... the worst)
What’s your favourite razor Mark so far besides this one??
Alan H
Alan, lot of variables with this answer. :) The Chieftain from Vikings Blade brought me back to the traditional wet shave so it always has a soft spot in my heart, and it continues to give me great shaves.:) The Stonehenge is also a favorite. Love the wight and theoverall look, plus it shaves great! I like the new PAA Meta4. Wow! Another top end razor. PAA's ascension twist adjustable razors are fantastic as is the Rex Supply Envoy. these can be pricey though, whereas the Vikings Blade are a bit more affordable. Shor handled Edwin jaggers work well for me. The Futur was my really first classy higher end adjustable razor .:) Vikings Blade Emperor and Crusader adjustable razors continue to deliver outstandingly smooth shaves. They're wonderfully, deceptively smooth shavers.)
@@MarkSzorady
Thanks very much for reply and that’s amazing choice Mark never tried tho lol.
I truly love Karve SS with Plate C it’s their blue ribbon very nice smooth shave..
The Key is right plate on razor and Blade this is what I have experienced due to so many nicks cuts irritation it was blood draw and I suffered till I figured out my self that took maybe 1-2 yrs lol...
Also I have Charcoal Goods Level 2 and Everyday very nice and shaves smooth...to me it’s artistry from Brian Twilley and one of a kind that makes me appreciate it a lot..
I was thinking about your brush from PAA Solar Flare I have to get that at some point lol..however my PAA Aerolight is very nice brush it’s got a fan knot 💈👍🏼
Take Care
Alan H
@@alanh8101 My plesure. I've heard of the Karve razor and wet shaves love it.:) The Charcoal Goods three plate system form West Coast shaving is very good.:) I enjoy plate #2, as well. It remonds me, should also add the Rockwell 6S.:) And the vintage Gillette Slim and Fatboy.:)
@@MarkSzorady
Hi Mark
I had Rorckwel 6S mirror finished I traded it for wolf whiskers brush lol.. I will get it back tho eventually...
About Gillette Slim and Fatboy do they shave nice?? Is it aggressive compare to feather as-d2?
Bottom like I’ll add em anyhow as it’s history & vintage can’t go wrong.
Alan H
@@alanh8101 .The Gillette Slim and Gillette Fatboy are adjustable razors.... Adjustable from 1 to 9. So, mild or aggressive, you can dial in the shave you want.:)
How does this razor at setting compare to the Van Der Hagen razor?
Hi, BravoBear. not sure which VDH razor you are referring to . They have new adjustable razor and it appears to be similar to the Futur clones.
I've read that the knob on the variant is the same as progress and has same retention ring
The Variant's retention ring, in relation to the inner shaft, is a bit different. For me, it requires using a small needle now pliers to reinsert into the handle. Whereas, with the progress, I can do this by hand.
@@MarkSzorady so just pull hard like the progress/34c/37c etc? That's what I'm reading. But like the merkur ones, the ring must be in the recess or you risk damage that can cause the razor to not function as designed
I personally remove the rings from my merkur besides my progresses. Much easier to clean making it a 3 piece but the progress is adjustable so I leave it as it is but do disassemble to clean.
👍👍👍
Great review and shave I like both but I prefer the Parker over the progress I will try the pre shave for sure 👍
Stephen, I'm leaning toward the Parker Variant too. However, I need to compare the Progress and Variant side by side to really know.:)
Wtf man?? You don't have any facial hair what so ever what the hell are you shaving exactly I'm confused. Greetings from Melbourne Australia 👍
Preshave oil is garbage and a waste of money I suggest either proraso or paa the cube or razorock Joe preshave soap. But of course ymv and if u enjoy oil, more power to you.
Illuminati089, your comment is valid.:) I've seen many a forum discussion on this.:) Many wet shavers make their own pre-shave oil and save lots of money in the process.:) I agree, Proraso pre-shave is terrific.:) Razorock Joe preshave soap is now on my list!:) Thanks!:)