Parker, 65R Super Heavyweight Gray and Gold Double Edge Safety Razor & 5 Parker Blade Refills

I bought this razor several years ago, and have been afraid to use it, having read lots of how-tos on safety razors and how careful you have to be (not pressing it into your skin) in order to not cut yourself. But I finally used it for the first time a few weeks ago, in the shower, on my legs/underarms, and I really like it. I might have nicked myself once on a leg, but that's actually less nicks than I'd usually give myself with my Gillette whatever razor. And I didn't feel like it was slippery, so use in the shower, with wet hands, is not an issue.I did not like it for my underarms. Maybe just because of the geography of an armpit compared to a leg, I couldn't comfortably shave everywhere without feeling like I needed to add pressure to get into a hollow. So I might not end up using this for my underarms again.I think my legs got a good shave, as good as with any razors I've used in the past. I just use hair conditioner as my shaving cream, and it worked fine with this safety razor.I initially wanted a safety razor so I could stop throwing away the giant 3/4-blade razor heads, so less waste with a safety razor. But I bought this particular razor for looks alone. I think it's absolutely beautiful. It is kind of heavy, as expected. I confused myself when I put the first blade in of how the bottom part of the blade holder was supposed to sit, but I think I got it on correctly, since I was able to use it without a problem. Because this razor is so beautiful, I would definitely buy it again over other razors (except I did just buy two more razors, to start a little collection, but the other two aren't as pretty as this one).So I'm glad I bit the bullet and finally started using it. It will save me a ton of money in razors in my lifetime, and it's so much more attractive than any disposable-head razor on the market. Did I forget to say how good-looking it is?

I’m a reasonably longtime wet shaver (6+ years) - meaning I’ve transitioned from multi-blade razors to single- and double-edged razors, with some replaceable blade shavettes in the mix. I’ve also purchased an array of Parker razors, as they provide a varied selection of mid-range priced razors that generally do a good job, albeit with some cheaper materials but usually good quality. Big favorites include the recent Parker Variants, which compete well with the Merkur Progress and other higher priced adjustables.The 65R was purchased as a not needed acquisition, but on a whim based on feedback from other experienced shavers who mentioned its efficiency (translation - fewer passes or runs over the face to get the job done). And indeed, it’s a good razor - lots of audible feedback (you can hear the whiskers being mowed down); no pulling; and “adjustable” in the sense that different blades provide a greater than expected variation of results. Try a Derby Extra, and you’ll get a reasonable toned down shave; pop in a Feather, and two passes is all you’ll need (but you won’t likely suffer weepers like a Feather in other razors).Take this all with a grain of salt, given our different beards, shaving habits, experience, etc. This is a GREAT razor by any standards, and even by Parker standards. That efficiency, with comfort, is hard to find for those of us with heavy beards and comparatively softer skin. The handle looks great, is replaceable (with other DE handles, heavy or light), and appears to unscrew so you COULD put additional weight-bearing objects in the handle. Unnecessary in my view but a good option for some.So who would really like this razor?-Heavy beard guys (or gals - legs, anyone?) who don’t want to use a straight razor or other risky option-New shavers who want to go out on a limb without risking a limb - and like hearing the cutting action-Experimenters who might like to see how different blades work in a reasonably aggresive razor, and discern how they like or dislike those bladesFolks, with SO many razors in my collection, I have to say this is an impressive razor. Thus the 5 stars.