Parker, Deluxe OPEN COMB Double Edge Safety Raozr, Electroplated Brass Handle, 5 Blade Refills Included (Model 63C -Rose Gold)

The Parker 24C was my first open comb DE razor. I wanted to see how the open-comb design compared with the closed comb design. I was impressed with the Parker Shaving implementation of this type of razor and with the quality of shave I achieved.The finish on the razor appears to be excellent; it is a beautiful razor. While the fit of the razor itself is also excellent, be aware that you need to exercise care when inserting a new DE blade. Not only do you need to be careful not to be cut by the blade, but you need to be careful when reassembling the razor to insure that the blade is properly seated so the blade exposure is even on both sides of the head. I have heard that this is common with Parker three-piece razors.I loved the handle. It is longer than many handles and has significant texture knurling so it is easy to grip, even with wet hands. The handle is hefty and the overall balance of the razor is excellent. If you want a heavier handle, you can add additional weight down the inside of the hollow handle; just don't damage the threads.The razor head provides a blade exposure that might be described as moderately aggressive. With the enclosed blades, the razor will give a smooth, close shave. However, achieving this does require some technique. I would not suggest this for a novice DE shaver. As a second razor, however, it would be ideal.While many razors work best with the handle placed at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the face, the best results with the Parker 24C occur when the razor is held at approximately 45 degrees. Rather than starting with the handle parallel to the face and then moving the angle outward as many recommend, I suggest that you begin with the head of the razor flush to your face and then move the handle angle inward until you feel the blade contact the skin. This will be the angle that gives the closest, smoothest shave with the 24C. One advantage of the 45 degree angle is that the long handle does not contact my chest when shaving downward on my neck; at 30 degrees, this would be an issue. One disadvantage of the 45 degree angle is that it makes it harder to shave the upper lip immediately beneath the nose.Overall, I highly recommend this razor to anyone who is not a complete novice to DE shaving.

After a week of shaving with the Parker 24C razor, I couldn't be more pleased. The fit, finish & build quality are on par with my Edwin Jagger. I've been DE shaving for a little over a year, mostly with the EJDE86. I also have a 1966 Gillette Flare Tip Superspeed, and they are both excellent razors. I have also been through nearly every blade available, and although I was getting good shaves regularly, and great shaves occasionally, I just wasn't getting the consistent, irritation-free BBS (or near-BBS) shave I was looking for with my everyday shaves. I have a dense beard that grows in several different directions, so different beards obviously respond differently to different razors/blades/prep.My first shave with the Parker 24C was so-so, as it took me a couple of days to get the angle and grip tuned in (like any new razor). Day 2 was one of the best shaves I have ever experienced. After day 2, the shaves have been getting better, and easier. The biggest difference for me is that I have had no - zero - razor burn with this razor, and as I write this, I can't keep my hand off my face as it is baby smooth. Granted, I respect the "zero pressure" rule, as every wet shaver must, with any DE razor. But for me, it has been a lot easier to get a BBS shave with no pressure and total comfort with the Parker 24C. In this razor I have experimented with 3 blades I already had in the drawer - Gillette Silver Blue, Astra Superior Platinum, and Bic Super Chrome. They all gave me equally good results in this razor. I admit, I have not used any of the Shark blades that came with the razor, as I have used them in the past and they weren't the right fit for my beard - Your mileage may vary, and I didn't buy the razor for the Shark blades. A lot of people use them and love them, so you might too. For me, my beard, and my routine, I have found the daily shaver I have been looking for, and the consistent comfortable, BBS shaves I've been after since I started DE shaving. And at this price, you can't go wrong. I may even pick up a 26C just because I like the 24C so much.

Revising this review after using this handle a bit longer. It's not for me.The Parker 24c is a good DE shave handle, but I found the open comb didn't really provide any benefit to lift hair, and the blade sits too close to the guard for me. Someone who shaves daily might enjoy this more, but I'm more of a weekly shaver, and I need something more open to catch longer hair without dealing with clogging or needing multiple passes, and this isn't it.Over time, I've found it's a bit of a harsh shave for me and takes way too many passes, even when I don't have a lot of hair on my face. But to use this I'd need to be shaving at least every 2-3 days, and my face is just too sensitive for that, I'm very prone to razor burn and rash from shaving too often.My primary handle is a QShave adjustable (Merkur Futur clone), and while there's probably something better out there, it works for me. I can open or close the guard as needed fully from 1-6 settings, and the weight of the QShave feels better in the hand (to me).All this shaving stuff is very personal so it's very much a trial and error thing. I don't want to knock Parker too many stars for this, as it seems like a quality piece despite my not so great experience with it.