Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Parker 99R is one of the newer models produced in india by Parker and imported into the U.S by super safety razors. 3-4 years ago Parker safety razors were considered hit or miss with inconsistent blade gaps, questionable build quality and some inconsistently plated razors. Having owned hundreds of safety razors of both modern and vintage build (as well as some of the older parkers) I can say that the 99R is on par with its peers (Muhle, Merkur, ect) with some advantages. Build Quality: The 99R is a pleasantly heavy razor, the head is similar in form and function to the gillette super speed models and that is a good design to emulate, the head is slightly more low profile than a superspeed and that's a good thing for getting under the nose. The plating is an even nickel coat with a nice shine to it. Here's where the parker has an edge on other modern razors- underneath the nickel plate is brass. Safety razors tend to be made of either Zamak, Stainless Steel or Brass. Zamak is cheaper but once the plating that protects it is compromised it oxidizes rapidly and that oxidization eats through the body of the razor, ruining it. Brass when exposed forms a patina and that's that (which is why vintage brass razors are still around!) and Stainless steel is well- stainless. Even high end Muhle razors are made of Zamak, albeit with superfluously excellent plating. So, if buy it for life is a factor for you the Parker Safety razors actually have an advantage. Mechanically the TTO action of the Parker 99R is sound and while the doors could be described as slightly thin they have lasted a year now with no issues. Function: The Parker 99R will take any modern DE blade, it is opened and closed by twisting the knob- this is somewhat easier than a 3-piece screw together razor in terms of blade changes and rinsing the blade between use, which I advise. One aspect of the Superspeed design that I wish parker had included was the offset washer in the TTO action that locks the Knob at the closed position, this makes it harder for the knob to untwist itself- as one absolutely doesn't want the razor to open in use. I haven't had it open on me but it definitely feels less secure than my vintage gillette TTO's. The Razor is moderately aggressive- falling somewhere near the Merkur 34C / Gillette Red tip range. The substantial weight and length of the handle give it a very efficient action. In regards to the weight I can tell you that besides Stainless steel razors you won't find many stock handles that are as heavy as this one. The Barber-Pole Knurling is deep and helpful and I've never felt like the razor was slipping in my grip even with soap and water on my hand. It can deliver great shaves with even mild blades (such as derby's) due to the aforementioned weight and moderate aggression. I'd recommend this razor to new shavers and old ones alike- This razor is well behaved enough to start with and aggressive enough to grow with the user.