[Casulo]

What do you guys think of this razor
Safety Razors & Blades.

The handle is what attracted me, but I can't seem to find a brand name so I am unsure whether it would be a happy purchase.

[Slartibartfast]

It looks like the head on my merkur HD. If it is a merkur, i say it is definately good.

Email the guys at classicshaving. I'm guessing its not junk if they are selling it.

[jbcohen]

Finally something that I can say that I know something about. I had one of those at one point, it was ok shaver. Its good as a starter shaver which is what I needed at the time. In my opinion you can get better but is pretty good.

[Casulo]

I will do, that's a good idea. i'm guessing from reading a few posts that Merkur are a quality brand ?

Thanks man, it is intended to be a first time shaver, a gift in fact.

[Slartibartfast]

Originally Posted by Casulo

I will do, that's a good idea. i'm guessing from reading a few posts that Merkur are a quality brand ?

Thanks man, it is intended to be a first time shaver, a gift in fact.

I think the vintage Gillette Super Speeds are good starter DE razors. Very mild.

[Casulo]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Finally something that I can say that I know something about. I had one of those at one point, it was ok shaver. Its good as a starter shaver which is what I needed at the time. In my opinion you can get better but is pretty good.

What would you say are the negatives to it, I can't yet see what a major difference would be between them apart from weight and head type.

[RayG]

Looks like a Merkur 3-piece head. Personally, that would be very good as a first DE, with any body though many like the HD for it's weight and balance. Some folks eventually look for something more aggressive. The vintage Gilettes are nice, and fun to try, but I always did have closer effortless shaves with the Merkurs.

[goshawk]

Judging by the price and the style of the handle, I'd say that razor is a Parker 91R. I've never used one, so I can't speak from direct experience, but the reviews I have read say it's good razor, similar to but more aggressive than a Merkur. Parker has also been known to have quality control issues, so buying one may be a little more of a craps-shoot than buying a Merkur or a vintage Gillette.

The Parker I own is modelled on the Gillette Improved and it is aggressive enough to be a poor choice for a beginner. If it was me, and I could go the extra few bucks for the Merkur HD, that's what I'd do.

goshawk

[Casulo]

I had a look around and the "Merkur hefty long classic - barber pole" razor seems intriguing.

Safety Razors & Blades

I emailed them so I will wait until they respond to make a decision between the two.

[BullGoose]

I am almost certain that the razor in the original post is a Parker razor (not sure of the model). You can read independent reviews of the razor on Badger & Blade.