Michael, I would appreciate some explanation for the rationale for using an open-comb razor in the first place. I have been DE shaving for about fifteen months now and I'm active on the shave forums yet no one seems to discuss the upside of using an open-comb.
I have ordered a Parker 24c by mistake but watching this video I will give it a try ! I meant to order a Parker 26c but the 24c looks like a beautiful razor and I'm sure I will learn to use it properly!
Michael Freedberg great review as always. Really enjoy your videos. I have the Parker 24OC and because the blade is set pretty flat, you need to ride the cap much more, you are scraping because you are riding the OC bar. Give it a try, same concept as a straight razor, cut not scrape. Keep up the great work!
This razor is one of the few that bedeviled me, and indeed you have to ride the cap more. I did post a correction video where I do just that, but even with that I just never found it comfortable to shave with! Thanks for watching, and thanks for the feedback!
Vladimir, apologies, I have not used the 68s, but often the head designs are shared among the razors with the only difference being the material used and the handle style. If it is the same, however, I think I would still recommend against this specific head design; there are so many other, better options out there in my opinion.
+Chester W Be sure to watch my update to this video on the right angle for this razor, I really was just holding it at the wrong angle. Now, to be fair, I think that this razor makes it very easy to make that mistake, but still -- you can get a great shave from this razor.
+Michael Freedberg Thank you. I saw the update. I appreciate how with all your experience and expertise you were humble enough to listen to others' advice - and once again you've helped me learn something.
I had the same experience as you I always get some kind of irritation after I use this razor , and the finding the angle is hard too. Good razor for the price but the shaves are mehh..
+SuperFanToastic I did post an update to the original video to show how I corrected my angle -- so it can be done. I will agree with you 100%, though, that it is indeed too easy to use this razor at the wrong angle and get mediocre shaves. Yes, as the person holding the razor, it is up to me to find and use the right angle, but I also think that the design of the razor should make that easy to do.
Really accurate review , I made a complain on /r/wickededge about this razor after irritation problems(also the scraping thing your talking about) and people just told me I dont know how to shave.........
+SuperFanToastic You do and you don't :-) I had the same issue: that razor takes a very different angle than most of the razors I normally use, and so I was in fact using it improperly, but I still think the razor design makes it too easy to make that mistake.
Same head as the maggard version 2 opencomb an dif paired with the MR5 from them you get a discount and its my favourite opencomb TRAVEL RAZOR, when you cant afford a bad shave! Have you tried different razor blades Mik? I do recoment people get the maggard 3 head deal + MR5. your bound to get a good shave with one of them!
I have the 3 head set myself (but with an MR11 handle) and definitely found this one the trickiest of the three, especially under the nose where it's harder to get the best angle, but they each have their place depending on my mood, and I look forward to getting more practice with this one.
It's like my fatip piccolo, since it is "shallow" in the head you have to angle toward the head cap more to have a comfortable shave. Try one shave with a more open angle to change the angle of the blade
+Nico Andujar (Nicholas) "dramatic angle" is a good way to put it, and that angle still feels a bit unnatural to me. Not to worry, though, the razor remains in my rotation and I will be sure to use the increased angle next time!
Thx for the review, I'm using a de89 and merkur 34c now which obviously are great razors however I find them a little on the mild side to tackle 3/4 days of growth so I'm considering getting an open comb for that particular situation, which one would you recommend? Thx in advance
Mike - I've seen a few of your videos now, and I've yet to see you do a full 3 pass shave plus touch-ups. I know that's because you don't like the videos to be overly long, but that 3rd pass plus touch ups is where many of us can make a decision as to the effectiveness of the blade/soap or cream combo. In my case, I like to study the technique on the touch-up (buffering, j-hooking, etc.) That said, after two passes, it could be the lighting but this razor and blade combo appeared to give you your closest shave after two passes yet.
+Shave- a-thon Yes, a close shave, but when I have done three passes, there are those danger areas at the end of my neck and jawline that get a bit irritated and hot -- more practice with this specific razor and all will be well.I try to keep the videos short, but perhaps I will try out some three pass videos and see if people like them, thanks for the feedback!
+Michael Freedberg I just wrote this as a comment to another TH-cam shaver's video: "I have a coarse beard that's thick after two days. After 3 days, it's beginning to look like I'm in need of the greatest shave known to man. I'm still waiting to see a TH-cam shaving superstar that has the kind of growth I have. My stubble grows down to my collarbone. I also have hairs that grow right up to my nostrils (I have a bit of difficulty with the Futur with those. That's when the single edge side of Mr. Gillette Fusion makes his appearance.). I even have about 8 hairs growing on each side of my eye above the cheekbone heading towards the sideburns that have to be buffed, as well as the bridge of my nose to avoid a unibrow!" You're talking about irritation? Try shaving those hairs down by the collarbone! However, I almost always go for that 3 pass plus shave and just take my irritation like a man! After a witch hazel splash, I MUST have that high alcohol content aftershave lotion burn! Once I pick myself off of the floor, I usually finish with a balm and then apply some cologne later on if the aftershave lotion scent doesn't last (that's for the chicks - if I actually can ever run into any as I'm approaching my sixties)!
Hi Michael. Great video as usual. I`m sure you`ve probably heard of the shim trick where you nip off the edges of a de blade and this will make a mild razor more aggressive. Who knows maybe it would steepen the angle on the 24c making it more comfortable. The shim trick is on youtube if you`ve never seen it. I`m wondering if the 26c was introduced to remedy the 24c problems. Take care.
+Chris Baskett hey-o, hope all is well! Indeed, variety is the spice of life, but for some reason I just start a product and Titanic it -- something about the satisfaction of completely using up a single product and "earning" the next one!I know, crazy talk...
Parker 26C razor is exactly the same not a efficient razor not smooth at all feels rough on the skin when shaving My preferred Razor is the, Omega D5613 Razor it is a smooth efficient Razor with the right amount of aggression and feel "Sadly the Parker was a let down thanks for your accurate and honest review .
+Tomsterr I have never shaved with the R41, and I suspect I would not like it but you never know! I actually gave the Parker away, as I just never got the right shave from it. Indeed, YMMV, which is why it is so great we have so many options at our disposal today!
I would take the Fatip Testina Gentile over the Parker 24C any day, even though it is not an open comb - it's just a much better razor for me. Otherwise go for one of the Edwin Jagger DE89 clones, or the real thing - those are also very good razors. Where are you located? that will help me recommend a site to order from.
Sometimes the lather happens quickly, but sometimes it takes longer...but I also never rush it because a good lather really key to a good shave. Next time you find you have the opportunity to take a bit longer to shave, work on your lather and you may be pleasantly surprised at how much better it is!
The issue for me with this razor is that the "natural" angle of the head does not feel natural to me at all, because of how flat you have to hold the razor. That translates, at least for ME, to a very uncomfortable angle for the handle and I never really got to a point where I felt at ease with the razor. I still hold that the blade angle in the head is TOO flat, which forces you to ride the cap, and hold the razor with the handle much closer to parallel with the floor. Nope, not a good razor for me, perhaps because I am an experienced shaver - too much work to make this razor work for me.
Good honest review.
I just bought the parker 24c, and man o man what a pretty razor 🪒!! Your so right!! This razor requires a "weird" angle " bro!
Michael, I would appreciate some explanation for the rationale for using an open-comb razor in the first place. I have been DE shaving for about fifteen months now and I'm active on the shave forums yet no one seems to discuss the upside of using an open-comb.
I have ordered a Parker 24c by mistake but watching this video I will give it a try ! I meant to order a Parker 26c but the 24c looks like a beautiful razor and I'm sure I will learn to use it properly!
+Charles Dickinson Patience and persistence...just really pay attention to the angle. It may come easily to you, and I hope you enjoy the razor!
Michael Freedberg great review as always. Really enjoy your videos. I have the Parker 24OC and because the blade is set pretty flat, you need to ride the cap much more, you are scraping because you are riding the OC bar. Give it a try, same concept as a straight razor, cut not scrape. Keep up the great work!
This razor is one of the few that bedeviled me, and indeed you have to ride the cap more. I did post a correction video where I do just that, but even with that I just never found it comfortable to shave with!
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the feedback!
Thank you very much for the review. Please, is the head of the 24c the same as that of the 68s?
Vladimir, apologies, I have not used the 68s, but often the head designs are shared among the razors with the only difference being the material used and the handle style. If it is the same, however, I think I would still recommend against this specific head design; there are so many other, better options out there in my opinion.
@@mfreedberg Thanks anyway 👍
I appreciate your review. My experience with the Parker 26c is identical. I thought the problem was me!
+Chester W Be sure to watch my update to this video on the right angle for this razor, I really was just holding it at the wrong angle. Now, to be fair, I think that this razor makes it very easy to make that mistake, but still -- you can get a great shave from this razor.
+Michael Freedberg Thank you. I saw the update. I appreciate how with all your experience and expertise you were humble enough to listen to others' advice - and once again you've helped me learn something.
Crow is not as bad a meal as they make out (grin)!!
I had the same experience as you I always get some kind of irritation after I use this razor , and the finding the angle is hard too. Good razor for the price but the shaves are mehh..
+SuperFanToastic I did post an update to the original video to show how I corrected my angle -- so it can be done. I will agree with you 100%, though, that it is indeed too easy to use this razor at the wrong angle and get mediocre shaves. Yes, as the person holding the razor, it is up to me to find and use the right angle, but I also think that the design of the razor should make that easy to do.
Really accurate review , I made a complain on /r/wickededge about this razor after irritation problems(also the scraping thing your talking about) and people just told me I dont know how to shave.........
+SuperFanToastic You do and you don't :-) I had the same issue: that razor takes a very different angle than most of the razors I normally use, and so I was in fact using it improperly, but I still think the razor design makes it too easy to make that mistake.
Same head as the maggard version 2 opencomb an dif paired with the MR5 from them you get a discount and its my favourite opencomb TRAVEL RAZOR, when you cant afford a bad shave! Have you tried different razor blades Mik? I do recoment people get the maggard 3 head deal + MR5. your bound to get a good shave with one of them!
I have the 3 head set myself (but with an MR11 handle) and definitely found this one the trickiest of the three, especially under the nose where it's harder to get the best angle, but they each have their place depending on my mood, and I look forward to getting more practice with this one.
It's like my fatip piccolo, since it is "shallow" in the head you have to angle toward the head cap more to have a comfortable shave. Try one shave with a more open angle to change the angle of the blade
+Nico Andujar (Nicholas) "dramatic angle" is a good way to put it, and that angle still feels a bit unnatural to me. Not to worry, though, the razor remains in my rotation and I will be sure to use the increased angle next time!
Thanks Michael insightful as always.
Thx for the review, I'm using a de89 and merkur 34c now which obviously are great razors however I find them a little on the mild side to tackle 3/4 days of growth so I'm considering getting an open comb for that particular situation, which one would you recommend? Thx in advance
Mike - I've seen a few of your videos now, and I've yet to see you do a full 3 pass shave plus touch-ups. I know that's because you don't like the videos to be overly long, but that 3rd pass plus touch ups is where many of us can make a decision as to the effectiveness of the blade/soap or cream combo. In my case, I like to study the technique on the touch-up (buffering, j-hooking, etc.) That said, after two passes, it could be the lighting but this razor and blade combo appeared to give you your closest shave after two passes yet.
+Shave- a-thon Yes, a close shave, but when I have done three passes, there are those danger areas at the end of my neck and jawline that get a bit irritated and hot -- more practice with this specific razor and all will be well.I try to keep the videos short, but perhaps I will try out some three pass videos and see if people like them, thanks for the feedback!
+Michael Freedberg I just wrote this as a comment to another TH-cam shaver's video:
"I have a coarse beard that's thick after two days. After 3 days, it's beginning to look like I'm in need of the greatest shave known to man. I'm still waiting to see a TH-cam shaving superstar that has the kind of growth I have. My stubble grows down to my collarbone. I also have hairs that grow right up to my nostrils (I have a bit of difficulty with the Futur with those. That's when the single edge side of Mr. Gillette Fusion makes his appearance.). I even have about 8 hairs growing on each side of my eye above the cheekbone heading towards the sideburns that have to be buffed, as well as the bridge of my nose to avoid a unibrow!"
You're talking about irritation? Try shaving those hairs down by the collarbone! However, I almost always go for that 3 pass plus shave and just take my irritation like a man! After a witch hazel splash, I MUST have that high alcohol content aftershave lotion burn! Once I pick myself off of the floor, I usually finish with a balm and then apply some cologne later on if the aftershave lotion scent doesn't last (that's for the chicks - if I actually can ever run into any as I'm approaching my sixties)!
Hi Michael. Great video as usual. I`m sure you`ve probably heard of the shim trick where you nip off the edges of a de blade and this will make a mild razor more aggressive. Who knows maybe it would steepen the angle on the 24c making it more comfortable. The shim trick is on youtube if you`ve never seen it. I`m wondering if the 26c was introduced to remedy the 24c problems. Take care.
+Brian B. Still have tried to shim the razor, but no reason not to try!
I have always wondered why you titantic a single product rather than switch around? Have you ever heard variety is the spice of life?
+Chris Baskett hey-o, hope all is well! Indeed, variety is the spice of life, but for some reason I just start a product and Titanic it -- something about the satisfaction of completely using up a single product and "earning" the next one!I know, crazy talk...
Parker 26C razor is exactly the same not a efficient razor not smooth at all feels rough on the skin when shaving My preferred Razor is the, Omega D5613 Razor it is a smooth efficient Razor with the right amount of aggression and feel "Sadly the Parker was a let down thanks for your accurate and honest review .
Mr. Freedberg, flexing a thin blade further give the blade more mechanical strength... you should try a baby smooth ! :)
+RazoRock Mr RazoRock, indeed I have...I sure wish more people could, too :-)Make it so.
Hello, if you find Parker 24C not comfortable I suspect you have not shaved with R41? Parker 24C is not harsh in my opinion...but YMMV as always ;)
+Tomsterr I have never shaved with the R41, and I suspect I would not like it but you never know! I actually gave the Parker away, as I just never got the right shave from it. Indeed, YMMV, which is why it is so great we have so many options at our disposal today!
I had that scraping problem too, so what type of razor you suggest? what model?
I would take the Fatip Testina Gentile over the Parker 24C any day, even though it is not an open comb - it's just a much better razor for me. Otherwise go for one of the Edwin Jagger DE89 clones, or the real thing - those are also very good razors. Where are you located? that will help me recommend a site to order from.
Really good review
The Muhle R41 is the same way. I had to trade that razor away it was BRUTAL.
+Powder Keg Hey, it works for some, but I just never got the Parker really to work for me. No matter, plenty of other great options out there!
great review
Whoa. By the time you were lathered up, I'd be long done with my shave... Maybe I need to invest more time in lathering.
Sometimes the lather happens quickly, but sometimes it takes longer...but I also never rush it because a good lather really key to a good shave.
Next time you find you have the opportunity to take a bit longer to shave, work on your lather and you may be pleasantly surprised at how much better it is!
you should just factor in the blade angle on the head, when you angle the razor, youre an experienced shaver
i dont understand what is the problem
The issue for me with this razor is that the "natural" angle of the head does not feel natural to me at all, because of how flat you have to hold the razor. That translates, at least for ME, to a very uncomfortable angle for the handle and I never really got to a point where I felt at ease with the razor. I still hold that the blade angle in the head is TOO flat, which forces you to ride the cap, and hold the razor with the handle much closer to parallel with the floor. Nope, not a good razor for me, perhaps because I am an experienced shaver - too much work to make this razor work for me.
💪💈👍
Sorry bro