The Parker Variant

I have been shaving with the Variant almost exclusively for the last three months. Because of the knurling, I like better than my Progress and Long Handle Progress. There is no doubt that Parker upped their game with this razor and their open comb. This can be my desert Island razor!

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant. I almost forgot how good a shave this razor provides. Good weight, great feel in the hands and as efficient a razor on the market today comparing to others that cost 2-3 times and even more. It can be an aggressive razor, but somehow Parker still managed for it to maintain a fairly equal amount of smoothness throughout its adjustability range. It's a great razor. And for under $60, it's an excellent DE that Parker got right. Although, I have to admit they did go through some teething problems early on with fitment and finish, but they have been coming around as of late. I know, Zamak & Chrome plating, but for a trip set of $20's, a real tough deal to beat and almost impossible to resist not purchasing. I know. Why? I have 2 in my possession. It's just a damn good razor.

By the way, it was a good shave......... Enough said.

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.  

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

Ok, ok a guy can only resist so much. I've been toying with this one for a long time but I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more. Just went and picked up a Parker Variant from Italian Barber.

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant. I almost forgot how good a shave this razor provides. Good weight, great feel in the hands and as efficient a razor on the market today comparing to others that cost 2-3 times and even more. It can be an aggressive razor, but somehow Parker still managed for it to maintain a fairly equal amount of smoothness throughout its adjustability range. It's a great razor. And for under $60, it's an excellent DE that Parker got right. Although, I have to admit they did go through some teething problems early on with fitment and finish, but they have been coming around as of late. I know, Zamak & Chrome plating, but for a trip set of $20's, a real tough deal to beat and almost impossible to resist not purchasing. I know. Why? I have 2 in my possession. It's just a damn good razor.

By the way, it was a good shave......... Enough said.

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.  

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.  

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

Ok, ok a guy can only resist so much.  I've been toying with this one for a long time but I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more.  Just went and picked up a Parker Variant from Italian Barber.

Marko, I got mine as a B/S/T from vtmax (a fantastic person to deal with, by the way) and cannot believe how fortunate I was to pick up this kitten.  Honestly, she just purrrrrrs across the stubble.  I hope you are as as enthusiastic about this razor as GlazedBoker, vtmax, and I.

Hooraaayyy! Look forward to your shave report. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and pleased by the Variants performance, looks and feel.

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.  

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

Ok, ok a guy can only resist so much. I've been toying with this one for a long time but I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more. Just went and picked up a Parker Variant from Italian Barber.

By the way, which finish did you settle on? Matte Silver or the Graphite?

Matte Silver. Just love the color and feel of this finish.

...But the Graphite is calling me!

“Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I just had to mention the Variant.”


Are you kidding me! Revive away.  

The Variant, at any price point, might be my finest shaver. The Progress head design from 1955 is fantastic and really well thought out. Merkur knew what they were doing.

The whole razor from the head design, calibration, knurling and beautiful audio feedback to how tight it holds the blade rocks. Perfect shaves, for me, every time. The Mergress, although similar, just doesn’t do it much for me anymore. $130 too.

I have four razors in the den at the moment and really reach for two. The Variant and the Blackbird SB. I actually slightly prefer the shave and results from the Variant. That says a lot about how good it is.

Let’s start a fan club!

Ok, ok a guy can only resist so much.  I've been toying with this one for a long time but I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more.  Just went and picked up a Parker Variant from Italian Barber.

By the way, which finish did you settle on? Matte Silver or the Graphite?

I went graphite

The Variant would be one of my desert island choices. Better than the Mergress IMO.


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