The Parker Variant

I was just curious to find out if anyone has had the opportunity to try Parker's adjustable razor, the Variant? If so what are your impressions? It is supposed to be modeled after the Progress.

Any rumors or rumblings?

ordered mine today, will post my experience asap

As a longtime Progress user (primarily for business travel - where the flexible choices really support variable needs, including touch-ups), I think the Parker Variant performs similarly, but with better adjusting visibility. The Progress is a Top 5 razor for me - efficient, comfortable, works with multiple blades - and the Variant does a great job emulating that. If you're a Progress lover, or want to see what an Adjustable has to offer, IMO you can't beat the Variant at this price.

Seems like a really nice adjustable for the price.

They are currently in stock. I would expect that even in the absence of an abundance of reviews, the novelty of a new reasonably priced adjustable will be irresistible to people like myself. Especially when considered that it seems to be based on the Progress. So, what I mean is that it will likely sell out quickly.

ordered mine today, will post my experience asap

So I’ve used the Parker Variant a total of 4 times since I received it. For reference I own over 50 DE razors of all levels of aggression (love my R41s) but specifically have 2 Mergress and a short handle Progress as well for relevant comparison.

The finish on the Variant is very good and really like the satin look. The grip is perfect and overall have no issues with the aesthetics. I used the new Derby Platinum blade for my first shave with a two day growth and at the no. 3 setting (usually keep my Progress 2.5-4) and can say it went superb! Efficient, 3 pass BBS with no irritation. Seems to have more audible feedback than my Merkur adjustables.

The next three shaves included a Personna Med Prep and Gillette Rubie Platinum Plus (one of my top 5 blades) all within the 2-4 setting on the razor and all similar results. Smooth, efficient with zero irritation. All of the blades sit symmetrically in place both sides, all good there as well.

Time will tell if the plating and adjustment mechanism will hold up. And if it does hold up honestly can’t go wrong with it either as a daily driver or travel piece for less than $60!

I have been using the Variant for over a week now and find that this is an excellent tool.  In terms of various measurements, the Variant is exactly the same as my long-handled Mergress, except that the Mergress is less than a quarter inch longer in length; this is clearly accounted for by the size of the Mergress replacement knob.  As far as the dimensions of the headpiece, they are identical - 42mm x 25mm x 11.5mm.

The Variant shaves exactly like you would expect - like a Progress/Mergress.  In essence the Variant is a newly designed Progress and shaves accordingly.  I am not certain why this adjustable has not caught fire in view of the fact that the Mergress seems to usually command a reasonable amount of interest.  The Variant seems to be built well built with a more solid feel to it in comparison to the Mergress, which is odd since the Mergress weights one gram more [111 grams vs 110 grams].  They are both wonderful variations on the Progress.


 

Really curious to try this. I didn't have much of a good experience with my Gillette adjustables like the Fatboy and Slim but I'm willing to try another one, and at this price it's even more tempting.

I think that the blade-bending of the Progress/Variant helps provide a more efficient shave than the Gillettes, although I love the Gillettes also.

I have one on the way also. I have all of the Gillette Adjustables and really enjoy shaving with them so hopefully the Parker will be just as good. This will be my first modern adjustable in my collection.