Parker SRX Shavette Review – The Boxcar Razor
Parker SRX Shavette
The Parker SRX Shavette is a folding cut-throat style Shavette Razor that uses half disposable blades for a cutting edge. It has a slim profile, and is made from all stainless steel.
Pros
Beautiful Engraving and Design
Parker Logo on the Blade Arm
Heavy Duty Stainless Steel
Holds blade securely
Easy to Open Blade Housing
Very flat and compact profile
Cons
Acquired Skill to use
Boxy design makes it hard to hold
All chrome can cause the handle to slip out of hands
It’s time for more, dear readers. Your favorite reviewer is back with another look at one of the Shavettes from Parker.
This time we are looking at one that really caught my eye, the Parker SRX Shavette Razor. It is incredibly similar to the Parker SR1 that I reviewed, complete with some of the same engravings and details.
However, there are some small changes here and there that do merit a second look at this razor. Read on for the details below.
Brand/Company –
At the risk of plagiarizing myself, Parker is one of those sold brands that you can always bet on to give you a superior product. They have been in the game for decades and have an expansive catalog of great products to choose from.
Their razor blades are top quality, and always a safe bet if you are looking for something for a shavette or a safety razor. They make top quality items for both professionals and for the amateur home user. Always bet on Parker.
Parker SRX Shavette Features
- Stainless Steel Construction – Made from durable and heavy duty stainless steel. Not easy to bend or break.
- Fan and Clip style Blade Housing – Blade Housing fans out into three pieces for holding the disposable razor blade tightly. Audible click helps you to know when the blade is nice and tight.
- Cut-Throat Folding Design – Folding design fully encloses the blade to keep the razor safe.
- Minimalistic yet Lovely Engravings – The blade and handle have some nice and artistic engravings, giving the razor a timeless sort of design.
- Replaceable Blades – Blades can be replaced easily for sanitary purposes and ensuring sharpness.
- Slip and Flat Profile – Unlike the SR1, the SRX has a more flat profile, letting it rest easily on a countertop or in a pocket.
- Made in India
- Dimensions: Weight – 2.3 oz (65.2 g), Length – 5.25 inches (13.33 cm)
How does it Look?
Just like with the Parker SR1, this razor looks pretty amazing. I love the look of the chrome finish on the stainless steel. The razor itself seems to invoke feelings of an old-fashioned design with the rope-like engravings on the handle and the blade arm. Though there are some imperfections in the engraving, with some areas looking like they have been rubbed off. I suppose they don’t offer tactical advantages after all.
The more squared or box-like design of the handle actually makes the razor feel smaller, even if it has the same dimensions of its SR1 cousin. Because of this flat profile, the razor doesn’t have a fat profile like the SR1, and sits easier on a counter or in a pouch. It just takes up less space overall, and also doesn’t suffer from the same design flaw the SR1 had with pushing open the blade clip when you fully closed it.
It’s heavier than the SR1, with most of the weight being in the blade housing itself. It has a feeling of heft to it the other razor just doesn’t seem to have. If you will excuse the expression, this feels less like a toy and more like a real grown-up razor rather than the rounded off SR1.
The brass and color fittings on the blade arm, give the razor some nice color to break up all the chrome as well.
There are some imperfections in the metal though. I noticed the tang had some metal burs and discoloration. These are probably just manufacturing defects from when it was assembled, and I don’t really count them against the overall product. Every razor is going to be slightly different in this way.
My one real complaint in this category is that the boxy design of the handle makes the razor somewhat uncomfortable. It doesn’t really fit well in my hand. I could probably get used to this over time, but first impressions really matter. In this instance, why use something uncomfortable when I have other options?
How does the Parker SRX Perform?
For the purposes of this review, I used the SRX four times total. The first two times with a Sharpe brand disposable razor blade, and the other two times with a Muhle brand disposable razor. Like all other reviews, a full shaving session is 3 passes total: With the Grain, Across the Grain, and Against the Grain. Each time with a pre-shave treatment of pre-shave cream.
As a razor, I will definitely say this guy shaves well. The razor glides over the skin easily and does a really good job of getting into the smaller regions around the jawline. After each pass my skin felt baby smooth and without much imperfection (except for the ones that were already there).
Getting the housing open and loaded is pretty easy as well, though you do need to focus on making sure the blade is nice and even. A straight edge is going to be the safest option. It might take a few tries to get used to loading.
The blade is recessed enough into the housing that the corners of the disposable razor don’t stick out very far. This makes it very hard to accidentally cut yourself on account of the razor itself. Most injuries to myself were user error, of course.
How Easy is it to Use?
This comes up every time I do a shavette article, but I do feel the need to bring it up. If you’ve never used a shavette or a straight razor before, you will need to practice and acquire the skills over time. Youtube videos are a good place to start, but it will take a few times before you get used to using a shavette.
Assuming that you DO know what you are doing, the Parker SRX is really easy to pick up and use. It has a classic design to it that lets it work easily as a straight razor or a shavette should.
The one issue I ran into while shaving is how recessed the blade is. While the edges of the blade are not easy to cut yourself on, they have a tendency to get hidden under the shaving cream you swipe off your face. This can make it sometimes difficult to know exactly where the cutting edge is.
The housing for replacing the blade is easy to open and close, with an audible click when the thing closes around the blade. No rattling or shifting from the blade once it’s locked in, making it a very easy and safe shave.
Consumer Complaints, Reviews, and Overall Issues
Most of the reviews you are going to find online with this razor are overwhelmingly positive. That’s nothing new really, as most people who write reviews online are either fans or have a massive chip on their shoulder.
There are a few common complaints I have run across though:
Some people do complain about how difficult it is to open the housing and change out the razor. It is pretty easy for me to do, but if this is your first ever shavette then it’s going to be a learning experience (See How To Use And Shave With A Shavette Guide). Just make sure to not put your fingers on the cutting edge when closing the blade.
Some consumers are not a fan of the weight of the razor. This comes with the all stainless steel design. The razor can be pretty heavy when you are getting used to it. If all you have used is plastic cartridge razors or lighter shavettes, the weight of an all steel razor might throw you off.
Finally, I’m not the only person who has experienced some manufacturing defects in my razor. It seems it is normal for consumers to receive their SRX with some file marks or metal burs on them. This may come from the manufacturing practices in India, so each razor would be slightly different. The marks on mine are pretty easy to ignore, so this will mostly be a level of personal preference.
It is worth noting really that when it comes down to it, a shavette is really only as good as the disposable razor you put in it. Invest in some good quality razor blades to use. You won’t regret it at all. I would recommend Lord, Muhle, and of course Parker blades. You’ll find they will keep the edge best, and are not too easily dulled.
Final Thoughts – Who is the Parker SRX Shavette For?
Overall, I really like this razor. I will definitely keep it in rotation with my DOVO Shavette for personal shaving. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something to shave with. Just be aware you will need to get used to how it feels in your hand.
You’ll find the SRX priced up at around $20-$30 USD plus shipping, I would definitely want to recommend this shavette to anyone looking to add something new to their shaving routine. It’s not the best for someone’s first shavette, but it’s definitely good if you are looking to upgrade from something cheaper.
The SRX would also make a great gift for someone. Birthdays, Christmas, or even just because. I highly recommend this razor.
