Parker Variant Adjustable Safety Razor - Graphite

After receiving my Variant, I finally put my Merkur Futur to rest after 7 years of exclusive daily use. I easily found that sweet spot between efficiency and comfort with the greatest amount of hair reduction in my personal comfort zone.

I'm not the kind of shaver who has rotations. I find something that works and I stick with it and for over a year the Variant has been the "One." I just ordered a second one (just in case).

I just got the graphite variant razor and am very pleased. I am a longtime wet shaver, and have tried various styles of razors (slant, single edge, standard DE razors) and was pleased that an old adjustable razor I picked up on eBay beat all of these. This razor beats that old adjustable, and I tested it by shaving my head. I got a smooth, non irritating shave. The handle is easy to hold, and the weight of the razor is excellent. I do remember having a Merkur Progress some years ago, which I sold and this razor beats that also. The Progress wasn't easy to hold, and I didn't think that the blade was held tight enough. I can tell after one shave that the blade is secure, I moved it up to 4 to shave part of my head. Get this razor!

Parker continues to perfect what was already an outstanding razor. The satin-chrome-and-graphite two-toned color combination is a true beauty. The graphite-colored coating is thin enough to allow crisp edges in the knurling of the handle, which provides excellent grip. Parker has also changed not only the color of the handle coating from black to graphite but also the coating material, which is intended to offer long-term durability.

The adjustability of this design allows easy mid-shave changes, so you can dial up for less sensitive areas and dial back for more challenging geography. The adjustability also allows for accommodating blades of differing shaving character.

If you shave with an appropriately-light pressure, which is good DE-shaving technique, this is a one-size-fits-all product. I have owned over a dozen different modern and vintage DE razors including a 1963 Gillette Slim adjustable. I also have and use two different Parker barber razors, the SRX and the PTB. Of all the razors I've used, the Variant is my go-to instrument when I want the closest, best shave.

I sincerely recommend this razor for beginning and experienced double-edge alike. Just a final tip to those transitioning from modern multi-blade-cartridge designs: use no pressure when shaving with a DE. Any complaints about this razor being aggressive can only be chalked up to pilot error. The razor is terrific.

Also, I heartily endorse supersafetyrazors.com and the head man, Howie, for providing excellent customer service.

I own a variety of adjustable razors (several variations of the Mergress razor, the Futur and the Gillette Fatboy) but since purchasing the Parker Variant, they are pretty much ignored. Parker delivered a razor with an excellent fit and finish at a great price. I enjoy this razor so much that I also had to get the satin finish too.

I received my Variant last Friday and let me tell you it has become my favorite razor! So far I have used it in the 1, 1.5 and 2 settingS. Used it with a Voskhod blade and Proroso red and Omega shave cream. Great feedback. No nicks or cuts. Smooth smooth smooth Ba ba ba Baby bottom smooth! I think this razor is going to be out of stock off and on for the rest of the year as everybody finds out about it. Great razor and the usual great shopping experience with Super Safety Razors!

Received it a couple of days ago and the fit, finish, and quality is spot on. Adjustment knob is off by a 16th of an inch when on 1, but no biggie in my book. Shave quality is superb regardless. Get one Gents. It's a must have if you love fine tuning your shaves....

New to the razor game but this was so smooth in "1" setting and will continue to learn how to use the other settings (mild vs. aggressive) etc... love this product!!!

This is my first adjustable razor and I couldn't be more pleased. I have a Merkur 34c and a Edwin Jagger 3D black DE89 both are impressive razors. I was surprised at the weight of the Parker Variant significantly heavier feeling than my other two razors. It is very well balanced though and the weight does all the work when shaving. I initially thought the head look bulky but when I used it noticed no feeling of bulk at all. The audible feedback from this razor is much better than my other two razors and I really like that. If I shave daily I use the mildest setting of 1 and get the smoothest 2-3 pass shave I have ever had. If I miss a day or two I can turn it up to a higher setting at least on the first pass. I have problem ares on my neck that were a challenge with the other two razors but much easier to navigate with this razor on the mild setting. The adjustability of the razor makes it a much more valuable tool. This black Variant is also as beautiful as it is functional. Great grip and I love the satin finish. Great job Parker on designing a great adjustable razor. Kudos also to supersafetyrazors.com. You have the best service and communication I have encountered from an online vendor. I was shocked when I got an email my order had shipped 45 minutes after I placed it. Other vendors have taken numerous days to a week to get things out. Great vendor, great product who could ask for anything more

This is my first week with the black handled Variant and I have to say I am in love with it. The razor seems to be very well made and gives me a BBS shave each time I use it. I have other Parker's as well as Muhle, Mekur and vintage Gillette safety razors and this razor stands up to all of them. The size and weight of this razor are excellent. I have nothing bad to say about it yet. At $57 it is a real bargain for an adjustable razor. Two thumbs up!

This razor was on my wish list when I first saw the preview announcement, the fit and finish is real nice, the weight and balance is right on the money and the shave is very comfortable, no irratation and zero burn. Extremely happy with this purchase after a few weeks of shaves

Very well built adjustable.Great feel,great audible feedback,awesome shaves.Hard to believe this much quality for this price.Thanks Super Safety Razors.

The Variant is a long awaited update to the Merkur Progress. In my opinion it is at least as good a performer as the Progress with a more attractive design. Of course that weird little plastic knob has been replaced with a piece that fits the overall design. The Variant is much less than half the price of available modified versions of the Progress.