Parker r71 or Merkur 23c?

[Nuvolari]

Hi,

After some years of shaving with a mach 3, I decided to take the step to DE-shaving. Now raises the question, which one should I buy?

After taking a look on the internet, there remains 2 shavers which I both like and fit in my budget.

The first one is a Parker 71r: http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=62

and the other a Merkur 23c: http://www.royalshave.com/p/401-018-00/merkur_longhandlesafety_chromeplated_23c.html

They both have around the same weight and steel lenght and cost about the same. But I'm still doubting which one I should buy.
I very much like the look of the parker, it's a georgous piece of razor! But on the other hand I read much positive reviews of the merkur on the forum.

As I'm new, I don't know how to evaluate them. I want a razor that's not too much aggressive, because now I have often cuts. I have a medium beard grow, so I will use it every day.

Is there anyone who can advise me? Maybe there's someone who tried both?

thx in advance

[Jarmo P]

There is RAD. So you should get that Merkur, with a long handle if you like. Merks are great shavers.

[theologist]

I've tried both, and the 71R looks good but the head is poorly finished with uneven blade exposure. The Merkur 23C will be MUCH better.

[Robxcarlson]

Take the advice and buy the Merkur. The quality is superior.

[Synack]

+1 for Merkur.

I started with a Parker myself; Quickly picked up a Merkur afterwards with some blades, the difference in quality was fairly drastic.

[lamina]

What kind of contest is this!!??:wink: To compare a parker with a merk' 23c!!!

Do you have a garbage bin?? Throw it inside the parker...a piece of junk.

The 23C is a Toogle compared with a Parker...Be wise, buy the Merk' 23C. Nice and smooth...to buy a parker based on a good looking aspect is a non-sense...The essential here is to get the job well done. Functionality is the main word not aso called aesthetics

It reminds me a delicious proverb from our neighbour country Spain

Mono in seda, mono se queda

[colinmono]

I started with a Parker too, not terrible but you can do much better. Since discovering vintage Gillettes I haven't looked back.

If you are set on a new razor, another that may be worth considering and might fit your budget is a Weishi. I haven't used one so can't comment from first hand experience but I understand it has a reputation for being a good, mild shaver.

[Nuvolari]

Ok folks, think I got the message :001_rolle.

Thanks for all the good advice, I've ordered a merkur 23c toghether with some razor blades. Can't look forward to my first DE-shave :smile:

grts,
Wouter