Parker 97R Redux Review

**Azarius** · 03-17-2012, 12:01 AM

I wanted to give an updated review of the Parker 97R Hefty after using it multiple times this week (as my evening razors.

Fit and Finish: Very nice. Very bright, almost a chrome like finish. The brightest, shinest razor that I own. Two pin sized molding imperfections on the top cap, but barely noticeably, only in pictures. Would rate it 8.9 out of 10, although the handle I would give a 10.

Weight and balance: Still a little shocked at weight, as this razor is heavier than any razor in my collection. The head is very similar to a R89/EJ89, although the gap is greater, producing a slighlty more agressive shave. The handle is close to perfection in both weight and knurling, just love it.

Price: Excellent, priced at under $30.00 USD.

Aggressiveness: Mildy agressive, but very smooth with proper blade choice. Shockingly enough the two blades the work best for me in this razor is the Derby and the Red IPs.

Overall Shaving Impression: This has entered into my top 4 razors, I absolutely love it. The handle is as close to perfect as possible. Weight is nice and heavy, it makes the Merkur 11C HD feel light.

I would recommend this razor to anyone. Parker has done a fine job in this three piece model, I hope they continue with additional models and hopefully an open comb model soon.

**Sledgehammer39** · 03-17-2012, 04:29 AM

The razor looks pretty cool, thanks for the review!

**tomjr** · 03-17-2012, 04:31 AM

thanks

**Oblique Human** · 03-17-2012, 05:53 AM

Good review. I've read about the Parker TTO razors and, according to the posters, their shoddy manufacture. This razor is produced in India, right?

**Big W** · 03-17-2012, 06:36 AM

I went ahead and ordered one based on your first review. I feel I'm up for a razor that is on the aggressive side at this point. Hopefully it's in my hands soon!

**bluesbishop** · 03-17-2012, 07:36 AM

The handle alone looks worth the cost of the razor! What's the worse scenario ? Even if you don't like the head, you've got a nice looking handle to fit other razors....

If they made an open comb with that handle, I would be all over it.

**imfallen_angel** · 03-17-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by stfly

Good review. I've read about the Parker TTO razors and, according to the posters, their shoddy manufacture. This razor is produced in India, right?

I have a Parker TTO (96R) and absolutely love it, it's my go-to razor.

I did a review comparing it to a Gillette Black Beauty slim.

I have no interest in multiple piece razors as the beauty and simplicity of the TTO razors have completely won me over.

**bluesbishop** · 03-17-2012, 08:09 AM

Yep.... Read your review.... Nice review and nice razor.

I'm the opposite though... Started with TTO and now love 2 or three piece open combs

Originally Posted by imfallen_angel

I have a Parker TTO (96R) and absolutely love it, it's my go-to razor.

I did a review comparing it to a Gillette Black Beauty slim.

I have no interest in multiple piece razors as the beauty and simplicity of the TTO razors have completely won me over.

**Azarius** · 03-17-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by stfly

Good review. I've read about the Parker TTO razors and, according to the posters, their shoddy manufacture. This razor is produced in India, right?

Yes, I beileve that the razor produced in India. My personal opinion is that some people will be prejudice against any razor solely based on country of orgin. I have heard that these razors where light in weight and made from some light weight alloy, no way. This handle of this is a very heavy brass that has been plated, both ver good knurling. Side by side next to the Merkur HD, the fit and finish are almost identical, although the Parker is about 10 grams heavier that the Merkur.

As my brother stated, if for some reason a person does not like the head (which I could not understand who would not), you would still have and incredible handle that could used with most other heads.

If I put the head of the 1904/1906 OC on this handle, it is like a heavier version of the 11C HD.

**The Kiwi** · 03-17-2012, 10:50 AM

Did the parent company, whatever it's called, ever create a public web site of its own?

**Big W** · 03-17-2012, 10:57 AM

It just came in the mail, impressive. Mine is stamped India...but that doesn't concern me, my best friend is from India ; )

**mctmatt** · 03-17-2012, 12:12 PM

I hope you don't mind if I chime in on this thread with a pic of my Parker 89R with the Pited Handle. It is a great razor and very heavy. I have been more than pleased with the quality and performance of this razor.

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**Azarius** · 03-17-2012, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by mctmatt

I hope you don't mind if I chime in on this thread with a pic of my Parker 89R with the Pited Handle. It is a great razor and very heavy. I have been more than pleased with the quality and performance of this razor.

Hey Tom,

I am glad that you are another fan as well. That is a fine looking razor. Parkerd do not get much around the parts, but I would rate mine right up there with the best of them.

**Oblique Human** · 03-18-2012, 12:51 AM

Originally Posted by imfallen_angel

I have a Parker TTO (96R) and absolutely love it, it's my go-to razor.

I did a review comparing it to a Gillette Black Beauty slim.

I have no interest in multiple piece razors as the beauty and simplicity of the TTO razors have completely won me over.

I just read your review, nice. I myself am partial to TTO razors, I find their simple elegance irresistible.

Originally Posted by Daniel Plainview

Yes, I beileve that the razor produced in India. My personal opinion is that some people will be prejudice against any razor solely based on country of orgin.

No, I love Indian products. I was just asking. It wasn't a whole bunch of negative reviews. If memory serves right, there was this one guy who disliked it and then a few more members chimed in on the thread. I think the Parker razors are great looking and would buy one in an instant if I find it being sold here.

**Big W** · 03-18-2012, 05:48 PM

I shaved with it tonight, feels and shaves just like a Merkur 34HD IMHO, which is a good thing in my book since I like that razor a lot. But, as it's already been mentioned if the head isn't for you, just twist on the works for ya, cause the handle is worth the price of admission alone ; )

**Azarius** · 03-18-2012, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Big W

I shaved with it tonight, feels and shaves just like a Merkur 34HD IMHO, which is a good thing in my book since I like that razor a lot. But, as it's already been mentioned if the head isn't for you, just twist on the works for ya, cause the handle is worth the price of admission alone ; )

Very nice, glad you liked it. I love the handle, it just has suh a nice weight to it. I really hope that in the not to distance future that Parker releases an Open Comb.