Parker Reusable Safety Razor Review
Who loves hair removal? I’m sensing tumbleweeds and crickets...
This isn’t just a post for the ladies although I do think western society has given us the raw end of the smooth skin deal, so gentlemen, if you’re still here, stick around. I know you remove hair too.
If you’re anything like me, hair removal is not the highlight of your day, week or month. I always was and always will be one of those girls who let her leg hair grow in Winter more than is appropriate. I’m also pretty fond of the old ‘shaving the ankles’ trick when wearing 3/4 length tights.
I read an article recently about getting rid of the crap in your house and only owning things that you truly love, and it reminded me of why I started our no plastic journey a few months ago and what it was actually evolving in to... only keeping the things we love.
This approach to your household and life not only means your house is full of special things, it means you own less (moving house 3 times in 6 months like we have when you have less crap is so much easier!) and by default the things you own are generally not made of plastic because you purchase items made from materials that are built to last.
Enter my switch from my crappy 15+ year-old Gillette razor to a beautiful, chrome finished, shiny and bright safety razor.
My thought process: if society is saying I shouldn’t have super long leg hairs – I know I could ignore society and be my own person, but I also do love the feel of smooth legs. I just don’t like getting to that point – then maybe, just maybe, having a pretty razor could make it fun?
I hopped on to my fave no plastic, no packaging website Flora and Fauna and started to do some research. Firstly, I was stoked at the price of safety razors. For something that should technically last me the rest of my life, $30-40 isn’t a big outlay.
‘There must be a catch? The razor blades must be ridiculously pricey?’ Nope! A pack of 5 replacement blades comes in at a hefty $2.95
After reading some reviews I gathered that weight and length of the razor are the important bits. You want something that feels heavy in your hand and is long enough to get a good grip. I also made sure I got one with texture on the handle, so it was less slippery.
I picked the Parker 99r Safety Razor and got 2 packs of Shark Super Stainless Steel Razor Blades and immediately started saving my leg hairs for the arrival of my new babies.
I was more nervous than expected when I first used the razor. It does take a little getting used to and I was definitely aware of there being no rubbery bits on the blade to protect my ankle bones from my clumsy strokes. But after the first time around, I’m a pro.
My advice would be to use it for the first time in the bath rather than the shower, so you can focus on what you’re doing and if you didn’t use shaving cream before you will want it now. I just use hair conditioner. You’re welcome for that hot tip.
You will cut yourself a few times on your first run but after a few goes how to hold the blade, how to tackle tricky knees and ankles and how often to rinse between strokes becomes second nature.
The verdict: I can honestly say I will never go back to a modern razor. This one gives a much better shave. Maybe it’s my imagination but I stay leg-hair-acceptable for longer than before and dare I say I don’t actually hate shaving my legs anymore. There is a ritual element to it and that’s how everything in life should feel. Especially when it comes to looking after your body.
Have you thought about switching your razor? Or you just skip that part and head straight to the beauty salon? I’d love to hear what you all think.
Jen xx
Enjoyed this blog post? Want to know when the next one goes live?
Sign up to receive tasty recipes, new blog post alerts and more delivered straight to your inbox. You'll also receive 10% off your first full price online order.
