Wet Shave Showdown: Parker 55SL Semi-Slant Safety Razor vs. Merkur 37C
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- In this video we shoot out the NEW Parker 55SL Semi-Slant razor against the tried and true Merkur 37 Slant razor. How did they compare?
#wetshaving #shaving #straightrazor #doubleedgerazor #shavelikeyourgrandpa #razoremporium
I’m Matt Pisarcik, founder of Razor Emporium, welcome to our channel!
At Razor Emporium, we believe in empowering men and women to practice traditional grooming using quality new and vintage shaving supplies. Our business is made up of three core areas, Service, Retail, and Education.
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I've had the parker for about 4 months and I received a 39c about a month ago .They each have their own personality but each do a fantastic job on both head and face . I know this is long after this video was posted but I'm only a year old in wet shaving years.
found the parker semi slant and gave away all my other razors. really like the single pass shave i get form it. Recently lost the parker in my travels, and have to purchase another one.
My shave gear accumulation includes Several Schick Injector models, Several Schick Kronas, Various Gillette SuperSpeeds, Techs, Slims, Black Beauties ... and a Fatboy. My go-to blades are Astra Superior Platinums, Shark Super Chromes, and Voskhod Stainless. A 1961 Gillette SuperSpeed, a 1961Gillette Black Beauty, and any of my Kronas are capable of giving me perfectly smooth shaves, all to my satisfaction.
I read posts and watched videos about the Parker Semi Slant and was skeptical - it's not vintage, BUT it is made of brass and not zamac, so I finally ordered one. I've been shaving with it for a few weeks now, doing left side vs right side of my face shave comparisons.
You can pay more for a new razor, but it won't beat a vintage, right? The truth is, I don't get any irritation with any of my razor or blade combination, but the Parker does give me a closer first pass shave, and a perfectly smooth 2nd pass finish. I'm finicky about my shaves, and the Parker will do every bit as great of a job getting that perfect shave, AND with much less effort. I bought it as an occasional shave, but find I'm reaching for it daily. I'm disappointing my hero vintage razors fall a little short in the easier-to-use category, but I'm impressed with the Semi Slant performance. It's a 21st Century Gem among my mid 20th Century treasures.
Slant razors work for me! I'm left handed wear glasses every time I shave! Technique, technique! It's all it is! My skin approves and don't have any irritation after!! Thanks Matt for the video!
Matt's making soap? you know what that means. He's got a second basement where he hosts Fight Club
Hey ! Don't forget the first and second rules of.. you know what..
Congrats 4ksandknives - you're the winner of the Weekly T-Shirt give-away! Please contact us at help@razoremporium.com with your address and size and we will get it shipped out right away! Thanks everyone! Stay tuned next week for another giveaway! - Razor Emporium Team
Congratulations 🍾 I won a T-Shirt but only realized about 3 months later lol. But I took a screen shot and emailed it to him and he got it right out to me
LOL
I was nearly going to give up de razors, saw this video and bought a Merkur 39C. Now I can't wait to do my next shave. I have mühle, same head as the king gillette I guess. And its way to mild. And for my sensitive skin the Merkur are way better. Next on my list is the Rex Konsul. Thank you for great videos, all the way from Norway.
Parker has really improved on their quality. (About 10 yrs ago, there was major QC issues) This razor looks solid! 👍
SurfingSamurai we have sold hundreds over the years and have heard of less than a handful of issues.
Bought the Merkur 37C. Wanted to love it, but the handle was too small for me and made it difficult to shave with confidence. Despite many shaves, I was not pleased with the results. I returned it and bought the Parker semi-slant and WOW what a wonderful experience. Smooth, close, effortless shave. The length of the handle made the difference allowing me to maneuver the razor without nicking my face.
You could have bought the longer Merkur handle of course.
Honestly I love my Merkur 37c. The blade life is extended quite a bit (got 30 2-pass shaves out of 1 blade recently before feeling like I needed to swap it a new blade) and makes for a smoother shave while getting closer than my 34c.
Six months ago switched from a Red Tip to Merkur 34C. Absolutely love it. Took 4 years to fine tune my wet shaving experience. Will need to try the Parker Slant.
Wow 4 years? I have a long way to go I see. Thank you for that comment makes me feel good about my wet shaving journey. I thought i was slow or something lol
Love my Merkur slant sledgehammer, it's still my go to for everyday shaving.
Don't have a lot of experience with the slant bar razors, but I do have a Fatip Lo Storto open comb slant bar razor I acquired earlier this year. It does a very good job on the shave.
Great video, Matt. I purchased the 55SL not long ago. I like the shave, for me, it's a bit milder than my RazoRock German 37 slant. However, I do not care for the long handle on the Parker. I resorted to using a different handle.
Keep the vids coming! Take good care of my two razors going through your revamp service, .
Have a great and safe week.
Matt,
I can't tell you how happy I get when I check CZcams before work and see a new video is up. Awesome comparison and I prefer the 37c. Still waiting on one of those awesome shirts to rep the brand in VA!
P.S. Rex should make a vintage looking shirt with their logo too!
Steven Roper Rex has a shirt check our website :)
Nice I dig it! I will have to order one on pay day!
I enjoy using slants good video on these two slants. Bring some vintage slants for a showdown. 👍🏻 Matt.
You've convinced me. I'll try a Parker.
Great comparison Matt I have had 37 c and I like it , very informative vids
Thanks for the comparison. Great job as usual.
Douglas is a great guy for helping you out with your new line of soaps!
I enjoy my 37c on my head I just have to be careful on my face as you need almost zero pressure. Great info as usual Matt.
Hello, I'm a regular watcher of your videos and I love my Merkur 37c slant razor, my daily go to razor, but I recently purchased Parker semi-slant satin chrome finish razor as used by you, Parker gives a closer shave but Merkur 37c is more comfortable and forgiving, so after using both I would like to say that YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH A MERKUR.
NOW I'M EAGERLY WAITING FOR THE T SHIRT, my size is XXL.
which blade would u suggest with Parker Semi Slant in india? Not many blades easily available especially international brands
@@mandeepkumar2016 Sir, with Parker semi-slant razor I would suggest a milder blade i.e Laser Ultra, this blade is similar to Derby green blades 👍👍👍
@@rajansharmaadv are Parker Blades mild or harsh sir?? Plz suggest..also tell abt Permasharp Green and Gillette Blacks sir.. I m looking for long term use
@@mandeepkumar2016 Parker blades are not extra ordinary, but smooth one, Gillette 7o'clock Super Platinum Black Blades are really awesome, however I haven't tried Gillette Green Russian blades, Indian Gillette Green blades are below average.
Great video, thanks. I have wanted to try a Slant and finally got a Merkur 37C and it has become my favorite razor. I reach for it more than any of my other razors as it gives a great shave every time. I may have to try the parker as well just to see.
Now you only have to figure out if you have the old "pre 2016" version or the new one.
Good video Matt! Been wet shaving for over 20 years with a collection of Merkur razors in my shave den. Last month I was given a Merkur 39C for my birthday, my den is complete I love this razor it's my go to razor now.
Great comparison Matt, I love Parker razors, I have the 94R, which gives amazing shaves, but never tried a slant razor. Your right, cartridge razors are useless after two shaves with all the clogging, rinsing a DE razor is so easy and provides a much better shave.
Nice showdown! Whenever I go back to a slant, I have to actively remember to respect the angle. Once I get there, it’s always an effortless shave.
Well I bought the Parker off of u right before Christmas and I tried it for the first time and u was right I put to much pressure because my neck is red and sore so next time I’m going to slack off on the pressure, thanks man for the razor and info!!!
A fair comparison, I enjoyed this video.
I may have to try one of these slant razors. My dad told me decades ago to draw the razor diagonally to the path you are shaving to achieve a slicing or guillotine motion. It always gives me a clean super smooth shave.
Hi
I love the slant 2 piece long handle. I have the typical heavy dark British beard and matched with an Astra green it gives the best close shave without any irritation.
Love the podcast, shame you are a bit too far away from Nottinghamshire England.
Regards
Arthur
Matt, nice shave and comparison💈💈 Your soap looks excellent, glad you're making it available. Phoenix hot! No, say it ain't so😂Great video again, products and comments were interesting, thanks. Enjoy!
I have both and agree with Matt. The Parker is slightly more efficient/aggressive.
I totally agree. I also have both, mercur is way smoother but Parker is more efficient for my coarse stubble.
Just received my Parker Variant and I love it! After your video I’m considering picking up the slant. Thank you
Great video Matt. The Merkur 37c has been my go-to razor for 10 years. Love the close shaves with no irratation. It will bite you if your not carefull 😀
Avid user of the 37C, since 2008. Loaded with Personna Med prep blade and I have just found Shark razors work lovely in it!! They are $7 for 100. With the slant, one best not crazy attempting the Gillette slide technique. The only downside of using a slant has and will always be under the nose. Otherwise, there is a reason I’ve used for so long.
Hi Matt- Great shave and slant razor comparison video; thank you! I have a RazoRock German 37 that I enjoy using, but it doesn’t make it into the regular rotation of DE razors too often, it seems. Glad to hear the RE line of soaps is doing well. I have been quite enjoying the Citrus these past few weeks! Take good care and all the best, Matt!
If you guys haven't tried the barbershop shave soap I definitely recommend it ! I recently gave it a try and it's quick to lather very slick lasting the entire shave. You'll love it.
I love my Parker Semi Slant over my Merkur 39C. I thought the Parker slides better and is now my daily driver.
I have the shavecraft 102 slant. Amazingly smooth, effecient. I will get the Parker 55sl too.
First shave with the parker today and it is the closest shave I have ever had. Used it on my head as well. Thanks for the video. I am new to DE shaving.
Of course the Parker is more aggressive. All of their razors are aggressive relative to the comparable models from other razor manufacturers. Which is why I won't purchase another Parker until they come out with a slim & mild razor. I tried their 96R and it always irritated my skin, no matter the blade.
Parker should include the blade gap measurements for all of their razors. In fact, all DE razors should include their blade gap.
I find the Parker Variant to be less aggressive than the similarly designed Rex Ambassador (which is just too aggressive for me)
Its about time Razor Emporium came out with a soap!
I’ve been looking for a good slant de razor. The Parker is very affordable so I may try it. Thanks for this excellent comparison Matt. Much appreciated.
Got my Parker Semi-Slant in July, an I'm impressed with it. It gets a lot of use. Only one complaint: The handle scraped off the chrome exposing the underlying zamak where the 2 surfaces meed while being screwed on. Some other razors have a little raised "collar" area on the bottom plate to minimize this. My fix:I've inserted a small 5mm stainless steel washer between plate and handle surface. Only problem is, it's a small washer and almost got washed down the drain a couple of times.
I may have seen your review on Amazon..... Or someone else has the same fix😂
Don't u think a washer inbetween will somehow reduce the tightness between the head and base plate? had the washer been required, the company would have provided i suppose..? maybe I'm wrong in assuming the tightness of handle gets reduced with a washer cushioned inbetween
Kewl comparison. Congrats on your new soap. I love the slant razors I own.
Silly question, but are slanted razors an issue if you're left handed? (south paw here)
Both edges are slanted so I wouldn't think so.
@@nihilisticexistentialist6007 Ah, thank you.
I have an adjustable german razor merkur progress I then brought a parker semi slant wow smooth close comfortable shave I already was a light pressure user due to the progress used the slant for a few weeks , I then used the progress this morning and I got my first nick for ages as I have used the slant for a long time before so it just goes to show a slant is not aggressive it is how you use the razors
2 Years Later ...
The Parker Semi-Slant still looks and shaves like new. My shave routine has changed a little: I get my best shaves by skipping a day between shaves. My 'daily driver' line-up includes Gillette Techs, Slim Adjustable, Super Adjustable, and various New Long Comb and Short Comb Gillettes. And sometimes a 1917 Old Tyoe.
However - If I require a shave on the off (no-shave) day, I reach for the Semi Slant and typically GSB, Astra SP or even a Super Max Blue Diamond, BiC, or Voskhod blade. I get a smooth, close and irritation-free shave with any of the blades.
As Matt mentioned in the video, a very light pressure is all that is needed for awesome results.
Just ordered the Parker. I have sensitive skin and have been using foil shavers for years since even cartridge shavers irritate my skin. I wanted to try DE razors because they're supposed to give a better shave. I do have a cheap Van Der Hagen DE Razor but the blades it comes with are junk and dull after a few shaves. The unit itself seems of okay quality. But I like the idea behind these slant razors better since I'm new at this DE shaving thing.
PARKER SLANT is perfectly the best from razor ❤❤❤
Haven't tried a slant yet. This video is giving me the itch!!
I have the shavecraft 102. It's comfortable and smooth. I don't think there's a better slant
I shave after I take my shower when I get home from work. It's sort of like a way to settle down.
Haven't been brave enough to try a slant. They look to me like a pocketable straight razor, but I might be wrong. I'll try one soon enough, maybe the Merkur.
Nice showdown, Matt. I always wondered if there were any advantage of a slant razor. Now I'm inclined to look into buying a slant razor. And I'll check out your shave soap when I look to replace my current stock.
Great video Matt. Only slants I've tried are the PAA Alpha Ecliptic Bakelite, which has left my den, and the Upsal Soligen Slant with the adjustable head. Still holding onto the Upsal for now, but this video does make me interested in the Parker offering.
Hi Matt,
Your video raises some questions. I've been shaving with a safety razor for quite some time now. A Merkur, I think it's a 23C. I've tried several blades (Derby, Gilette, Timor, Astra, Feather). I settled on Derby as these blades give my the least razorburn, but after years of trying, I still get razorburn often.
I'm almost out of blades and my razor gets tarnished, so my questions after this video:
- How can I tell if I have a heavy beard or not? I only have one beard te compare with (my own)
- How can I tell if I have sensitive skin? I get razorburn sometimes, but is this because of sensitivity or technique? Probably both...
- What blades should I get, now that I'm out. I'm now thinking about Kai, because they seem to be "sharp, yet forgiving".
- Is this slanted razor something for me? And should I get the Parker or the Merkur? My razor has al longer blade, which seems more comfortable...
Thank you for helping out!
Arjan
Lots of questions here. We have a ton of videos on sensitive skin and avoiding irritation. Really you need to experiment but starting with some advice is a good idea.
Does anyone know of other handles I could use on the Parker Semi Slant? I don’t like the long handle.
Great experience. Thank you!!
Why did you stop using a slant? I do have a favorite the ATT slant.
So im les then a year old into wet shaving. I started with a Walmart double edge razor and it was ok. I didn't know anything about mild or aggressive shaving razors and the very next razor i bought was the parker slant razor with the graphite handle. WOW incredibly close. The only problem i have is my neck always seems to break out, my question is why? To much pressure? Wrong blade, or combination? I really enjoy your videos and watch and listen for any clues and advice.
Thanks for explaining the ‘why’ of slant razors. I’ve looked at them for a while and never quite understood what advantage the offered-even after reading the marketing material. One question: You didn’t talk much about build quality. Is there any sign I can’t differences? I have a Parker travel razor that breaks down and has a two piece handle. Build quality seems fine, but not impressive. Unless the Merkur build quality and machine is markedly superior, I think I’d go with the Parker. Your thoughts?
John Driggers best build comes from Ikon slant razors
@Thomas Jefferson -Thanks. I'm in Australia so shipping and customs get added in ordering from Italian Barber. I found an Australian seller and accounting for the exchange rate it's about a breakeven from ordering from the US and cheaper if I get the bamboo handle which is $5 more at Italian Barber (but sold out too). RazoRock razors are new to me, but seem to get good reviews. Lots of the follow on comments rate the Merkur as really smooth & glides easily. I don't have a heavy beard, but do have sensitive skin. Have you used the RazoRock slant?
If the barbershop scent is half as good as your sandalwood scent I will have to try it out!
I have a number of slants ,the merkur is smooth,ill try the parker ! you should hold your safety razor as you would a artist brush !
Only own one slant. PAA slant. Tore my face up!! But 99% sure it was operator error and using the wrong blade. Seeing ur video, I’m gonna give it another try this morning after work.
After work shave addendum:
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh......... not too good. A lot better use this time over the first use, but damn it hurts. Very aggressive. Used a less aggressive blade this time, over the first time use feather.
Something tells me ur angle is off or ur shaving against the pattern... Idk never had a issue with razors.. Also easy on pressure
That's not My name probably both as this is my first slant razor I ever used and pretty much gave up after two uses. I notice on this razor there is a massive amount of blade “bite” So I’m sure that does mean my angle is off. Also I shaved with ultra light pressure after watching this video. (Made some difference) but yes I did shave against the grain. Are you not supposed to with a slant?
@@bH-eo5tz no absolutely not.. rhags the worst thing one can do. Lather very well shave with the grain.. if you must.. after with the grain u shave across the grain and if u really want then against the grain. But NEVER against the grain first.. trim the hair to a stubble if u must then shave.. just go easy on inputs..
You use a gallon of water during your shave bro.
I love barbour shop vibe products, hope we can get the soap in the UK😁
Looking to get the Parker slant soon, I am using the Varient and I absolutely love it so I have great expectations.
I’m typing this comment @ 0:41 and I predict it’s going to be hard to out punch 🥊 the *Merkur* but there’s something about the “SEMI” in semi-slant that I feel will be a wildcard in this battle
Thanks for the info, Matt!
Beautiful razor, I own a maggards slant razor and shave with it often.
The 37C is listed as a slant razor whereas the Parker is a semi-slanted. Is there an actual difference in the number of degrees of slant?
No
Why the Parker is called semi slant ? It seems having the same angle than the Merkur ?
Just love all these New products!👍
The only slant I have experience with is the PAA bakelite slant. With it being a double open comb, it is too aggressive for me and I only pull it out if it has been a week or more between shaves. Even then, I only use it for the first pass.
Nice video Matt. Love the Proraso 'White' too. Fantastic as you say in terms of a great 'foundation' for a quality fragrance. Like you, I have sensitive skin and the Proraso combo is great, and so inexpensive.
some people say that a blade lasts longer in a slant razor than in a
straight razor (you can use one blade more times). Have you noticed
anything like that in your shaving practice?
Get the 39c. Same head, longer handle
Im not a fan of the finish parker has used on the variant or the new slant. I've had my variant replaced twice due to the finish failing, the current replacement I have is beginning to "flake & chip" off again. I've been hesitant to purchase the slant due to this issue.
So how does the 37 compare to the 34 in terms of aggression? While I like the 34, I prefer something more aggressive...comparable to PAA Name Taker or even something in between. I also read somewhere (not sure if it was reliable) that they design changed from the original making it more mild. Anyway...thats my question
The Variant should've been included in this showdown. It's QC is so lacking that it can transform into a semi-slant without notice. Parker? No thx.
Love my Varient, absolutely no issues at all with it, lucky to get a good razor I guess😉
Could a first timer use one of them
Well done! Could your team take a new Parker Slant and coat it with one of the finishes you use to renew vintage razors? Would doing so result in the Parker being “smoother”? Which coating/finish would you recommend? Thanks, Zac
How many blades do you go through making these videos? :D
4:30 What do you mean by "wet shaving"... I didn't think there was any other way to do it?? So before the Merkur you were shaving with no foam or soap... just straight up?
Might have to test drive a slant razor.
Absolutely love the showdown vids... tried one of maggard’s slants the other day; enjoyable, albeit aggressive. How aggressive is the semi-slant?
I found the parker to be really aggressive. Just the lightest pressure provided baby butt smooth skin with one pass. I used the parker blades.
I find the Parker superiour to the Merkur. The head geometry suits my upper lip more than the 37c/39c; and it's much cheaper. For me, the ATT S1 was a big 'meh'.
Is the Hoffritz slant related to the Murker if it is please explain how.
Is the Merkur 37C suitable for sensitive skin?
Paired with the right blade yes
@@RazorEmporium What blade would that be?
I've never tried a slant, I've never felt the need yet as my regular razors do a lovely job but I'm curious to try. Is there much difference in the vintage versions or the new ones of the Merkur? I like to buy vintage.
Me too, I would like to find a nice vintage slant
Both are Zamak heads. The difference is the case. The vintage razors have good cases.
I have Been waiting for this video
Which 37C did you use? The old one or the new one that was made after 2016? Many people don't even know about the small changes that Merkur made and that the new version is less aggressive than the old one.
I use a 34c with a feather. When i tried the 37c with a feather, i nicked myself all over. I have been wet shaving for 5 years and cant figure out whats going on. Should i use a less sharp blade like a pol-silver?
Slant is inherently more aggressive..and feather being the sharpest gives it quite a bite.. mellow down on blades
Is the semi-slant a 2-peice?
Good vid. 😁👍🏼
I have a real thick beard. I have the Merkur 39C i spent 2 weeks without shaving and the 39C shaved it effortlessly. Parker is made in India. Merkur is made in Germany. Merkur will last you a last time. Parker longevity will not last.
I like slants....have the Merkur 39 and also a head for RazoRock....both are good....I am NOT convinced they are any better to Gillette adjustable razors.... Parker-- not for me...I have not tried this one, nor will I ....had a bad experience w their adjustable....
Hey fellas. I’m late 20s and just switched over to Safety Razor to try and combat years of horrible razor burn/bumps (mainly under chin) also have really coarse stubble growth. Been using the Merkur 23c for a couple of months now and loving it. Just wish it could sometimes leave a closer shave, seems a little too mild?? Looking at a slant razor as they sound to be even better for sensitive skin and the coarse beard but do you knowledgeable gents have any suggestions on a high quality slant razor? Not too worried about price, but of an investment is fine. And with it being more aggressive would you recommend switching to a slant so soon or leave it for a few more months of experience as it is still relatively new to me? Cheers in advance.
Definitely get a few months of experience with a conventional DE under your belt before moving on to a slant. Sounds like you might have that already, in which case you can probably take the plunge. Can't go wrong with a Merkur slant. Parker's semi-slant is also meant to be very good without being quite as aggressive as conventional slants.
Measle Hi. Thanks for the reply. Yes I tried the Parker SemiSlant with feather blade for a while but was still getting bad irritation under my neck. I’m now using a R41 which seems to be perfect for me. Used Astra blades to start with but yesterday tried with a Feather and wow! Closest shave ever! None of the usual irritation but skin was on fire for a couple hours after. Might have been a bit too close lol
Get a Razorock Wunderbar. Best razor in my den.
You could try an adjustable razor; or the Rockwell 6C which is not adjustable but has 6 different efficiency levels.
With my beard hair even when I shaved everyday with cartridges razors they would still clog up.
is the shave busta all right you dont see anymore videos from him
I have FUTUR , PROGRES but This is nothing fh
For SLANT 555 PARKER .
Riely nothing
Parker is d
So great quality..so heavy no concurrence..
Parker is King razor
37C all the way
10:12 YES... what's with the clogging?? The weird part is, I'm old enough to remember at least into the 90's what were those razors that had a little button that cleared the hair in between the blades?? It was like a little plastic strip connected to a button on the back that would clear it out. Moot point now, because I just bought a safety razor... but I even looked it up and couldn't find any. The disoposable razor companies... there's some conspiracy shit going on there. You'd think one company, would just be like, "nah, we're going to take over the market by making a good disposable that will be sharp and last awhile... and wont get clogged" . Hasn't happened though. They all suck.