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Parker 55SL Review

Often compared with the Merkur 37C, the Parker 55SL is a slanted safety razor designed to reduce tugging and irritation by cutting facial hair at an angle.

While some found it a bit too aggressive, the 55SL receives high marks for design and affordability.

Below we dive into the nitty-gritty details of this razor and provide our thoughts on each of the features and shave performance.

Let’s dive in:

Highlights

FeaturesParker 55Sl
CombSlant
Safety BarScalloped
Head CompositionBrass
Handle CompositionBrass
HandleKnurled
PlatingChrome
Country of OriginIndia
Blade CompatibilityAll double-edge safety razors
Number of Pieces3
Weight (oz)3.4
Weight (g)96
Length (in)4.0
Length (cm)10.2
Price$32

Weight

The weight of the Parker 55SL is 3.4 ounces.

For context, the weight of the Merkur 37C is 2.72 ounces, the Parker 96R is 2.79 ounces, and the Parker 99R is 4.0 ounces.

This puts the 55SL right in the sweet spot of being not too light nor too heavy.

Weight is important because it determines how the razor will feel in your hand and how easy it is to control. A well-weighted razor provides stability to each pass with the razor while not requiring additional pressure to slice through even thick, coarse facial hair.

Here’s a chart comparing the 55SL to many other popular safety razors:

Parker 55SL weight vs other safety razors

Here’s a table of the underlying data:

Safety RazorWeight (ounces)Weight (grams)
Bevel3.1088
Edwin Jagger DE892.3667
Feather AS-D23.4096
Merkur 23C2.1260
Merkur 34C2.7277
Merkur 37C2.7277
Merkur 38C3.88110
Merkur Futur4.44126
Muhle R413.1790
Muhle R892.4068
Muhle Rytmo2.4770
OneBlade Core2.3366
Parker 55SL3.4096
Parker 96R2.7979
Parker 99R4.00113

Length

Measuring 4.00″ in length, the Parker 55SL will work well for most men. So whether you have larger or smaller hands, you should have no problems controlling this razor.

The moderate length makes it easier to maneuver and control, especially for those new to wet shaving coming from a cartridge razor background.

Curious to see how the 55SL stacks up to other safety razors? Here’s a chart:

Parker 55SL length vs other safety razors

Also, here is a table of several safety razors length in both inches and centimeters:

Safety RazorLength (in)Length (cm)
Bevel4.4111
Edwin Jagger DE893.7410
Feather AS-D23.549
Merkur 23C4.2011
Merkur 34C3.198
Merkur 37C3.318
Merkur 38C4.0010
Merkur Futur4.2511
Muhle R414.2111
Muhle R893.7510
Muhle Rytmo3.709
OneBlade Core4.5312
Parker 26C3.7510
Parker 55SL4.0010
Parker 96R4.3011
Parker Variant4.0010
Parker 99R3.8010

Handle

The Parker 55SL razor has a chrome knurled handle. This textured surface helps improve grip and, ultimately, precision when shaving.

So if you are a little sloppy when generating a lather and get your hands coated in slick shaving cream, you won’t have to worry about accidentally dropping this razor.

Pieces

Parker 55SL is a three-piece safety razor. It is made up of a handle, a baseplate, and a cap. Most wet shaving experts prefer the three-piece design (as opposed to a two or one-piece design) as it makes it much easier to clean thoroughly and less likely to break with extended use.

Of course, changing the razor blade once every week or so may not be as convenient as, say, a butterfly safety razor, but it still is relatively effortless. 

Performance

When shaving with the Parker 55SL razor, you can expect a moderately aggressive shave with good control. The slant of the razor head reduces irritation and makes it easy to get a close shave in only a single pass

We found that it works particularly well for men with sensitive skin, but you should still go easy over areas prone to razor burn.

Country of Origin

Like all Parker razors we have reviewed, the 55SL razor is made in India. While not carrying the same high-quality reputation as Germany or Japan, India makes some great razors. As an added benefit, the cost is often lower, making it a good, budget-friendly option.

Blades

Unlike costly cartridge razors, the Parker 55SL is compatible with all double-edge safety razor blades. Since you are not locked into a proprietary system, you can try, test, and compare any safety razor blade you wish.

Reviews

Aside from our own experience, we always love to see what other customers say about their experience with the Parker 55SL slant razor.

So after spending some time reading reviews at popular online stores, forums, and websites, here is a quick summary of what customers like and dislike:

Several reviewers found the Parker 55SL a great razor praising its length, weight, and balance. They also found that it removed facial hair with ease.

However, some reviewers were disappointed with the razor’s aggressiveness, finding it too much for their liking.

Other Parker Razors

The 55SL isn’t the only Parker razor we’ve reviewed. Below are our thoughts on a few of the other Parker safety razors.

  • Parker 96R: Provides a smooth, comfortable shave. Featuring a knurled handle for a firm grip and a closed comb for a gentle shave, the 96R is an excellent option for beginners. The chrome plating gives the razor a sleek, professional look, and the butterfly opening makes it easy to rotate blades. With a weight of just 2.79 ounces, the 96R is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight razor.
  • Parker 99R: With a swirled handle and a closed comb for a gentle shave, the 99R is another suitable option for beginners. The weight is the same as the 55SL (4.0 ounces) but is a little shorter.
  • Parker Variant:  This is an adjustable safety razor, so you can easily change the aggressiveness of the shave by simply twisting the handle. It is suitable for beginners and experts.

Here’s a table comparing the models mentioned above:

FeatureParker 55SlParker 96RParker 99RParker Variant
CombSlantClosedClosedClosed (Adjustable)
Safety BarScallopedSlight RidgesStraightScalloped
Head CompositionBrassBrassBrassBrass
Handle CompositionBrassBrassBrassBrass
HandleKnurledKnurledSwirlKnurled
PlatingChromeGraphite, ChromeChromeGraphite, Chrome
Country of OriginIndiaIndiaIndiaIndia
Blade CompatibilityAll double-edge safety razor bladesAll double-edge safety razor bladesAll double-edge safety razor bladesAll double-edge safety razor blades
Number of Pieces3112
Weight (oz)3.402.794.003.87
Weight (g)9679113110
Length (in)4.04.33.84.0
Length (cm)10111010
Price$32$30$32$57

The Verdict

Overall the 55SL holds a special place in the hearts of a lot of men. The balanced performance and size make it work well for most. Here are the pros and cons of this safety razor:

Pros

A slanted head reduces irritation on the base of the hair follicle

Textured handle for improved grip

Three piece design is easy to use

Cons

Razor may be too aggressive for some

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