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

Features	Parker 55Sl
Comb	Slant
Safety Bar	Scalloped
Head Composition	Brass
Handle Composition	Brass
Handle	Knurled
Plating	Chrome
Country of Origin	India
Blade Compatibility	All double-edge safety razors
Number of Pieces	3
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:

Here’s a table of the underlying data:

Safety Razor	Weight (ounces)	Weight (grams)
Bevel	3.10	88
Edwin Jagger DE89	2.36	67
Feather AS-D2	3.40	96
Merkur 23C	2.12	60
Merkur 34C	2.72	77
Merkur 37C	2.72	77
Merkur 38C	3.88	110
Merkur Futur	4.44	126
Muhle R41	3.17	90
Muhle R89	2.40	68
Muhle Rytmo	2.47	70
OneBlade Core	2.33	66
Parker 55SL	3.40	96
Parker 96R	2.79	79
Parker 99R	4.00	113

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:

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

Safety Razor	Length (in)	Length (cm)
Bevel	4.41	11
Edwin Jagger DE89	3.74	10
Feather AS-D2	3.54	9
Merkur 23C	4.20	11
Merkur 34C	3.19	8
Merkur 37C	3.31	8
Merkur 38C	4.00	10
Merkur Futur	4.25	11
Muhle R41	4.21	11
Muhle R89	3.75	10
Muhle Rytmo	3.70	9
OneBlade Core	4.53	12
Parker 26C	3.75	10
Parker 55SL	4.00	10
Parker 96R	4.30	11
Parker Variant	4.00	10
Parker 99R	3.80	10

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:

Feature	Parker 55Sl	Parker 96R	Parker 99R	Parker Variant
Comb	Slant	Closed	Closed	Closed (Adjustable)
Safety Bar	Scalloped	Slight Ridges	Straight	Scalloped
Head Composition	Brass	Brass	Brass	Brass
Handle Composition	Brass	Brass	Brass	Brass
Handle	Knurled	Knurled	Swirl	Knurled
Plating	Chrome	Graphite, Chrome	Chrome	Graphite, Chrome
Country of Origin	India	India	India	India
Blade Compatibility	All double-edge safety razor blades	All double-edge safety razor blades	All double-edge safety razor blades	All double-edge safety razor blades
Number of Pieces	3	1	1	2
Weight (oz)	3.40	2.79	4.00	3.87
Weight (g)	96	79	113	110
Length (in)	4.0	4.3	3.8	4.0
Length (cm)	10	11	10	10
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: