Parker OC Variant

Hi.
Anyone got one of the new OC Variant from Parker yet?
I had bought the Original 5 years ago but the adjustment system was defective.
There seems to have many complaints about this razor back then.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

Just as good a shaver as the SB version but, for me the OC is smoother as it allows some of the lather to flow through the teeth of the combs. It’s an excellent razor for the money. I have 3 versions of the original Variant and the have been flawless performers for me. No issues to speak of mechanically with the adjustment mechanism or with blade and head tolerance. Fit and finish have been exemplary with all 3 and I wouldn’t expect anything less with the OC Variant. 

Thanks for your comments GB!

Interesting!

I have the Parker 24C open comb. I have the Variant. I really like the design of the Parker OC as the teeth are spaced such that it has a smooth feel on the face. The new adjustable OC seems to use that same design. I do not like the chunky teeth of the Karve OC. I do not like the tiny teeth on the Merkur 25C OC, but Parker got it right.

I will wait and see what others think, but the new Parker might be a decent addition to the den.

I just used my Parker Variant OC for the first time. I found it to be superior to the Merkur Progress. The Variant OC does not feel like an open comb at all. Such a smooth shave. I really felt I was done after the first pass; it was just that efficient (I shaved at the 3.5 setting). Just out of curiosity, I did a few strokes at setting 5 against the grain, and it felt just as smooth as 3.5. By comparison, I felt the blade much more when the Progress was opened up all the way. 

I have the SB and have really good success when I use it... Super efficient even at low settings. Definitely worth the money. I'm generally not a fan of OC, but might give this one a try.

I just used my Parker Variant OC for the first time. I found it to be superior to the Merkur Progress. The Variant OC does not feel like an open comb at all. Such a smooth shave. I really felt I was done after the first pass; it was just that efficient (I shaved at the 3.5 setting). Just out of curiosity, I did a few strokes at setting 5 against the grain, and it felt just as smooth as 3.5. By comparison, I felt the blade much more when the Progress was opened up all the way. 

Nice, looks like the used the same design as Timeless for the OC's

I had not thought of that, Dave, but you are right. The rounded teeth are just as comfortable as the Timeless .95 open comb. There was definitely a similarity in how the two feel. The real test will be the head shave tomorrow. The Timeless, like most razors, has trouble on the back fringe.

You don’t need to spend big buck$ to give yourself a world class shave. Case in point, this razor right here and a few others to be honest. The OC Variant though does something better than most economically priced razors in this price range and to others priced a couple tiers up if you will. The design is straightforward for an adjustable. Yes, it lacks the exotic alloy fabrication and the unobtanium components to make it “shave class elite certified” which is simply whimsical to me. But, I digress as what’s important here is how does this tool work compared to the many, many thousands of razor aids available to the wet shave universe.

Two words. Simply superb. Excellent on skin that feels soft and comfortable while still giving the whiskers the business of being annihilated in a precise and efficient manner. Super easy to use and dial in as it’s just a 2 piece kit that only a TTO razor would make it any simpler in adding & removing a blade.

Affordable, quality construction and a very nice looking razor that gives you multiple settings and variances of shave properties all in one complete package. A very, very capable razor that is a must consideration for anyone who would like to test the waters in an adjustable razor configuration without giving up much $$$.

From shave newbie to shave pro, this thing brings it. Great shaves to all….

The Open Comb Variant has been exactly as advertised and then some. A smooth feeling shave with moderate blade feel depending where on the dial you have your settings at. I opened it up at max and though it wasn’t terrifying but, blade feel is significant there and yet I find it to be composed. Blade resonance is also amplified which tells me that blade support is not optimal and some potential skipping & flexing can happen especially with longer and thicker whisker growth. Not saying that it won’t serve its purpose and one can’t get a comfortable and effective shave, just one has to be mindful that it does not have the best in blade stability & rigidity. Nevertheless, it still has and carries an inherent nature by design to be a smooth & comfy shaver. And more so with the open comb design. It allows a bit more lather flow and leave some of that residual lather for subsequent passes and touch ups without reaching for the brush for more soap. The OG is a very, very good razors that delivers exceptionally great shaves. I just think this version is slightly better at the point of attack, where steel meets whiskers.

A superb value very a nicely produced razor.