When it comes to buying a safety razor, you have a lot of options. Safety razors come in all different sizes, weights, grips, designs, levels of aggressiveness... But there is one design feature where you’re pretty limited on options: there aren’t many open comb safety razors out there.
But today, we are going to take a look at one of the more popular open comb safety razors: the Parker 24C.
If you are not familiar with Parker, they are an Indian company that is well known for making a number of big, heavy and aggressive safety razors. Most of their razors are in the entry-level price range but they are very well made and durable. I think some wet shaving snobs/elitists overlook Parker razors, but I’m a big fan of them. They aren’t for everyone because they tend to be pretty aggressive, but for men with thick and coarse beards, these are a really good option.
Alright, enough chit chat. Let’s get into the review and see if the Parker 24C open comb safety razor is the right one for you.
Pros
- Superb grip
- Good size and weight
- Very aggressive - excellent for men with thick, coarse beards
- Great value for price
- Durable design
Cons
- Not recommended for beginners due to aggressiveness and open tooth comb razorhead
- Not very forgiving/gentle
Product Overview & Specs
- 3-piece open comb double-edge safety razor
- 4 inches long
- 3.3 ounces
- Solid brass frame with chrome plating
- Made in India
Key Features of the Parker 24C
Excellent Weight and Balance Point
Parker safety razors are typically known for being above average in weight, and the 24C lives up to the reputation. At 3.3 ounces, it has a good amount of weight to it. It is slightly handle heavy and I normally prefer razorhead heavy, but the weight distribution is still pretty good. The balance point is a little over an inch below the razorhead which makes it easy to hold comfortably.
Superior Grip
The grip on the handle of the Parker 24C is really, really good. I still think the knurling on the Merkur safety razors is my favorite, but this isn’t far behind. It feels gritty/grippy but is still comfortable and soft on your hands and fingers. The texture reminds me a little bit of like the gritty texture on dumbbell weights.
Additionally, there’s also 4 smooth horizontal grooves on the handle that help you get a good, comfortable grip. Plus, the oversize knob at the bottom makes it really easy to rest your pinky and have good control.
Overall, the grip on the 24C is one of the best out there.
Long Handle
Are you looking for a safety razor with a long handle? Well it so, the Parker 24C definitely checks that box. At 4 inches long, the 24c is one of the longer safety razors on the market.
The long handle is probably best suited for men with bigger hands, but men with smaller hands can comfortably shave with it too. There are multiple ways you can comfortably hold the razor, it just depends on your preference. So men with small(er) hands — don’t be intimidated by the length! Yes, it might take a little getting used to, but you can choke up on it and still use it comfortably.
Above Average Aggressiveness
Parker safety razors are pretty well known for being above average when it comes to aggressiveness, and the 24C is no exception. I rate it as around a 7/10 on the aggressiveness scale. So what makes it so aggressive?
Well first of all, it has an open comb. So when you shave with an open tooth razor, more pressure is put directly on the blade rather than the guard bar like on straight bar closed comb razors.
Secondly, like with all other Parker’s I’ve ever used, the blade gap is pretty sizable. However, I do think it is slightly smaller blade gap on the 24C than on most other Parker razors and this helps tone down the aggressiveness a little.
Durable 3-Piece Design
The Parker 24C may be considered a “budget” safety razor by many because of its entry-level price tag, but it’s still very durable. It’s a 3-piece safety razor, which I prefer to other Parker razors that are butterfly open. The hinges on the butterfly open razors are more likely to wear out before a solidly made 3-piece.
Additionally, the materials used to make the 24C make it very durable as well. The frame is brass but it is chrome plated. Bottom line -- keep your 24C clean and perform routine maintenance and it will last a long time.
Who Do We Recommend The Parker 24C For?
The Parker 24C is a really good and unique safety razor. There aren’t many open tooth comb safety razors out there, and this is one of the most popular. The rest of the design is very similar to what you would expect from a Parker: big, hefty and aggressive. So if you’re a man with a really thick and/or coarse beard and need something extra aggressive, this is a really good option.
I would not recommend the 24C to any beginner wet shaver. It’s just not going to be forgiving enough. Beginners really need to learn technique with something a little less aggressive and more gentle on your face.
I also wouldn’t recommend the 24C to anyone that has light or fine facial hair. It’s just unnecessary to use anything this aggressive. Unless you have a really thick, coarse stubble, there’s no reason so use a razor this aggressive.
What Are Some Other Safety Razors To Consider?
Merkur 1904
The Merkur 1904 is another popular open tooth comb safety razor. I really like the 1904’s design as it has a very old school look but it very functional. The 1904 is also a 3-piece safety razor like the 24C, however it is a little shorter and lighter than the Parker 24c.
The 1904 is also noticeably less aggressive than the 24C. I rate it as a 5/10, which is kind of mild considering it is an open tooth comb razor. And even though it’s only moderately aggressive, I still wouldn’t recommend for beginners. It’s just too tough to learn technique with an open comb without cutting yourself up a little too much. But if you know how to use a safety razor correctly and are looking for an open tooth comb that is a little more mild, the Merkur 1904 is your best option.
Parker 96R
Still want something pretty aggressive but not ready for the open tooth comb design yet? Well then you should take a closer look at the Parker 96R.
The 96R is a butterfly open, closed comb safety razor. It has really good weight (3.75 ounces) and really good length (4 inches). And while it’s not one of my favorite grips, it’s more than adequate and functional.
Like the 24C, I also rate the 96R as a 7/10 on the aggressiveness scale. It’s got a bigger blade gap, but the closed comb helps tone it down just a tad. Because it is so aggressive, it should really only be used by men with thick, tough beards.
Merkur 34C
The Merkur 34C is one of my favorite safety razors. It’s a little shorter at 3.3 inches long, but it’s got excellent weight distribution and weighs a solid 2.7 ounces. The grip on the 34C is possibly the best out there as the knurling is top quality and the knob at the bottom with vertical ridges adds some additional texture..
The Merkur 34C is an excellent safety razor for beginners. It’s moderately aggressive so you can comfortably learn good technique while getting a great shave. The 34C isn’t just for beginners though -- I still use the 34C in my rotation pretty frequently as it is one of my go-to safety razors.
Still not sure any of these safety razors is the right option? Then go checkout my comprehensive review guide if safety razors on the market right now. It has all the information you need to find the best safety razor in your budget.
