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A Review Of The Rockwell Model T

I received my highly anticipated Rockwell Model T (“MT”) a couple of weeks ago.

The packaging and presentation is lovely! It's a really nice touch to send the razor in the very nice presentation box. The razor comes with 5 Rockwell blades and a really nice leather sheath to for travel.
I am one of those people that have a preference for minimal wastage so even a protective cardboard box would be perfectly okay but the Model T box is definitely really nice!

This razor is absolutely gorgeous! I hope my photos do it justice. The gunmetal finish is flawless and looks great!

I will admit I prefer a matte finish (on everything!) but this is just beautiful and much nicer than I had expected.

Here are pics of my new Model T:

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Let’s firstly discuss the build quality, as this seems to be a major discussion point in recent reviews of the Model T…

As mentioned, the plating/finish is flawless. I can’t find a single blemish or plating bubble or rough spots anywhere on the razor.

The TTO doors open and close perfectly. No lazy door and no it’s a very smooth action. The doors line up perfectly when closed.

The adjustment mechanism is very smooth and not too loose so a gentle wipe with a towel after the shave doesn’t cause the adjustment ring to move. This is one irritation I have with the Merkur Progress, where even a light touch causes the adjuster knob to move so I always need to be mindful and check the setting before I begin my shave the following day.

Now let’s move on the shave performance…

First thing I'll mention is the face feel of the razor is very similar to the Gillette adjustable razors! No doubt about it in my mind.

However, the MT is much more efficient! The Slim, black beauty etc even on 9 were borderline capable of giving me a good shave and at this setting, they were not very comfortable.

The MT set of 4 (of 6) was very efficient. I got BBS after my usual 3.5 pass shave but it was comfortable too. No irritation like I always seemed to get from the vintage Gillette razors.

Even though my stubble would probably do well with a higher setting, I feel my skin will not allow going beyond setting 4.
I know the MT and 6S are totally different razors but if I compare them, the 6S on R6 is still my favourite razor due to the cutting angle (it bends the blade more). Plus the 6S with its matte finish is, for me, the nicest looking stainless steel razor on the market!

The MT is designed to replicate the Gillette adjustable head, which it does extremely well! The face feel is essentially the same but the MT does give higher efficiency. I did attempt to go beyond setting 4 and whilst the extra efficiency was good, my skin didn't cope with it so it seems #4 is the best balance of comfort/efficiency for me.

I did take it down to 3 just to see how it felt and whilst the smoothness increased, the efficiency, as expected, reduced to the point where I didn’t get a BBS.

The razor is also extremely well balanced with the balance point about 1cm below the adjuster. I find this to be the perfect place to hold the razor.

It's a smooth shaver and feels good on the skin. The efficiency range is excellent as I have a tough beard and use the 6 plate on the 6S and 6C and D plate on the Karve.

I could easily go higher for efficiency but my skin won't allow it.

So #4 on the Rockwell is basically equal to R6 for efficiency. Leaving #5 and #6 for those whose skin can take the extra efficiency.

After the fairly long wait, I’m glad to have this beautiful razor in my den!

I already had the Rockwell 6S and 6C, both of which I love! The Model T is a fantastic addition from Rockwell and I would say, Rockwell is my favourite razor company!!
 
I received my highly anticipated Rockwell Model T (“MT”) a couple of weeks ago.

The packaging and presentation is lovely! It's a really nice touch to send the razor in the very nice presentation box. The razor comes with 5 Rockwell blades and a really nice leather sheath to for travel.
I am one of those people that have a preference for minimal wastage so even a protective cardboard box would be perfectly okay but the Model T box is definitely really nice!

This razor is absolutely gorgeous! I hope my photos do it justice. The gunmetal finish is flawless and looks great!

I will admit I prefer a matte finish (on everything!) but this is just beautiful and much nicer than I had expected.

Here are pics of my new Model T:

proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php


proxy.php



Let’s firstly discuss the build quality, as this seems to be a major discussion point in recent reviews of the Model T…

As mentioned, the plating/finish is flawless. I can’t find a single blemish or plating bubble or rough spots anywhere on the razor.

The TTO doors open and close perfectly. No lazy door and no it’s a very smooth action. The doors line up perfectly when closed.

The adjustment mechanism is very smooth and not too loose so a gentle wipe with a towel after the shave doesn’t cause the adjustment ring to move. This is one irritation I have with the Merkur Progress, where even a light touch causes the adjuster knob to move so I always need to be mindful and check the setting before I begin my shave the following day.

Now let’s move on the shave performance…

First thing I'll mention is the face feel of the razor is very similar to the Gillette adjustable razors! No doubt about it in my mind.

However, the MT is much more efficient! The Slim, black beauty etc even on 9 were borderline capable of giving me a good shave and at this setting, they were not very comfortable.

The MT set of 4 (of 6) was very efficient. I got BBS after my usual 3.5 pass shave but it was comfortable too. No irritation like I always seemed to get from the vintage Gillette razors.

Even though my stubble would probably do well with a higher setting, I feel my skin will not allow going beyond setting 4.
I know the MT and 6S are totally different razors but if I compare them, the 6S on R6 is still my favourite razor due to the cutting angle (it bends the blade more). Plus the 6S with its matte finish is, for me, the nicest looking stainless steel razor on the market!

The MT is designed to replicate the Gillette adjustable head, which it does extremely well! The face feel is essentially the same but the MT does give higher efficiency. I did attempt to go beyond setting 4 and whilst the extra efficiency was good, my skin didn't cope with it so it seems #4 is the best balance of comfort/efficiency for me.

I did take it down to 3 just to see how it felt and whilst the smoothness increased, the efficiency, as expected, reduced to the point where I didn’t get a BBS.

The razor is also extremely well balanced with the balance point about 1cm below the adjuster. I find this to be the perfect place to hold the razor.

It's a smooth shaver and feels good on the skin. The efficiency range is excellent as I have a tough beard and use the 6 plate on the 6S and 6C and D plate on the Karve.

I could easily go higher for efficiency but my skin won't allow it.

So #4 on the Rockwell is basically equal to R6 for efficiency. Leaving #5 and #6 for those whose skin can take the extra efficiency.

After the fairly long wait, I’m glad to have this beautiful razor in my den!

I already had the Rockwell 6S and 6C, both of which I love! The Model T is a fantastic addition from Rockwell and I would say, Rockwell is my favourite razor company!!

Nav buddy,

Thanks for the review, the razor looks spectacular!

Good to know that modern adjustable razors do work well :)!

Happy shaves,

Mawashi
 

ajkel64

Check Out Chick
Staff member
Thanks for the review. Congratulations on the razor, it is a stunner. And I am usually a vintage razor man.
 
Even taking the price difference completely out of the equation, I actually find myself desiring the Model T over the Rex Ambassador. For me, there's just something about a Rockwell (gunmetal 6C owner here).
 
Thanks everyone! Glad you enjoyed the review.

Very nice looking razor there !
Silo door height well within control for under nose use?

Yeah, it's more like the profile of a slim adjustable rather than the fatboy. Fairly easy to get under the nose.
 
Even taking the price difference completely out of the equation, I actually find myself desiring the Model T over the Rex Ambassador. For me, there's just something about a Rockwell (gunmetal 6C owner here).

I agree that Rockwell makes a good product. But a negative in that comparison is that their model T uses zamak in the head. Whereas I think the Rex is either all brass or all stainless isn't it? If so the Rex would probably be a longer lasting product.
 
@nav and @poikkeus Nice reviews and photos. Curious: how do you like the Rockwell blades. I tried them in my Rockwell S and other razors and did not care for them. However, I bought my razor a long time ago.
 
I waited a good while for mine (gunmetal) on Indigogo, but like many others, I have found it was absolutely worth the wait. This is a great razor. I would do it all again. In fact, I have a second on order for my son, back when they were still taking website orders. That has been on the unfulfilled list since May 2018, but it's a gift for my new Eagle Scout, so I am in no rush..

In terms of the Zamak? As I recall it is in the bed, and as I pretty careful with any razor, I am fairly unconcerned. I have other zamak razors, including some with a lot more of it than the bed and I haven't managed to destroy those either...
I have found that the adjustment numbers pretty closely parallel the plate numbers on my Rockwell 6S (YMMV). Paired with my favourite Dorco Prime Platinum blades, it is one of the better shave combos I own. Good for days I need to buzz through, get a great shave, and be about my business.

My only concern for the Model T is that after following the difficulties they have had in getting the project ramped up, and the fact that Rockwell is no longer even taking orders, I honestly wonder if it will be something they offer at all once the backlogs are filled. Maybe it's just too labor intensive to make, and they are fulfilling their promises but the Model T will be quietly killed. If it came to that point unfortunately, I think they may have inadvertently created a collectors item down the line. This really is a fine razor...
 
@nav and @poikkeus Nice reviews and photos. Curious: how do you like the Rockwell blades. I tried them in my Rockwell S and other razors and did not care for them. However, I bought my razor a long time ago.

The Rockwell blades are, sadly, not quite up to the standard of the 6S or Model T. I use them for one shave; even then, there's too much "drag" on my beard, a sign the blade isn't sharp enough.

Any number of blades work better, but I was surprised how well Derby Premium shaves ($7.59/100). Excellent first and second shaves, and it still shaves fairly well until the fourth shave.
 
I’m still waiting for mine and it’s very frustrating.
deafficianado, Hi! just out of interest, how long have you been on the list for the Model T. I only ask because I've just been put on the wait list too and there wasn't any info' (that I could see) advising of the wait time. As I say, I'm just interested and can play the waiting game.
Cheers!
Cliff.
 
@nav and @poikkeus Nice reviews and photos. Curious: how do you like the Rockwell blades. I tried them in my Rockwell S and other razors and did not care for them. However, I bought my razor a long time ago.

Thank you!

The Rockwell blades are the complete opposite to Rockwell razors!
I didn't get along with them at all!!

I waited a good while for mine (gunmetal) on Indigogo, but like many others, I have found it was absolutely worth the wait. This is a great razor. I would do it all again. In fact, I have a second on order for my son, back when they were still taking website orders. That has been on the unfulfilled list since May 2018, but it's a gift for my new Eagle Scout, so I am in no rush..

In terms of the Zamak? As I recall it is in the bed, and as I pretty careful with any razor, I am fairly unconcerned. I have other zamak razors, including some with a lot more of it than the bed and I haven't managed to destroy those either...
I have found that the adjustment numbers pretty closely parallel the plate numbers on my Rockwell 6S (YMMV). Paired with my favourite Dorco Prime Platinum blades, it is one of the better shave combos I own. Good for days I need to buzz through, get a great shave, and be about my business.

My only concern for the Model T is that after following the difficulties they have had in getting the project ramped up, and the fact that Rockwell is no longer even taking orders, I honestly wonder if it will be something they offer at all once the backlogs are filled. Maybe it's just too labor intensive to make, and they are fulfilling their promises but the Model T will be quietly killed. If it came to that point unfortunately, I think they may have inadvertently created a collectors item down the line. This really is a fine razor...

WOW I had no idea they are not accepting orders now.
We may indeed be holding collectors pieces in our hands!
 
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