Adjustable Stainless Razor Choices

[Dimitri]

Hey gent's. So, I've been shaving with an adjustable razor for close to 30 years. I started with a Merkur Progress, and for about the last 15, a Futur. I know the Futur is a very divisive razor, but I love that razor. With Personna CC's or Bic CP's, it's been a one pass razor for me. Recently, I purchased some replacement parts for it because of erosion in the Zamak head (I have a post with pics here.) No big deal I thought, I just purchased the replacement parts, and even purchased a second one. Then I discovered that there are razors made in SS, titanium, aluminum etc., i.e. low maintenance materials (Goes to show you how long I've been away from this site).

Anyway, I've decided I want a stainless razor. I had been looking at the Edwin Jagger 3one6, Muhle Rocca, Rex Envoy. But, I've been spoiled by using an adjustable for so long that I want to stick with an adjustable, but am unaware of all of the stainless adustables that are out there. I'm trying to compile a list of adjustables to choose from. I have a list below of the ones I've been looking at, but I'm sure I'm missing quite a few more. If you guys could help me compile a list and give me your thoughts on those razors, I'd appreciate it. I know there are other stain-"less" materials, but stainless steel is my preference.

The ones I'm considering thus far:

-Pearl Flexi (I think these might be plated brass, correct? I think I could live with that)
-Rex Ambassador (heavily considering)
-Tatara Muramasa (a bit spendy)
-Blackland Osprey (heavily considering)
-Rockwell T2

As noted above, the Osprey and Ambassador are my top contenders so far, but that's mainly because I'm not aware of all the other stainless adjustables out there. I know some might suggest a vintage razor, but I'm really not interested in those.

What's missing from my list guys? Help a brother out.

 

[AshleyC]

Someone here said the Pearl Flexis aren't plated, but made of an alloy called "white brass".

 

[86-foxtrot]

The Rex Ambassador is the only one I've tried on your list. So I can't recommend anything of comparison. If you decide you want a Rex Ambassador I have a complete set (Stainless steel stand, travel case) listed on the B/S/T.

 

[Dimitri]

The Rex Ambassador is the only one I've tried on your list. So I can't recommend anything of comparison. If you decide you want a Rex Ambassador I have a complete set (Stainless steel stand, travel case) listed on the B/S/T.

Is there a reason you're wanting to part with it? Not happy with the quality, or quality of the shave?

 

[bbobbdd]

The Rex Ambassador is the only one I've tried on your list. So I can't recommend anything of comparison. If you decide you want a Rex Ambassador I have a complete set (Stainless steel stand, travel case) listed on the B/S/T.

The Rex Ambassador is the only one I've tried on your list. So I can't recommend anything of comparison. If you decide you want a Rex Ambassador I have a complete set (Stainless steel stand, travel case) listed on the B/S/T.

May I ask what B/S/T stands for? Could you provide a link? Thanks!

 

[86-foxtrot]

Is there a reason you're wanting to part with it? Not happy with the quality, or quality of the shave?

I started wetshaving back in 2011. I slowly gravitated towards adjustables (Merkur Futur, Rocnel, Rex Ambassador, Gibbs). I didn't fiddle with the adjustment knobs much throughout the shaves.

These days I use very efficient razors with no adjustments. So it's more that I don't find the benefit of adjustable razors for my situation and face.

There are no issues with the Rex Ambassador. I just don't find myself using it. It sat on the shelf for a few years between use. I alternative between an Ikon Tech DE, Asylum Rx AC, and Shield GEM.

All other razors don't get used in the rotation. Thus why I am selling. Hoping to find someone to give it a proper home.

 

[86-foxtrot]

May I ask what B/S/T stands for? Could you provide a link? Thanks!

It stands for the Buy/Sale/Trade marketplace.

Buy- Sell- Trade

This forum is to Buy, Sell and trade gear in a non commercial way to fellow enthusiasts.

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[Shaun asleep]

I am a big fan of the Rex Ambassador. A Pearl Flexi is basically a tamed Rex. It's a bit less aggressive and blade forward, it's heavier, visually less appealing and it is coated brass rather than stainless steel. But it's a fine razor.

Yaqi ultima should be on your list, it's stainless steel and like the Flexi and the Ambassador they are Gibbs inspired razors. I. E. They operate the same way.

Gl chosing, either one will be great.

The Rockwell is pretty mild.

 

[DesertIguana]

Honestly don’t know why Adjustables are not more popular.

They provide flexibility like having 5 or more razors.

 

[Dimitri]

Honestly don’t know why Adjustables are not more popular.

They provide flexibility like having 5 or more razors.

Totally. You can take a blade that may have a rep as being sub-par and have a great shave with it by playing with the settings and finding its "sweet spot," or tame down blades that are considered overly aggressive. I've pretty much found my Goldilocks blades and don't have to do that anymore. Being able to adjust for beard growth though is a huge plus for me. It's this kind of versatility that makes me prefer the adjustables.

 

[Lightcs1776]

I really enjoy both the Rex and the Rockwell. They are very different razors. The Rockwell doesn’t have nearly the blade feel as the Rex. However, I can get a closer shave the first pass with the Rex.

 

[Dimitri]

I really enjoy both the Rex and the Rockwell. They are very different razors. The Rockwell doesn’t have nearly the blade feel as the Rex. However, I can get a closer shave the first pass with the Rex.

That's good to know. I consider blade feel/feedback a plus.

 

[abies]

Hey gent's. So, I've been shaving with an adjustable razor for close to 30 years. I started with a Merkur Progress, and for about the last 15, a Futur. I know the Futur is a very divisive razor, but I love that razor. With Personna CC's or Bic CP's, it's been a one pass razor for me. Recently, I purchased some replacement parts for it because of erosion in the Zamak head (I have a post with pics here.) No big deal I thought, I just purchased the replacement parts, and even purchased a second one. Then I discovered that there are razors made in SS, titanium, aluminum etc., i.e. low maintenance materials (Goes to show you how long I've been away from this site).

Anyway, I've decided I want a stainless razor. I had been looking at the Edwin Jagger 3one6, Muhle Rocca, Rex Envoy. But, I've been spoiled by using an adjustable for so long that I want to stick with an adjustable, but am unaware of all of the stainless adustables that are out there. I'm trying to compile a list of adjustables to choose from. I have a list below of the ones I've been looking at, but I'm sure I'm missing quite a few more. If you guys could help me compile a list and give me your thoughts on those razors, I'd appreciate it. I know there are other stain-"less" materials, but stainless steel is my preference.

The ones I'm considering thus far:

-Pearl Flexi (I think these might be plated brass, correct? I think I could live with that)
-Rex Ambassador (heavily considering)
-Tatara Muramasa (a bit spendy)
-Blackland Osprey (heavily considering)
-Rockwell T2

As noted above, the Osprey and Ambassador are my top contenders so far, but that's mainly because I'm not aware of all the other stainless adjustables out there. I know some might suggest a vintage razor, but I'm really not interested in those.

What's missing from my list guys? Help a brother out.

I have the Muramasa and love it, but honestly if you like the Futur I'd probably think heavily about the Rex Ambassador or Osprey. I have no experience with either but they seem like a good fit for you. The Rex has a reputation for being aggressive — maybe overly so, but then again coming from the Futur probably not an issue. The Osprey I have less of a sense of but my guess is it would be better made and more "customizable" in terms of balance and weight. It's certainly a more novel mechanism.

I'm curious what someone would say if they had both the Futur and either the Rex or Osprey.

The Muramasa is an amazing razor but definitely on the mild end, very different from the Futur (although I haven't tried the Muramasa in the high settings so it might be more comparable on that end).

With the types of metals you're talking about, I can't think of any other true adjustables offhand. I guess the Yaqi Gibbs style, similar to the Flexi or Ambassador? I just noticed someone mentioned that above, which I agree would be another one to look at. I'm not sure how the Yaqi would compare to the Rex.

There's also the Homelike (?) razors which are another stainless Gibbs-style razor, but they might be hard to get at the moment, being made in Russia, depending on where you are.

 

[Cal]

Someone here said the Pearl Flexis aren't plated, but made of an alloy called "white brass".

Nope, plated brass Ashley:

REFERENCE

 

[Hairy Callahan]

I've been having really good shaves with the Merkur Progress. Mine gets the job done on "4" when loaded with a Voshkod blade. When I first got it, I figured that short handle with the texture only going in one direction would make it a slip monster in the hand. But surprisingly, this thing is a snap to use and hang onto. Great audio feedback and forgiving angle. And, unlike some other folks, I don't mind the plastic adjuster. It has sort of an antique vibe. It's cream colored in reality (internet photos make it look yellow), and it feels more like bakelite than cheap plastic. Plus, it's larger in diameter than the handle, so it's a natural grip area. This model has been around the block. By some accounts it's been in the Merkur catalog since 1955. The threads scare me a little, I must admit. This thing is made of cast Zamak or some such pot metal, so the lifespan of the threads is cause for concern. Since there's no such thing as a "high end" Progress made of stainless, I'm thinking of rat-holing a few of these for the ol bunker. Never know.

 

[spacemonkey42]

The Osprey is an exceptional razor! I've been very impressed with the smoothness and blade rigidity. It has a very large range. I am not a fan of super heavy razors, but the balance of the Osprey makes the weight melt away. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I've been having really good shaves with the Merkur Progress. Mine gets the job done on "4" when loaded with a Voshkod blade. When I first got it, I figured that short handle with the texture only going in one direction would make it a slip monster in the hand. But surprisingly, this thing is a snap to use and hang onto. Great audio feedback and forgiving angle. And, unlike some other folks, I don't mind the plastic adjuster. It has sort of an antique vibe. It's cream colored in reality (internet photos make it look yellow), and it feels more like bakelite than cheap plastic. Plus, it's larger in diameter than the handle, so it's a natural grip area. This model has been around the block. By some accounts it's been in the Merkur catalog since 1955. The threads scare me a little, I must admit. This thing is made of cast Zamak or some such pot metal, so the lifespan of the threads is cause for concern. Since there's no such thing as a "high end" Progress made of stainless, I'm thinking of rat-holing a few of these for the ol bunker. Never know.

At the Merkur website, you can buy replacement parts... caps, the little "spring" that allows the resistance when adjusting the gap, etc. Those parts are available for all their razors... both long and short handle Progress razors... 34C, 38C, etc. They are reasonably priced.

Of course, you can buy a couple back-up razors as well, if you prefer.

 

[walpan]

I have owned the Pearl Flex, the Rex Ambassador, the Rex Konsul, the Osprey and the Rockwell T2 SS and the Merkur Progress. I found the Flexi lacking in many categories, i.e. comfort of shave, maneuverability, and smoothness. The Rex Ambassador is an extremely well made razor as is the Konsul. The Ambassador is a bit more aggressive than the Konsul, but I found both to be equally efficient. The Konsul is much smoother than the Ambassador. I did not get on well with the Ambassador, but that was in my beginning stages of DE shaving. I probably would feel different know. The Konsul is the only adjustable that I own. It is a wonderful, yet expensive, tool. Great shaves with superb efficiency and comfort. The Rockwell is also a very good adjustable. It is a TTO, twist to open, razor. It is very heavy, not as heavy or bulky as the Flexi. I found it to be very mild at all settings, even at 6. I prefer a more efficient razor. The Progress really is a great, inexpensive razor. It is very comfortable. Finally, the Osprey. Blackland created a very unique razor. It is visually beautiful and very well balanced. It gives the option to lighten the razor by removing the center insert. Some of the initial issues have been resolved by them. Some of the issues were visibility of the number and the sharpness of the handle cutouts. But, for me, the issue of having to loosen the head in order to change the settings was unfortunate and a deal breaker. As I said I only have the Konsul as my adjustable, and I am very happy with that decision. As in all thing wet shaving YMMV.

 

[bbobbdd]

Well I know a lot has been covered and this thread has some age to it. But, I wanted to share that there is a new(er) adjustable on the block. It's called the Oliblade made by Oliworks. I was a bit skeptical at first, but must admit I'm in luv (no affiliation) with it. It's quality, weight, and ability to give a great shave is why I mention it. Just thought I'd mention it if you're still looking.

 

[Edgelord]

At the Merkur website, you can buy replacement parts... caps, the little "spring" that allows the resistance when adjusting the gap, etc. Those parts are available for all their razors... both long and short handle Progress razors... 34C, 38C, etc. They are reasonably priced.

Of course, you can buy a couple back-up razors as well, if you prefer.

My Progresses (500 and 510) are two of my favorite razors.

If I ever find a 1950’s vintage cheap pristine Progress in the ivory plastic or Bakelite case… I am buying it.