Can't really help much on the slant side, as I really didn't care for most of the slants I've tried. The two I've owned that were nice shavers, out of 6 or 7, were the short lived Stirling and the Ikon X3, yet didn't care for most of the others. The Fine Metal, not to be confused with their ABS (plastic) offering, shaved well, however, I didn't think it shaved well enough to justified the premium price tag. (The Fine was part of a pass-around I participated in). I'm just not a slant person, I admit it, I'd rather have an OC than a Slant. Even the X3 is going, I finally took pics over the weekend, so I can list it on BST.
If you're looking for a strait bar (smooth bar), the Gillette Adjustables give a nice shave and have the option to 'adjust' to just how much blade feel or gap you want. - I know a used razor sometimes bothers people, but it's an option for an all brass constructed razor for maybe $30 or so. (Fat-Boys are the smoothest for me, but the Slim and Super Adjustable shave closer).
If you want new, relatively inexpensive adjustable, there's also the Futur clones, which can be had for $10 or less, if you don't mind a couple week wait, or around $20 for one already in country. They shave surprisingly well, and are quite smooth doing so. Honestly, it shaves smoother up until maybe 4.5 than my Rockwell, and never clogs. - Quality is hit or miss, most align really well, but some can have uneven blade exposure or tilt to them.
Up the ladder and more modern in the adjustable arena is the Merkur Futur and Progress, and of course the Parker Variant, which is an improved or tweaked Progress design by Parker. The Progress and Variant are easier to load a blade into, and a bit more controllable than the Futur or it's clones. While I've never had a problem with mine (MingShi Clone), others occasionally have cut a thumb or finger popping the cap off to load their blade.
The Rockwell may also be an option, with interchangeable base plates. They have the 6S at around $100, and the 6C around $50, the former being made of stainless, the latter chromed zamak/zinc alloy. My 6S was my favorite razor for the longest time, just an easy razor to shave with, even with plate R6, the most aggressive. (Mine has R6 permanently installed for the most part).
For open comb, the Schone/Fatip is pretty nice for the money, typically mid $20s, for vintage the Gillette New LC or SC, with my preference lately being the SC. (Once you find the angle, the SC is more comfortable, at least on my face). I feel the Gillette SC is better shaver, however, others will probably favor the Schone or Fatip (nearly the same razor).
For a premium or luxury razor, take a look at Timeless. There were a couple of used ones on this board last week, and Timeless themselves sells returns, after cleaning & disinfecting them. I have their .95 OC in Stainless, and it's a very smooth razor, and actually smoother than many strait bar razors, but oh so much more efficient. - On early mornings, like today, I simply face lather and just do a ATG right off the bat, with a little touch-up XTG/WTG depending upon area, and I'm BBS. I shave pretty much daily, and mostly use my 95 OC daily, other than a King Gillette weekend or taking a day to mix it up. (If I could have just one razor, it would be my Timeless). - If you don't mind spending maybe $150, and actually if you grab a $10 + s&h Weber blemished handle, maybe less, that would be my best pick for a fantastic razor.
If you're looking for a strait bar (smooth bar), the Gillette Adjustables give a nice shave and have the option to 'adjust' to just how much blade feel or gap you want. - I know a used razor sometimes bothers people, but it's an option for an all brass constructed razor for maybe $30 or so. (Fat-Boys are the smoothest for me, but the Slim and Super Adjustable shave closer).
If you want new, relatively inexpensive adjustable, there's also the Futur clones, which can be had for $10 or less, if you don't mind a couple week wait, or around $20 for one already in country. They shave surprisingly well, and are quite smooth doing so. Honestly, it shaves smoother up until maybe 4.5 than my Rockwell, and never clogs. - Quality is hit or miss, most align really well, but some can have uneven blade exposure or tilt to them.
Up the ladder and more modern in the adjustable arena is the Merkur Futur and Progress, and of course the Parker Variant, which is an improved or tweaked Progress design by Parker. The Progress and Variant are easier to load a blade into, and a bit more controllable than the Futur or it's clones. While I've never had a problem with mine (MingShi Clone), others occasionally have cut a thumb or finger popping the cap off to load their blade.
The Rockwell may also be an option, with interchangeable base plates. They have the 6S at around $100, and the 6C around $50, the former being made of stainless, the latter chromed zamak/zinc alloy. My 6S was my favorite razor for the longest time, just an easy razor to shave with, even with plate R6, the most aggressive. (Mine has R6 permanently installed for the most part).
For open comb, the Schone/Fatip is pretty nice for the money, typically mid $20s, for vintage the Gillette New LC or SC, with my preference lately being the SC. (Once you find the angle, the SC is more comfortable, at least on my face). I feel the Gillette SC is better shaver, however, others will probably favor the Schone or Fatip (nearly the same razor).
For a premium or luxury razor, take a look at Timeless. There were a couple of used ones on this board last week, and Timeless themselves sells returns, after cleaning & disinfecting them. I have their .95 OC in Stainless, and it's a very smooth razor, and actually smoother than many strait bar razors, but oh so much more efficient. - On early mornings, like today, I simply face lather and just do a ATG right off the bat, with a little touch-up XTG/WTG depending upon area, and I'm BBS. I shave pretty much daily, and mostly use my 95 OC daily, other than a King Gillette weekend or taking a day to mix it up. (If I could have just one razor, it would be my Timeless). - If you don't mind spending maybe $150, and actually if you grab a $10 + s&h Weber blemished handle, maybe less, that would be my best pick for a fantastic razor.