So, I’ll begin with acknowledging that the Rex Ambassador is, by far, my favorite razor. Yup, I like it more than my WR2 1.25. A lot more. I also very much favor adjustable razors. I usually alternate between the Rex, my Ascension Twist Adjustable DOC, my Fatboy and my Slim, with the Rex seeing the lion share of use. I like it so much that I really don’t want to travel with it. So, I bought the Pearl Flexi to serve as a sub for the Rex, my travel razor so that the Ambassador could stay safely at home.
When I received the Flexi (extremely quickly from the Razor Company), I promptly tried it out. Fit and finish are very good. Not on par with the Rex, but really nice for an $80 razor. Comes with a stand at no additional cost. That’s nothing to sneeze at as the Rex’s stand is an additional $50 unless you catch a discount. But the Flexi is HEAVY. The Rex isn’t a light razor. I weighed it at 107 grams, but, to me, has perfect balance. My Ascension is copper and weights 120 grams. But, again, seems very well balanced. The Pearl Flexi comes in at a whopping 142 grams. That’s ok with me as I do not like light razors but I’d like to see a little more weight in the razor head and a little less in the handle. Also, the handle is solidly capped at the bottom. I like that the Rex is open at the bottom so that I can run water straight through when rinsing after a shave.
Regarding performance, the Flexi performed flawlessly. Super shave, on par with the Rex. (But I do agree with others that it’s slightly less efficient, by about one adjustment dial setting). Better shave than my WR2, with no effort. It will be my one and only travel razor which I’m sure will serve me for the rest of my years.
So, if your on the fence between the Pearl and the Rex, which do I recommend? It depends!if you don’t like heavy razors, don’t get the Flexi. If you prefer stainless steel or really want high level fit and finish or outstanding knurling, grab the Rex (and use Razor Emporium’s discount codes). Also, if you need the utmost efficiency and want an adjustable, the Rex beats out the Pearl by a bit. (Gotta point out that, by all accounts that I’ve read, the Rochelle Sailor tops all adjustables in fit, finish and efficiency, except maybe the Janus Toggle. But, both those razors are MUCH more expensive. I digress). If however you want a high quality, well made, great shaving adjustable DE and don’t want to spend a lot, GRAB A PEARL FLEXI! at the $80 price point, it’s a (chrome plated brass) steal!
When I received the Flexi (extremely quickly from the Razor Company), I promptly tried it out. Fit and finish are very good. Not on par with the Rex, but really nice for an $80 razor. Comes with a stand at no additional cost. That’s nothing to sneeze at as the Rex’s stand is an additional $50 unless you catch a discount. But the Flexi is HEAVY. The Rex isn’t a light razor. I weighed it at 107 grams, but, to me, has perfect balance. My Ascension is copper and weights 120 grams. But, again, seems very well balanced. The Pearl Flexi comes in at a whopping 142 grams. That’s ok with me as I do not like light razors but I’d like to see a little more weight in the razor head and a little less in the handle. Also, the handle is solidly capped at the bottom. I like that the Rex is open at the bottom so that I can run water straight through when rinsing after a shave.
Regarding performance, the Flexi performed flawlessly. Super shave, on par with the Rex. (But I do agree with others that it’s slightly less efficient, by about one adjustment dial setting). Better shave than my WR2, with no effort. It will be my one and only travel razor which I’m sure will serve me for the rest of my years.
So, if your on the fence between the Pearl and the Rex, which do I recommend? It depends!if you don’t like heavy razors, don’t get the Flexi. If you prefer stainless steel or really want high level fit and finish or outstanding knurling, grab the Rex (and use Razor Emporium’s discount codes). Also, if you need the utmost efficiency and want an adjustable, the Rex beats out the Pearl by a bit. (Gotta point out that, by all accounts that I’ve read, the Rochelle Sailor tops all adjustables in fit, finish and efficiency, except maybe the Janus Toggle. But, both those razors are MUCH more expensive. I digress). If however you want a high quality, well made, great shaving adjustable DE and don’t want to spend a lot, GRAB A PEARL FLEXI! at the $80 price point, it’s a (chrome plated brass) steal!