My favorite is the Rocnel Sailor 2022. I could probably get rid of all my other razors now, but I won't just yet.
I have a Mergress XL as well. I always regarded it very highly. However the Pearl Flexi V2 is way smoother given the same relative efficiency levels on the dials. So the Mergress may go on the block soon.Over the years I have owned and used the following adjustable razors: FB, Slim, Black Beauty, Toggle, Futur, Vision, Rockwell S, and Mergress XL. The only one that I still have in my rotation is the Mergress XL which I used today. I find the weight and balance to be good and it can be adjusted to fit any shaving needs or desires.
I Love my Rex Ambassador. It is truly a beautiful razor. I also have fallen in love with my 6S, which is also incredible, but not as aggressive, even on plate six.The Rex Ambassador is my daily driver and favorite. I have the typical assortment of vintage Gillettes and still use a Fatboy from time to time. I have a Progress as well(I like the yellow knob). I have said this many times by now, it is like Matt made the Rex just for me. Excellent machine work, great grip and balance. The shaves with the Rex are smooth, close and consistent, very enjoyable. I recently tried the Pearl Flexi. The Flexi is also a great razor in my hands and it will be my travel razor.
To right mate the Gillette adjustables are as high end as they get in my book.Gillette Slim. High end but not expensive
Bakelite knob really grew on me. It's a nice throwback on the modern ones, and pretty cool they've carried it what, 70+ years now?I like my (genuine) Merkur Futur, I've yet to find a more aggressive DE razor. It's still a bit aggressive at the lower settings, though. I also have a QShave clone, which shaves much the same, but the blade alignment on that one is all over the place. The bakelite knob put me off of the Progress.
Tatara muramasa is a jewel for me. I am not fond of adjustables but this one is really like shaving with a different razor at every setting. It's the only one that changes both gap and blade exposure so I can get what I want for my WTG, XTG and ATG passes.
Plus it is really gorgeous esthetically.
It wouldn't be too much trouble.
I have few modern adjustables meaning more modern than my Gillette Executive adjustable and my other Gillette adjustables, and also more modern than my Schick injector adjustables.
The Rex Ambassador has never appealed to me because of pretty much universal reviews describing it in terms which turn me off to it. However, the industrial yet attractive look appeals to me, as does the grippy, fat handle. I'm also not saying what I've read about it tells me many other gentlemen with needs different from mine wouldn't love love love the Ambassador.
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I read that the Denali might be a milder version of the Ambassador, or something like that, so I bought one. Of course I can't compare it to the Ambassador having not used the Rex, but I like the Denali. Exactly how much I like it won't be known until I've used it a lot more, but early signs are good.
The Pearl Flexi is also a good and reasonably mild feeling modern adjustable. I like it. Besides that, it's an amazing razor - well designed, well made by CNC, all brass, nicely finished, attractive looking, and good shaving - particularly it's an amazing razor for the price.
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I'm not of the opinion that I will know enough to answer the question(s) posed in the OP until I've at least tried the Sailor and perhaps also the Rex Konsul (both of which are coming my way in due time).
Of the ones I have I think the Denali, but I could change my mind.
Do I have to try the Russian adjustable and the Iberian adjustable? Answering that question is beyond my ability, and perhaps beyond my inclinations with my credit cards (or not).
Happy shaves,
Jim
Sailor
Taiga Ti
The Sailor might be my Number One Razor.
Never tried the Muramasa, but I'd like to. Maybe some day.
I can sure see why you'd love the Sailor. I think anyone would.
But...
The Muramasa is hard to beat for what it is. It's on the mild end of the spectrum. It is what it is, and that's it, but what it is, if it suits you, is terrific.
The Taiga is also hard to beat. Much larger range than the Muramasa. (That's not a criticism of the Muramasa.)
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The Sailor is pretty much unbelievably good no matter how you look at it.
However, I'm not willing to call this race. These are three great razors for a daily shaver like me with fairly sensitive skin, and an average beard, but tough old man whiskers.
Several of my other adjustables are very very good, but I'd say these are better. They should be considering what they go for, and they are.
Happy shaves,
Jim
Absolutely superb reviews and observations on the Muramasa Jim I am undecided about that one but have finally ruled out the beautiful Rocnel as it is way too heavy for me. I will await the Konsul (which arrives with me in Denmark this weekend!!!).