Like all adjustable razors, I don’t seem to get past only needing two settings, and I am happy with my go-to razors at the moment and use the Merkur 34C for mild-medium shaving and the Muhle R41 for shaving 4 days or more growth. I guess that setting one is similar to the Merkur 34C, and setting 6 is close to the Muhle R41, although there are differences. Earlier versions of the Pearl Flexi adjustable razor had design and build issues, particularly with blade gap and alignment. These appear to have been solved. When you first hold The Ambassador XL you’ll immediately notice its quality. This double edge safety razor is manufactured from marine-grade stainless steel for maximum durability and ease-of-use. It is perfectly weighted and balanced and features an extra long “Sure Grip” handle that makes the razor easy to hold, even when wet. The Ambassador razor is “Made in the USA” and designed for a lifetime of use. Each razor features an individual serial number and a manufacturing code that adheres to the classic Gillette® product dating system. This razor comes with a lifetime warranty. The razor’s larger head made detail areas like under the nose a bit more of a challenge, there’s a little rattle from the internal mechanics, and I noticed the “sweet spot” for the best blade angle may be just a bit narrower than other razors. But after a little while I was able to figure it all out. Nothing here is a deal-breaker, especially for the low price.

There are two cosmetic versions, the standard Emperor in a “ Frosted Chrome” color and the Emperor Augustus edition in “vintage bronze and cognac” colors (both use the relatively common brass/Zamak construction underneath). I have the Augustus edition. Viking’s Blade notes to “[t]horoughly towel-dry the razor after use to maintain the cognac plating.”All of the razors above are fully adjustable safety razor designs. They are continuously variable within a wide range. There are also some razors that may offer adjustable elements without a continuously variable design or to a narrower degree. Feather Adjustable Now in its second design design revision, the Rex Ambassador adjustable safety razor is a premium, artisan-made razor. Although physically a bit smaller than some other razors in this roundup, it is a high-end, stainless steel adjustable safety razor and individually serial-numbered following the old Gillette manufacturing code. The razor’s head is noticeably thinner than competing products, making detail work like shaving under the nose easier. Let me start by saying any razor can be aggressive, either adjustable,3 piece,TTO,single edge. ..I introduced myself to wet shaving 5 years ago....My humble advice to you is to keep practicing your technique & gain your shaving confidence...I understand your urges to dive in and get those lovely looking razors i myself have four Adjustable razors Parker Variant, Weishi 2.0, +two, Ming Shi 2000s. (Merkur Futur Clones) they all provide me with excellent shaves, but all are very assertive and to use them you must have good technique & shaving confidence along with good preparation.

The razor on every shave was very comfortable. There was no dragging despite not being chrome plated, and the low profile head was perfect for shaving sideburns and under the nose area. The handle is about the same size as the standard Progress (shorter than the long-handle Progress or the Variant) but it’s deeply knurled handle provides an excellent grip. I find the weight and balance likewise excellent: the “heft” is there without getting cumbersome. The handle texturing is nicely “grippy” and I don’t have any problems with the razor slipping through my fingers.

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There is now no longer a real reason not to try an adjustable razor: they are available with a variety of handles, head styles, and price points. And unlike other adjustable safety razor adjustment dials, the Crusader does not have any numeric markings. Just arrows pointing ‘this way for less gap’. When I first held the Rex Ambassador, it felt and looked like a high quality razor which was a good start. Matt: “We decided to develop the Ambassador after years of working on Gillette Adjustable safety razors. For over 8 years, Razor Emporium has serviced Fatboys, Slims and tons of other great vintage Gillette razors and realized that they were a design everyone could like – you can dial in the shave you want. Customers love them and would often ask if there were any modern adjustable razors similar in construction or function. While many vintage models existed, there few modern options available. We drew inspiration from historic models like the Gibbs Adjustable, but also incorporated features that brought the razor into a modern, CNC production world.” It is also worth noting that generally, the more growth and the tougher the beard, the higher the setting should be.