Safety Razor Battle Royal: Four Adjustable Safety Razors but Only One Winner! 

Do you agree with the order of winners?

I’m a Rockwell man…..own the 6S, 6C, and T2…plus a Gillette Slim. After much use with the adjustable, my feelings are mixed. The TTO and adjusting while shaving features are nice but the shave is not as smooth as a 3 piece razor. I get more irritation with the T2 than with the 6S/C….but the 6S is more trouble to change plates. They all give good shaves ….so your choice depends on which features are more important to you.

Excellent video comparison. Ive been thinking of acquiring an adjustable and the Parker was on the list - youve sold me!

Good content man, nice natural flow, great breakdown of hardware, not just today, but with other videos too. Keep them coming.

I love my Rockwell T2. I love the weight, I love the twist top open mechanism that has the extra turn to secure the blade in, I love the adjustable ring. I love the big head. Basically I love everything you were not happy with.

The rattle on the Meiji is the end cap and it is designed to allow water to drain from the handle. There is a way to adjust the razor when the safety bar is angled or the adjustment knob feels loose. It is caused by the moving base plate sticking on one side. Set adjustment to Max and press the top and bottom of the razor head together.

Very on point brother!! Loving the production quality... Awesome video

I've had the Parker Variant since it came out and shave with it every day. EXCELLENT Razor and I'm glad it came out on top in your Battle Royal!

TOP! Honest review, gave me a good idea! 👋😃👍

I just ordered the Viking. It’ll be my first safety razor. Thanks for the information.

The hat looks great! Thanks for the video!

About to buy my first safety razor, and your channel has been a delight and so helpful. Going on to get the Parker Variant. Thanks!

This is why I love Parker. They make awesome stuff for the price.

Very exciting!

Great video and comparison! Out of those I've only tried the T2. Maybe my all time favorite razor, though I do have some cons to point it. Cheers

I just recently found your channel and as a wetshaving enthusiast, I find the format to be really well done. Great production, editing and presentation, that definitely adds a more professional perspective to wetshaving videos. subscribed!. 👍

Great video Greg!!

you missed the Merkur progress yourf funny dude ,like the videos !

I got the rockwell 6s memorial day 2023. and love it.

Good info, thanks. Agree on the futur. I have one and only take it out once in a blue moon to remind myself why I don't like it.

Hi, thanks for your honest reviews on adjustable razors. The only adjustable I've tried is the merkur progress and I love it. It would be interesting to know where you rank and compare the merkur progress with the other adjustable razors. It's tempting to buy a new one

I bought the Parker Variant after watching one of your videos. I love it.

Great videos. Good sense of humor. Have you reviewed Muhle Rocca R89 ?

Love you videos Greg.

Evening Greg, I think you did a great, individual and unbiased straight up Battle Royal evaluation amongst these four very different adjustables. Man... I hear you about the Futur (my first razor and initially tried to learn to wet shave with the damn thing... it didn't go well - I bought it cos it looked cool at the time). However the more mistakes I made the more I learnt and improved to be quite good at it now in the present day. I very nearly purchased a T2. Quite relieved I didn't after seeing your video. My go to is the Vikings Blade Meiji. I know it is not of the same quality construction as the other three but I find it slick, smooth and reassuringly reliable every time I use it - usually between setting 3 - 5 - pass/blade choice dependent of course. Definitely try the Pearl Flexi as well - it is superb. Both the Meiji and the Flexi have this rattling noise but it honestly doesn't bother me. An endearing characteristic of both Razors I think. Doesn't have to sound solid to be a solid performer.

In a future shootout maybe review all or some of the major razor manufacturers soaps? Been using the Parker shaving soap and I really like it, plus it's $6 a puck!

Good stuff, I have the Q Shave, I think Busta Shaves (no longer in action lol) recommend, super inexpensive and gets the job done. Great video 👏

This should be good!

I was a bit reluctant on my last buy : the Merkur Progress. I have read quite a few opinions that gave second thoughts . I pulled the trigger a few days ago and I'm glad I did. Very different feeling when holding it ( 500 model ) but 100% satisfaction with every shave . 1 day beard, 2 day beard , I always got a DGS !!!

Great comparison video and very well thought through Greg👍I am not a massive fan of adjustable razors (I only have one, Gillette Slim Adjustable) but may now aquire the Parker after watching this video. My only hesitation is Parker are a bit hit & miss when it comes to quality control. New subscriber 🙂

I'm glad to hear the Parker Variant is still a solid contender several years after its introduction. I bought one of the first ones made and still love it. I also have a vintage Gillette Black Beauty, but it doesn't feel anywhere near as comfortable as the Parker. The Vikings Blade does look awfully tempting as well though, being a modern evolution of the Gillette twist to open design, and I think I could deal with the rattling if everything else about it is decent. Have you tried the vintage Gillette adjustables at all?

Good vid Greg enjoyed it...Tim

Parker Varient!!!!! Don’t get enough love

My Sunday morning SOTD- Gillette black beauty date code…RR. Silver blue blade and CO bigalow shave cream- a/f Nivea cooling balm.

My 1st adjustable razor is the Merkur Futur. It was a letdown since it was recommended to me by a few fellow I talked to. Return that and got the Rockwell 6c. Loved it. Just upgraded myself to the T2 gunmetal and wow. I have absolutely zero nick even ATG sideway on my neck area. Rex is out of my price range for a single razor but will try the Parker Variant in rose gold. Love your videos!

I really like my vikings blade crusader. Please review it

ill take the Rex Ambassador, love the style... and made in the US !

Hi Greg =) Been using the Parker Varient for just over 3 years now, and it has not skipped a beat until recently. It had become a bit loose, but after pulling the base pin out and checking the retention clip it is now working well again. I noticed inside a very small amount of green corrosion but is washed off with ease. Overall it has been a great product and well worth the cost. I have recently purchased the Rockwell 6s (still to arrive). Looking forward to testing it out. From your reviews and others I am very much leaning towards getting the Rex Ambassador as I really want a product that is build to last and with precise tolerances. My motto ,when ever it is possible, is to "buy once". I am against the throw away attitude our society has gone to. I would much prefer to buy a product made to last as long as possible. If I do not like something I buy, I can gift it to someone else knowing if they like it it will last and not get thrown in the garbage. Thankyou very much for your vidoes =)

How often should I change my blades do you think? I've been doing it almost every shave or every other and I noticed by the third shave it isn't as smooth but I'm also using a rockwell with the plate adjustment and it's kinda cheap

What this really truly actually means is that your [current] favorite razor is the Merkur Progress, given it is the original amazing razor that the Parker is based on. Surprise dark horse winner that wasn't even in the race! Cheers.

I think your method of evaluation is great and fair. I would love to know what you think about the Merkur Progress (either shorter or long handle). Can you tell me where you would put it if it were in this group for evaluation. Thanks for being an honest evaluator, by the way I would agree with your lineup. Thanks

Hello, Greg wish you a very happy new year, I watched your video, I am never comfortable with Variant, now you will start enjoying the Fatboy 👍👍👍

Wish I had listened to you sooner. I saw this video when I 1st started out. I was hesitant to try the Parker variant as others report its “aggressive”. I have the Merkur progress, T2, Gillette black beauty, futur & I think I agree Greg. The Parker variant is my favorite. Great knurling, smoother & more efficient then the rest for my hair & skin type. I got the T2 because my buddy LOVES his. I find it not efficient at low setting but if I crank it up it irritates my neck.

Greg, have you seen that they are coming out with a Rex Ambassador with a longer handle? I love the stubby one personally but you might like the longer one.

Merkur Progress is a well-rounded machine eaven with long handle!

Of the four razors you discuss, I own three of the four. The exception is the T2 (I do own the 6S). I agree with you about the Meiji. It is a beautiful razor but it's quality is lacking (that noise you describe causes the twist to close handle on mine to become loose during use, I discovered that while troubleshooting as to why it became more aggressive as the shave progressed-not a good thing). I like them all but none are my favorites. You pointed out that weight and balance are two of your criteria. Based on that, my favorite is my Timeless Ti.95 OC. Titanium is the Goldilock's weight for me. Aluminum is too light, steel and bronze are too heavy, but titanium is just right. That said, my second favorite razor is the Rockwell 6S. That razor will take any blade and give smooth no drama shaves. The 6S would be perfect if it was made of titanium. I miss the festive lighting and what happened to the mustache intervention?

Great video Greg! I am not a fan of adjustable razors at all. Unfortunately I found this out after I purchased the progress, T2, Parker variant, viking maji. The Maji was TERRIBLE, it rattled when I shaved and it felt like blade was slapping me in the face. The T2 was acceptable but big and bulky IMO. I am definitely a rockwell homer too, the Rockwell 6s/c are the best razors in shaving. The Parker was probably my favorite adjustable until I tried the Pearl FLEXI. I tried the flexi for the first time last night and the shave was incredible. I need to shave with it a couple of more times to be sure I like it, but wow it was good.

I have a Rex Ambassador. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer, because I have large hands. I think they make a longer handle now, but for the price I am not buying another. That said the high price point is definitely worth it because it’s a superior quality tool. Interesting about the Rockwell. After your other videos I thought for sure you were going to rank it higher. Maybe I will have to do more research before I buy one. I will definitely check out the Parker Variant though.

The ball is an auto drain thing according to Vikings Blade

He starts the video saying he doesnt like the Futur, but doesnt explain why. Very informative indeed!

I only have experience with the Ambassador and Progress (the razor the Variant imitates). I agree with your assessment. I purchased my Ambassador used, so I paid nowhere near retail. Even so, it is the most expensive razor I own. Engineering, design, build quality and materials are excellent. All that being said, the Progress provides a similarly satisfying shave experience for a fraction of the cost. In a blind test, not knowing price, materials, brand, etc. the Ambassador and Progress would run a pretty tight race.

Greg, This is funny. I’ve had the Meiji for almost a year now. My only razor until a couple weeks ago when I found a 1961 Gillette Slim Adjustable on eBay. I never noticed the rattle in the Meiji until you mentioned it and I went to my cabinet, shook it and there it was, the rattle. Rattle or not, I love the shave it gives me. That being said, my (new to me) Gillette Slim is awesome. Love your humor, you made me a subscriber 🪒 Al

Well my favourite continuous adjustable is the one that the Parker is based on, the Merkur Progress, the short handled one is lighter than the Parker.

I must say the Rex Ambassodor sure smells like the Cadillac of adjustable razors, but at $399 Canadian pesos I'm thinking I might have to spend some time working on my shaving skills before I'm worthy. Also you have to load the Rex the old-fashioned way, put the cap in your hand, put the blade on the cap using the two guide tabs, then drop the handle onto the threaded bit and screw it down.

I don't own any of these razors, but I agree with you about the Rex and the Parker for being first and second. I don't think the Rockwell and the Chieftain can match the Rex and Parker in terms of built or shave quality.

The battle was for DE razors, maybe do something like this for SE razors, especially some of the newer ones being made.

Have you tried the merkur progress?

I have had my VB Emperor for almost a year now. Though I do use it, it is my least favorite of my razors. I actually passed on the Variant for the Emperor. I will probably end up getting the Variant in the upcoming months though.

I do like the hat.

I waited 3 years for the Rockwell, shaved with it for a week and exchanged it for a 6s(backup) it didn’t have a natural shaving angle

What do you think about Merkur progress? Have you ever the awful gold plating of Merkur razors ?

The Variant is the work horse of the adjustables, I love that razor, maybe that’s why i can’t wrap my head around $250 for a Rex. The progress is less aggressive on the same settings as the Variant.

I want to get a safety razor but I want a beginner one idk which to get and where to buy them

so expensive xD can you recommend a cheaper shaver for a first time user?

Greg I'm a beginner in the DE razors, and must confess that my first one I bought is the meiji and your video was crucial for me to take the Right choice. I'm planning to buy a second one and I was thinking in the Parker or merkur. But I found the rex way to expensive.. I liked this video but put me in a difficult spot to chose my next one

I got the Parker variant for this reviews I own a king c gillete and a bevel razor for now … maybe I will purchase later a Rockwell but I don’t wanna own a lot of razors because I think will get addictive hahahaha … but thinking in Rockwell 6c or 6s

I have the Vikings and it doesn't have that rattle. I suppose they've redone it.

Osea lo más caro es mejor, esa Rex , y sus modelos me parecen buenas , aunque la verdad me la pintan bonitas creo que el costo beneficio habrá algunas con un precio más que razonables que hagan el trabajo igual o tal vez mejor , me quedaré con la duda pero esos precios de esa marca asustan a cualquier persona común ...gracias , buen video .

It's a shame that you don't have any of the vintage Gillette adjustables. My personal favourite is the Super Adjustable 109 aka Black Beauty.

I'd be interested to see how the Tatara Muramasa fares against this selection

Your daughter's gonna love that razor

Enjoyed your thoughts on the razors. I agree on not liking the Futur. Will try a Variant based on your review.

I dumped all my 12 DE razors after going back to carts (Mach3 and Hydro3) with my newfound technique which I learned from using DE razors for 5+ years. I find that carts give me closer, more comfortable, and quicker shave.🙂

Try a Gillette Fatboy or Slim Adjustable, they're twist to open but on the short side. The Parker looks nice and I guess I should try one. I like my Rex Ambassador better since using it more. I had a 20% off code when I got mine, and I have it again and was considering getting the new XL version and selling my standard. But right now I'm switching between a brass Karve Widebody and a Muhle R95 Birch Bark handle, both of which I really enjoy. And yes, I do like your hat. 🙂

What’s your favourite ‘blade’? I’ve used “feathers” for years now. 😎

The Rockwell T2 lost? Greg, say it ain’t so. Like the hat. Looks like your off to the pub for a game of darts.

Hello guys, I owe Merkur Future the last seven or more years and that was my main razor for all that time. I was not so happy from day one but I really did give it a chance and I was using it constantly. I have strong beard, as soon as I shave myself I have a feeling it is growing like hell and tomorrow morning its already there ... shaving with MF was not easy the first day and I was avoiding it since I would end up like after the battle in Braveheart or GoT ... bloody as hell. It was impossible to shave myself without cuts ... so I would leave my beard for at least three days ... and the best results without cuts were after a week or so ... Anyhow, I decided that I definitely need a change so I was searching a bit, used this video as well and at the end I purchased Parker Variant. Got it a month ago and had some time to test it. Results: I am fuckin' thrilled ... the first thing I did was shaving after a day ... I used 1,5 and I had no cuts at all and my skin was great ... such a good start ... since than I tried to shave myself after a day, two, three, seven ... always the same results ... I had just one small cut the whole month ... unbelievable ... Razor itself, since I read some comments about bad production, is great, well produced, no mismatching, no wrong angles or anything, just a perfectly produced razor ... so I guess all those comments about production were at the beginning and I guess they smooth the production since then ... the price, great as well, I paid some 60 euros I believe ... MF in gold I paid almost 100 euros years ago. Also, one thing which I noticed, with MF there were always beard stuck, especially when my beard was longer so I had to open it, clean and continue while shaving ... with Parker I had no issues with that. All in all, I am extremely happy and satisfied with Parker Variant. Out of 10 I give it 10 ... if I would have to pick something not so excellent ... maybe I would preferer a bit longer handle ... maybe 2 cm longer or something ... but no issues at all, just that I would like it that way ... So I highly recommend Parker Variant ... Thank you Greg for nice video, you helped me with choice and I am satisfied ...

The reason why a shaving head has more weight has to do with safety. With a light head you can press too much and cut yourself. Let the head do the work, not your muscles. Smart thinking from Rockwell.

the ball end is loose so when you stand it up the water will drain.

Thanks for the comparison. I just recently switched to a safety razor. I'm sick of the price of cartridge razors and the constant woke advertising.

Unfortunately none of them is good for me because of the exposed edges. It's terrifying me.

As a rule I don't use adjustable razors anymore. Because once I find the right setting, I don't adjust them anymore. So why bother? But 100% the Rex is King of the adjustables for me.

I don't like razors with short handles and bulky, mechanically-complex heads. By definition, that pretty much excludes all of these. The Merkur Futur ..... :-/

Everyone keeps telling me to make a RU-vid channel but that’s just not my type of spiel. Because of my vast knowledge and experience and my personality but like I said that’s not my thing. I thrive here in the comment section and on the Facebook groups and forums. That being said I have a request! Top 5 DE Blades?

Asking for a friend........ If you're ready to move on from your Futr I might know somebody willing to take it off your hands for a reasonable price..... I do really like my Qshave knockoff and have been thinking I need to give the Futr a test drive

Disclaimer: Little things annoy me. I'm sure the parker is good but I "don't do India" and they ripped off the Merkur Progress. I don't own either by the way.

Good picture quality, sound needs some processing.

The one razor I regret buying: Merkur Futur.

I had a chance to get the Rockwell model T from this guy he wanted me to trade him my Gillette ball end tech … It sounded too good to be true and I felt like I was ripping him off so I said no

Where is the Progress ?

You missed the boat right out of the gate. The Mercur Futur is amazing. BBS and the cost is great. One fourth the price of the Rex.

Very disappointed with the Model T, I purchased. Over Priced, and under performed, for me. JMO

Bro it's pronounced May-jee. Emperor Meiji was a Japanese emperor at the end of the 19th into the 20th century.

You could drop the background music altogether. Otherwise, nice review.

$ $40 CHEAP Muhle r89 safety razor WITH Muhle r89 HEAD ONLY WITH IKON HANDLE better shave wheelchair larry

I’ll stick with my Gillette safety razor

I can't watch this whole video, skip. You didn't even take the effort to see that the Vikings Blade was designed to rattle for water flow.

This guy's reviews are more vague than when i ask my wife "what's wrong?" and she says..."oh..nothing" 😂