Unlike the Progress and Variant (where the bottom dial also adjusts the razor) the Flexi has a second dial under the head for adjustment. I find the adjustment dial easy to use even with hands during a shave and the adjustment range quite wide. If you are a shaver who likes to adjust a razor “on the fly” you shouldn’t have any trouble with the Flexi. Two Parts – To take this razor apart you’ll undo the twist nut at the bottom which will allow the top of the head with a long threaded post to be pulled out. A note about TTO adjustable razors. To adjust a TTO razor first loosen the TTO mechanism slightly, make the adjustment, then re-tighten the TTO mechanism. Failure to do so may torque the razor head, resulting in an uneven shave, or even damage to the head mechanism. Vikings Blade Crusader Of course everyone has their preferences, but I’ve used quite a few razors in my time and I definitely have some favorites for “best” adjustable safety razor. The adjustment dial adjustment marking window is very small but the adjustment range of the razor is reasonably wide (biased slightly toward the mild side). The handle of the Muramasa continues the “golf ball dimples” design of Tatara razors that distinguish it from others. It looks like it wouldn’t provide a decent grasp but I find it works quite well.

Serial Number – Rex Supply Co. has followed in Gillette’s footsteps and laser etched each model with its own personal serial number. The old Gillette dating system (2018 = N, 2019 = O, 2020 = P and R = 2021, etc.) has been used. Unlike an adjustable razor like the Merkur Futur, it is very good at offering blade gap options between mild and aggressive, giving almost any person a level that can work for them. Setting 5 – Hardy skin, coarse facial hair, prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, short beards, shaving every 5 – 7 days.The weight and balance of the Futur suited me really well, and blade changing was easy enough. Rinsing to keep the blade clean between strokes was also done with ease. The Ambassador XL is infinitely adjustable, making it easy to find the best possible blade exposure for your skin. Just turn the integrated dial up or down to adjust the amount of blade gap for a milder or more aggressive shave. It is fully compatible with any double edge blade, giving you lots of options and combinations to “dial-in” a consistently perfect shaving experience. After just a few passes, you’ll find the razor glides across the skin almost effortlessly, while leaving behind a noticeably soft, clean and fully groomed path. 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

However, despite these details I did not personally care for, I found the over-all shave experience to be good. Weishi Nostalgic Adjustable I received my Pearl Flexi last week and was quite impressed with it. I was so impressed that I pulled out my REX Ambassador to compare shaves with the two. Both of these razors are essentially homages to the great Gibbs #17 and they are modern CNC machined razors. There is another, the Homelike Taiga, which I have test shaved but was not impressed enough with to buy (sorry @Clouds, it just did not do it for me). For the Taiga, the shave was very good, however the pieces for the head were hard to align and easy to loosen. Although visually quite similar there are some aspects of the 2000S that set it apart from the Futur. This razor has a wider range of adjustment compared to the Futur, especially at the low end. And as you might expect at the price point, the Ming Shi/Qshave does “cut a few corners” in manufacturing. For example, the dial markings are painted on instead of etched in like the Futur. Some users report the printed dial numbers wear off after extended use.While the Weishi is the same general size as the Qshave and the Viking’s, I think it is the most user friendly design, with a “grippier” handle, contrasting color scheme (for higher-visibility numbers on the adjustment dial), better balance, and a wider range of adjustment (particularly at the low end of the scale–this razor can get very mild indeed). Settings – The razor blade gap is adjusted via the adjustable knob under the razor head that has 6 settings in total. Users may also turn the dial to a half setting giving a total of 11 settings. Setting 1 is the mildest, and setting 6 is the most aggressive. Settings two to four are the only settings I need to use for now, which offer enough flexibility in terms of how many days growth I need to shave off.

Engineering-wise, there have been a few tweaks compared to the earlier Crusader model. “ Special ANTI-Misalignment mechanism which TRAPS the doors if users mis-align the blade to prevent uneven cuts. Hold razor upright while loading blade and closing razor to ensure doors won’t be trapped.“ We added more of a shoulder to this part. This added spring compression, ergo making the dial harder to turn i.e. less likely to "move" on accident as a FEW customers said. The Ambassador XL 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 comes in a sturdy box, but it is cardboard. For the price point I expected more. A bakelite, wood or metal box would be more appropriate. 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.

Final Thoughts

First, the heft and weight of razor are great. I believe it weights in at 102 grams. The knurling is really good, and it is deep. Very grippy. I'd give the feel of the razor a 9/10.

Of the modern adjustables, I find the Konsul works best for me, at 3-4, and that range (or 5 for the Tatara) is about the usual for the others which are similar in design. Without a doubt, the Pearl is an extremely good adjustable of that type, and excellent value. The Merkur adjustables are Mergress and Digress variants, which I like much more than the "standard issue" Progresses, and generally use at about 3. 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. Setting 4 – Hardier skin, somewhat prone to razor bumps, prone to ingrown hairs, longer stubble, shaving every 3 – 5 days.We offer Standard, Express, Next Working Day before 1pmand Saturday delivery services to customers in the UK. 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. And unlike other adjustable safety razor adjustment dials, the Crusader does not have any numeric markings. Just arrows pointing ‘this way for less gap’. 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 ambassador is going to be my go to Razor, still need to try more blades in it but so far it has given me great shaves