Member
I had a Rex Ambassador for a time, and can attest to the quality of the razor. If you like blade feel, this is a razor you may enjoy. I liked it, but didn't love it, so I sold it. I was curious to try the Flexi and recently purchased their open comb version. The Flexi OC to me is more uncomfortable than the Rex. (I also tried the Heritage Gibbs replica, and it did not agree with me either. I have come to learn that I am just not compatible with Gibbs-inspired razors. 
)
The Progress was my first adjustable, and I very much like the Progress (FWIW, it is the favorite of my college-age son who introduced me to gentlemanly shaving). For me it is a tad more efficient at the high settings than the Ambassador. As the Variant SB is a close copy of the Progress, I never tried it. The Variant OC got my attention, and to me it is even smoother than the Progress. I would now recommend the Variant OC over the Progress for smoothness and comfort.
No experience with the Osprey. However, I am a big fan of the SS Blackbird; it is one of my most used razors. Based on what I have read, if you have the dough, the Osprey would be a safe bet and a very enjoyable razor.
)The Progress was my first adjustable, and I very much like the Progress (FWIW, it is the favorite of my college-age son who introduced me to gentlemanly shaving). For me it is a tad more efficient at the high settings than the Ambassador. As the Variant SB is a close copy of the Progress, I never tried it. The Variant OC got my attention, and to me it is even smoother than the Progress. I would now recommend the Variant OC over the Progress for smoothness and comfort.
No experience with the Osprey. However, I am a big fan of the SS Blackbird; it is one of my most used razors. Based on what I have read, if you have the dough, the Osprey would be a safe bet and a very enjoyable razor.
Living on the edge
If it's your first adjustable, you don't want to jump in the deep end right away.
I would recommend the Heritage Collection Replica of the Gibbs 15 Adjustable Razor.
It won't break the bank and it shaves well. Can be had for under $60
https://www.heritagecollectionshaving.com/razors
I would recommend the Heritage Collection Replica of the Gibbs 15 Adjustable Razor.
It won't break the bank and it shaves well. Can be had for under $60
https://www.heritagecollectionshaving.com/razors
Member
Chicago Suburbs
What are you trying to accomplish in purchasing an adjustable razor?
I have a Parker Variant and use it occasionally, but after the first few uses, I have never moved the adjustment again. I much prefer razors with multiple base plates such as Rockwell and Karve that allow you to swap base plates to find your preferred level of efficiency. I do not have a Rockwell, but do have Karve CB razors with C, D, and E plates. With an adjustable mechanism, there is always the possibility that the cap and baseplate will not remain parallel as the adjustment is changed. That is not an issue with replaceable baseplates if they are machined properly.
If it is your intention to vary the setting on the adjustable razor with each pass of your shave, then it might be helpful. But I accomplish the same thing using multiple razors during my shave.
I have a Parker Variant and use it occasionally, but after the first few uses, I have never moved the adjustment again. I much prefer razors with multiple base plates such as Rockwell and Karve that allow you to swap base plates to find your preferred level of efficiency. I do not have a Rockwell, but do have Karve CB razors with C, D, and E plates. With an adjustable mechanism, there is always the possibility that the cap and baseplate will not remain parallel as the adjustment is changed. That is not an issue with replaceable baseplates if they are machined properly.
If it is your intention to vary the setting on the adjustable razor with each pass of your shave, then it might be helpful. But I accomplish the same thing using multiple razors during my shave.
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