Alrighty, got some time after mowing the yard and shower/shave (although the kids are going berko atm).
Been using the Rex over the last several weeks and thrown in a few comparison shaves. Fortuitously received the Parker Variant a few days ago so have been able to compare a few (Rex, Fatboy, Variant and the Progress).
TLDR - All these razors will give great shaves. The difference in shave alone is not worth the extra money for the Rex IMO. There are aspects of the Rex that warrant the higher price tag and it will come down to what the buyer is after.
Rex - finish on the replacement Rex was great, as shown by above images and video. There was one very small mark which I had forgotten about tbh until now writing this. The only other thing would be slight machining marks (circular) on the bottom of the base plate where laser etching is. I'm being very critical here, and would question if most would notice.
The shave on the replacement has been great. I went through the settings, 1 - 6 and there is a very wide range in between. 1 is not useless, which tbh I think the Rockwell could start at 2 as the 1 is pointless. You could quite easily swing between 1.5 and 3 on the Rex for a daily shaver (equivalent to #2-#5 on the Rockwell, or 2-#4 on the progress). #4 through to #6 still proved to be smooth, but certainly way more blade feel (not so much so that if felt like scraping or uncomfortable). I'd be interested to get someone's opinion that likes very aggressive razors, but I wouldn't imagine they would be disappointed in the Rex setting #6 (unlike the Rockwell #6 that is still tame).
The razor itself is made out of stainless steel, and well put together. My interactions with Matt have all been positive, and he has genuinely seemed interested in solving my issues. I don't believe the lifetime warranty to be lip service, and when combined with the materials it was made from, would certainly be a hand me down to the kids.
As I pointed out in the video, the blade loading is a little different, as the blades are very tightly held by the top cap. I find the best way to load is to actually push the blades down onto the top cap, which secures it in place. Then simply putting top cap on and tightening. The threading is smooth, and I haven't found any issues in keeping clean to date.
Pricing is currently at $315 (via Beard & Blade) where you may be able to get a 5% subscription discount to take it just below $300. There was a group buy on DFS which I believe was below $200 USD (
@alfredus jumped in on this so could confirm). Regular pricing through Razor Emporium is $249 USD and would suggest this may be a bit high ($350 odd AUD before shipping). Thankfully B&B is very reasonably priced and I think is around where it should be.
Comparison
Fatboy is a regular in most shaver's dens. It's a great razor and I have a newfound respect for it after learning more about the way they were made from one of Matt's posts. However, I just don't get excited about using this one, and have to work to get a great shave most times (though it will never leave my den).
Rex vs. Parker vs. Progress. For me, comfortable daily shaving on each is around the 2.5 mark, so I will assume that people reading would compare these razors on their own comfort setting and find similar results.
Rex was the most nimble around the face. Very easy to get under the nose. Both the progress and parker posed more trouble, but could still be done with some facial contortions. Parker was probably the most challenging.
Blade feel is probably most noticeable in the Parker, but certainly not rough. It was also the most vocal. I'd put the Rex in the middle of the pack for blade feel and Progress at the bottom. Audio feedback the progress was in the middle and Rex at the bottom. All were very comfortable.
Hard to get areas (side of jaw, neck indents beside adam's apple) were similar for all 3. Progress maybe pipped the other 2 at the gate by a fraction. Tough call.
End of day wrap up, I don't think anyone's missing out by not having a Rex. Matt's not going to stop making them, and the pricing will probably only come down. The shave isn't light years ahead of the other 2 to make this a must have in my opinion. That's not to say I don't think it's worth it for other reasons though. It looks stunning, well put together, smooth action, and shaves brilliantly. It gives a great scope of aggression, and does so comfortably without getting bitey. It has a lifetime warranty with someone I can only respect after my personal dealings, and it made to last. If you have the cash and want a brilliant adjustable razor that will last, you won't go wrong with the Rex. If you don't want to over invest in razors, wtf you doing here (jokes). If you are more discerning and frugal, both the progress and the variant are wonderful. I would lean toward the Progress. If you don't like the look, there's always the mergress, but again, you're doubling price for what's still a zamak razor with a shiny knob.
Hope this has helped someone, and really looking forward to putting the Karve through it's paces.