The Rockwell T2 and Razorock Adjust (rebranded Baili also sold by Stirling) are the only two current production razors that use the same type of adjustment mechanism found in the classic Gillette TTO adjustables such as the Super Adjustable (Black Beauty) or Slim. These adjustment mechanisms work via the addition of a bottom plate with four bars that go through the razor base plate according to the adjustment setting. You can see these bars on the above razors in the second Top View Comparison photo linked below. The first photo shows a side by side comparison.
I've owned the Razorock Adjust (Adjust) since late 2023 (actually bought two of these) and was gifted a new Rose Gold Chromed Rockwell T2 over the recent holiday season. The Razorock Adjust razors were on sale for $7.99 each (regular price of $15) while this Rockwell was on sale for $75 versus a regular price of $150. Given the roughly 10x price differential what does the more premium priced razor offer in comparison to its budget competitor? This comparison will look at functionality, build quality/consistency and aesthetics to answer that question.
Functionality Comparison:
From a functionality perspective both razors can be dialed in to deliver excellent BBS shaves with similar levels of effort. Both have easy to work with lengths with the T2 actually measured at 105mm and the Adjust at 118mm. They weigh the same 103 grams. Both are on the moderate to mild side and, while they use the same type of adjustment mechanism, the T2 has a much wider adjustment range with specific settings that range from one to six. The Adjust has a much narrower range and no specific settings. One either turns it all the way left (mild), right (moderate) or leaves it somewhere in between based on a rough guess of where you want to set it.
The adjustment mechanisms further illustrate what the extra cost covers in the T2 in how smoothly and fluid like its adjustment mechanism turns in comparison the the Adjust. The same is true for the TTO mechanism accessed on both via a bottom dial. Both do a good job of clamping the blade with an extra half-twist on the Adjust and some extra turns on the T2. While both have knurling on the handles to help hold the razor when wet the finer knurling on the T2 is more effective. Blades are easy to load in both razors thanks to their TTO mechanisms that work well.
Overall both are effective razors with the T2 providing a much more refined qualitative experience. Another major difference is that they work best at different shaving angles. My T2 works best for me at a 35-40 degree angle (handle tilted up from my face) while the Adjust requires roughly a 45-50 degree angle. From close examination this appears to be due to how these razors bend and angle the blade edges. Overall the T2 was the one premium razor I would consider because of the high probability it would work well for me thanks to its proven adjustment mechanism combined with TTO convenience. For me setting #3 has been perfect providing a slightly milder shave than my Weishi without the extra touch up required by my really mild King C. Gillette.
Build Quality/Consistency:
This is an area where the T2 shines. It's overall build quality is excellent with a consistent quality finish across the entire razor. The blade fits in perfectly without any need to check that it is centered. While I only own one of these this is consistent with posts from many fellow B&Bers. The build quality between the two Adjust razors was not consistent. The first one, that I reported on back in November of 2023 had a good build quality with everything well chromed.
The second Adjust razor, that I first examined recently, had a manufacturing defect. One corner of the bottom plate, that supports the adjustment/clamping bars was bent down a couple of millimeters. This meant that it was unable to fully clamp the blade. I was able to partially disassemble the razor and bend the bottom plate back into the correct position with needlenose pliers so that it now works well. Of course this meant some damage to to chrome finish on the top of the adjustment bar (visible in the photo) and corner of the bottom plate. I don't know how common this defect is. I did email Italian Barber to let them know, in case they needed to RTV some of these, and Michael noted that this was the first time the issue had been reported. I've not seen this issue reported elsewhere. My guess is that at $7.99-$14.99 most will just toss a defective budget razor as I planned to do unless it could be easily fixed. While my fix worked the razor will likely begin to corrode in the areas where the chrome was damaged.
Additionally the Adjust razors, as is typical for budget products, are not manufactured with the same level of precision as the T2. As with my Weishi one must check that a newly loaded blade is centered. The chrome finish, while excellent (full coverage) is not of a consistent lustre across the different razor components. Also the bottom of the razor handle is open with inner workings visible while the T2 handle bottom is nicely capped.
Taking the Adjust apart further confirmed that it had cloned the Gillette adjustment mechanism. The components are very similer to those I've seen in photos of disassembled Gillette adjustables.
Aesthetics:
Starting with the packaging the T2 is clearly differentiated as a premium product. It comes it a nice box that holds a magnetic lid case where each item is nicely presented within foam like cushioning. The Razorock Adjust box is sized to just fit the razor that is wrapped in protective tissue.
As for the razors themseleves the T2 just looks sleeker with a more modern overall look and feel. The Adjust, with its soccer inspired knurling, looks a bit clunkier with an overall design that looks like something from a few decades ago. While this is my qualitative perspective the T2 just looks like a nicer more contemporary razor to me. Have a look at the photos below and decide for yourself. Note that Adjust photographed is currently in use (tested the repair for two shaves so far) so has a light layer of soap residue on it. The T2 has been completely cleaned since last use.
Summary:
I recommend both of these razors depending on your personal preferences as the both work well to deliver excellent BBS shaves. Other B&Bers have reported great results from the Adjust so this just further confirms that it works. At $7.99-$15 it's an excellent value. As expected, given the 10x price differential, there are significant differences in how these razors are built with the T2 at a much higher level but, baring the occassional manufacturing defect that we sometimes see with budget razors, these are mostly asthetic and don't significantly effect the core razor functionality. TTO adustable razors are the most complex DEs to design with most current production models, that use different types of often spring based adjustment mechanisms, having significant alignment issues. The Gillette style adjustment mechanism, that both of these use, has been proven to work well consistently.
Which one should you purchase? That is really up to you based on your preferences. Just like my Weishi 9306 the Adjust delivers great performance and value. For those that appreciate the higher quality fit, finish and smoother mechanisms the T2 is worth it, especially at the $75 -$100 holiday sale prices. Those looking to upgrade should consider an adjustable razor as we see many here going through a number of high end razors that were not ideal for their preferences. With an adjustment mechanism you have a much higher probability that the razor will work for you and I tip my hat to Rockwell for their focus on adjustables. I prefer TTO adjustables as they are the most convenient to use.
Finally is the T2 worth it to me? Absolutely, this was a thoughful gift from my son so I consider it to be priceless!
Even if not gifted I would consider it as worth the premium versus the Adjust at the holiday sale price point. When returning to DE over five years ago I chose my Weishi as there were no current production TTO adjustables with the Gillette style mechanism.
My Razorock Adjusts will be used primarily as trave razors going forward. I continue to appreciate the ease of use and effectiveness of my Weishi 9306 Long Handle superspeed clone and mild King C. Gillette. Both are great razors and good values. The King C. Gillette is also noteworthy because of its very high quality chrome finish on a value priced $20-$30 razor.
Photos below:
I've owned the Razorock Adjust (Adjust) since late 2023 (actually bought two of these) and was gifted a new Rose Gold Chromed Rockwell T2 over the recent holiday season. The Razorock Adjust razors were on sale for $7.99 each (regular price of $15) while this Rockwell was on sale for $75 versus a regular price of $150. Given the roughly 10x price differential what does the more premium priced razor offer in comparison to its budget competitor? This comparison will look at functionality, build quality/consistency and aesthetics to answer that question.
Functionality Comparison:
From a functionality perspective both razors can be dialed in to deliver excellent BBS shaves with similar levels of effort. Both have easy to work with lengths with the T2 actually measured at 105mm and the Adjust at 118mm. They weigh the same 103 grams. Both are on the moderate to mild side and, while they use the same type of adjustment mechanism, the T2 has a much wider adjustment range with specific settings that range from one to six. The Adjust has a much narrower range and no specific settings. One either turns it all the way left (mild), right (moderate) or leaves it somewhere in between based on a rough guess of where you want to set it.
The adjustment mechanisms further illustrate what the extra cost covers in the T2 in how smoothly and fluid like its adjustment mechanism turns in comparison the the Adjust. The same is true for the TTO mechanism accessed on both via a bottom dial. Both do a good job of clamping the blade with an extra half-twist on the Adjust and some extra turns on the T2. While both have knurling on the handles to help hold the razor when wet the finer knurling on the T2 is more effective. Blades are easy to load in both razors thanks to their TTO mechanisms that work well.
Overall both are effective razors with the T2 providing a much more refined qualitative experience. Another major difference is that they work best at different shaving angles. My T2 works best for me at a 35-40 degree angle (handle tilted up from my face) while the Adjust requires roughly a 45-50 degree angle. From close examination this appears to be due to how these razors bend and angle the blade edges. Overall the T2 was the one premium razor I would consider because of the high probability it would work well for me thanks to its proven adjustment mechanism combined with TTO convenience. For me setting #3 has been perfect providing a slightly milder shave than my Weishi without the extra touch up required by my really mild King C. Gillette.
Build Quality/Consistency:
This is an area where the T2 shines. It's overall build quality is excellent with a consistent quality finish across the entire razor. The blade fits in perfectly without any need to check that it is centered. While I only own one of these this is consistent with posts from many fellow B&Bers. The build quality between the two Adjust razors was not consistent. The first one, that I reported on back in November of 2023 had a good build quality with everything well chromed.
The second Adjust razor, that I first examined recently, had a manufacturing defect. One corner of the bottom plate, that supports the adjustment/clamping bars was bent down a couple of millimeters. This meant that it was unable to fully clamp the blade. I was able to partially disassemble the razor and bend the bottom plate back into the correct position with needlenose pliers so that it now works well. Of course this meant some damage to to chrome finish on the top of the adjustment bar (visible in the photo) and corner of the bottom plate. I don't know how common this defect is. I did email Italian Barber to let them know, in case they needed to RTV some of these, and Michael noted that this was the first time the issue had been reported. I've not seen this issue reported elsewhere. My guess is that at $7.99-$14.99 most will just toss a defective budget razor as I planned to do unless it could be easily fixed. While my fix worked the razor will likely begin to corrode in the areas where the chrome was damaged.
Additionally the Adjust razors, as is typical for budget products, are not manufactured with the same level of precision as the T2. As with my Weishi one must check that a newly loaded blade is centered. The chrome finish, while excellent (full coverage) is not of a consistent lustre across the different razor components. Also the bottom of the razor handle is open with inner workings visible while the T2 handle bottom is nicely capped.
Taking the Adjust apart further confirmed that it had cloned the Gillette adjustment mechanism. The components are very similer to those I've seen in photos of disassembled Gillette adjustables.
Aesthetics:
Starting with the packaging the T2 is clearly differentiated as a premium product. It comes it a nice box that holds a magnetic lid case where each item is nicely presented within foam like cushioning. The Razorock Adjust box is sized to just fit the razor that is wrapped in protective tissue.
As for the razors themseleves the T2 just looks sleeker with a more modern overall look and feel. The Adjust, with its soccer inspired knurling, looks a bit clunkier with an overall design that looks like something from a few decades ago. While this is my qualitative perspective the T2 just looks like a nicer more contemporary razor to me. Have a look at the photos below and decide for yourself. Note that Adjust photographed is currently in use (tested the repair for two shaves so far) so has a light layer of soap residue on it. The T2 has been completely cleaned since last use.
Summary:
I recommend both of these razors depending on your personal preferences as the both work well to deliver excellent BBS shaves. Other B&Bers have reported great results from the Adjust so this just further confirms that it works. At $7.99-$15 it's an excellent value. As expected, given the 10x price differential, there are significant differences in how these razors are built with the T2 at a much higher level but, baring the occassional manufacturing defect that we sometimes see with budget razors, these are mostly asthetic and don't significantly effect the core razor functionality. TTO adustable razors are the most complex DEs to design with most current production models, that use different types of often spring based adjustment mechanisms, having significant alignment issues. The Gillette style adjustment mechanism, that both of these use, has been proven to work well consistently.
Which one should you purchase? That is really up to you based on your preferences. Just like my Weishi 9306 the Adjust delivers great performance and value. For those that appreciate the higher quality fit, finish and smoother mechanisms the T2 is worth it, especially at the $75 -$100 holiday sale prices. Those looking to upgrade should consider an adjustable razor as we see many here going through a number of high end razors that were not ideal for their preferences. With an adjustment mechanism you have a much higher probability that the razor will work for you and I tip my hat to Rockwell for their focus on adjustables. I prefer TTO adjustables as they are the most convenient to use.
Finally is the T2 worth it to me? Absolutely, this was a thoughful gift from my son so I consider it to be priceless!
Even if not gifted I would consider it as worth the premium versus the Adjust at the holiday sale price point. When returning to DE over five years ago I chose my Weishi as there were no current production TTO adjustables with the Gillette style mechanism.
My Razorock Adjusts will be used primarily as trave razors going forward. I continue to appreciate the ease of use and effectiveness of my Weishi 9306 Long Handle superspeed clone and mild King C. Gillette. Both are great razors and good values. The King C. Gillette is also noteworthy because of its very high quality chrome finish on a value priced $20-$30 razor.
Photos below:
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