Once again late to the discussion. I currently own the Parker Variant, Merkur Progress (short handle), and the REX Ambassador. Of the three, I like the REX the best, however I would not have even thought of getting it if it wasn't fr a group buy that I participated in. Even then, the REX cost more than both of the other two razors combined. Between the Progress and Variant, I have to go with the Progress just on the smoothness and comfort of the shave alone, however the Variant is my preferred razor by just a hair (whisker) because it is all metal and has a grippy handle and dial. In all the years the Progress has been in production, I don't see why Merkur did not spring for a metal adjustment knob and a better gripping handle. I had the Qshave/Ming Shi long before it became popular and found it to be a poor imitation of a bad Merkur razor. The new crop of Weishi/Qshave and Viking Blade I have not tried, and based on some of the reviews, I have no interest in trying.
