Hi John People often ask me to make a comparison between Taiga and Rex, while I managed to avoid it. But I think I'll have to do this review soon. Your comparison, I think the best on UA-cam and the most detailed to date. Thanks for you
Thank you! Yeah I’m sure many other would be interested to see that . If it can be done in English or with English subtitles that would be great. Good job with the razors . Take care
Great comparison, the Taiga is beautiful and I love the versatility as you mentioned, I noticed there are dots on the side of the top cap and plate of the Taiga, should all the dots line up? I checked it out on their website and all the dots were lined up does it make a difference?
Thank you! Yes all the dots should line up I made the mistake in the video. The razor will still work but it messes with adjustment dial I believe as in you won’t get the gap you desire.
@@johnshaves1996 thank you John, so it works similar to the Merkur Progress and the Parker Variant, so it’s calibrated to the numbers on the adjustment dial.
It’s still on the aggressive side for many folks. If you want an adjustable for sensitive skin I would go for the Konsul instead. I’m liking mine so far and will make a video soon
Thanks for not making me watch you shave to learn about these two razors! Nice comparison as well. Do you know if the Taiga is 100% stainless like the Rex?
I believe all the parts are aside from the spring inside the head. They answer emails pretty quickly if you want to reach out and make sure . Thanks for watching
I'm looking to purchase the Taiga razor. But I was wondering how you were able to get the open comb as well as the solid bar? I'm looking on their site, but nowhere does it mention the open comb included as well. Do you have a special version?
Pretty sure it comes with both unless they’ve changed their mind since last summer? I’d reach out to them via email just to be safe. They email back pretty quick actually
@@johnshaves1996 I tried emailing them, but haven't heard anything back from them and its been a few days. Theres only a handful left in this batch, and would like to know before purchase. Not quite sure what to do...lol.
@@tbone8083 since they don’t sell the OC piece separately I can only assume they still provide it but wish I could confirm. You’re going to have to run that risk or keep emailing . Not to make you feel bad but I liked the OC more on that razor lol
Do you remember the website stating that it came with both plates when you purchased yours? I've checked the site and nowhere does it state open comb...
@@johnshaves1996 I figured I would like it too, not only because it gives more options, but also because the reviews I've seen mention that the razor is on the mild side which would provide a lil more efficiency and blade feel.
Well they retail for $250 and I think it’s $25 shipping from Russia so that’s how much it would cost. I got that one on the secondary market for roughly the same price
@@alexwalton6574 I’ve thought about it! But I wouldn’t want to upset people by mentioning some things that are not easy to get . That’s the only reason why I haven’t
Hey John.....I have the Rex as well but really can’t use it past 3. I mean I could but it would give me a very aggressive rough shave. I have noticed my skin prefers razors that have less blade feel almost neutral being idea as I have good growth but sensitive skin in my neck area. I think the Tiaga would by up my alley. I love the build quality in the Rex and when used at lower settings with a Wizamet or Astra I definitely can get a close comfortable shave. I do like how the Tiaga is more versatile. Great comparison!
Yeah I definitely prefer how the Taiga shaves personally for similar reasons. I also found it more efficient with less blade feel, basically it was best of both worlds. I still think the Rex has better build quality since the dial didn’t turn as easily and it felt more solid even though it was less versatile.
It has to be from their Homelike site they’re based in Russia and can ship it anywhere. The problem is it hasn’t been in stock for maybe 6+ months at this point. Who knows when it will come back??
I am looking forward to getting a taiga. Should be re released later this year. I have a rex ambassador and its quality but the highest I can dial it up is a 2.
I think you’ll be really impressed with the way it shaves! It’s almost like magic how little blade feel it has with the amount efficiency it also has . I just wish handle and knob were a little less finicky but maybe I’m being picky other wouldn’t care
The taiga has been on my wanted list for so long since I found out about it. I have a fatboy, slim adjustable, rockwell model T and the rex. I love adjustables.
Great comparison. Interesting that you found the Rex to have a lot of blade. I felt that way when I first got the Rex. After a week or so and figuring out the angle I don’t feel the blade and if I do it’s very little. In the end it’s all subjective.
Thanks! Yeah same here after using it a few weeks I became a more comfortable with it. I just found over time I prefer razors that are easier to find the angle with than the rex.
@@tomsterr1904 yeah it takes a lot of practice . Not taking anything away from the Rex but I just found that other razors are much easier to use & yield the same results
I agree that the Rex is a more aggressive feeling I don't particularly like that cuz a razor should be comfortable in all its settings. I only use minus 0 , 1 , 1.5 settings on the Rex
The dismantling of the Taiga to load the blade or change the base plate essentially demonstrates the failure of Russian design vs German, American, Italian, and Japanese. IMO too cumbersome. Thanks for posting this video. Well done. Maybe you don't have to take it all apart when simply loading the blade?
You’re exactly right you only need to remove the top cap to load the blade but the part where you said it can cumbersome also holds true. When removing the top cap the handle also easily becomes loose which is what keeps the razor held together. The threading is very short on it so it removing the tap was enough for it come apart for me a few times. I think it’s fantastic shaver but the design could be improved
You don't have to dismantle the Taiga to load the blade. Removing the top cap is enough. As for design "failure" I personally prefer something that can be fully dissembled, cleaned and fixed if needed. The Rex does not provide such a capability. It is possible to disassemble it, but it is not an easy task by any means. Taking this into account, do you think it is right to say that the Rex essentially demonstrates the failure of American design vs German, Russian, Italian?
@@xerxis301 I have a Taiga and fully take it apart every couple of weeks for a good clean up. Feels better and more hygienic. Wonderful design flaw!!! Imagine all the goo and dirt building up in the Rex, yuck.
@mobilepsycho, This is a key feature of the original vintage Gibbs Adjustable razor design. You can disassemble those razors in order to clean and lubricate parts. The early batches of Rex Ambassador's had this feature too, but they are now fixed with locktite to prevent you from fully disassembling the razor. There were problems with some people reassembling them incorrectly. You can specifically order a Rex Ambassador from Matt without any locktite if you wish.
Hi John
People often ask me to make a comparison between Taiga and Rex, while I managed to avoid it.
But I think I'll have to do this review soon.
Your comparison, I think the best on UA-cam and the most detailed to date.
Thanks for you
Thank you! Yeah I’m sure many other would be interested to see that . If it can be done in English or with English subtitles that would be great. Good job with the razors . Take care
Hi, just be aware on rebuild correctly, the dot in Taiga have to be aligned and on the same part!
@@johnshaves1996 I think I'll buy the Taiga
Very fair review comparison. I ordered the Ambassador a few days ago. I'm excited to use it.
Thanks for mentioning the Gibbs razor. I initially thought the Rex design was original work.
Great ,great , great,video sir.
I have the TATARA MASAMUNE razor and I need an adjustable and I found it the TAIGA,thanks a lot!
Great comparison, the Taiga is beautiful and I love the versatility as you mentioned, I noticed there are dots on the side of the top cap and plate of the Taiga, should all the dots line up? I checked it out on their website and all the dots were lined up does it make a difference?
Thank you! Yes all the dots should line up I made the mistake in the video. The razor will still work but it messes with adjustment dial I believe as in you won’t get the gap you desire.
@@johnshaves1996 thank you John, so it works similar to the Merkur Progress and the Parker Variant, so it’s calibrated to the numbers on the adjustment dial.
Very very cool. Very very like it razors. Super fusion I agree with you. Thanks again Man
Hey! You have assembled Taiga incorrectly: there are marks on the top, middle and bottom slabs, they must all match on the same side
Thanks for letting me know. I had realized it after uploading it unfortunately
Hi sir, just wanna ask, is setting 1 on rex mild enough for sensitive skin ? Thanks..
It’s still on the aggressive side for many folks. If you want an adjustable for sensitive skin I would go for the Konsul instead. I’m liking mine so far and will make a video soon
@@johnshaves1996 I see, thanks..
Great comparison John!
Ha this is one of my first videos. Thanks Jason :)
Did you review the taiga with a close and a open comb? I ve never seen the open comb version
Thanks for not making me watch you shave to learn about these two razors! Nice comparison as well. Do you know if the Taiga is 100% stainless like the Rex?
I believe all the parts are aside from the spring inside the head. They answer emails pretty quickly if you want to reach out and make sure . Thanks for watching
I'm looking to purchase the Taiga razor. But I was wondering how you were able to get the open comb as well as the solid bar? I'm looking on their site, but nowhere does it mention the open comb included as well. Do you have a special version?
Pretty sure it comes with both unless they’ve changed their mind since last summer? I’d reach out to them via email just to be safe. They email back pretty quick actually
@@johnshaves1996 I tried emailing them, but haven't heard anything back from them and its been a few days. Theres only a handful left in this batch, and would like to know before purchase. Not quite sure what to do...lol.
@@tbone8083 since they don’t sell the OC piece separately I can only assume they still provide it but wish I could confirm. You’re going to have to run that risk or keep emailing . Not to make you feel bad but I liked the OC more on that razor lol
Do you remember the website stating that it came with both plates when you purchased yours? I've checked the site and nowhere does it state open comb...
@@johnshaves1996 I figured I would like it too, not only because it gives more options, but also because the reviews I've seen mention that the razor is on the mild side which would provide a lil more efficiency and blade feel.
How much was it to get the homelike to the states?
Well they retail for $250 and I think it’s $25 shipping from Russia so that’s how much it would cost. I got that one on the secondary market for roughly the same price
@@johnshaves1996 Sweet thanks John! You should do a video on your top 5 razors and soaps!
@@alexwalton6574 I’ve thought about it! But I wouldn’t want to upset people by mentioning some things that are not easy to get . That’s the only reason why I haven’t
Do all homelike taiga razors come with both open comb and solid bar base plates? Website doesn't mention open comb. Is that a special version?
IIRC, Gibbs was a French manufacturer of razors and blades. They have something of a cult following in the forums.
Omg big Dude. Beautiful razors nice job Man. Master shave.
Thanks man glad you like the comparison
Hey John.....I have the Rex as well but really can’t use it past 3. I mean I could but it would give me a very aggressive rough shave. I have noticed my skin prefers razors that have less blade feel almost neutral being idea as I have good growth but sensitive skin in my neck area.
I think the Tiaga would by up my alley. I love the build quality in the Rex and when used at lower settings with a Wizamet or Astra I definitely can get a close comfortable shave. I do like how the Tiaga is more versatile.
Great comparison!
Yeah I definitely prefer how the Taiga shaves personally for similar reasons. I also found it more efficient with less blade feel, basically it was best of both worlds. I still think the Rex has better build quality since the dial didn’t turn as easily and it felt more solid even though it was less versatile.
Where can one buy a homelike taiga?
It has to be from their Homelike site they’re based in Russia and can ship it anywhere. The problem is it hasn’t been in stock for maybe 6+ months at this point. Who knows when it will come back??
I am looking forward to getting a taiga. Should be re released later this year. I have a rex ambassador and its quality but the highest I can dial it up is a 2.
I think you’ll be really impressed with the way it shaves! It’s almost like magic how little blade feel it has with the amount efficiency it also has . I just wish handle and knob were a little less finicky but maybe I’m being picky other wouldn’t care
The taiga has been on my wanted list for so long since I found out about it. I have a fatboy, slim adjustable, rockwell model T and the rex. I love adjustables.
philip morris I’ve only tried 3 including taiga and Rex but I think you’ll like the Taiga . The open comb feels great
Try the new Henson razor. Its not adjustable but has no blade feel and is very efficient. Light and nimble and for the price point is hard to beat.
philip morris check out my newest video 😉 . I was pretty impressed actually I’ll upload my follow up on it this week
Badass comparison bro🤙🏻
Shave 326 thanks brother!
Ufff, that is a great comparison!
Nice video.
Appreciate that! Thanks for stopping by
@@johnshaves1996 sure, i subscribed. 😁
Exponentially? I think you mean "geometrically."
Yes 👍🏼
The Gibbs is a French made razor
When you disassembled Taiga I thought even T-razor Russians doing like Kalashnikov....
The Rex can be opened in exactly the same way as the Taiga. It has 10 parts. Why didn’t you dissemble it? And yes, I have the Rex since 2018.
Yeah I have no idea how to take the Rex apart the bottom part doesn’t not unscrew at all! At least on the 2020 version
@@johnshaves1996 You just pull the bottom part out after having screwed it first off so it is loose.
I'm pretty sure the Rex has thread locker
Hi Turret, would you recommend that razor ( Rex)? does it worth the money?
@@troecurov3 Yes, it’s lovely and will last whole your life.
Great comparison. Interesting that you found the Rex to have a lot of blade. I felt that way when I first got the Rex. After a week or so and figuring out the angle I don’t feel the blade and if I do it’s very little. In the end it’s all subjective.
Thanks! Yeah same here after using it a few weeks I became a more comfortable with it. I just found over time I prefer razors that are easier to find the angle with than the rex.
@@johnshaves1996 This is exactly how I found Rex too. It somehow felt too sharp. Some shaves were nice but usually I found it to give irritation.
@@tomsterr1904 yeah it takes a lot of practice . Not taking anything away from the Rex but I just found that other razors are much easier to use & yield the same results
I agree that the Rex is a more aggressive feeling I don't particularly like that cuz a razor should be comfortable in all its settings. I only use minus 0 , 1 , 1.5 settings on the Rex
Taiga TOP 🤑👍
ишь как напряглись
Russians aге coming))))
Haha are they? I know the Colibri is out in the wild now
The dismantling of the Taiga to load the blade or change the base plate essentially demonstrates the failure of Russian design vs German, American, Italian, and Japanese. IMO too cumbersome. Thanks for posting this video. Well done. Maybe you don't have to take it all apart when simply loading the blade?
You’re exactly right you only need to remove the top cap to load the blade but the part where you said it can cumbersome also holds true. When removing the top cap the handle also easily becomes loose which is what keeps the razor held together. The threading is very short on it so it removing the tap was enough for it come apart for me a few times. I think it’s fantastic shaver but the design could be improved
You don't have to dismantle the Taiga to load the blade. Removing the top cap is enough. As for design "failure" I personally prefer something that can be fully dissembled, cleaned and fixed if needed. The Rex does not provide such a capability. It is possible to disassemble it, but it is not an easy task by any means. Taking this into account, do you think it is right to say that the Rex essentially demonstrates the failure of American design vs German, Russian, Italian?
@@xerxis301 I have a Taiga and fully take it apart every couple of weeks for a good clean up. Feels better and more hygienic. Wonderful design flaw!!! Imagine all the goo and dirt building up in the Rex, yuck.
@mobilepsycho, This is a key feature of the original vintage Gibbs Adjustable razor design. You can disassemble those razors in order to clean and lubricate parts. The early batches of Rex Ambassador's had this feature too, but they are now fixed with locktite to prevent you from fully disassembling the razor. There were problems with some people reassembling them incorrectly. You can specifically order a Rex Ambassador from Matt without any locktite if you wish.