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Rex Ambassador Review

D

Dave in KY

Shave Newbie
Date: Friday August 31st

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 2)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
Brush: Eric Sorrentino Cadre Brush (Cashmere Knot)
Soap: Declaration Grooming Trismegistus
Aftershave 1: Thayers Cucumber
Aftershave 2: The VEG

My initial thoughts upon receiving the razor in the mail, once opening the box and bubble wrap was WOW!! This thing is just solid, has some heft to it and is obviously quality built. My second thought was I gotta baby this thing so it gets back to it's generous owner as it was received and I don't have to buy a replacement for it.

For the shave I decided to go with known performers for me so I could focus on the razor. I decided to start with it on setting #2 and see how she shaves at that level before considering going higher. I'm a set and shave kinda guy and don't generally change a setting for a shave once starting. Because of this I question whether I would benefit from an adjust on the fly type of razor. I did my typical 3 passes with some cleanup. The shave was smooth and I had no issues to report. I did need to do some cleanup in typical areas for me as normal so efficiency on 2 seems about what I'm used to. After doing a little cleanup I could sense I had gone over the areas enough and it was time to leave well enough alone. Ended with a great smooth shave and I really enjoy my first go around. Looking forward to tomorrow mornings shave and seeing how much I can dial it in with different levels and more familiarity as I use it.
 
Been looking forward to seeing this go up!

Glad the first shave was a decent one! This must be a more recent version? I hear the first iterations of the razor had quality issues and was quite aggressive? I may be wrong on that.

It’s a beautiful piece of utilitarian steel, that’s for sure! The knurl looks awesome.
 
Thanks Chris ! Looks like you've read up more then me...............that's easy as I haven't done any research (other then the cost of admission) so as not to be influenced in my assessment. Gus @GlazedBoker is the owner and would have to answer which version it is.
 
Definitely looking forward to seeing how this goes. Wondering how this might stack up to the Parker Variant.
 
dangerousdon said:
Definitely looking forward to seeing how this goes. Wondering how this might stack up to the Parker Variant.
Click to expand...
Good question. I believe he did a pass around with a Variant before the 6s but I wasn't in on that so I couldn't compare. You could sign up to get a week with it in fact anyone that wants to could do that.
 
Dave in KY said:
Date: Friday August 31st

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 2)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
Brush: Eric Sorrentino Cadre Brush (Cashmere Knot)
Soap: Declaration Grooming Trismegistus
Aftershave 1: Thayers Cucumber
Aftershave 2: The VEG

My initial thoughts upon receiving the razor in the mail, once opening the box and bubble wrap was WOW!! This thing is just solid, has some heft to it and is obviously quality built. My second thought was I gotta baby this thing so it gets back to it's generous owner as it was received and I don't have to buy a replacement for it.

For the shave I decided to go with known performers for me so I could focus on the razor. I decided to start with it on setting #2 and see how she shaves at that level before considering going higher. I'm a set and shave kinda guy and don't generally change a setting for a shave once starting. Because of this I question whether I would benefit from an adjust on the fly type of razor. I did my typical 3 passes with some cleanup. The shave was smooth and I had no issues to report. I did need to do some cleanup in typical areas for me as normal so efficiency on 2 seems about what I'm used to. After doing a little cleanup I could sense I had gone over the areas enough and it was time to leave well enough alone. Ended with a great smooth shave and I really enjoy my first go around. Looking forward to tomorrow mornings shave and seeing how much I can dial it in with different levels and more familiarity as I use it.
Click to expand...

Nice write up Dave. Love that brush. Don’t know how I missed it on the other site.

GearNoir said:
Been looking forward to seeing this go up!

Glad the first shave was a decent one! This must be a more recent version? I hear the first iterations of the razor had quality issues and was quite aggressive? I may be wrong on that.

It’s a beautiful piece of utilitarian steel, that’s for sure! The knurl looks awesome.
Click to expand...

You’d be right on the first runs were a little rough and really needed some serious q/c. Finishes weren’t uniform, the blade on some of the razors were reportedly not aligning equally on both sides creating a mild side and a more aggressive one, plus a few other things including the adjustment knob was very easy to move during the shave. That first batch was part of the M-code series or the final quarter of the 2017 run. So, some were hit or miss but, enough where RE had to step up their game. With this series, which is an N-code date and 2nd quarter run of 2018, those earlier issues were addressed and production produced a much higher quality razor with better, tighter tolerances and a vastly improved razor in both looks and performance.

dangerousdon said:
Definitely looking forward to seeing how this goes. Wondering how this might stack up to the Parker Variant.
Click to expand...

You know, they both share similar shave qualities in which they are both smooth and efficient. I would give the nod to the Variant in terms of more blade feel and efficiency towards the higher settings but, not necessarily smoother or better than the Rex. In the higher ranges the Rex doesn’t have the blade feel of the Variant but, it still exhibits great efficiency while maintaining very good smoothness.

In terms of feel and quality, the Rex earns major points over the Variant. And in materials/craftsmanship the Rex is the winner hands down. It’s practically heirloom quality that can last a few lifetimes. All S/S construction via CNC for the Rex vs casted metal and brass for the Variant. Don’t get me wrong, the Variant is a hell of a razor. And for the price point that it’s offered at, it has no peer in shave performance to anything else out there, sub - $100 or those costing a bit more. I know, I have all three versions in silver, black (original) and rose gold. The Variant is a great razor and it delivers everytime.

One might ask the question then, “So why did you get a razor that nearly costs 5 times as much if you already had one that almost shaves identical to it?” And truthfully, it’s a valid question. But for me here is in where all of it lies for me. I enjoy my shaves, almost as a religious moment in which we/I partake in the unnatural act of placing a piece of cold hard steel with a sharpened edge to ones face and rake across it to severe the hair from ones skin. As I do that, I can enjoy the simple pleasure and self gratitude that it brings to me, whether it’s a safety razor or one of my straights. It’s a “Man Moment” as my Misses would say to me. And I enjoy my shaves even more when I’m using something that is expertly crafted and refined to provide a comfortable and well finished shave. To some it’s a chore, a must do for whatever reason it may be. And I’m ok with that as not everyone will take shaving as a Zen moment. With my razors I enjoy the feel, weight and make up of that particular razor. It just feels good to have something of quality in your hands is as best as I can describe it and why I spent the extra $$$ to acquire it. It was worth it in my eyes...

Like Dave mentioned above, the Gents here are more than welcome to sign up on the “other site” and give it a run. Happy shaves Gents... ?
 
Date: Saturday September 1st

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 2.5)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
Brush: Paladin 26mm Harlequin Chief
Soap: Speick Shave Stick
Aftershave 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla
Aftershave 2: Speick Shave Lotion

Well I wasn't sleeping so got up early and after 1 cup of coffee decided to get my shave on. Mind you this is just over 12 hours since my last shave, but I can feel stubble from (caution I assume from yesterday) yesterdays shave. This will give a good chance to see how mild the shave is if skin is tender with a closer frequency shave. Went to 2.5 for this morning and have to say I got a closer then yesterday shave and no tenderness or irritation at all. As I write this I do notice that I can feel just the slightest remains of whiskers ONLY along my right jawline which usually needs a little more attention. I'll give it the desired attention tomorrow. But BBS other than that, 1st time using the Speick and got a good lather going. The Speick AS definitely lived up to all I've read about it's skin nourishing properties. Feels good and no tackiness. Dries down nice. Of course in honor of our esteemed @GlazedBoker I HAD to use Humphrey's instead of Thayers. He introduced me to this item and has become a favorite of mine. He's such an Enabler !! I actually recorded this shave on video to share if it uploads it will be in my VLOG later today. Sorry, but you'll have to just read my drivel instead for now.

So, Do I feel this razor is worth the asking price ? Still considering that thought but will reserve judgement until my week is up with using it. Tomorrow I will go to 3 with closer to 24 hours growth.


https://youtu.be/-pyo9uEyAMI
 
Another good shave, Dave! Sounds like you're enjoying the shave more as you crank the setting up.
 
GearNoir said:
Great second shave!
Click to expand...
Dagwoodz said:
Another good shave, Dave! Sounds like you're enjoying the shave more as you crank the setting up.
Click to expand...
Thanks Chris and Josh !

Date: Sunday September 2nd

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 3.0)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (3)
Brush: Razorock Big Bruce
Soap: Speick Shave Stick
Aftershave 1: N/A
Aftershave 2: Speick Shave Lotion

No picture today as it was the same setup except for changing out the brush. Razor for obvious reasons is the same and doing a Speicktember for the Speick products.

Round 3 for me and appropriately on setting 3. A little more blade feel again obviously in going up with the numbers but still a smooth shave and honestly I am hoping more efficient today. I have had good shaves up til now but after 10-12 hours had significantly more stubble than normally.(Recently I have been using my Rockwell 6c almost exclusively as my other favorites are out on loans.) Surprising as I had a nice smooth feel after the shave and assumed I was good to go for some time. I've noticed this with other razors at times though where you have the same smooth feel but some shaves last longer then others. For example. My Timeless .68 OC gives me a closer shave then my others. I know because the smoothness lasts longer then any other razors I've used. Even the 6c on plate 4 would have had me smoother longer then yesterdays shave. This is not a knock on the razor and clearly everyone is different. I am still dialing in the razor for me and experimenting with settings. That said we will see how long the smoothness lasts today and report back tomorrow in the entry that shave. Jury is looking pretty split at the moment with me leaning to saving my money as it hasn't whispered in my ear,"You need me more than any of your other razors"............at least not yet. Thanks again Gus for the opportunity to enjoy trying a pricey piece of craftsmanship. It is a VERY well built razor !!
 
Dave in KY said:
Thanks Chris and Josh !

Date: Sunday September 2nd

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 3.0)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (3)
Brush: Razorock Big Bruce
Soap: Speick Shave Stick
Aftershave 1: N/A
Aftershave 2: Speick Shave Lotion

No picture today as it was the same setup except for changing out the brush. Razor for obvious reasons is the same and doing a Speicktember for the Speick products.

Round 3 for me and appropriately on setting 3. A little more blade feel again obviously in going up with the numbers but still a smooth shave and honestly I am hoping more efficient today. I have had good shaves up til now but after 10-12 hours had significantly more stubble than normally.(Recently I have been using my Rockwell 6c almost exclusively as my other favorites are out on loans.) Surprising as I had a nice smooth feel after the shave and assumed I was good to go for some time. I've noticed this with other razors at times though where you have the same smooth feel but some shaves last longer then others. For example. My Timeless .68 OC gives me a closer shave then my others. I know because the smoothness lasts longer then any other razors I've used. Even the 6c on plate 4 would have had me smoother longer then yesterdays shave. This is not a knock on the razor and clearly everyone is different. I am still dialing in the razor for me and experimenting with settings. That said we will see how long the smoothness lasts today and report back tomorrow in the entry that shave. Jury is looking pretty split at the moment with me leaning to saving my money as it hasn't whispered in my ear,"You need me more than any of your other razors"............at least not yet. Thanks again Gus for the opportunity to enjoy trying a pricey piece of craftsmanship. It is a VERY well built razor !!
Click to expand...

Nice! Hey, that’s what pass arounds are for amigo. Getting a feel for something before making a commitment and a substantial financial one for a razor. Also, it just either removes all doubt on taking the plunge or not. Better off knowing than not knowing and wondering “what if” in razor purgatory....
 
Date: Monday September 3rd

Razor: Rex Ambassador (Setting 3.5)
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (4)
Brush: Paladin 26mm Harlequin Chief
Soap: Speick Shave Stick
Aftershave 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla
Aftershave 2: Speick Shave Lotion

In yesterdays shave I knew I felt a bite in chin area but didn't realize how strong a bite until later. Pic below showing the 2 spots this morning before shave.

Regardless I decide to press on to the next setting of 3.5 with care. Got a nice lather going and my 1st 2 strokes get a bite where I NEVER have an issue. I have a skin condition that makes the area around my mouth tender at times but never do I have a problem on the side burn area. Stopped to take a pic when it happened.

At this point I dial it back down to 2.5 to finish the pass which had no other issues other then reopening yesterdays 2 spots. I thought of abandoning the razor for the rest of the shave and change to another but opted to press on. For subsequent passes I dial it to 2 and try to resurrect the shave. Finish my passes and go with the Maravilla 70 although I knew the sting of the heavy alcohol would be there and then topped it off with the Speick AS.Have asimilar shave to the 1st day. Feels nice but I know the stubble won't stay at bay all day.

Final Thoughts: I wanted to "like" this razor and it is a fine and very well made tool. The quality is extremely nice. In the end we all know that what works for 1 person doesn't for someone else. I love my 6s,6c,Karve with C and D plates and my Timeless .68 Open Comb. I post that so you know while I don't prefer real aggressive razors I get great shaves from these without the biting this one presented me. I'm comparing to when I 1st got my current razors, not after dialing them in. With more time could I dial in and get more acceptable closer shaves from the Rex on a 2-2.5 setting where it didn't seem to bite. No doubt I could, although I question whether they would be long lasting close shaves for me and others I have didn't require me to think it that hard. So in the end This razor is not for me. That said in may be a Holy Grail razor for others. I personally want to again thank @GlazedBoker for his generous spirit to multiple times now share his razors for lengths of time (Trusting others and being without it himself) so others can have a chance to try a piece of equipment that they may never be able to afford or at least be able to know it is the one for them before shelling out the entry price of purchase which isn't cheap by any means. Gus I applaud you and am glad to have your friendship.

Hope this review doesn't come across as a knock on the razor. Just my honest feeling about my experience. Clearly Robert @ShavePastor was VERY happy with his results so as to almost immediately purchase one himself. So those in line I encourage you not to feel my results will be yours. I've seen people that saw 1 persons perspective of a razor want to bow out of it based on what they read and after being encouraged to see for themselves they were pleasantly surprised that it DID indeed work for them regardless of what they read. Razor has been cleaned and sterilized in alcohol and then replaced in packaging exactly as I received it. There are 2 samples of soap and 4 tucks of blades in the box that I didn't use. I added a tuck of Pol Silver SI and Rapira Platinum Lux so there is a nice selection of other things to sample if you like as well. I will mail to @Graydog Tuesday.
Gus
 
That's not the case gentlemen. Suppose on your skin etc a lower setting would get you where you want without irritation. YMMV is true I've learned. You scared Dave on the timeless and he found a combination he likes after trying.
 
Oh I’m still going to try it, in about 6 months when my turn comes around..... I’ll just be pretty apprehensive about it. But, I’ll try to keep an open mind, just for you Dave!
 
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