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REX Envoy

gvw755

gvw755

0
I received the new REX Envoy and a tub of Razor Emporium Barbershop soap as part of a pass around. I had my first shave with the Envoy tonight. I ended up testing the soap also just to make it a complete RE shave experience. At first I wasn't going to spend time reviewing the soap, but the performance of the soap changed that real quickly. The soap was fantastic. It was easy to lather and the scent was as close to a true Barbershop scent of any soap I tried. It was not overpowering, but it was lasting. A half hour after the shave, I can still smell it. It was easy to build a rich lather, but it was not a thirsty soap. When I though I could build the lather a bit more, I added a couple more drops of water and the lather turned airy. Still, it laid a slick and well cushioned base for my shave.

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The Envoy itself is a dead ringer for the Ambassador except for the absence of the adjustment area. Even the handle mimics a two piece razor very well, however it is a three piece razor. It is very hefty like the ambassador and does include a serial number and date code on the base plate. The base plate is indented where the handle screws in and the handle is also indented to fit. This makes it hard (but not impossible) to use other handles. Overall build quality and finish is excellent and equal to the Ambassador.

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I loaded the Envoy with a blade that did not have much shaves left on it, which is something I do when I test all new razors. This is so I can get a feel of the characteristics of the razor. I remember that Matt from Razor Emporium had said it was supposed to be equivalent to a 3 setting of the Ambassador, however it felt a little more (like closer to a 4). Weight and balance of the Envoy was very similar to the Ambassador. While shaving, I found that I could adjust the angle to go milder or more aggressive by about a half setting. I'm not sure if the Ambassador could do that, but this was primarily because I never tried it since I adjusted the setting between passes. I ended up with a two pass plus minimal touch up BBS. Tomorrow, I will try shaving with a new blade and if I feel as comfortable with the razor as I did tonight, I will compare the Envoy to the Ambassador by the weekend.

For those that prefer medium range razors and don't want to spend the money on an Ambassador, the Envoy is definitely a razor to consider.
 
According to the Razor Emporium site, both the Envoy and Ambassador are 106g, and by the feel in my hand, I would say that this both weigh about the same. If you don't have an Ambassador, it is about the same weight as the RR GC with Barber Pole handle.
 
Oh, nice, I didn't know they released a 3 piece. I don't have an Ambassador, but do have a Gibbs adjustable that it's based on, and find it a excellent (but fussy) shaver. Looking forward to more seeing more!
 
Second shave with the Envoy and lessons learned from yesterday's shave really helped. I adjusted the angle to ride the cap a little more and I changed to a newer blade. This effectively changed the shave to a phantom one where you don't feel anything, but most of your stubble is cleared after the first pass. I played around with the angle slightly when I needed the Envoy to be slightly more aggressive on some problem areas, and overall, this worked well. The balance of the razor is great and even though it is heavier than I like, all came together to give me a smooth and painless two pass BBS. Tomorrow I will do a shave off with my Ambassador, shaving one half of my face with the Envoy and the other with the Ambassador. (y)
 
Final shave with the Envoy tonight before sending it off to the next person. As promised, tonight I compared the Envoy to the Ambassador. Half of my face I used the Envoy for however many passes it would take to give me a BBS and the same with the Ambassador on the other side. For this comparison, I allowed myself to use the Ambassador as I normally would, which meant starting at setting 3 for WTG, moving to 2 for ATG and touch up at 3.5. The Envoy I played with the angles I learned over the last two nights and relied on my shaving skills, which may or may not be a good thing.

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In comparing both razors, the size and weight was almost identical. The head on the Ambassador was thicker (because of the adjustment plate), but the shape of the cap and the guard was the same. There is a problem spot on each side of my face which requires attention, but in different areas and different types of attention. The Ambassador went first and did the left side of my face. Going WTG, I immediately noticed that it was harder to get a good angle under my nose going WTG. Not a major problem, but I knew that the Envoy would handle that area easier. I used the angle I learned with the Envoy on the Ambassador, and it did allow for a smoother pass. The Envoy had no problem with the WTG pass.

Comparing the two sides after the first pass, the Ambassador did slightly better, especially in handling the problem area on the left side of my face, however, both razors did a very good job. ATG pass went to the Ambassador at setting 2. The shave was much more comfortable and the newly found angle made it more efficient than before. The Envoy felt a little rougher as I had to change angle slightly to be more efficient. Pass 2 came out with a slight advantage going to the Ambassador.

Partial touch up pass was going XTG under my chin area, which is not easy as there is a lot of loose skin (and maybe an extra chin) in that area. Both razors managed to touch up fine and both sides of my face felt the same.

I have to say that this shave off ended in a tie, even though the Ambassador did better in the first two passes. The Envoy was able to stay close and end in a dead heat.

Will the Envoy be a razor I would consider buying? Definitely not as I already have the Ambassador. Is the Envoy a razor I would recommend to someone that wants a good $100 - $150 stainless steel razor? Definitely.

Lately there has been a lot of $100 - $150 stainless steel razors coming out. Of those, I own a Muhle Rocca and EJ 3one6 and have tried a Blackland Dart. The Envoy is definitely a razor to consider if you are looking at that price range. Fit, finish, and balance is excellent for a razor in that category and even though it is rated squarely in the mid range of aggression, it does allow for different angles and it is a very efficient shaver. Many folks say that they don't like medium razors because their beard is kevlar coated barbed wire and their face is a cream puff and so they need something very aggressive but gentle on their face. Whenever I hear that, I think that these folks need more time building their skills rather than a double edge chain saw. The Envoy in the hands of an experienced shaver can handle any beard, and in the hands of a new shaver can help them build their skills.
 
Nice review Les, great idea to do a HtH comparison like that.

I guess the 100 dollar question is, it the Ambassador with the extra moolah? I honestly expected the 3 piece to be the smoother of the two, but I have the same experience with the Gibbs, surprisingly smooth.
 
Excellent review and great information! And that razor is a dead ringer for the Ambassador!
 
HMan said:
Nice review Les, great idea to do a HtH comparison like that.

I guess the 100 dollar question is, it the Ambassador with the extra moolah? I honestly expected the 3 piece to be the smoother of the two, but I have the same experience with the Gibbs, surprisingly smooth.
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The Ambassador is a great shaver if you are looking for a high end adjustable, but personally if you are looking for one of those new $100-150 stainless steel razors that are starting to appear, you really cannot go wrong with the Envoy. I think that by using the same design elements from the Ambassador, Razor Emporium saved a lot of money and development time to produce an excellent mid range shaver and is passing the savings on to the community. With the Colonial Silversmith already at $150 and the Stirling creeping up closer to $200 now, the Envoy is a steal at $125.
 
First shave with the Envoy tonight. I did a split shave comparing it to my Ambassador side by side
Pre - Shave - Hot Shower
Soap - RE Barbershop that was so kindly put in the box
Brush - Elite Razor HMW
Blade - 3rd use Feather
AS - Uncle Jon’s Lime
I did a 3 pass WTG, XTG, ATG switching out the blade for each side. I set the Ambassador on level 3 for the whole shave, I normally start at 4 then drop to 3 then to 2.5.
The Envoy felt slightly smoother than the Ambassador, not by much, but noticeable. The end result was an excellent BBS shave.
I liked the feel of the Envoy and the balance was spot on. No one has the sure grip of a Rex razor. I would not buy the Envoy only because I already have the Ambassador and the difference was minimal. For me I would rather spend the extra money for the adjustability of the Ambassador but the Envoy gave a very good shave and the fit and finish is spot on. If your not into adjustables the Envoy is a great razor especially at this price point , but for me I’ll stick with the Ambassador.
 
Has anyone used both the Rex Envoy and the Razorock Game Changer? I know there is a difference in price, but is there a difference in the shave quality. I have been looking at the Game Changer, but now the Envoy complicates things for me. Thanks in advance for any information on a comparison.
 
Shavin’ Yeti said:
Has anyone used both the Rex Envoy and the Razorock Game Changer? I know there is a difference in price, but is there a difference in the shave quality. I have been looking at the Game Changer, but now the Envoy complicates things for me. Thanks in advance for any information on a comparison.
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There are two versions of the Game Changer - the .68 and .84, not to mention two more base plates that are OC. For me, the original .68 Game Changer, I did not like. It was a rougher shave than the original Mamba (.53, I think) and not as efficient. When the GC .84 came out, I was skeptical but got it anyway. I was surprised that a more aggressive version actually made it a smoother shaver as well as more efficient. It became a favorite until I got the Mamba .70 and now both are high in my rotation as far as smoothness and efficiency.

So in comparing the GC .84 and the Envoy, I would say that the Envoy is a better made and more balanced razor. Shave wise, the GC is a little more efficient, but the Envoy does allow a little more angles to play around with to get a good shave. Both razors are comfortable shavers and both are much more efficient than they feel while shaving. If you are looking for a cheap great shaver, go with the GC. If you are looking for a quality made complete razor (like for a gift), the Envoy is a serious contender in the $100-$150 stainless steel range.

Then again, don't overlook getting the GC .84 and Mamba .70 heads and one handle for the same price. (y)
 
gvw755 said:
There are two versions of the Game Changer - the .68 and .84, not to mention two more base plates that are OC. For me, the original .68 Game Changer, I did not like. It was a rougher shave than the original Mamba (.53, I think) and not as efficient. When the GC .84 came out, I was skeptical but got it anyway. I was surprised that a more aggressive version actually made it a smoother shaver as well as more efficient. It became a favorite until I got the Mamba .70 and now both are high in my rotation as far as smoothness and efficiency.

So in comparing the GC .84 and the Envoy, I would say that the Envoy is a better made and more balanced razor. Shave wise, the GC is a little more efficient, but the Envoy does allow a little more angles to play around with to get a good shave. Both razors are comfortable shavers and both are much more efficient than they feel while shaving. If you are looking for a cheap great shaver, go with the GC. If you are looking for a quality made complete razor (like for a gift), the Envoy is a serious contender in the $100-$150 stainless steel range.

Then again, don't overlook getting the GC .84 and Mamba .70 heads and one handle for the same price. (y)
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That is great information, thanks for your analysis. I was thinking about getting the .68 version that is less aggressive, but now I’m not so sure. I’m nowhere near pulling the trigger on a purchase of a stainless steel razor.
 
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